Encourage One Another

Thank you for visiting my web page. I hope that these words of encouragement will help you in some way. If they do, please let me know. If you would like to post a message, your e-mail address will not be listed unless otherwise stated.

I have been going through some trials in my life, which has been getting me down. I decided to turn them over to my Heavenly Father, to cast all my cares upon Him. For He is my provider and my Great Physician.

I was reading in Psalms today and I read this scripture that was so encouraging. I wanted to share this with others who were going through trials, so it might be encouraging to them also.

From the ends of the earth, I will cry to you for help, for my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Psalm 61:2-3

I hope everybody has a blessed week and receive many blessings from God everyday- Shannon

My Mom thought this might help those who are discouraged. Here is some encouraging words from the Bible, from 2 Corinthians, Chapter 4 (NIV) 6-For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 8-We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, ...but not in despair; 9- persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 16-Therefore we do not lose heart....inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17-For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18-So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

I want to share a blessing that I saw today. It was just a little thing, but to me it was a beautiful reminder of how much God cares for His children.

I decided to go to the store with a friend today. I have been at home the past few days, because I was sick. I was ready to get out for awhile!!!

On the way home I looked up in the sky. The entire sky was covered with storms clouds. In the midst of the clouds there was a opening that showed the bright, clear blue sky.

It look like the pathway leading up to Heaven. It also reminded that Jesus is always with us. Especially in the midst of the storm. God created that for my eyes !!! Thank you Lord!!!

I just want to thank God for ALL the blessings that He gives to me each day!!! Have a wonderful blessed day.

Here is some encouraging words from the Bible, from 2 Corinthians, Chapter 4 (NIV) 6-For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 8-We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, ...but not in despair; 9- persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 16-Therefore we do not lose heart....inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17-For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18-So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Here is a verse from a song titled "In the Light of That City"...

Though my eyes can't see what is waiting there.
Though my mind can't conceive all that He's prepared.
There the blind will see the sun.
What was old will be young,
And the lame, they will run all over the streets of that city.

I am looking forward to it!!! I can hardly wait until that day comes.
I hope everybody has a great week!!!! Take care and God Bless!!!

Thanks for your email, Jason. I can't figure out how to post anything on your web site . . . NOW . . . Maybe, I can email you one from time to time, and you could post it for me . . .I'll share a poem I read in church. (CURRYVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH) PASTOR ~ JIMMY THOMAS

"JESUS LOVES ME ~ AND YOU"

I WAS STRAYING ~ AND ONLY GOD'S WORD
COULD PUT MY FEET BACK ON
THAT STRAIGHT AND NARROW ROAD
I COULD JUST BARELY SAY ~ "JESUS!"
I NEEDED TO HEAR FROM HEAVEN!~ AND SO
AS I KNELT BY THE COUCH ~ MY KNEES SAID "OUCH!"
BUT ~ HEAVEN WAS MELTING ALL DOUBT!
OH! ~ WHAT A PRAYER CAN DO!
BUT, FRIEND, ~ IT'S UP TO YOU . . .
AND ~ YOU CAN BE HAPPY ~ TOO!!!
FOR ! JESUS! LOVES! ME ~ AND YOU!

Imogene(Jean) Owita Nabors Lewis
(Written ~ May 25 ~ 2009)

owitaruth@aol.com

God bless you & ALL your family ~ Jason ~ YOU are truly a BLESSING!
May God continue to inspire you to keep on doing good! and LOVING! to ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER!

Jean Lewis

Hi Jason ~ Thanks for this web site which is so inspiring to all. You are really a blessing to everyone...God bless ya! Keep on encouraging. all who know you.
Jean Lewis
owitaruth@aol.com

"WHY DON'T YOU SING?"

Tell me ~ Why don't you sing the Poetry to Me
like you do when you are HOME ALONE?
There may be some of My children here
who needs to know
I AM STILL ON THE THRONE!

Sometimes ~ Just to hear sombody sing to them ~
a sweet song
Will help them to press on . . .
Tell me ~ Jean ~ Why don't you sing the Poetry
to Me
like you do when you are HOME ALONE?

(((Imogene(Jean) Owita Lewis)))

This Hymn always encourages me. It is a reminder that this world is only temporary, but I got an eternal home in Heaven. I am looking forward to that day!!!!

What A Day That Will Be

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The one who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;
And forever I will be with the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

I hope this brings some encouragement to somebody!

Take Care,
Shannon

This song encourages me...

It's so peaceful in the arms of my Lord;
In His presence I am sheltered from the storm.
It's so good to have His spirit,
it's so good to have His word.
And it's so peaceful in the arms of my Lord.

I would imagine that you pray for one another on this site, so here goes...I have a friend who received some bad news: Due to a hurting rotator cuff, I don't know how extensive any damage to it was, anyway, she goes to a doctor and the doctor tells her, referring to her arm, "It's gonna have to come off", or words to that effect. Now, as you can imagine, she is distraught! I'm trying to tell her family, that's the wrong report to listen to. I told them you gotta listen to what God says of the situation...He's the Great Physician! I'm trying to tell the family, you go to several doctors to get several opinions, but, Doctor Jesus has already done it! I'm 3,000 miles away from her. She's in White Plains, NY and I am in Los Angeles. Would everyone who reads this please pray for the lady in White Plains? I would appreciate it!

Yours In Christ,
Gerald

And He (JESUS) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
Luke 18:1 (KJV)

Just keep depending on the Lord.

Last Sunday I had an opportunity to do a live recording with a church choir. It was to make CD's to raise money for the church's building fund. That day I was feeling down and I was feeling ill. I felt I could not sing that night. The choir leader told us just to worship God. I went off and prayed and I felt like a heavy burden was lifted from me. God was in control. I was not going let things get in the way! I got up and sang with the choir it was an awesome service. God was there. His presence was all around the sanctuary. It was a very sweet night. It is all about Him, not ourselves. All the songs were awesome. I had a great time just worshiping God!

Shannon

To the caregivers:

Something a man told me once that I think is so inspiring...
His wife was sick with some kind of illness that was getting worse (she was in a wheelchair). He said he was having to help her more and more. At first this bothered him. He wasn't very happy about it. Then one day he said he thought, "Well I'll just do it and be GLAD to."

This great song called "His Strength Is Perfect" encourages me...

"His Strength Is Perfect"

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength,
But sometime I wonder what He can do through me;
No glory on my own,
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know.

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone;
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on.
Raised in His power, the weak become strong;
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.

We can only know
The power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes;
His strength in us begins
Where ours comes to an end.
He hears our humble cry and proves again.

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone;
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on.
Raised in His power, the weak become strong;
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.

This song "Amazing Love" encourages me. It is beautiful and reminds us of Jesus' love for us.

"Amazing Love"

I’m forgiven, because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, You’re spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again.

I’m forgiven, because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, You’re spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again.

Amazing love, how can it be
that You my king would die for me
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
Amazing love, how can it be
that You my King would die for me
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do I honor You.

I’m forgiven, because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, You’re spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again.

All Things Are Possible

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this impossible, but with God all things are possible" Matthew 19:20

Countless stories are told of men and women who defied their human limitations and achieved the "impossible." Joni Eareckson Tada, completely paralyzed in a diving accident, uses her mouth to draw and paint with great skill. Helen Keller, deaf and blind from childhood., achieved high levels of education and influences. Beethoven composed some of his most well known works after becoming deaf. Mere men believed they could walk on the moon ... and did it.

How much more can we accomplish with God?
BECAUSE OF THE CROSS THERE ARE NO LIMITATIONS.
What impossible thing do you need today? With God all things are possible!!!

This poem by George Herbert encourages me.

LOVE
by George Herbert 1593–1632

Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack'd anything.

'A guest,' I answer'd, 'worthy to be here:'
Love said, 'You shall be he.'
'I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee.'
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
'Who made the eyes but I?'

'Truth, Lord; but I have marr'd them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.'
'And know you not,' says Love, 'Who bore the blame?'
'My dear, then I will serve.'
'You must sit down,' says Love, 'and taste my meat.'
So I did sit and eat.

Savior, Like A Shepard Lead Us

1. Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
much we need thy tender care;
in thy pleasant pastures feed us,
for our use thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.

2. We are thine, thou dost befriend us,
be the guardian of our way;
keep thy flock, from sin defend us,
seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

3. Thou hast promised to receive us,
poor and sinful though we be;
thou hast mercy to relieve us,
grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
We will early turn to thee.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
We will early turn to thee.

4. Early let us seek thy favor,
early let us do thy will;
blessed Lord and only Savior,
with thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Jesus is Precious

1-When I feel dishearted, forsaken, and forgotten
Jesus is precious to me.
In all my conditions, He is my great physician.
Jesus is precious to me.

(Chorus)
Jesus is precious, He is so precious.
Jesus is precious to me.
And He is my Savior, Lord and my Master.
Jesus is precious to me.

2-He's comfort in sorrow, He's the only hope for tomorrow.
Jesus is precious to me.
He's all that I pray for, what more could I ask for?
Jesus is precious to me.

3-It's not earthly treasures, and it's not worldly pleasures
That seem so important to me.
And though I prize friendship,
And thank God for my kinship,
There's no one so precious to me.

Hey Jason!

It was great seeing you Sunday at our family Christmas gathering! Don't be a stranger, we love you and your family. I love being around you guys, ya'll are really a lot of fun!

The name of this page is perfect, because it was truly inspiring and encouraging to hear what all these people are going through everyday of their lives. It's a reminder for me to count my blessings and thank God everyday for good health, a loving family, and wonderful friends. I admire you and these others that face the world everyday with a physical disadvantage. You guys are so strong and I think that this web site is amazing. I am proud of my cousin, Jason for creating this tool that helps so many people.

I promise to log in and read stories at least once a week and be here for anyone who needs me. People like you keep my faith high and I will keep all of you in my prayers. I hope that all of you will pray for me as well. I will pass this page on to as many people as I can. I hope that everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and have an amazing New Years!!

-Matt

"Jesus is better than Santa"

Santa lives at the North Pole
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides on a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind,
and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stocking with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down the chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at the door and knocks,
and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name,
all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl,
What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did.
Not only He knows our name
He knows our address too.
He knows our history and future and he even knows
how many hairs hairs are on our heads.
Santa has belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help, and hope.
Santa says "you better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."
Santa's little helpers makes toys
JESUS makes new life, mends hearts, repairs broken homes,
and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree
. It's obvious there is really a comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is the reason for the season.

May the Lord bless and watch over you and your family and loved ones this Christmas 2008. And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.

Merry Christmas,
Shannon

JESUS, The mere sound of His Name will signal hope.

Matthew 12:21
The Message

Hello! My name is Linda and the words from the following song have meant so much to me over the years, whether in illness or in wellness, sadness or joy, God’s Spirit touches me through these words and so, I share them with you...

Go now in peace,
Never be afraid;
God will go with you each hour of every day.
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true,
Know God will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love and show you believe,
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith and in love.
Amen. Peace be with you!

Hi Jason,

Each day God gives us many blessings. God has given me many blessings, and I am thankful for each one. Your web site has been a wonderful blessing to me. Thank you for posting this web site. I hope you and you family have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Here is some scripture...
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good: His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."
Psalms 100:4-5

Happy Thanksgiving

Hi Jason,

It was good to see you again today.

I enjoy reading your web site. The verses and songs encourage me. I like the one verse that someone posted from II Corinthians 12:10, (...for when I am weak, then am I strong"). This is so true.

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, "Thus says the Lord!"

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Tell your mom and dad I said hello. It was a pleasure to see you; you're a blessing!

Love,
Cuz'n Judy

Hi Jason,
Here is a entry from my journal that I want to share.

Thank you,
Shannon

John 9:1-3 As Jesus was walking along He saw a man who was blind from birth. Teacher; His disciples asked Him, "why was this man born blind?" Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents? It was not because of his sins or his parent's sins Jesus answered. "He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him.

I was born with CP so the power of God could be seen in me. I need to rely on His strength to carry me through each day. I always need give my 100% ability in everything that I do. (No Excuses). I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Others may see my CP as a disability, but I see it as an ability that God has given me for His Glory.

Giving God praise encourages me.

Glory To His Name

Verse 1
Down at the cross where my Savior died
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried
There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His name

Chorus
Glory to His name, glory to His name
There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His name

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

God uses our difficulties to develop His Son's likeness in us..........

This song encourages me...

Praise The Lord

(Chorus)
Praise the Lord
He can work with those who praise Him,
Praise the Lord.
For our God inhabits praise,
Praise the Lord.
For the chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him.

You are ALL so awe-inspiring to me!

Fear not; God will be with you all, always (my favorite Bible verse):

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39.

My heart and prayers are with you all! Keep up the good fight!! You DO make a difference!!!

Hi Jason,

I wanted to share a very important testimony to others that really changed my life. This is a very encouraging testimony. I have been in church all my life. At the age of 13, I thought that I prayed a prayer to ask Jesus into my heart. After there wasn't a change in my life. At the time I did not the Holy spirit was not in it . It was for somebody else instead of Jesus.

In March of 1993, my family and I moved to a different location. I was kind of unsure of the move. I was a junior in high school, and I did not want to move until I graduated. At that time I did not feel that it was in God's will for us to move there. My friend invited me to church. If she did not ask me I might not be here today. Through many years I felt depressed and useless. I thought I was a mistake and I was burden to everybody that knew me.

In the spring of 2000, the preacher at my church started preaching about a certain percentage of the church. During those series of sermons, the Holy Spirit showed and many lost souls invited Jesus into their hearts. I remember going to a man to congratulate him on the decision he had made. He made a comment to make sure that I have Jesus in my life, because you could be miserable without Him. That statement was on my mind for a while, because I was not sure if I had received Jesus in my life.

On April 9, 2000, I was attending an evening service at church. When the service was about to close, somebody came to the altar to be saved, after many others came to be saved also. I was standing in the back. At that time I knew to go to the altar. I stepped out into the aisle. It felt like God carried me to the altar. I did not remember taking a single step to the front. A good friend was there so I went to him and I said the sinner's prayer. As soon as I said that prayer, I felt a heavy burden lifted from my heart. I could feel so much JOY in my heart instead of sadness. I just wanted to praise the Lord. That night 15 people was saved. There was a big celebration that night. I was baptized on Easter.

When I feel discourage, I go to my Heavenly Farther and that always cheers me up. As of being of useless, I know God has created for His glory. It is not about me, it is all about Him. So I need to glorify Him in all that I do.

The gift of salvation has been the greatest gift I have ever received, and it has been life changing for the good. This is the most encouraging thing that has ever happened to me.

Take care,
Shannon

A word of encouragement can make the difference between giving up or going on.......

Hi, my name is Shannon. I am 32 years old and I have cerebral palsy. God has created us for His glory. We are vessels to be used for his glorious plan.

I really love to sing. Singing is one of talents God has given me. He has also given me the gift of encouragement. I sing in the church choir and I also sing solos. Even though I have an speech impairment, God still uses my voice to touch others. I would like to encourage you to do everything for His glory. Seek God's will for your life. He has something special planned for your life, because you are His special creation.

Take care! I will be praying for you. Here is my e-mail address if you want to e-mail me... srletts@comcast.net

Love in Christ,
Shannon

Here is some encouragement from God's word.........

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex. Your workmanship is marvelous and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I woven together in the dark of the womb, You saw me before I was born. Everyday was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalms 139:14-16
(Psalms 139 is a great chapter to read for encouragement.)

Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone. He'll carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in His power, the weak become strong. His strength is perfect. His strength is perfect.

This Bible verse encourages me:

The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

My name is Tresa,

And I have spinal problems due to a fall at work!! I'm 55 years old and I'm mostly bed ridden, because of not being able to sit for long periods of times, nor am I able to walk for long lengths of time either! I get depressed alot, I really don't have friend where I live and the reason why is before my husband left me one year ago come this November 2007, my husband was a very jealous person and I not get out that often and him being this way I've not made any friends at all!!

My husband left me because I guess he just couldn't take me being the way I am. I am on drugs for pain, which don't really do much good anymore because I still live in some pain anyway!! But I get so lonely and depressed at times, I cry alot, and have dealt with taking care of myself the best I can.

The Lord is with me each and everyday and he is the only one whom I talk to on a daily basis!! I know sometimes life isn't easy, but I also know that it's going to worth it all and this is what the Bible says and the Lord reminds me daily :) I stay sain each day, because I stay with reading the Bible each day and the Lord is with me always!!

I have one daughter (who does call me and encourages me, etc.) but she is raising my grandchildren and taking care of her man and a house as well!! I have two grown boys but they are both truckdrivers and they call and stop in when they can, but if anybody knows about truckdrivers they will understand how that is as far as getting to see them all the time :)

But I do get lonely alot and like I said I don't get out because of the pain in my back and right hip, etc. I get headaches alot, etc. So it's like I'm in my own little world sometimes! I don't have a computer, just a webtv. I did have a laptop but it just quit working. And the laptop was a wonderful thing for me, because like I said I am unable to set up for long lengths of time and the laptop I could use in bed. But that is gone now, so the webtv I have (which is not internet friendly like with a computer) is what I get online with to write emails and maybe get to see a few things threw it. But most web sites I cannot see with this, so I'm praying for the Lord to help me get another laptop again!

But I wanted to say that this web page and all who have written about there problems and how they just look to the Lord for their help is just so wonderful, I know the Lord has lead me to this web site so that I could read, so that I could be encouraged, especially since I've really been needing the encouragement so bad lately!! The Lord knows my needs for sure.

But like everyone is saying, there's always somebody else who is worse off, I paised God everyday for taking me threw the pain and the problems. For one day, we will know no more pain, no more tears, for we shall be changed in a twinkling of an eye:) Praise his name for ever more!!

I am praying for all!! If anyone would like to write me and could use a friend, I would love it!!!
I live in NJ (Phillipsburg). My email address is:
whiteshadow7777@webtv.net

Like I mentioned, I don't have but a couple of friends as far as emails, but none here where I live!! So I would love to hear from anybody, especially if they have the same problems as me with there spines. But I really would appreciate anyone for sure!!! And I know it would be from the Lord, because lately I've been asking Jesus for some friends here online, and even offline, but I think for now online would probably be the ones I would find since I don't get out hardly!! But I don't put anything past our Lord, he would find me somehow maybe some other friends as well :)

Well remember all, I will be praying for you all!! And God Bless until we meet in Heaven!!

God Bless All,
In Christ name always,
Tresa

P.S. Please if anyone would like to write me Please put in the subject line (Jesus), would you, and only because of the spam I get, I don't want to delete anyone!!

Thank you again!

Hi, My name is Mary and I have experienced some setbacks in my life. In 1980, I had a head injury and bleeding in my brain but My God was faithful and I have no lasting problem except I can't ride a bike anymore. My balance is a bit off and it is part of the reason I have had several falls. I have recovered well from all of them. I had cancer also and My God has healed my body and I am 30 years cancer free.

I have been encouraged by others so much in my 60 years of life I want to stop and say thank you for what you are doing. I am always at a loss of what to say when I have been healed and I am whole and there are so many who God has allowed to walk through the trials longer. Only God knows the reason for this. But He says He will be with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He sent His Holy Spirit to walk along side us.

So if we are healthy today we don't know what tomorrow will bring, and if we are sick today we don't know what tomorrow bring either. We all just trust Jesus to take care of us and to bring us through each day. You are in my prayers tonight.

I have lost a mother and a sister to cancer along with my best friend. I have lost another good friend who died after a battle with Lew Garrick's disease. Jesus is the only answer I know of for people. His love is so great for all people I just want to let them know that God does love them no matter what they have done or where they have been or where they are in life. Forgivness is life changing.

God bless you for reminding me to be a encourager. As God has blessed and encouraged me, He has done so, so that I will be an encouragment for others.

In His Care,
Mary

I met your sweet mother in the mountains last week and she told me about your web site. I am in a wheelchair. I have been for the last 5 years. I have severe R.A. and had to stop working.

I believe God puts people in each others paths at the right time to help with the burdens we carry or the pain. The day I saw your mother I had just arrived in the mountains and I was in alot of pain and I was feeling sorry for myself. We were in a little mall and she came up to me and gave me your card. She was a God send.

I think what you are doing is great...There are days when I have to be reminded that I have alot to be thankful for and I ask myself why not me? I am a Social Worker and a Licensed Practical Counselor, however due to my limitations and chronic pain I had to stop working. I really have had a hard time dealing with going from being very active to not being active. My brain works great but my body not so well, so I see things I want to do and can't.

I have good days and bad ones. Jesus Christ has been my answer. He is always there for me, but there has been days when I do ask why?

I love to read encouraging quotes and books--the Bible is the best. I believe in encouragement because it works for me! I want to live a life of encouragement because I know that encouraging words can make the difference in a life.

I have a website called How to Encourage Family and Friends.
http://www.howtoencourage.com/
It is full of benefits and tips on how to encourage yourself and others. Learn the right words to say to encourage others in a positive way and change the world one person at a time.

God bless on your encouraging goals...
Kay Gramm

The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.

Chorus:

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

~ WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS CHRISTMAS ? ~

Whose Birthday Is Christmas ?
All The Children Ought To Know.
Is It Santa Clause ?
Oh No No No ! . . .
Although He Gives A Great Ho Ho !!
And, 4 Year Old ' Shea ' says . . .
Then ~ WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS CHRISTMAS ? ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And, I Say . . .
The Bible Tells About A Baby !
Born On Christmas Morn !
A Wonderful, Beautiful Baby Boy !
HE'S GOD'S OWN SON !
( GOD'S ONLY BEGOTTON SON )
And He Came From Heaven !
Because ~ HE LOVES US !
" EVERYONE " !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And, Mary, Named Him ~ JESUS !
( Which means . . . GOD WITH US )
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
As I Walked Away . . .
I heard Shea say to 3 year old Shaun . . .
WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS CHRISTMAS ~ SHAUN ?
And, He Said ~ SANTA CLAUSE !
I Walked On ~ Smiling ~
Hearing Her Say . . .
Oh No No No ! . . .
Although He Gives A Great HO HO HO !
And She Repeated The Story About The Baby . . .
Ending With
Christmas Is The Birthday Of . . . JESUS !
~ And ~
HE LOVES EVERYONE !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Imogene(Jean) Owita Lewis
(( Written in December ~ 1980 ))

Hi Jason,

I hope ALL is well with you ~ and your family ~ I haven’t sent you a poem in quite awhile ~ Just thought of you as I was about to go to bed ~ I still love to read from your web site ~ and am ALWAYS BLESSED ~ for this web site is a sweet place to visit ~ and get INSPIRED ~ and ~ encouraged to ‘press on’ for The LORD!

God Bless You ~ for you do a good job here.

~ Jean Lewis ~

“SUDDENLY”

WHEN THE LOVE OF GOD BEGINS MOVING WITHIN ME ~
SOMETIMES ~ HE GIVES THE WORDS TO A SONG.
WHEN THE LOVE OF GOD BEGINS MOVING WITHIN ME ~
I KNOW IN MY HEART TO PASS IT ON.

I NEVER KNOW WHEN ~ SUDDENLY !!! ~ THE LORD WILL GET MY ATTENTION !
AND ~ FOR A LITTLE WHILE ~ I’M IN ’ ANOTHER ‘ ~ DIMENSION !

WHEN THE LOVE OF GOD BEGINS MOVING WITHIN ME
SOME OF HIS GLORY ! ~ I CAN SEE !

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WHEN THE LOVE OF GOD BEGINS MOVING WITHIN ME ~
SOMETIMES ~ I STOP WHAT I’M DOING ~ AND GO SOMEWHERE
~ ALONE ~ AND PRAY.

WHEN THE LOVE OF GOD BEGINS MOVING WITHIN ME ~
SOMETIMES ~ I HAVE TO ASK THE LORD TO HELP ME ~
CHANGE MY WAYS.

I NEVER KNOW WHEN ~ SUDDENLY ! ~ THE LORD WILL GET MY ATTENTION !
AND ~ FOR A LITTLE WHILE ~ I’M IN ’ ANOTHER ‘ ~ DIMENSION !

WHEN THE LOVE OF GOD BEGINS MOVING WITHIN ME ~
SOME OF HIS GLORY ! ~ I CAN SEE !

Imogene (Jean) Owita Lewis
(( Written 8--16--05 ))

owitaruth@aol.com

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I commend you for your words of encouragement, your faith and your willingness to help others.

I would be honored and humbled by your presence at http://www.43things.com/
It is a place were people share goals and ideas with others, from all over the world.

My name is Ed.
My name at that site is badulaque-broken wings.
The web site is at: My index page is http://www.43things.com/person/badulaque

I hope you don’t mind I posted a link to your site here:
http://www.43things.com/people/progress/badulaque/410444

God Bless You.
Ed

Lord, you are good.

Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.

This chapter from the Bible encourages me...

1 Corinthians 13 (Amplified Bible)

1 IF I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).

3 Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.

4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

9 For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).

10 But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.

12 For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].

13 And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.

By the time I was 30, I had three children and was on my second divorce. I drank and smoked when I felt like it, I had affairs, I committed adultery, I killed a child that was growing inside me and I lived in fear of the end of the world. I lost and gained weight, felt high when I lost weight and felt like a total failure when I gained. I lived in a constant storm, blame and resentments tormented me and I could not find peace and didn't know that I could be different. I thought I was going to go insane.

I was invited to Overcomers Outreach and God started to shine some truth into my heart. He cracked open a door to know Him personally. I thought I was a Christian since I was 8 years old. But I didn't know God who sent Jesus. I read the Gospel of John with new eyes. Through a ministry called "Theophostic Prayer" I have been taking my hurtful memories to Jesus and Jesus has been speaking his truth and releasing me from the lies I believed, lies that said I was worthless, that no one could love me.

Today after about 3 months of going to prayer I have experienced a clear head and am learning to recognize my Lord's voice. He says He loves me and that I never had to do anything to earn that love. I am special and precious to Him and He planned to make me this way for joy. No storm in life is more powerful than the God that says, "Peace, be still." He's waiting. He waited 46 years for me to admit I couldn't save myself. I wasn't the answer to my problems, He IS.

This Bible verse encourages me:

But those who wait for the Lord---who expect, look for and hope in Him---shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to the sun);...

ISAIAH 40:31
The Amplified Bible

I am a African American female and have no physical disabilites that I know of. I stumbled across this web site by mistake and I have been reading for almost an hour. I was feeling down and out about my job situation and depressed about wanting to leave Memphis because I feel the city has some sort of curse over it.

I found encouragement in reading all the email from everyone and the encouraging sentiments were so uplifting for me. I don't know any of you but I know that Jason, whoever he is, is a God send for you all as well as myself, because he has this web site for the disabled as well as the down hearted.

I am praying for you all and for Jason. I do hope that this message finds you all and that you all will pray for me and my family. We haven't been walking close to God for many years even though I know about God, I chose to try things on my own...BIG MISTAKE!!!

Pray that Me (Linda), Children-Josh, Candice, Crystal find the Lord again and we will do His will. I know that everything else will follow then.

Love You All,
Linda
And you're in my prayers.

This Bible verse encourages me...

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Words of Jesus
Matthew 11:28

This poem by Amy Carmichael encourages me.

LORD, THOU HAST SUFFERED

Lord, Thou hast suffered, Thou dost know
The thrust of pain, the piercing dart,
How wearily the wind can blow
Upon the tired heart.

He whom Thou lovest, Lord, is ill.
O come, Thou mighty Vanquisher
Of wind and wave, say, Peace be still,
Eternal Comforter.

by Amy Carmichael

These are some new ways that Pamala Kennedy in her book "Suffering in Slow Motion" found to show love toward her husband who is suffering through a very difficult brain disease. I think this could also be helpful to anyone to show his or her loved one how much they care.

Love unconditionally.
Take his feelings seriously.
Validate his worth by allowing him to do what he can do for himself.
Find something to appreciate about him daily.
Give him lots of hugs.
Have realistic expectations of him.
Be creative in finding fun things we can still do together.
Find time to spend time with him as a noncaregiver.
Respect his space and privacy and pride as a man.
Acknowledge every success-no matter how small.
Talk about normal stuff, not just the illness.
Give him plenty of smiles.

These Bible verses and this song about the faithfulness of God encourage me.

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Lamentations 3:21-26

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Chorus:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Hi,

My name is Anne, and 2 and a half years ago, I had an emergency C-section giving birth to a 1 pound 7 ounce baby boy whom my husband and I name Eric.

A week after Eric was born, he suffered a traumatic brain injury. He almost died, but with a lot of prayers from family and friends, he survived.

Today, he has cp, mental retardation, cortical blindness, and severe learning disabilities. He does not sit up on his own, roll over, talk or walk. But, he brings such joy, and happiness to our lives.

It is through the power of Jesus Christ that I am able to make it through the day. When I tell everyone about him when we are out in public, they ask how I do it, and tell me they could not. I tell him that he is here on this earth for a reason. He has changed not only my life, but my father's as well.

My father was a military man for 26 years. He was very set in his ways, and grumpy all the time. When Eric was born, he started going to church again, was more mellow towards my other child, and his friends, and he has opened his heart to us.

I only have one person to thank for that and that is Jesus. Without his decision to bring Eric to us, my father would not have been so willing to change.

I have to say, that I enjoyed reading the words of encouragement from those of you who know what living with a disability is like. It is nice to know that we are not alone in the world.

I will remember all of you in my prayers, and pray that God gives you the courage and strength to face each day.

I found your web site while I was looking for schools for Eric, but decided that reading the words of what everyone has written was more important.

Thank you for giving me strength and hope.

With the Love of Christ by your sides,
Anne

This song encourages me...

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.

This Bible verse encourages me.

Ah Lord GOD! behold Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing to hard for Thee.
Jeremiah 32:17

O, LORD, what a comfort to know there is nothing to hard for Thee.

Hi Jason,

I hope you're having a Blessed day!! Springtime! I LOVE this time of year!

Being a Christian is having an... ongoing... 'conversation' with the Lord. When we say "Jesus"...He's near! "HIS PRESENCE makes all my doubts...go away."

...Jean

I'll share this poem with you that I wrote about 2:30 AM on Sunday 04-25-04.

"Tell Jesus"

I have to go tell Jesus
my every thought!
I have to go tell Jesus
my every fault!
I have to go tell Jesus
what makes me cry!
He says "I knew you'd be here...
After awhile!
That's why I'm here!
I knew you'd be here!
Because...You're MY CHILD!"

Imogene (Jean) Owita Lewis
owitaruth@aol.com

Hello Jason...Wishing you and your family a HAPPY EASTER!! Christ is risen! Hallelujah! Gladness fills the world today.-

(words and music to song by Fanny Crosby available at www.cyberhymnal.com)

I've been sending Easter Cards to some email friends. I thought I would send you a poem. Before the poem... I'll share this about a verse in "Amazing Grace" ...that I didn't know about until a few years ago. It really encourages me! Lets me know that the future is in God's hands...and HIS PROMISES are SURE! I'm soooo thankful for ....the faithfulness of the Lord! Sometimes people let us down...but, the Lord will never forsake us!

AMAZING GRACE
verse 4
The LORD has promised... GOOD... to me!
HIS WORD... my HOPE... secures!
HE... will my shield... and portion be...
As long as life endures!

And, now here's the poem...
***
"The Lord Will Perfect That Which Concerneth Me"

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.
Sometimes I look about me and see some things
that I don't want to see...
And, I know the Lord... will perfect...
that which concerneth me!

One day there was a Conversation...
between the Lord and me!
I don't know what I said to Him!
I don't know what He said to me!
And...there was a... "Perfect Moment"!
A.... sweet release!
And...PERFECT PEACE!

And, I know the Lord will perfect that...
which concerneth me!

Imogene(Jean) Owita Nabors Lewis
April 3, 2004 Saturday 10:42AM
owitaruth@aol.com
*

Jason,
At Easter, I always remember that night! when the Lord spoke to my heart and SAVED ME! I know you do too! You're a BLESSING! May God continue to bless you!...and your website!

Jean

Hi Jason,

I hope all is well with you and your family. I have not sent you anything in awhile. I read some from your web site tonight...and thought of this song...from about 20 years ago that I wrote.

Your web site is truly a Blessing!
God continue to Bless You, Jason!

Take care!
Jean

"My Lord Tells Me"

My Lord tells me
"Now don't you be afraid".
Yes, My Lord tells me
"By this world
Don't you be swayed.
Wait on Me
To send the Power!
My child, I'm with you
Every hour."
Yes, My Lord tells me
To wait on Him.
He's Heard my prayer!

Some people tell me
"You're sooo square.
Your life's flying by.
You're getting nowhere.
But, My Lord tells me
To wait on Him.
He's Heard my prayer!

I'll reach my goal
On God's timetable.
Victory is sure!
For, He is able!
Yes, My Lord tells me
To Wait on Him.
He's heard my prayer!

Imogene (Jean) Owita Lewis
owitaruth@aol.com

(note: 1 John 5; verses 14 and 15 is the Scripture I thought of as I was typing this song)

1 John 5:
14 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:
15 And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petition that we desired of Him.

The Bible verse Psalm 46:10 means alot to me.

It says "Be still and know that I am God."

If we are still and listen, we hear Him speak His comfort and encouragement, His power and strength into our lives. Then we can know that He can cause us to be overcomers in our lives. He is our refuge and strength.

Thank you God for working with us and for wanting the best for us.

We love You, Lord. We thank You for loving us. Thank You for caring for us.

It is good to read your encouragement web page again Jason. The person that said the book "Purpose Driven Life" had a good poem in it. That really is a sweet book especially about how we should love our brothers and sisters.

And it also tells us how much Christ loved us first. We may think we have a lot of troubles and things going on but we just read these stories of people suffering physically and emotionally and we can say thank you God and help these that are suffering and those that think no one loves them. God loves them more than anyone could ever love them and He is never to busy to hear our cry, or as Cathy always says so lovingly "GOD CARES FOR YOU".

Jason, we do appreciate your faithfulness and your caring for others. And this is an encouraging web page always just to see all the good that is being multiplied through your skills and compassion for people. And that you are a willing vessel God works through to touch so many lives otherwise might give up hope, but seeing others have the same struggles and know that they are not alone, and if they can do this, then I can.

We thank you Jason for all your prayers and all you and your family does for us and everyone. We pray you'all have a Happy New Year.

Your Brother and Sister,
Cedar Creek Baptist Church

When I was only four years old, my father started molesting me. But thankfully by the time I was six years old, a cook at my school took me to church and gave me a Bible.

>From that day on, I knew Jesus loved me and would help me through the nightmare and pain. Everyday I read Revelations and knew my father would suffer for what he was doing and some how that helped me get through the hard times. But most of all it was knowing that Jesus loved me. I used to pray God would give me the strength to kill my father before my younger sister turned four years old. I did not want her to suffer. But God took care of that in a much different way. My father ended up committing suicide. It took me a while to realize I had to forgive him for what he did and turn his sins over to God to judge; But I did.

My life was full of many illnesses from my younger years until now. But I have never been alone. God has always been there to carry me when the going got to tough to handle.

I believe that sometimes we endure these trials so that we can turn them into positive testimonies for God. Out of every gray cloud there is a silver lining if you look for it.

I have several chronic health problems that God is healing. I have a compromised pituitary system (caused by a brain tumor), Coronary Heart Disease, Prinz Metals (varient Heart Spasms, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, no peripheal vision (caused by the brain tumor), losing the muscle and bone in my legs due to the steroids I must take due to the brain tumor surgery, constant left kidney pain due to former kidney surgery (have an implanted morphine pump to help with the pain), arthritis, osteoporosis, and severe stomach problems, and kidney stones in both kidneys. They are currently testing my kidneys for function control as they think I may be losing function in them.

Even with all these things diagnosed I believe God can and will heal me. But in the mean time I keep smiling and thanking God for all the precious things He has bestowed upon me. I hope that my story will encourage others to continue to believe and trust in God no matter what happens in their lives as He is always there for us.

Thanks,
Roberta Wells

I JUST GOT THROUGH READING ALL OF THE RESPONSES AND POEMS. HOW BLESSED WE ARE NOT ONLY TO GET TO READ WHAT AN ENCOURAGEMENT AND BLESSING YOU ARE TO EVERYBODY, BUT GOD ALLOWED US TO MEET AND KNOW YOU PERSONALLY.

WHAT A BLESSING YOU ARE TO US AND THE CHURCH TOO. JASON IS ALWAYS LOVING AND CARING FOR OTHERS AND A GREAT PRAYER WARRIOR AND HE'S ALWAYS THERE READY AND WILLING TO USE HIS TALENT FOR THE LORD.

JASON, WE LOVE YOU AND APPRECIATE YOU THE TESTIMONY YOU LIVE BEFORE US DAILY PLANTING THOSE SEEDS OF KINDNESS AND THE SUNSHINE OF GOD'S LOVE YOU SPREAD WHEREVER YOU GO. WE'RE THANKFUL TO HAVE SUCH A FRIEND AND A BROTHER LIKE YOU, WHAT A HARVEST YOU'RE REAPING. IT BEHOVES US TO TAKE SERIOUSLY, ARE WE DOING AS OUR BROTHER JASON AND DOING OUR PART?

MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
BROTHER AND SISTER
CEDAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

I don't have any words of encouragement but I sure need some right now. I am really going through some bad stuff and could use a real friend. I have 4 illnesses and I have to be on medication all the time, however I am grateful that I am able to work. I have so many days lately that I can barely get out of bed and go but the Lord has been good to me and my family. I know these things but still I am down because I have never had real love from anyone in my whole life and I see other people that are so loved and cherished and I feel so alone. I need prayers to help me get past this pity party that I am on right now, I know I will but tonight I just feel so much more alone than ever. I know God loves me but I still need human love too.

Jason,

The more I read on your web site, the more inspired I am. I especially like the one "OUR FIRST THANKSGIVING." I have not found myself laughing at anything so funny in such a long time. I thank GOD for finding this web site. IT WAS JUST WHAT THE DR. ORDERED. Laughter is good for the soul.

Thanks again for your site. There are so many inspiring stories. You cannot feel anything but JESUS when you read them...

Marilyn
friend89@alltell.net

Hi!

I am doing so much better. I went to a psychologist and he prescribed pain patches to wear for 12 hours at a time. Also, gave me an exercise to do and recommended three different kinds of vitamins to take each day. I cannot sit long at a time though. Said it was like sitting on a raw nerve. Especially cannot sit on church pews so took me a lawn chair to sit in at church. Hopefully soon the nerve may possibly heal itself and I can get away from the pain patches and pain pills. If not, then I can be thankful that everything is helping. God is so good. He has blessed me beyond measure.

Nancy at walt@naxs.net

Hi!

You are an inspiration to a lot of people. I myself have MS, a disease affecting the central nervous system. I watch David Ring on TV when he is on. You know he is an evangelist who inspires alot of people. He also has the disability you have. They said he would never talk, walk, get married, have children. He has proved the doctors wrong. It just goes to show you, that all things are possible with God... Just like you bring happiness into our lives. Just thought you should know from time to time, that you are making a difference in our lives.

There is something I would like to share with you even though I met you through this web site.
REMEMBRANCE IS A GOLDEN CHAIN THAT LINKS OUR HEARTS TOGETHER. If we never meet again, Let us not forget others.

Thank You,
Marilyn
P.S. Keep up the good work!

Hi!

My name is Jessica and I have a really good friend who is a die hard soccer player. He tore his ACL and MCL last year and was out for quite a while. He plays soccer at Bethel College in Indiana. He put so much effort and hard work into gaining strength back into his knee this past year and was able to play for the first game - almost to the point of full ability which is amazing! Last Tuesday, he landed on his knee and threw it out. His career could possibly be over and it completely devastates him. I have never seen anyone want something so bad or have such a strong passion in their heart for a sport. He keeps asking me why God made this happen and how come his senior year at college he can't be apart of his team on the field. He has a very strong relationship with the Lord and I know his faith pulled him through last time.

I am just at a loss for words as to what to say to him or how to encourage him. If anyone has any advice on how to approach him in a way that would be meaningful to him. Quotes? Scriptures? Poems? Encouraging Words? Anything would be helpful. Email me. I thought about making him some kind of wall hanging with inspirational quotes and scriptures and some kind of picture but wasn't sure exactly what to do.

Thanks so much for your web page...Just reading through it looking for things for Ryan encouraged me also!

Thanks!!

Jessica
jsisson@acmicorp.com

I just came on your web site by accident. I was looking for information on someone else who had tailbone problems like I have had for a year. I have been encouraged by reading the letters others have written. I am a Christian but at times I get depressed. I have not hardly been able to sit for almost a year. There are no fractures. It was determined that although I have degenerative disk disease and a herniated disk that these are not causing my problem. The doctor suggested that I have the nerves to the end of my tailbone checked out. But, his only solution was to deaden the nerves. That would cause me to lose control of my bowels & bladder. I refused. I can deal with pain on the pain medication I am taking other than go through with an ordeal like that. I would love to hear from people through email who might have experienced similiar problems. My problem seems so minor compared to what I have read on your web site.

Sincerely,
Nancy at walt@naxs.net

Hello Jason,

Hope and trust this finds you well. A dear friend of mine recently gave me the inspirational book 'The Purpose Driven Life'. In one of the Chapters was a poem by Russell Kelfer, which touched me and I felt may be enjoyed by some of the readers of your web-site.

You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones He chose'
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into His likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God!!

.....For what it is worth Jason, I think you are one of God's finest!!!
Thank you for inspiring me and so many others!!

With love,
Kirsty

Hi Jason!!

What a Wonderful Idea you have about people helping each other!!!!!!!
My Good Friend Owita, (Jean) left your web site in my guestbook!! So, I thought I would visit your web site!!!!!!

I have Two VERY GOOD Friends that have CP too! How very SWEET They both are!!!!!!
If you go here, you can get to both of their sites!!
http://www.homestead.com/MikkiMouse/Fishingjoy.com

My index page is http://www.homestead.com/MikkiMouse/

When you get time, you might want to read some of My Dad's poems!! He sure did enjoy writing them!!!!!!

I sure will be back to read more of your site too!!!!!
Thanks again for a Great Idea that YOU have!!!

Mikki!!!!!!!!

Hello Jason,

I've been reading about Bob Hope on the internet...reading all the wonderful messages from people telling of the MANY, MANY "Good Things" he did in his life of 100 years!!! plus 2 months!!! He will be remembered... especially by me, for his great LOVE for "our soldiers" ... putting himself in harms way, going to entertain them!! He USED his talent of "making people laugh"!!!

But, we can ALL do SOMETHING... for others! I've been humming a song that I found in a 1976 Hymn Book.....(Just 4 lines to the song)...but, it has BLESSED me, and maybe it will be a blessing to someone else!

I think you and your whole family are sooo loving and kind...(as was Bessie Mae Glass (I still miss her smile and sweet ways, and piano music!) but, we still have Marvin! He's good to everyone, too... just like Bessie was...(2 very special people to all in our family!)

Have a HAPPY DAY! ...and ...Smile, God Loves "YOU"! and, all of us! Take Care! .... Jean Lewis

"I Know A Fount" by O. Cooke

I know a fount where sins are washed away,
I know a place where night is turned to day;
Burdens are lifted, blind eyes made to see;
There's a wonder working power in the blood of Calvary.

(Scripture reference Zechariah 13:1)

Also, a few days ago I wrote the following song...

"I Know I Am One Of His"

I know I am one of His...I know I am one of His...I know I am one of His.......
Because, when trouble comes...and trys to knock me down!
My first thought is "Lord! What do I do now?
And, I have to talk it over with Jesus!... I have to talk it over with Jesus!...I have to talk it over with Jesus!
....... Can't help myself!!! .......I have to talk it over with Jesus!"

"I say, Precious Lord!, Take my hand,...and, Lead me...along ...to a little...Higher Ground!"
And, soon, the Answer...to the Problem...I've found.
Because...I have to talk it over with Jesus!...I have to talk it over with Jesus!...
I have to talk it over with Jesus!
....... Can't help myself!!! ....... I have to talk it over with Jesus

Imogene (Jean) Owita Lewis

I would also like to recommend a web site...
http://www.homestead.com/MikkiMouse/
...a friend's web site...(her dad's poems)...(very sweet place to go).

I went through your web site and it is really fantastic. I am from India and visiting USA because of an accident of my son. Your words of encouragements are really nice to all and I feel that if you can continue giving this service, it will be of great help to the people who are suffering from different injuries and helpless.

Thanks and regards,

SAShah
email: thelaws@rediffmail.com

Hi Jason,

You don't know me but the way I got your web site card while I was at Wal-mart. Your mom came up to me and handed me your card. My name is Lori Gordon. I don't really like to talk about myself but if it would or could help you or anyone then that means everything to me.

I am 35 years of age. One year ago I was in great health, great job, three wonderful children, newly married and making plans. On Febuary 14 of 2002, my feet started tinging at work as though they were falling asleep. As of Febuary 19 of 2002, I realized something was not at all right so I began to search for help. No doctor could figure out what was going on with me and at that time it was very scary. Emory Hospital ran all sorts of test and everything was negative, but anyways as of March, whatever was happening to me had spread up my body and I became a T-2. That is paralysed from the breasts down. They did find a light on my spine and thought it may be a thing called Transverse Myalitis. The doctors say that I will never walk again.

Even though I cannot feel anything, I will never give up hope because with the Lord Jesus, I know that all things are possible. I am only human like everyone else and sometimes I cry hard when noone can see me. All I am trying to say is that God is my strength. No matter what life throws at you, always think of those that love you and always think of how you can meet a challenge positively through the grace of God. I will remember you in prayer, Jason. From what I have read, you are a very couragous person. Good luck always and God Bless.

Your Friend,
Lori Gordon

Hi Jason,

Hope and trust this finds you well and having enjoyed a lovely weekend.

Just a quick email to thank you so much for the lovely thank you card and to thank you again for the printed copy of your web site.

My husband spent alot of time out on his mountain bike this weekend, and although I didn't ride, I went along and spent some time just enjoying the beautiful weather and some of the breath taking scenary in your surrounding area. This was the perfect setting and time to read ALOT of the responses from your web site, what a perfect afternoon!!!

Jason, all I can say is you really are an inspiration. I thought it from the first time I met you, but the more I read your web site, the more you inspire me!! Thank you!!!

I really feel 'your sylist Nancy' hit the nail on the head......she was so right when she said "it is the "normal" people that have the disadvantage!!". We are so quick to judge and so quick to complain, yet we do not really know what it is to struggle..OR how to count our blessings, even though GOD has been so good!!

Thank you for refreshing me, and for reminding me how good God really is and too be thankful for ALL of my blessings! ....You are a star!!!

Do you know just how much you brighten our Department with your every visit?? Jason, it is amazing!! Not only do you brighten the day of all of the Therapists and staff with your smile, BUT also every other patient. I have had soooo many patients say how your positive and bright attitude is a witness to us all!

I have been so grateful to have your cards 'www.encourageoneanother.com' to give to some of the people I work with on a daily basis. Those who are needing some 'encouragement' and emotional and spiritual reassurance - I know you are touching lives daily!!

Jason, I will email you again soon, but "Thank you" from the bottom of my heart!!

Look forward to seeing you walking again soon!!

Kirsty

My husband along with several other people that I know are encouraged by you, Jason. I can only hope that I might be half of what you are to those I meet.

I was diagnoised with Multiple Scelerorsis about 12 years ago and have been blessed to have many more good than bad days--and even the bad are not that bad. I remind people who want to feel sorry for me, or themselves, that God is in control and that I totally trust Him. Recently I read a GREAT book that I found very encouraging-- "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly." I highly recommend it for anyone who is struggling with living life to the fullest. Words that have kept me on, or at least near, the right path was shared by my minister. It is okay to have a pity party, just be sure to invite the Lord.

God Bless

Marnie Fereday

Hi Jason!!!

We met at Henley medical the other day. I was there with my daughter Racheal. (She was the cute little girl scooting all over the place). It was very nice to meet you. I think Racheal really liked your wheelchair. It is a very nice gesture to have a web site of encouragement. What a wonderful idea! I do hope that you are well. I will write more another day...I have tons of chores to do today and then I have to go to work. I would like to tell you about my beautiful little girl. Of course I am bias, but I am allowed... I am her mommy. :) You have a wonderful day!!!

L. Hurd

Hi Jason,

Thank you for your response. I so appreciate the compliments. I would like to tell a brief history of my little girl. If I told you the whole story it would be more like a book than an e-mail. Racheal was born with a Chromosomal defect called 4p- or Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. It is a partial deletion on the short arm of the fourth chromosome. It is very rare, and unfortunately the genetic counselors do not know why it had occurred. With that problem came a slew of others...to name a few... a severe seizure disorder, a rare immune deficiency, asthma, and congenital heart disease. The doctors had given her about six weeks to live. that was when she was only 2 months old...she is now 12!!! I could go on and on, but the jest of her story is she had a very rough first four years of her life, and has beat the odds. Medical science has come such a long way, and certain treatments have helped her grow stronger. We now have treatment for her immune deficiency, the proper mix of medications for much better seizure control. She had open heart surgery to fix her heart problem. I believe that the prayers of those who know and love her have been what has kept her going. She is the healthiest I have ever seen her. I am blessed that you enjoyed meeting her. She has this way of making an impression on people. I have seen her unconditional love reach the unreachable. She is so very special to me. Tell your mom that I can tell as well that she is a wonderful mother. It is evident in you. You have a great day I will e-mail again soon. By the way, It is nice to meet new people who understand what it is like to live with disabilities...and be victorious despite them!! :)

Laura Hurd

Words

The words we use can do alot. We can use our words to express ourself and to thank God. Our words to others can either build up (encourage) or they can tear down (discourage, be hurtful).

James 3:2 "For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man and able to bridle the whole body."

No one is perfect....we make mistakes....

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
....but try to let your words be helpful and encouraging to others.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you do, do well.

Blessings,
Sylvie

1 Timothy 6:8 "So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content"

On one hand, it's good to be content and learn to enjoy what you have, rather than desiring what you don't have (Ecclesiates 6:9).
On the other hand, be careful not to be so at ease that you strive for nothing; especially striving for godliness.

Philipians 4:6
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God all you need, and thank Him, for all He has done."

Have a nice day,
Sylvie

Hey! Have a happy new year ... I hope this little poem encourages you a bit:

In life...

Do what you want to do,
Be who you want to be.
It's no use to be dreaming all the time,
and not working toward your dreams;
It's like you would be standing one place
and not moving...

Accept yourself, learn to love yourself.
Does the Lord make mistakes?
No way- so nothing about you is a mistake...
for you are marvelously and wonderfully made.

The meaning of something lies not in the thing itself,
but in your attitude towards it.
Be appreciative of how blessed you are...

Never use time or words carelessly,
neither can be retrieved.
Be optimistic and positive towards life...
Today is here, today is now.

Fears? Worries? Trust the Lord,
And depend on His unfailing promises
to always provide, protect, and
be with you all the way...

Be considerate about your every decision,
Think: "What will this result in?"
Be it positive?...go for it!
Be it negative?...prevent it!
Take care of your heart,
guard it and be careful of who you share it with...

Sylvie

I hope you are well Jason...you are one of my angel's.

I have been in and out of the hospital during the Holiday Season. The only thing that I missed was my daughter's talent show. That morning I was still in the hospital, but Jesus took care of that too. She ended up on the front of the newspaper, and a nice review. As long as I know that everything good comes from God, and let Jesus stay in control. Christmas is Jesus birthday.

Patty
PSPasangel@aol.com
Love to all who read encourage one another
Hope, Joy, Love to Jason and Family

Hi Jason...I've been reading from your web site...and you requested for each one to let you know what we are thankful for. WHERE SHOULD I BEGIN?...

I'M THANKFUL FOR THE LORD!!!

"Thank You, Lord"
Today...Lord,
on this Sunday morning,
I had a desire to go to church.
Thank you, Lord.

And, Lord...
Thank you, for my husband.
He also LOVES YOU ...
As I do.

You have supplied our
Every need today, Lord ...
... AS ALWAYS ...
Thank you, Lord.

Jean Lewis

P.S. And, Jason... WE ARE ALL THANKFUL FOR "YOU" ... You're a SPECIAL BLESSING ... to all who know you. Some of us just know you, from your "web site"....

Happy Thanksgiving!!! and, God continue to BLESS YOU!

Jean Lewis

Here are a few rules that would be nice to follow:

1) Don't worry: it's just a waste of energy and time.

2) Trust God: because He's trustworthy.

3) Follow God's guidance: He knows the best for you.

4) Give God your worries, complaints, cares and fears: He cares for you.

5) Don't forget God's faithfulness and love to you: it's so easy to get focused on a problem and forget God wants to give comfort.

6) Accept God's gifts: which are unfailing love, joy, peace and hope.

7) Don't take back what you gave to God (a worry, need, care or concern): because it's best taken care of in his hand.

8) The hardest problem is the one you carry alone: friends are there to listen and help you. God is a friend who sticks closer than a brother- get encouragement from His word.

9) God forgives you, next step, forgive yourself: if you do something wrong and your friends and God to, forgave you already. The next step is to forgive yourself.

10) Enjoy the simple things in life too: they are so often taken for granted.

11) Make your every problem into a challenge: learn and grow from it, turn it into something good.

12) Life goes on: move on. Time doesn't wait for you, make the most of it now.

13) Love and accept yourself: then others will learn to do the same.

Sylvie

* This email below is already on my web site but was sent to me again as a Thanksgiving story. I posted it again because I think you all will enjoy reading it again.

Our First Thanksgiving

We just moved into our new mobile home and as two disabled guys we were feeling real independent. We both used wheelchairs to get around and Now we were settled in for about three-months or so, and Thanksgiving was upon us. What a great time to celebrate our new lifestyles with our friends. So we invited some other single folks we knew and we would supply the setting and the Turkey and they would bring the side dishes. All plans were set and it was going to be an outstanding dinner.

About a week before the big day we went shopping and picked a nice 17 pounder, (Turkey that is) and we brought it home and put it the freezer. All was going well at this point. The day before the feast I stayed home from work to start the preparations and to play a little music. I was a closet musician in those days and I was in love with my keyboards. About noon I decided to move the bird from the freezer to the sink to start the thawing process. We left it in the paper bag the store put it in. I grabbed it by the top and started to move it to my lap, from my lap to the sink was the plan, but to my horror it fell out of the bottom of the bag and to the kitchen floor with a thud. Ok no prob, I reached down to pick it up but soon remembered why we left it in the bag. I had nothing to get a good grip on. It just kept moving and sliding around. I tried cornering it and spent some time playing bulldozer, attempting to roll it to a corner, but it had a mind of it's own. When I pushed it this way it would move that way, when I pushed it that way it would move this way. Finally I got it to a corner. I leaned over to slide it up my legs but it still was too slippery and too heavy. It would take a better plan. Ok you @@ Turkey, I was getting a little upset now.

After some thought, I got it, a rope! I could hog-tie it and slide it up to my lap. To this day, I don't know what possessed me to think that a rope was going to work, but I was desperate and just a little challenged by then. I got the rope and as I had it cornered still, it was no problem to catch it again. Ye haw; this cowboy was going to get him a Turkey! I tied it around and started to pull it up my legs. One inch, two inches, I was beginning to have hope. Then it was dashed as it got away and ran across the floor. I chased it around again and this took a few more agonizing and anger raisin minutes. I cornered again and started the process all over again, with the same results. I attempted this method three or four times. By now an hour passed and I was real upset. Mother would have washed my mouth out with soap if she had heard the words I pronounced on that @@ Turkey.

After some more thought, I got it, a ramp! I could build a ramp and roll it up, it then move it to the sink. I got my plastic transfer board I used to get in and out of my car and my manual wheelchair. The plan was simple; I would lay my wheelchair back this would lower the seat and allow a lesser slope. Good plan. I should have been an engineer. I got it all set up wheelchair, the board, and after a short chase the Turkey. The plan was good except for one small problem; the chair had wheels, Da! a hint would have clued me in, the name. Each time I pushed the Turkey up the ramp the chair would roll away or the ramp would fall. My attempts were many but to no avail, Oh, the @@ Turkey had won. I was a humbled, emotionally drained, " independent", individual. I sat there knowing when my roommate Tim, came home he would make fun of me. I was by then in no real good mood. About 6pm I heard the sound of the Para transit bus pull up, he was home. I had to face the music. Now Tim is one of those guys who could read people well. When he entered the house he could feel my mood. What's wrong he asked? I hesitated at first, then broke down and told him the total story, leaving nothing out, in hopes he would have pity on me. He did. He simply stated that it was ok and Lee, our friend was do over anytime and he would help.

All worked out well, the @@ Turkey made it to the sink; we had a grand feast. By the way that Turkey was one of the most tenderize birds I ever ate. And I won!!

Hi,

I got to your web site by chance. I was up because I couldn't sleep thinking about my situation. I recently lost my job and I am looking for another. It is easy to get down and not trust God at times and then you see what others have gone and are going through and remember what God has taken you through in the past. I was diagnosed with M.S. in the past but the symptoms I was experiencing are gone.

Thanks for the encouragement. You have been an inspiration to many people. I pray I can do the same for others as well.

Mark Loewen
mloewen@gbronline.com

I was just thinking a little about decisions.
Some are pretty easy, that's good :)
But some are hard and can result in big time changes.

Just always remember that the most important part of making a choice is thinking about the consequences. Who will it affect and how... in positive or negative way?

How would you know, what's best for you?... well maybe you won't know, but God knows. He sees the future and knows what is ahead. So, because He loves you and cares about you always, He wants the best for you in life, so that's why He has the Bible to help guide you.

It's just your choice to follow...

Enjoy your day!
Sylvie

Thank you Jason for asking your sister to chase me down. God Bless You

I was riding my motorized chair one Saturday afternoon when Jason spotted me and as you can see above, and he gave me a copy of his web site and they asked me to tell my story.

About 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with serious arthritis. I had a hip that was detraining and the doctor said within 5 years I would need a new one. Well it seems that the arthritis had another agenda. In 2 1/2yrs I was told I needed a new hip, and two new knees as they had deteriated to that point.

I was then diagnosed with Hereditary Deteriorating Arthritis and it was attacking all my joints. I was scheduled for surgery and given the option of a knee or hip. Well knowing that I would have to bend the knee and hip for rehab I chose the hip. I had no cartilage left in the hip when they got in there. I couldn't believe the relief I felt all over my body by getting that new hip. Three months later I had the knee in the same leg replaced and since have had to have the kneecap replaced. By getting the one leg straightened up my other knee is still mine and my back quit hurting that I felt like a new woman.

Before the surgery I went from cane, to walker, to crutches and then a regular wheelchair all in 5 months. I have been lucky to get my motorized chair 2 1/2 years ago. Although I can walk in the house and short distances with a walker.

The freedom I feel in being able to get out and go to town, to eat or visit my neighbors in the neighborhood has been wonderful and such a relief to get out of the house.

That is probably the most blessed thing that has happened to me. I have encouraged other elderly in my neighborhood to get a chair and get out. I live in a senior housing area and we have gone from one person moving in a chair to six now and others have put in for them. So seniors DON'T BE AFRAID of something new when it can give you so much freedom and good health.

A spunky 67 year old senior,
Pat Griffiths

Jason,

What a great web site! I stumbled upon it while looking for encouraging words to put in a card for a friend who has just suffered a major accident. I must say that I have found tremendous encouragement myself by reading the many positive postings from people who are truly suffering in life. You are all heroes and may God continue to bless you for your courage and strength.

Hope this encourages you...

Philipians 4:4 says "Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say rejoice." What caught my attention are the words 'in the Lord'. It's good to be happy about what you have. About a car, a nice house, health, a good school. It's great to be happy and enjoy your friends and family members and to make the most of the time you have with them. It's a great thing indeed to enjoy these things!

But don't fully depend on these things to keep you happy and rejoicing. You see, your car and house can fail you. And your best friend and family members can also fail you or disappoint you. Enjoy these things-- but make your main joy and happiness be from God, because He will never fail you or disappoint you. His promises will never fail and He will be by your side always. And God loves you no matter what and He's always willing to listen to you.

So enjoy what you have. But let the first person in your line be God, then everything will follow behind. And if everything behind God (the first in the line) falls and breaks down, know for sure that one will remain standing, and that's God. And because He remains standing, your joy will too.

Enjoy your day!

Sylvie

I'm Not By Myself

I'm not by myself,
We heard her softly say.
Please don't pity me.
I'm HAPPY every day.
I'm not by myself.
My Dearest Friend
Walks with me.
Look a little closer, dear,
And, My Lord, you will see.

She's in her eighty's now,
And, children and grandchildren
Worry some.
Each one has said,
"Please come live with us.
We'll make you soooo WELCOME".
But, she just sweetly smiles,
And, says "I'm doing well,
Because I'M NOT BY MYSELF!

Jean Lewis

I would have loved to have be able to contact you sooner. My Progressive Multiple Sclerosis has progressed. However as of October 14, I started a drug called Capaxone, works with brain, that's where all my lesions are.

Three years ago, I had 6-1/2 centimeters lesions on my brain, now I have 21 lesions, and I am waiting for a right ankle support brace. So God has been so good to me. The right brace was $900.00. If I have to get a left one instead of a wheelchair, it would be another $900.00.

That night I prayed to the Lord, and here is how He answered my prayer. My father-in-law was ill since the day I married my husband, so he was with us 3 years and died January 26, 1991.

We know the people who bought his home. The very next day they called and said an important piece mail came, I will mail it to you. Here it was- a policy that 11 years ago was worth $1400.00 - we received a check this week for $2700.00 dollars. Also Copaxone has not been a covered drug for my insurance plan, costs $1100.00 a month, until four days before I went to the drugstore. And I almost fainted when they said "That will be $10.00." And then John the pharmacist explained why.

Let not your heart be discouraged, God will take care of you, you, you!

Patty Stockton
PSPasangel@aol.com

Many of our dates were spent with my boyfriend's family. May not sound very exciting or romantic. It was always nice; I never minded those visits and I still love them. After dating a few months, we didn't see each other until four years later when we both were out of college. We dated a few months, got engaged and married just six weeks later.

That was 21 years ago and I still am madly in love and I still love my husband's family I first met while dating decades ago. They have encouraged me since our first meetings. I always have been treated as a family member. My husband and I both readily claim all his brother's and sisters' children as our nephews and neices. I believe by spending some dates with such a good family, Tony and I were encouraged to be good, kind people.

In their homes, we never have been exposed to cursing, drugs, alcohol, arguing, gossiping. Family gathering always included mention of church and family and friends. My in-laws are all good people, with good names who always have set a good example for us and now for our children.

We have been foster parents for five years, with all the wonderful times and terrible times associated with special needs children. Our children always have been included in family gatherings. They have been encouraged in every effort, and been told they have family, even if not related by birth. We believe the Lord lead us to be foster and now adoptive parents and the Lord knew our families would be nothing but kind supporters of our expanding family.

A special part of our family is Jerry, Catherine, Catrina and Jason Cochran. The Cochrans have lived with more obstacles than most of us, but they spend so much time serving others and encouraging others, they do not have time to dwell on the negative. Every moment in person, on te phone or by mail is special with the Cochrans. They make visitors feel important and necessary to the proper function of the universe. The Cochrans remember our childrens' court dates, adoptions, achievements, holidays, hobbies, likes. The Cochrans spend much of their time praying for others and helping others. Our kids love them and we do, too.

Our kids are 18 months, 5 years, 7, 7, 9, 10 and 11. They grew up with very poor examples of how to act and live appropriately. They have no contact with birth family. We are blessed to have our families to "adopt" them, too, and we have many church friends to "adopt" our kids, too.

The Lord has blessed us since before we knew Him and now that we do know Him, we recognize even more things he has done and does do for us. He surrounds us with Christians and angels. I daily pray my kids will be surrounded by Christians and we try to put our kids among Christians. We found this plan works and we do not need to mess it up.

The first time I met Jason he was a darling, quiet, little boy on his mama's lap. Now he is a wonderful man in everyone's heart. He has taught my children to not fear a person just because he is in a wheelchair. They also know Jason is a great babysitter, has cool coloring books, is a computer whiz and never yells at them or ignores them.

We love you Jason,

Your uncle and aunt and 7 cousins

This web site is a real blessing.

All through the book of Ecclesiastes, it says "Enjoy life." And you think, 'how can I enjoy life with all these hardships, problems, disabilities???' Well, life is 10 percent what you go through, and 90 percent what your attitude/reaction towards your situations are.

React positively in a thankful manner. Know that all problems work for the good, and this is a promise God gave to us.

For those disabled, keep in mind that you can be disabled in one area, but are very able in others. It's up to you to find where you are able, and use it wisely! Try to stop being sad about your disability, and be happy about your abilities.

Take Care,
Sylvie
sylvox@hotmail.com

Hey Jason,

I was just on your web site and I thought I'd write you and tell you that I have spina biffida and it's hard to deal with it but I have dealt with it for almost 19 years and plus I just had surgery about 3 months ago. And that's why I was at the Whiteside Rehab to get my strength back but I know only I can do it with God's help but I am pushing God away and I don't know how to stop. But I think you are very special and I wish I could find someone as talented as you are to do something like this.

Hope to see you soon!

Stephanie

Hi Jason,

This is your Alzheimer's buddy Chip, just passing through to say hello and to encourage you. No matter what comes our way, we are in His hands, all my todays, and all my tomorrows.

God bless you, friend.

Chip Gerber
Satsuma, Florida

The book of Job has taught us to be strong and loving.

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for belief in order that you may not perish from earth but have life eternal. God did not not send his Son to condemn the world but to save the world thru Him.

Job

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have life. God did not send his Son to condemn the world as is His right, but to save the world.

Sincerely,
Job

Jason,

Our condolence go out to you in the passing of your grandmother. We know you love her very much and she did you. Our prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord comfort you. May God bless you and your family abundantly. Y'all are such a blessing to us and to all the church.

Cedar Creek Baptist Church

Hi there!

I just discovered your web site. Nice...It's very nice.

I am 57 and was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. What a shocker. Depressed? You bet. Denial? Yep, till I looked at my situation and got some support. I began reaching out to others.

First, the good Lord above who loves me and has a plan for my life. I have known Him personally since I was 16. Although I have left Him many times, He has never nor will He ever, leave me.

I also reached out to the Alzheimer's Association where I found friends that would stick with me through thick and thin. A caring wife, my caregiver is also a real blessing.

Life goes on. Although the stages worsen, I have good moments as well as bad. What keeps me going is I know who holds my tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.

Chip Gerber
Satsuma, Florida
Daily journal:
http://www.zarcrom.com/ users/alzheimers/chip.html

I am 76 years old retired shoe maker. I have arthritis. I have pain in my joints. I do not like to take medicine, because it doesn't cure. I take herbs that God has provided us. When I hurt bad, I just close my eyes and I see Jesus hanging on the cross. I could have the pain that He must have endured.

If we meet and you forget me, you have lost nothing; but if you meet JESUS CHRIST and forget Him, you have lost everything.

The shoe cobbler

Hello!!

I Am 32 Years Old & I Have Spina Bifida--The Thing That Has Always Helped Me Is Having Support From Family & Close Friends & I Just Take Things As They Come One Day At A Time--This Shows How Unthoughtful Some People Can Truly Be--

I Was In The Grocery Store With My Parents Many Years Ago & I Always Get Looks >From Someone--I Have Gotten Used To It By Now--This One OLDER Woman Approached Me & I Could Tell She Just Had To Say Something--So I Took In A Deep Breath & Thought Let's Get This Over With!! She Looked At Me--Saying 'Child Don't You Get Tired Of Being That Way All The Time?????' I Looked At Her In Amazement & Rubbed My Ear--Thinking 'She Didn't Say What I Thought She Did--I Must Have Misunderstood!!' So I Ask Her What She Meant--SHE REPEATED IT!! & ADDED 'DON'T YOU MISS NOT BEING ABLE TO DO THINGS?????' I Locked Direct Eye Contact With Her & Responded 'NO MA'AM--YOU DON'T MISS WHAT YOU NEVER HAD!!!!!' She Gave Me A Glaring Look--As If To Say 'I Was Only Asking A Question!!!!!' and I Thought 'Well I Answered It!!!!!' Quite Comical Now--As Time Goes By--Yet At The Time If I Could Have Gotten My Hands On Her 'It Would Not Have Been Good!!!!!'

I Hope This Story Is Helpful!!!!!

Dawn
dawnc@BLomand.net

http://www.w4kko.com

I am a 32 year old male. I have been disabled since I was 9 years old. I was hit by a car. I am in a wheelchair. My encouragement each day is to wake up in the morning and say hello to America. To know I have the freedom to do what I want. We live here in America where some people don't realize how lucky we are until they get out and see other people suffering from hunger. My family is a big encouragement to me. People should not feel sorry for themselves. Living like that each day waste what God has given them a second chance with a gift not a disability.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, AGAIN

THANK GOD I WAS BORN IN AMERICA.
THANK GOD I WAS BORN TO BE FREE.
THANK GOD FOR THE STATUE OF LIBERTY...
AMERICA'S SYMBOL OF PEACE.

WE REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED LAST SEPTEMBER.
9 1 1 ... IS FOREVER ETCHED ON EACH HEART.
OSAMA BIN LADAN THOUGHT HE COULD MAKE AMERICA TREMBLE...
BUT, UNITED WE STAND!!!
KNOWING, GOD IS IN COMMAND!!!
AND, PRAYING, "GOD BLESS AMERICA, AGAIN"!!!

Jean Lewis

Yes is to never to give into yourself

I have just recently been put into a wheel chair and was emotionally devastated for a while until I was able to get outside and go into stores, restaurants, banks, etc. and found out it isn't the chair that makes the person, it's the person itself. My husband and I tried to aide my brother and sister-in-law with her disabled sister to bring her to Florida but they felt it would be better to let her stay in the same city she is already used to since her mom is in a place where the older generation like my mom can't take care of themselves anymore. So now my brother has us helping out with his daughter's wedding to show how much we have grown. And we have opened our own travel agency in our own home.

gigitty69@earthlink.net

Good morning,

Thank you for this opportunity to share the blessings the Lord is providing me. I have been clinically diagnosed as depressed for most of my adult life, however I recently (about a year ago) found how to gain the victory over this.

I have found that by encouraging others I, myself am encouraged. So I started a website with this in purpose. If you want to visit my web site, it is:
http://www.angelfire.com/ok2/discouragement/index.html

It never fails that when we get our eyes off ourselves and concentrate on others, our own burdens are greatly lightened.

Again, thank you.

Emory Ediger

Hi,

I learned that God loves us no matter what. That's what 'God's unfailing love' means. We all make mistakes but remember that God's mercies are new every morning. There's no such thing as immediate change. It takes practice.

To fear God is to love Him so much that you afraid to hurt Him. To honor God is to do what pleases Him and what pleases Him is the best for us. Today, try to honor God with your thinking, what you say and what you do. It brings me joy to know that I am so happy because of God's love in my heart and I have promises to depend on. God's promises. Those are the ones that never fail no matter what!

There no need to worry about the future because God promises that it brings good and not disaster (Jeremiah 29:11). There's no reason to fear because God promises to protect and provide for us every day.

Many people you walk by everyday don't know this peaceful love from God- be kind and loving, and represent God's love to them. This will also honor God. And remember to live one day at a time- don't rush. Tomorrow is tomorrow, but today is today.

Love,
Sylvie

Hey everybody,

There's some people who when they go through hard times they say 'Why? Why Me? Why this?' Well I just want to say that we all humans and we all got our problems in this world. The difference for christians, though, is that we got someone to depend on because He's always faithful, and we have encouragement from God's Word. Endure hardship, for without it- you will never grow.

Sylvie

Dear Jason,

Thank you for the wonderful email that I received from you. My MS, they now say is Secondary Progressive, MS with only one laboratory test with lesions, my brain.

I remember a lot of things, when I am alone. I remember the Christmas Eve Carol Feast. Jesus had done a lot to help me get well. My husband and I were chosen to light the white candle representing Jesus. The pastor, my friend, asked the question for this particular candle, "What gift would we have given to the Christ child?"

This was the first time right after I was able to live again. My gift from Him that day was the gift of poetry. MY GIFT-Jesus was born with a purpose in mind to die for the sins of all of mankind, to live again to prepare a place, for all of those saved by grace. My gift to the Lord, I am more than willing to give, for I was held captive, then saved now I live.

Telling everyone I meet with my voice, Jesus can do all things but it's a personal choice. Telling everyone of His wonderful story while giving Him all the honor and glory.

Hoping you are well. Everyone give yourself hope.

Patty
Patricia Stockton

Jason,

I just wanted to take the time to let you know that you have totally blessed the life of others through your web page. Thank you for allowing the Lord to work in your life. Thank you for being you! We need more people like you in the world, Jason.

Take Care,
God Bless,
Jolee Acorn

IT REALLY INSPIRES US JASON TO SEE HOW YOU ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE THAT HAS A NEED FOR ENCOURAGEMENT AND PRAYER. WHATEVER THE NEED IS, YOU'RE THERE. WE LOVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WE LIKE ALL THESE LETTERS AND POEMS TOO. IT'S A GREAT BLESSING. THANK YOU FOR BEING OBEDIENT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

SISTER AND BROTHER IN CHRIST, CEDAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

Hi Jason,

My daughter-in-law, Ginger, finally wrote you. She's a loving person to 'every one', I said, "Ginger, I've got the big head, over all those sweet words, you said about me." Of course, I was kidding. We all know, we are just trying to be a BLESSING TO OTHERS because we . . . LOVE THE LORD. I wrote a song "God Bless My Family", and, I'd like to tell you how I came to write it. I love my family. I love my country. I love GOD. after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on America, I found myself singing the words of "God Bless America", to myself, off and on, for days, weeks, and even now, sometimes. One day, I began to write the words of this song, to the tune of "God Bless America". I know my children are IN A DIFFERENT world, today, than I have been BLESSED to live in....

Jean Lewis

"GOD BLESS MY FAMILY"

GOD BLESS MY FAMILY,
DEAR ONES I LOVE.
GO BEFORE THEM.
WALK BESIDE THEM.
IN FAITH'S FIGHT,
MAY THEY STRIVE ...
FOR THE RIGHT.
FROM THE MORNING,
TO THE NOONTIME,
'TIL THE EVENING,
THROUGH THE NIGHT.
GOD BLESS MY FAMILY ...
MY HEART'S DELIGHT.

---Imogene (Jean) Owita Lewis

Hi Jason,

I have been meaning to write to you for a long time but just haven't took the time.

I am Jean Lewis's daughter-in-law Ginger. She thinks the world of you and your website. She is a very sweet lady and MY MOTHER-IN-LAW. Where did it say that you are supposed to dislike your mother-in-law? Well, I love mine. She is like my own mother. My mother went to heaven on March 1, 1998. She had an aneurysm in her brain and she went suddenly. She is VERY MUCH missed by me now. I can't wait to see her again.

I have a disability I guess. I have fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome and lots of other things wrong. High blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, depression sometimes, migraine headaches sometimes and other stuff. But, I praise God every day that I have eyes to see, ears to hear and legs to walk and arms to gives hugs and a mouth to tell people that I love Jesus. I love Jesus very much and I also love my family very much.

I have a second cousin who is 9 years old with Cerebral Palsy. He has had it since birth and is in a wheelchair most of the time. He is very smart and uses a computer to do his school work. He uses the "touch" the screen system to do his lessons because he can't type on the keyboard. He is a sweet boy and he knows Jesus. He talks about Him a lot. His mom and his dad divorced when he was a baby because of substance abuse by his dad. His dad was in a car wreck and he was killed. I don't think he was ready to go, although I don't know that for a fact. Up to the time he got killed I don't think he had accepted Jesus. My first cousin, (my second cousin's mom) takes Brett to church all the time and she has taught him all about Jesus and His love.

Well, I just wanted to write to you and tell you that I know Jean Lewis and I also read all those poems she writes. She is very gifted that way. Steve, her son, also writes poetry. I guess that's one of the reasons I fell for him because he writes me poetry too.

Love and blessings,
Ginger Lewis

Dear Lord, Thank You For The Cross

What have I done for You?
What have I done for You?
I'll give You a little time
to think about it.
What have I done for You?

Lord, You Saved My Soul
When I Was Lost.
Thank You For The Cross ...
Where You Paid The Cost.

And, Lord, When I Was Sick
You Made Me Well.
Thank You For Your Word ...
"And with His stripes, we are healed".

And, Lord, You Give The Words
I Write Down For A Song.
Thank You For Your Love ...
That's Guiding Me On.

And, Now, Lord, ... What Can I Do
In My Life ... To Say ... "Thank You"? ...
And, Jesus says "Love one another
as I have loved you".

If you have any problems which you feel like you cannot deal with, turn to the Lord in prayer. He is always there when you need Him. Everything happens for a reason- and hard times last for only a period of time, but joy comes in the morning. Don't give up.

Many I have read of here have disabilities. What I have learned is that- the ONLY disability in life is a bad attitude (towards situations).

This may sound funny- but yesterday I went to the beach with my friends, but I could not go into the water. So I was a bit sad that I couldn't go snorkeling and jumping off the dock and swimming and jumping over the waves with my friends- until I realized that:
Instead of being sad of what I cannot do at that time, I should be happy of what I can do!

So I took a volleyball and enjoyed playing volleyball and football at the beach with my friend.

You see, focus on what's positive. If you keep being all sad because of a disability, that won't benefit you anything! But I'm am so very sure that there are other fun stuff you can do! Be happy about that instead!

Ecclesiastes 3:12---"So I concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and enjoy themselves while they live."

Put that in practice!

Love,
Sylvie

(anyone need a friend--- email me at:
sylvox@hotmail.com)

When we help Jesus' brothers and sisters, then we did it for Him!

I have been to several doctors and out of 3 MRI's they say that the original 6 1/2 lesions on my brain haven't gotten worse. "This has taken my life away," I said. Oh, how I don't like whiner's. But I was becoming one because no one will treat me or say that I have M.S., lesions are where the disease started. It has only been two years.

Then my friend Susan Matthews, told me to come online to see if I could connect to someone with M.S., but I went right down the list to this web site.

I read and pray for others or lend a helping hand.

God Bless You always and forever, and I thought I couldn't do anything. Everything will happen in His time.

I would kid around with this wonderful lady named Clotheal Thorpe. One day she looked up right at me and said, "Well you know the Lord only gives you what you can handle." I looked right back at her and said, "Didn't you ever wonder who was doing that job, but that Jesus, He doesn't give up on anyone."

Comments
PSpasangel@aol.com

I, Jason, have been asked to tell more of my story. I have had cerebral palsy since birth. I walked with a walker until I was in junior high school. I began using a electric wheelchair in junior high school. I also used a laptop computer for school work starting in junior high school.

I became a Christian at age 13. God has helped me through so much in my life. He is my strength. I love that He is with me all the time. I think that my disability has caused me to care more deeply about others who are going through difficult times. It also has caused me to want to pray for people because I want them to feel the Lord's comfort as I have. I greatly appreciate the prayers and encouragement of family and friends. My family are very precious to me.

I wanted people to be encouraged so that is why I started this web site. I feel that the Lord gave it to me to help others. The web site has also greatly encouraged me. I love to hear what people say in their messages. The web site has grown alot since I started it. This has encouraged me too.

I love to hear what you all have to say. I greatly appreciate every message.

God Bless You All.
Jason
Creator of this web site

Wow, what an awesome website. I typed in the word "encouragement" into Google's search engine and that's how I found this site. My physical disability is very minor compared to many here, who testify to the POWER of God in their lives.

Jason, how about some more information on you, and your life? You're great at facilitating the encouragement of others to each other, but you never write anything here. I bet you have much to share. I would love to hear more of your story, from your perspective. I'm grateful for what I've learned about you from your family and friends, who know you. I'd like to hear more from YOU. I have often said that I love to sit at the feet of people who've gone through a lot of suffering, and learn from them, because they have so much to say, such precious insights into life. I've been sitting at the feet, this morning, of many who have contributed to this website.

Maybe 15 years ago, I began an experiment. Ever since, I have been looking for people who really love Jesus, who have not been through, or are currently going through, intense suffering. I haven't found ONE, yet. What I've discovered, is that you can't always tell, when you meet people, if they are going through, or have gone through, intense suffering. They are full of the love of Jesus. But you scratch below the surface, and you will discover that they have experienced or are experiencing, enormous suffering. Suffering produces perseverance, and then character, and then hope, or FAITH. Show me someone who really loves Jesus, and I'll show you someone who suffers.

Thank you for your ministry to me this day, Jason.
In Jesus' love,

Dave McCarty
Hatfield, PA

Thanks for your web page. A dear friend of mine is in the hospital. On Friday, she got part of her leg amputated and tomorrow is she is getting a pacemaker. All week long I've been in a state of lethargy, not paying attention to my driving, work, or life in general. I'm so upset about her that I can't begin to tell you. Although I've been saved for 20 years, I forgot one thing...God is still in control.

Thanks again,
Toni

Hey everybody!

This verse is very encouraging: Ecclesiastes 3:12 "So I concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and enjoy themselves while they live." Never forget to count your blessings! And live everyday to the fullest, using every opportunity available to do good and be happy.

Also, remember this: If you wait for a perfect time and a perfect place to do some things, you will never get anything done.

A thankful heart is a happy one!

God bless you,
Sylvie
sylvox@hotmail.com

Accept a Challenge, not a Problem

Hi everyone,

I have been to this web site many times and I love the messages posted. It has occurred to me that many problems have been changed to challenges or opportunities to inspire others. This is a very special gift to us all. Thank you.

I met a disabled person at a business conference I just went to who had the up and go mentally and physically that taught us a thing or two. We have now set a date for our next encounter which I bet will be more outrageous/positive full of laughs than our last. This person had attitude and personality plus despite his challenges. All I can do to sum everything up is the meeting of two minds forming a friendship.

Best to you all,
Jill

Hi! My name is Maggie. My mom is 73 years old with end-stage emphysema. We live in Philadelphia. Almost 3 years ago this June, mom went to the Emergency Room and never came home. We had no choice but to get mom into a nursing care and it is 25 miles away.

My son Shane is 11 years old now. He was my mom's sparkle and to an extent he still is.

I cannot begin to tell you how hard it is to live my life day to day keeping things and people like Shane and my dad OK. When I need a break, myself. I miss my mom a lot. She is very much alive in her own private hell in a cubicle of a nursing home. She is totally Vent dependant, leaving her enough leeway to use the commode, from her chair.

I need support. I have too many issues and responsibilities to everyone. When my best friend and support person has gone, but I cannot nor do I want to grieve her.

I know there are things I could probably get done for her. I try and I am often shot down by the nursing home she is in. My dad is old and follows "the rules" no matter who's they are! My own son is disabled. I myself, a teacher have become shamefully disabled mentally since this ordeal.

I need help and guidance ......

anyone?

Marguerite Razzi
2510 Tilton Street
Philadelphia, PA 19125
267-259-0929

I would like to tell you all that God is offering you peace of mind and heart. When you are concerned, say a prayer to ask the Lord to help you and He promised to take good care of you always and always hear your humble cries to Him.

Try hard to stop worrying and trust God always. There's nothing too hard for Him.

Psalms 30:5 'Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes with the morning.' Tears and sad times are only for a time, but joy follows! Just like after every storm, a rainbow forms, the sunshine comes back out again!

Even the hardest storms (example Noah's ark storm), the rainbow will come. The morning sunshine will come. Don't panic! When God promises us something, He is sure to keep His promise (Romans 4:21). He is always faithful.

Love,
Sylvie

I was working together with my pastor's wife. We work together every Friday night in a little group to teach kids about God's unfailing love. One night I went with her and I was not very happy as usual that night. Then we were talking and she mentioned '...why go through this life unhappy anyway? There's no use to being all unhappy. We have this life once, we got to make the most of our every day!...'

I was so touched. Then it came to my mind. Why let any problem get you down?? There's so much good news from the Bible. God promises that EVERYTHING will work for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28) and that He turns good of bad circumstances, and that the trying of our faith is very important and that we should use it for an opportunity for joy. (Read James 1)

So hey, whatever you go through or are going through, or whatever you do---make it something special!! If you're at work, make your day special. If you're at school, make it special too! If you're at the hospital, make it something special!! Because all these, will work out for the good. God is in control....

Love,
Sylvie

Just want to remind you all that there is nothing you cannot handle. There are people out the who have been through harder stuff and have successfully made it. You can definitely go through anything with full success.

Also, be sure to have your focus on what's positive. Many times when we got one problem, we focus on that problem sooo much that we forget to be thankful and happy for the blessings.

So whenever you're discouraged, or sad, just get a pen and paper and write down the things you are thankful for. This just takes 5-10 minutes, but can make your whole day and week sweet. Because when you focus on the problem you can't see the blessings as well, but when you focus on the blessings, the problem seems to become so much smaller!!!

Love, and God bless you,
Sylvie

A Garfield Cup

I'M EASY TO GET ALONG WITH
WHEN THINGS GO MY WAY.
I read these words on a Garfield cup
Just the other day,
And, I thought......."Should I go
And ask...my husband...
(For he's around me every day?)
Or, should I go into my closet...
And, just kneel down and PRAY?

Dear Lord, You know
Our every thought...
And, You hear
every word we say.
You know when we're doing
The best we can...
And, You see all the ways
We stray...
But, even now, I hear You say...
"It's O K" .......
While You're wiping the tears away,
And saying......."My Child,...
I'M EASY TO GET ALONG WITH
WHEN THINGS GO MY WAY".

The Telephone Rang

The telephone rang...
And a voice said to me...
"I'm so worried about
This problem...
The way out, I can't see.
If you were in my shoes,
Tell me, what would
You do?"
And, before I could give her
An answer, Lord...
I sent this quick prayer...
To You.

"Remember, Lord...I'm depending
On You...Only You.
Remember, Lord...I'm depending
On You.
When I don't know what
to say,
And, I don't know what
To do,
Remember, Lord...I'm depending
On You."

And, then I talked with her
For a little while,
And, her voice...calmer grew,
And, she said, "I'm feeling
Better now,
And, I know what to do,".......
And, as I hung up the phone,
Before I could go on, Lord...
I sent this quick prayer
To You.

"Thank You, Lord...that I'm depending
On You...Only You.
Thank You, Lord...that I'm depending
On You.
When I don't know what
To say,
And, I don't know what
To do,
Thank You, Lord...
That I'm depending.......
On You."

Problems and hard times are there to give you strength. There's one important thing we need whenever faced with a problem: We got to know and put to action how to handle that problem the right way.

Don't just sit around. Whatever you can do to make things better, go for it! If you can't, just say a little prayer of faith and trust God to encourage and help you through!

Hi, I thought I might write a message that might inspire or encourage someone. It's not fiction. It was all real. First of all, I'm Robert Richardson from Ontario, Canada...and I'm deaf too. I was born that way and I've been living with it since then...I always had a turbulent life, kind of bumpy road like with constant bumps roads but there was at some point where the bumps are not there, get what i mean?

Okay, in 1994, I think that's where it all started a bit and bit. Then I didn't know what had hit me...I was struck with anxiety, panic and post traumatic disorder, or condition that is. It was very severe in 1997 as it was progressive, but I ended it all in around late 1998 or mid 1999.

I remembered how I felt when my heart was pounding like h*** and I thought I would die anytime...my cold sweats broke...I was shaking...that led to agoraphobia. I couldn't go to malls, talk to friends, even get in car, or the city bus. I couldn't. All I could do was walk long way around some blocks. I did that repeatedly. It's like a cycle after breakfast, then after lunch, after supper, then again one more. I did that everyday. I guess that gave me some hope...I think...so out of the blue, I came out.

I said to myself, I got to get on that city bus, and I did and it was so hard because I had to fight against my mindset thoughts and retrain my mind. After the trip it was so hard. I breathe hard and I had tensions in my neck. I had no support nor coach. I had to be a coach on my own so everyday I went on the bus. Each time, I started to like it and feeling normal, then it moved to something else to bus like travelling out of town. It was okay too. It was tense too.

One night while I had anxiety, I remember the night about midnight, I screamed at myself and said I'm gonna get the bike and get out on the road...I did. It was hard. I was breathing hard. I thought I was going to die. I said, I have nothing else left for me so I said to myself, I'm going to die anyway, at least I have some diginity left. It was a good ride but hard. Then, gradually I had to train. Then I became a cyclist. I commute with the bike, and I even got involved with MS bike tours (multiple sceloris) held every year in summer...I came in 4th. I was surprised. I was released with huge power within me and it drove me higher where I never knew before and I learned how to use the power. It felt great and I look at life differently now than before...I knew how scared I was before.

I hope this will pass as a good thing to others and who need it to feel secure that there's someone in the world that could at least help with the words of what I have experienced, and share my world to others so they can share with others then......

May God bless you all...
Robert

Dear Friend,

I have just read your web site and I think it is very good. I thought I would write to encourage other people to never give up hope. I have chronic asthma and I find it very hard to walk about without getting out of puff. I would normally be admitted to hospital every 4 weeks, but I have taken control of my condition rather than it taking control of me. I have just passed my media exams and I hope to do freelance journalism. I have also had my poem printed in poetry dot com. So I would just like to say keep on trying to achieve what you want to achieve and never let others say you cannot do this because you have become disabled.

Yours sincerely,
Helen Madden

I have found the stories on this web site encouraging and inspirational. After reading many of the messages, I feel as if my problems are nothing compared to many of you who are fighting back against very difficult odds. Since I have been blessed with good health, I can see that I take many basic things in my life for granted. I applaud all of you who bravely keep going despite illness, injury, and disease. You all are heroes for just getting up in the morning and living your lives while wearing a smile. May God bless all of you and I know that God is proud of you!!!

I am the sister of Jason, the founder of this website and personally know what an encourager he has been all of his life. He never complains! I admire and appreciate Jason and his life! His prayers have helped me and kept me going through the years. He is a real blessing to me and I thank God that he's my brother. May God bless you Jason and everyone who reads this in the coming year and always.

Love 'ya J,

Your sis,
Catrina

I have found writing to be a wonderful way to "spit it all out". I have dealt with a seizure disorder since I was 11, and when I was 25, I was in a terrible car accident. I have had to deal with some limitations most of my life, and serious disability for the past 5 years. My encouragement is let it all come out in writing. I call my stuff poetry. Writing is a gift, and people who read my writing are envious of my talent. This talent is an aftereffect of my horror story-life. Disability is understood to be a bad thing, but I wouldn't exchange my trauma for anything, because it has made me who I am, and I'm pretty wonderful. Disability is only a negative if you allow it to be so. I refuse to do so.

khakidoodle@atl.mediaone.net

Lone Ranger,
Karyn

I really thank you for having an outlet for people who need encouragement, if you were to look at me you would think that I did not need any but the fact is I do. I just happen to hide it very well but even now I still feel as though I have to keep on a smile and make a good showing even though I should be able to express my feelings openly, so I thank you.

Hi, My name is Paula. I have spina bifida. i been reading all the emails people have sent 2 ur web address, n it is very insprational. i always complain about bein in a w.chair n all that, but when u read/hear about people that r worse off than u r, it makes u feel grateful that u r what r n nothing worse. Thoughout my life i been picked on n all that, u would expect it from people that dont know nothing about u, n that u look diff from them... ive learnt that if people dont accept u 4 what u r then there just not worth it. Every person with a disability is the same on the inside as any1 else. n if anything were more powerful n have more courage than any so called "normal" person. yeh sure we mite look diff, but where all the same, if anything were better! haha. I live my life just the same as any1 else. i go out have fun, i dont stay at home n feel sorry 4 myself, what the ? 4? god made u the way u r, n eventually u have 2 accept it n start living. when i was younger, i used 2 go 2 the hospital 4 check-ups n stuff all the time....u know what? i dont even go anymore. everytime i did they all say u need this operation that operation etc. If my parents were the type 2 listen 2 everything the docs told them n go thru with the operations, i guarantee u, id b a vegetable. throughout my life ive had 4...i guess u can say im 1 of the lucky 1s. i know some1 else with the same disability n same age as me n last time i saw her was like 5 years ago, she had like 35-40 operations, n she is no way near as healthy or better off than i m. i dont know about other disabilties, but no matter how many operations u have, there never gonna make u any better or make u walk again, so whats the point of putting ur body thru all that?...there is none. i was looking 4 info on spina bifida when i came across ur site, i have my days when im depressed n think "y me" n all that, n yesterday was 1 of them. im in the chat rooms alot n i met this guy on it. i been talkn 2 him like 9months now, he never knew i had a disability....i never told him. We talked on the fone 4 5 of those months n We got 2 close without really knowing eachother in real life, he wanted 2 meet n i just kept on putting it off making excuses n stuff, till 2 months ago i had the courage 2 tell him. i told him.... it took him a while 2 accept it, he was devastated we didnt talk 4 a while. He finally learnt 2 accept it n wanted 2 b with me.....we made like so many plans, then 1 day he tells me his got a kid with some1 else?, I havent accepted it, i dont think i will, all i know is that god bought this guy 2 me 4 a reason n that reason i still have 2 find out. above all, we'll always b real good friends. ....Things like that make u think, if u werent in a w/chair would the outcome of been different? but in my case i doubt it., other people get involved in ur life n things happen.......anyways life goes on. god puts alot of obstacles infront of us, n u know what? ...all of us people with a disability know how 2 cope with it better than the so called normal people....its a case of been there done that. anyways i just wanna say that this is a really good site, God Bless!

If I could, I surely would
Stand on the Rock
Where Moses stood
But, that Rock
Was Moses' Rock
And, my rock
It is not.

If I could
I surely would
Walk on the Water
Where Peter walked,
But, that was Peter's
Walking Water
And, I must walk
On my own water.

We all want to do
What someone else did,
But, God makes us
Each one...unique
And, we can't be
Somebody else's
Testimony...
For some of us are...ham...
And, some are...
bologny.

And so, I just give in, .......
And, On The Lord Depend .......
For, He Is My Dearest Friend.......
And, Whenever I Need Him.......
His Grace He'll Send.

This New Day

Each morning...before
I put my feet
On the floor
I softly say
"Thank You, Lord
For this new day
You've given me,
And, We'll review it
Tonight
Before I go to sleep.
I tenderly place
The seconds, and minutes
And hours
In Your Hand
And, We'll walk it through
According to Your Plan
And, my only request
All day through
Is...for You To Know
"I Love You."

My Christmas Wish..."Every Christmas"

I wish that I could go and see my brother
I wish that I could go and see my sister, too
I wish that I could go and put my arms around my mother
And for a little while.......just be.......with the ones
Who...ALWAYS LOVED...me.

Dear Lord, I know they're with You in Heaven
I know they're as happy as they can be
But Lord...Only You know how much I miss them
And so This Christmas-Time, would You spend a little
extra-time.......with me?

And instantly I heard His Answer
And, The Sweet Holy Spirit I could feel
As He said, "My Child, I'm always with you...
And, this Christmas-Time, I'll be with you still."

O you brothers, go and see your sister...
And tell her you love her today,
And, you sisters, go and hug your brother ...
For tomorrow, it may be too late,
And you children, if mama and daddy are still living...
Go and put your arms around these Prescious Ones,
For only God knows...Who will be in this world tomorrow...
But if we're a child Of God, we'll be here until our work is done.

Hi Jason,

There are so many good people in this world, and you're one of them. I'm so proud of what you're doing via the internet. You help so many people and I don't know of anyone that has a better attitude than you. You have a kind, giving soul and I'm proud to be your aunt.

Love you bunches,
Carla

Sometimes I get discouraged and don't know what it is that God plans for my life. One day this poem came to me and I eventually put it to a tune. Now when I start to feel like I have no way to contribute to the world because of my challenges, I sing this to myself as a reminder that I want God to use me in the way that's BEST, not necessarily the way that's easiest.

What Plans?

What plans do You have for me?
It's all so confusing.
Am I to do great things for You?
Or be slightly amusing?
I pray to You most every day.
I yearn to be so close.
Please reveal Your will for me;
though not that I may boast.
Please use me in the way that's best
and may I be content.
Give to me a patient heart.
I'll know it's heaven sent.
What plans do you have for me?

May God use each of you in the way that's best for furthering His work and to the benefit of His Kingdom!

Lori Anne

I lost my 9 year old son on December 12, 2001. He had always been sick. He had cerebral palsy, was blind, had seizures, had reactive airway disease, and severe developmental delay. But he was a loving, happy child. He was my whole life. I was with him 24 hours a day. The hardest part is that he died in my arms and all I can ever see is his little fingers turning blue and his eyes glazing over.

Vickie Carroll
216 Tremont Drive
Shelbyville, Tennessee 37160
vikcarroll@aol.com

*Lets all pray for her.

What If He Hadn't Come

What can I ...DO?
What can I...SAY?
Where can I...GO?
Where can I..STAY?
I can KNEEL DOWN...
ON MY KNEES.
I can SAY "J E S U S "...
"HELP ME, PLEASE!"
And, I can ...GO ANYWHERE...
My SAVOUR.......LEADS!
And, I can ...STAY ANYPLACE...
IF HE'S...WITH ME!

When we lift our eyes...toward Heaven,
Our cup...HE'LL SURELY FILL!
And, the "ONLY" thing...
We can ...DO FOR GOD,...is just to ...
"DO HIS WILL !!!"

Now, I can't do what you do,
But, I can do anything...God wants me to.
And, I can't sing like you sing,
But, I can try to praise my Savour's Name.
And, I can't pray like you pray,
But, I can talk to Jesus every day.
And, I can't testify for you,
For that my friend...is for you to do.

And, when we lift our eyes toward Heaven,
Our cup He'll surely fill!
And, the only thing we can do for God...
IS JUST TO DO HIS WILL!!!

HI JASON,

I WANT TO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SENDING ME THE BOOK OF RESPONSES FROM YOUR WEBSITE. I FEEL SO UNWORTHY OF SUCH SPECIAL ATTENTION. YOU ARE AN AMAZING PERSON AND I AM PROUD THAT I HAVE HAD THE CHANCE TO KNOW YOU. I MISS YOUR SWEET SMILE. I HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN. MAYBE I'LL RUN INTO YOU AT SAM'S OR WALMART.

I KNOW THAT THIS WEB SITE IS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN THROUGH INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS. I THINK THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED NORMAL ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE THE BIGGEST DISADVANTAGE OF ALL. YOU TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO LIVE. WE GRUMBLE AND COMPLAIN ABOUT LIFE AND IT'S MANY OBSTACLES. THE WHOLE TIME WE ARE ABLE PHYSHICALLY TO DO ANY THING, BUT COPE WITH LIFE. IT'S LIKE GOD SAYS OK I'M GOING TO SEND OUT MY SPECIAL PEOPLE TO SHOW THE UNTHANKFUL HOW TO LIVE. THEN THEY CAN SEE HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME OBSTACLES AND LAUGH THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH AND ALSO TREAT OTHER PEOPLE WITH KINDNESS WHILE YOU HANDLE EVERYDAY CARES...OH YES YOU ARE INDEED AN INSPIRATION TO THE LIKES OF ME.

AND I LOVE YOU A BUNCH.

LOVE YOUR STYLIST,
NANCY

I'm Thankful for the Lord

I'm thankful for the Lord...I Praise Him every day.
I'm thankful for the Bible...I love to read from it and pray.
I'm thankful for the little church...where we go to worship on Sunday,
And, Lord, I'm Thankful for Your Prescience with me today.

I'm Thankful for my family ...I pray for each one, every day.
I'm Thankful for my husband, ...He tries to live God's Way.
I'm Thankful for our children ...Each one is a special treat,
And, I'm Thankful that our grandchildren...are soooooo SWEET.

Hi Jason, I hope your Thanksgiving Day was wonderful, as mine was. Lots of food, and children coming to visit. Last Sunday at church, our choir director said he wanted to hear from everyone at least to tell one thing they are Thankful for. I think most of us did. The lady next to me said... I'm Thankful for the Lord. I praise Him everyday. That was a special blessing to me, and I added some words of my own for the above song. Jesus is the best gift in our lives. God Bless you and your family.

Jean

We are thankful for so many blessings. We are thankful to God for the salvation of each one of the family. As your favorite song says, "I Know My Name Is Written There." ---What a joy to know that!

We are thankful for health and strength, for our country and the freedoms we enjoy, that God has supplied all our needs and much more, for our church and church family, and for very good friends.

We are thankful for each one that makes up our precious family. We are thankful that we enjoy very happy family times together, like preparing the Thanksgiving meal together. What a joy to hear the happy chatter of a happy family.

You, Jason, are one of God's greatest blessings on us. You are a joy of a son. We are very, very, thankful for you.

With Much Love and Thankfulness,
Dad and Mom

Hi,

This is your mail carrier Eva, I have just enjoyed viewing your web site.
I was impressed!!!!
Happy Holidays and God Bless.
I will see you Next week.

Eva

Memo from God

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: THE BOSS (God)
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years. Maybe you are just stuck at home full of worries, or Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
Should you decide to send this to a friend; Thank you! You may have touched their life in ways you will never know!

What Do You Know For Sure

Every Night, Before I Go To Sleep,
I Talk To God, and, Hear Him Speak.
His Dear Words, May Bring The Tears,
As His Sweet Presence, Calms My Fears.
He Puts Me To Sleep.
He Wakes Me Up.
He Says On You, I'll Never Give Up!
He Sees Me When I Kneel And Pray.
He Even Tells Me What To Say.
He Walks Beside Me Every Day.
He Leads Me In His Loving Ways.
In Life, The Question is What Do You Know For Sure?
And, I Say Lord, I Only Know I'm Yours.

Hi Jason! I finally taken out time to write you hoping to be a blessing to those who have disabilities, and other health problems or anything I could do or pray for those that need spiritual help. We need to pray for each other all the time. The Bible tells us to pray one for another. And we surely can't go wrong when we obey the words of our blessed Saviour, can we? For Jesus went through with all pain and agony more than any other person would have done, or could have done. So I give God all the glory!

Now let me tell you Jason how much of a blessing you have been to me and your sweet little prayers you have prayed for our home, and our spiritual needs, and physical needs. We love you Jason so very much until it's almost unspeakable and full of glory.

So once more, I want to tell you just how much I love your sweet little smile. I want to tell you how much I enjoyed walking with you when we would get out and walk together through the beautiful woods and pick up pretty shaped rocks and little wild flowers and hickory nuts and whatever we could find to keep for souvenirs. Also, I remember how you would spend the nights with us and I would read your favorite little storybooks. One of them was "The Gingerbread Man" and another one was "The Three Bears" and many more. I'll never forget these happy precious memories.

And after all, I want to say that God has made all of these things possible for us all. And He is still our guide, our fortress, our leader and our all in all!

I have had operations, more than one, and it was Him who brought me through because I have trusted in Him and I have asked Him to help me carry my cross, until I get home. Then I will trade the old cross for a crown! Praise God and rejoice in His word!

Jason, I am your grandmother and my husband is your grandfather and I am your next-door neighbor. I am seventy-nine years old and your grandfather is seventy-eight years old. We are still able to attend church and work for the Lord.

Well I may have surprised you by not having told you who I was Jason, but I tell everybody how dear you are to us. So may God bless and give you good strength and health is our prayer for you. Keep up the good work that you are doing and keep praying for us.

You are surely helping so many people. You will surely receive a crown laid up for you Jason!

Love always,
Grandmother and Granddaddy

How Far Away is God

How far away is God?
He's as close as the raindrops
falling on my head.
He's as close as the warmth of the sun
shining on my face.
He's as near as the wind
blowing through my hair.
He's as close as the morning dew
when I walk barefoot across the grass.

How far away is God?
How far is He ... from me?
He's as near as the air
that I breathe.

How far away is God?
How far are we apart?
He's.......RIGHT HERE
IN MY HEART!

How far away is God?
He's as near as ... a tear,
a prayer, a thought, a song,
a smile, a glance, a handshake,

How far is He ... from me?
He's as near as I want Him to be,
BECAUSE HE LOVES ME.

What Can I Do

What can I...DO?
What can I...SAY?
Where can I...GO?
Where can I...STAY?
I can KNEEL DOWN...
ON MY KNEES.
I can SAY J E S U S ...
HELP ME, PLEASE!
And, I can...GO ANYWHERE...
My SAVOUR.......LEADS!
And, I can...STAY ANY PLACE...
IF HE'S...WITH ME!

When we lift our eyes...toward Heaven,
Our cup...HE'LL SURELY FILL!
And, the ONLY thing...
We can ...DO FOR GOD,...is just to ...
DO HIS WILL !!! ;

Now, I can't do what you do,
But, I can do anything...God wants me to.
And, I can't sing like you sing,
But, I can try to praise my Saviour's Name.
And, I can't pray like you pray,
But, I can talk to Jesus every day.
And, I can't testify for you,
For that my friend...is for you to do.

And, when we lift our eyes toward Heaven,
Our cup He'll surely fill!
And, the only thing we can do for God...
IS JUST TO DO HIS WILL!!!

I have just read all of the messages written by people who are suffering, who are in need of hope and some who are offering encouragement. I am overwhelmed with the many responses to this web site. I go to church with Jason and just knowing him gives me encouragement. I am not physically afflicted, but I have learned your soul can be terminally ill if you don't know Jesus. Thank you Jason for giving me your web site card, for your warm smiles and for being such an inspiration to us.

Derenda

Encouragement language and Philosophy is a power toolbox to have as it used the belief system to motivate from within. With the troubles we have today with our children disabled or not encouragement language can solve a lot of problems that inspires alternative ways of doing things.

One question I do have with the Encouragement system is, ... is the school system ready for the consequences with highly motivated pupils who develop intelligence and do not believe in failure but mistakes are creating new learning opportunities? Where I live in New Zealand teachers advise parents of this system or bribe students with rewards (where does pride in a job well done taught here) but do not accept the consequences of encouragement. To the teachers annoyance, this is where I step in and the kids love it.

After studying it and using the system for five years with fantastic results not just with my children but others, I have just received the best news ever that two children who come from controlling families that I teach oral language to, have shown great improvement within the classroom. The message I give them and I write it on their hands is Believe You Can and they ask me for this message often even though it is not washed off there hands as it gives them a smile. Not only do I Talk the Talk but I Walk the Walk because I believe that action speak louder than words. Now here is the challenge with the School System for intelligent believing mentally strong and wonderfully spirited motivated Kids! Accept them as people!

Best Wishes to you all,
Jill Foster

Pretty Flower

Pretty flower...looking back at me,
Tell me, can you see
What's going on inside my head?
I LISTENED, and the pretty flower said...
Take no thought for tomorrow
Or neither what you'll do.
God takes care of me,
And He will take care of you.

See the lillies blowing in the wind.
They never toil, nor do they spin,
And yet, King Solomon
In all HIS GLORY!
Was ever arrayed as ONE OF THEM!

So take no thought for tomorrow
Or neither what you'll do.
God takes care of me,
And, HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.

So you thought, you could get along all by yourself
And now, you're wondering why, everything's going wrong.
Why don't you ask Him back into your life, where He belongs.

And, take no thought for tomorrow...or neither what you'll do.
GOD TAKES CARE OF ME,
AND, HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU.

Smile...God Loves You

SMILE...GOD LOVES YOU.
Why should you feel blue?
SMILE...GOD LOVES YOU,
That's why a frown won't do.
SMILE...GOD LOVES YOU,
And, when someone lets you down,
DON'T GIVE IN,
STILL WEAR A GRIN.
SMILE GOD LOVES YOU.

HE LOVES YOU, all the day,
And, HE LOVES YOU, through the night.
HE LOVES YOU, when you're wrong,
And, HE LOVES YOU, when you're right.
SMILE...GOD LOVES YOU,
WHERE EVER... you may be.
SMILE, GOD LOVES YOU.
SMILE...FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE !!!

WHO GIVES ME A SONG TO SING

Who gives me a song to sing?...Who gives me ;EVERYTHING ;?
Who makes me feel like I've got WINGS?...The ANSWER is.......JESUS.

Who tells the sun when to come up?...Who gives a drink to the buttercup?...
And who keeps me going when I want to give up? The ANSWER is .......JESUS.

Who tells the little birds how to fly?...Who tells the bumble bee just to try?...
And when I'm in trouble...Who says HERE AM I?...The ANSWER is.......JESUS.

Who makes the wind blow strong, and soft?...Who turns the rain...on and off?
And Who SAVED MY SOUL...when I was LOST?...The ANSWER is.......JESUS.

Who gave me a husband dear...And children to brighten ...my life down here?...
But, WHO ALONE takes away...ALL my fear?...The ANSWER is.......JESUS.

Who tells THE FISHERMAN... HOW to catch FISH?...Who says BELIEVE!!!
...Not just wish?...And Who K N O W S...who will THANK HIM...for the fish?

...The ANSWER is.......JESUS.

Hi, my name is Addie and I have MD (LIMBGIRDLE DYSTROPHY). I was diagnosed with it when I was 9 years old. I'm 27 now, but haven't been in a wheelchair but two years. I've got two wonderful boys that I love and take care of on my own have since they were born.

Now, for the reason I'm writing. Your mother came up to me in Wal-Mart and gave me your card. At first, I didn't look at it. Then after a few minutes I did and I was shocked to know that there are people like me out there that want to talk about their disability. I'm so glad you're doing something like this.

My sister and me both have MD, and it's pretty hard on us sometimes, but we get through it. I can't really say just one thing that keeps me going. It has a little to do with lots of things like GOD for one, and my kids, and the fact that I'm a mother and my kids need me. And my family tells me that I try more than most people that's not in a wheelchair.

At first when I found out I had MD, I cried for weeks but then I said to myself, I'm young and I have my whole life ahead of me. I really didn't think much more about it until I got older. When people would look at me when I walked it made me feel like I was no good, like people didn't like me because of it. See, when I walked, I walked on my toes and with a limp. So people looked and I hate to say it, but some even laughed. But now I know people look and laugh because they don't understand. Don't know if this will help anyone but hope it does.

GOD BLESS AND HOPE YOU HAVE HAPPINESS AND JOY.

ADDIE

Hi, I am a best friend of sisters with MD and they are the best friends that a person could ever ask for. I came on this web site to say thanks for caring so much about people with disabilities. There are not many people who understand how a disability can be a hard thing to face everyday. But I live with them and they are doing great. They are in their twenties, one of the girls has 2 very cute boys, one is age 9 and the other is age 2, will be three next month.

So what I wanted to say is that people with disabilities can do whatever they set their mind to do if they want to do it bad enough. Within reason, I know that they get frustrated in life but when you have friends like me and you who care so much they can come on to this web site and read things that will make their day a little brighter, and maybe put in a response to brighten someone else's day as well. I also have an aunt who has MS.

I myself don't know a whole lot about it but I'm living life everyday and I'm learning so much. I have a open heart and a open mind, that I feel the more I learn about people with disabilities the more I can learn to help them with some of their needs. I am a good listener to those who need to talk. And I have a good shoulder for those who need to cry. But either way I am just a good friend to all.

Thank you for creating this beautiful web site and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Thank you for your time and efforts,

May God be with you always,
Patsy.

When you wake up each day...Get up!!!..Pour orange juice in your favorite cup. Then go outside and walk around, and, listen to God's morning sounds. For it's God's blessing,...to wake up!!! Why don't you Thank Him and
L O O K U P, by reading His word,...listening for His voice (a still small voice). And, a sweet day is begun... when.....He's your morning's...
F I R S T C H O I C E. ;

Ever felt that your back is against the wall when faced with a challenge even if you are an able person or not, with statements like You should do this or that, or You have to do this or that. Not very motivating, is it? I personally feel to tell the other person where to go and get his head read.

How about looking into the language of encouragement or motivation! The book Motivational Parenting (written in 1993) was the biggest eye opener for me.

We all can say, I think you can do it, I believe you can give it a go, lets us practice TOGETHER and what do you reckon to this, let's practice or put some effort in TOGETHER.

I guess it is in the delivery of the message or not what you said but how you said it!

I have two hearing impaired children where I use the true form of language of encouragement which I learned from the above book. I have worked wonders with my eldest who is now a high achiever and both my children are asked to encourage the child who falls behind. It reminds me of a saying I have just learned which is based on the Bible. Turn the common structure around and the humble person will receive the rewards and the authoritian receives the bad news. The best gift in the world is oneself.

Here is to bless you with all the encouragement in the world with thought and feeling.

Jill Foster

Dear Friends:

After a rather troubling year that followed a traumatic brain injury sustained after I was robbed in 1999, I decided to resume work by becoming a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army. I made a commitment that I was going to be an encouragement to others rather than be concerned about my needs. I fashioned a blessing that seemed appropriate because it was keyed to making ANYONE feel great!!! Over approximately three weeks, I said this blessing to literally thousands of people throughout the city. In retrospect, this blessing had a more wonderful effect on me as it brought me out of the depression I had been feeling till then. It also brought me to a closer relationship with God for a True Miracle resulted, healing me of the brain injury mentioned previously.

To get to the point, I will write the blessing out shortly. As you are reading it, imagine that whoever is saying it to you believes in their heart that this blessing will come true. Also, imagine that this person is looking you right in your eyes.

I wish for you a bright and beautiful future that is WELL BEYOND your wildest and best dreams!!!

If this blessing has had any effect on you whatsoever, I would be interested in hearing from you.
My email address is: rer3125@netzero.net
Thank you, and I do indeed hope that the above blessing comes true for anyone who reads it!!! God bless you all!!!

I am the mother of a baby girl with Down Syndrome. I really enjoyed reading your web site. It gave me so much encouragement and a different perspective of life.

Thanks,
Mari

THE ROOM

First, a little background on the author that you might be interested in. Procrastinating as usual, 17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting. It was his turn to lead the discussion so he sat down and wrote. He showed the essay, titled "The Room" to his mother, Beth, before he headed out the door. I wowed 'em. he later told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb....it's the best thing I ever wrote. It also was the last.

Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School. Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them - the crepe paper that had adorned his locker during his senior football season, notes from classmates and teachers, his homework.

Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven. It makes such an impact that people want to share it. You feel like you are there. Mr. Moore said.

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997 - the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway Country, Ohio and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

Brian seemed to excel at everything he did. He was an honor student. He told his parents he loved them a hundred times a day , Mrs. Moore said. He was a star wide receiver for the Teays Valley Football team, and had earned a four-year scholarship to Capitol University in Columbus because of his athletic and academic abilities. He took it upon himself to learn how to help a fellow student who used a wheelchair at school. During one homecoming ceremony, Brian walked on his tiptoes so that the girl he was escorting wouldn't be embarrassed about being taller that he. He adored his kid brother, Bruce, now 14. He often escorted his grandmother, Evelyn Moore, who lives in Columbus, to church. I always called him the deep thinker , Evelyn said of her eldest grandson.

Two years after his death, his family still struggles to understand why Brian was taken from them. They find comfort at the cemetery where Brian is buried, just a few blocks from their home. They visit daily. A candle and dozens of silk and real flowers keep vigil over the gravesite. The Moore's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it, Mrs. Moore said of the essay.

She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him again someday. Mrs. Moore said. It just hurts so bad now.

THE ROOM

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read Girls I have liked. I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file names Friends was next to one marked Friends I have betrayed. The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. Books I Have Read, Lies I Have Told, Comfort I Have Given, Jokes I Have Laughed At. Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: Things I've Yelled At My Brothers. Others I couldn't laugh at: Things I Have Done in My Anger, Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents. I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer that I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked Songs I have listened to, I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, ashamed, not so much by the quality of music but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked Lustful Thoughts, I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must eve see this room! I have to destroy them! In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.

Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore People I Have Shared the Gospel With. The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. No! I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was No, no, as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards.

I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, It is finished. I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

I can do all things through Christ whom strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

My People I Shared the Gospel With file just got bigger, how about yours?

*This was emailed to me from my Aunt Carla.

Hello, my name is Sherry-Lynn. My son, Chayse, was born prematurely and in the first few months of his life became very sick from a rare metabolic disorder...just when we got through that, he was diagnosed with C.P. I think the thing that has kept things in the best perspective for me is remembering him laying in the incubator, so small and so sick... We didn't know for sure then that he would make it; last month we celebrated his third birthday! Chayse may not ever walk without support, and he's not likely to become the next great baseball player, but he is one incredible and loveable kid!

I would also like people to check out my site Special Kids Special Needs
at http://www.geocities.com/specialkidsspecialneeds

Thanks and God bless you all!

The song The Solid Rock encourages me.

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest in His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the vale.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

I would first like to say that I consider myself very fortunate to be friends with the designer of this website. He truly is an inspiration to everyone. He is a blessing for me and everyone around him. Jason, I want to thank you for being such a wonderful friend. You ask for people to tell what inspires them or helped them through difficult times. I want to tell you that you inspire me to be a better friend and Christian. You always put my fears and concerns before yours and make me feel better about everything. I am a 21 year old who has been through some terrible experiences in my life but Jason always makes sure that I know he is praying for me and that all things happen for a reason. Even when things are terrible the outcome is always great as long as you have the Lord. I sometimes get too busy and fail to tell you daily how special you are to me. But you are a terrific person and I love you dearly. You have brought joy back to my life when I thought I had hit rock bottom. Thank you for everything. I am extremely lucky to have you as a best friend.

-Erica

I am a 23-year-old college student and a traumatic brain injury survivor. I want to share a meditation that has helped me to keep my thoughts off my disabilities. But first, a little history: I was a relatively normal young girl until the summer after I turned 14. That July, I had a bone-marrow failure, and while undergoing a bone-marrow transplant, I had a violent reaction to a course of chemotherapy. My left kidney failed, the left lung collapsed, and I had a stroke. I spent 9 months in the hospital and missed a year of school. Although I did not think so at the time, in retrospect, I think those were the best 9 months of my life! I had been an arrogant, prideful, self-centered athlete, honors student, and agnostic before getting sick. The experiences I had as an inpatient truly served to humble me out! By the time I was discharged, I had decided there was a God! (I really should not have survived my illness.) I became a Christian 6 months after being discharged, and my new faith helped me to persevere through the medical difficulties I had in my first year back in high school. That year, I spent a total of 3-and-a-half weeks in the hospital. During one hospital stay for pneumonia, I decided to focus on the promise of the resurrection, and I found this verse:

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

The Bible never says what a spiritual body looks like, or what form it will be in. Of course it will not be solid or 3-dimensional; it will be a spiritual body. I love music of almost all types, so I thought to myself, what if the spiritual body is a melody, a rythm, or a note? I know that I will not be the one to choose my spiritual body, but it's a nice thought!

Jason:

I hope you have a great year during 2001, and continue to be the encourager that you have been to so many people. It is such a blessing to be your pastor, and to see all the good work you do not only for the people of our church, but for total strangers.

May the Lord bless and keep you, may His blessings always flow your way.

Pastor Larry
Cedar Creek Baptist Church

We pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving too. We are thankful that we have a friend and brother as special as you are and we're thankful to be a Christian. God has been so good to us. Praise Him for His grace and mercy toward us.

Love,
Rose and John

Find something that you really enjoy and let it be your life preserver. Grab hold of it and never let it go.
Set a big dream for yourself and keep it in mind. Do anything and everything to help yourself get there.

I just wanted to add this tidbit to your page. I almost began crying as I read about everyone's triumphs and tribulations. My father who passed away one year ago suffered from an illness called Sarcoidosis. He was 43 years old when he passed. My family was devastated when we found out how sick he really was.

My little brother who is now 14 and myself spent lots of our time caring for his father. The disease he had affected his lungs and major internal organs. He lived on oxygen and after awhile was no longer able to walk. What blessed me about my father's illness is that until the day he died, he never stopped living. Always active in church, always an active part of my families lives. He never lost faith and he never stopped believing.

I want to encourage everyone reading this right now that God will take care of you until the end, no matter how sick or how down trodden remember that God is a healer. I learned through my Father strength, faith, and perseverance. If anyone reading this page knows anyone with Sarcoidosis, or if you suffer from it yourself, please feel free to email me at shidap@yahoo.com

There are wonderful support groups out there that not many people know about. I also am here to encourage. Jason, you are a wonderful person to put a web page out there that moves people like this one. God bless you!!!!

Your web page is wonderful, I was browsing the internet looking for words of encouragement and I must say I am glad I came across your web site. I am an African young lady doing my final year of studies in Philadelphia. Sometimes I feel lonely and most of all I miss my family a lot. Now I feel like have found invisible friends and family on your web site. Thanks to all of you who have been able to write those great words of encouragement.

I thank God that I have no disability or any sort. He has given me healthy organs like any other normal human being, but I want you to know that you should always be grateful every single minute you live. There are people who were born blind, and never been able to see God's creation, the beautiful nature, rivers, mountains, babies, and etc. If you're reading this you've seen all that. Others were born deaf, never been able to listen to nice songs or even converse. Be grateful and blessed...God loves you.

The following its an encouraging message from a card which was given to me by one of my dear friends the day I left home for Philadelphia.

Don't Quit

When things go wrong
as they sometimes will,
when the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low,
and debts are high,
And you want to smile
but have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.....
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell
how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar,
So stick to the fight
when you're hardest hit
It's when things go wrong
that you must not quit.

Last and not least, I would like to ask each one of you to pray for my brother who for a long time has suffered severe pain on his back. Sometimes it's too severe that he can't sleep for days. Doctors have given him contradicting suggestions and he fears that surgery on the spinal cord might paralyze him for the rest of his life. I believe in the power of prayer, so, don't quit praying.

My email is amusyoki@aol.com
Feel free to write anytime. Thanks Jason and all of you who have been able to share in this web page.

Anne

Hi. Check out http://www.jakewalksagain.com

Everyone had a story to tell about how they met with an accident, how it brought misery to them, and how they are recovering. My life itself was a tragedy when I was 21. I met a divorced man and fell for him. He married me and happily lived with me for 4 months. He crawled back to his ex-wife and left me with a child in my womb. I have been disabled since then. I lost hope in life. I lost trust in people. But, after delivering my son, Goutham, I have been having a sweet life with him. He is 5 now and I am 27. I have gone through battering, scolding, insult, and mental torcher. I think God always had a plan for each one of us.

He is taking care of us in some way. After going through all these difficulties, I have become a better person today. I am much matured in thinking than my friends of my age. My son means a lot to me.

Someone out there has a lot of love and care for us...... GOD!

Your website is wonderful and inspiring. I learned of it from a delightful friend of yours, Erica. She told me all about you and you sound pretty special yourself. You obviously have a talent for making people happy!!

Just a friend

I was created to activate, educate, motivate, stimulate & validate all minds to conquer Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) disabilities\challenges, they occur every fifteen seconds or in excess of 2 million a year, will you be next? A fact, Wal-Mart & Pilot Foundations & Southern Arkansas University (SAU) recruited me because of my TBI, have sponsored my quest to be the best; '93-'94!

I had open-heart surgery at 4, one of the first successful operations in Little Rock, Arkansas.

In 1977, I was hit by a pickup truck while riding an illegal 3 wheeler.

My head rammed into the truck hood, denting the hood, I was knocked out and in a coma for about 3 months. Through Gods' Grace I pulled through, and under went 3 months of intensive rehabilitation, during that time I had to relearn everything down to the most basic function.

For more information:
http://www.geocities.com/shaun_best_2000/personalpageblue.html

Just a note to let you know I didn't forget you. I saw you and, I think, your mother at Sam's about 3 weeks ago. She gave me one of your cards, and I promised myself I would send you an email. Thank God I don't have a disability. Old age aches and pains, but nothing like you have to go through. In fact for about 10 years I was on the other side completely. Let me explain. I have been an Elk for almost 30 years. I belong to a lodge in Hanover, PA. The major project of the state of PA is raising funds and supporting 21 units of help and encouragement to those individuals with disabilities. I served on local, district and state committees that raised the funds to keep these units on the road. A unit consists of an R N and a vehicle. And the 21 units cover the state of PA. Originally the committees where called CP fund raising committees. The name has been changed to the Major Projects fund raising committee, but does the same thing, or maybe more, because they now cover more and more of the disableling diseases. Well that's about it for a start. I hope this note finds you and yours well, or at least as well as can be expected.

Regards and God bless........Bob Rutters

Hi! I'm a university student and just surfing the internet right now. I think that your homepage is really meaningful and helpful, and it would encourage all people with disabilities and people with sicknesses!

Although, I'm not the one with disabilities, my shoulder has been dislocated 4 times before. Anyway, my shoulder has recovered (I hope it will not happen to me again). But I would like to say hi to all of you, and I want to encourage all of you. Don't worry, Be Happy! God Bless you always!

I know that some of you are having serious sickness. Still, be an optimist is much better and happier, okay?! Well, I just wanted to write out my feelings, and tell you that you have a great web site... well done.

Take care all of you.......BEST WISHES!!

My ex brother-in-law has cerebral palsy and will be 65 years of age in October. He had a cerebral hemorrhage when my daughter was only 6 months old so that would have been in 1961. He is totally dependent and presently in a nursing home. Since my ex father-in-law died, my ex brother-in-law has been slowly fading, losing strength. He used to feed himself finger foods. He read the Bible daily when he was younger. I taught him how to say God, Gig (my son's middle name) and Lydia (my daughter's name).

I will soon be 60 years old and starting over yet again. This time, financially devastated. I am trying to work on a book about my recovery. That is itself is a misnomer because I will never totally recover. At my age, I have gone back to school twice to upgrade my skills and become more marketable. However, at my age, too many people don't want to hire me because I cannot offer at least 6 months to 2 years on the job experience doing what I do.

The irony is, I built my entire web site after having only THREE online HTML web design lessons. I am the person people call or write to for troubleshooting their computer problems. I did help to establish a corporate office for a transportation broker. All that I did does not count because it was only for 90 days. Tell me, where is the justice?

I would love to hear from other traumatic brain injury survivors, especially if they are a high level TBI which is what I am and what Barbara Mandrel is. There has been too much negligence and abuse in my care. Being a nurse, I understand what should have been done, what was done wrong, and have current doctors who back up my thoughts. It is too late to sue anybody. Therefore, I need to get the book out there to help others who may be going through the same issues I have gone through.

Please write to me at this email address:
texasclassic2@hotmail.com

I plan to establish another address for TBI's to write to me.

Thanks and you may view this private page. It is part of the book I am working on. The wording is not really in order. I just rambled one day. However, it will all come together soon.
http://www.flash.net/~moonltfl/index11.html

Also, read the information following this message. It is about my web site.

The only thing that keeps me going is knowing God is always with me. I praise Him for the comfort and protection of my dog, Princess. You may read about her at these web site addresses:
http://home.flash.net/~moonltfl/index3.html
http://www.caninetimes.com/Articles/CarolineBigl
erOnAWingandAPrayerWithNoSpare.htm

God has blessed me with many talents. I appreciate the gift of writing and utilize it to keep my sanity by journaling and processing what I write. Many of my poems and prose come from my journaling. And I have been able to better understand different valleys in my life during the initial recovery phase of my injuries. John 14:1-5, "Let not your heart be troubled." I have to remind myself of that sometimes. Even today, I have trouble dealing with setbacks. It can be very frustrating. Brain injuries are not an insult to the body that can be healed and forgotten about. It is an ongoing reminder of someone else's negligence.

Carolyn (Caroline)...a.k.a. Moonlight Flower

Please visit her award winning web site (over 20 pages) and sign her guest book.
http://www.flash.net/~moonltfl/

You may read some of her poetry that she has posted at this site. Enjoy!
http://www.thestarlitecafe.com/c/s.dll/base/search.cgi?nam
e+Moonlight+Flower& sort_by=6&from_poem=yes

Thank you and God bless you!

This song Where There is Faith by 4Him encourages me.

Where there is faith, there is a voice calling Keep walking, you're not alone in this world. Where there is faith, there is a peace like a child sleeping, hope everlasting in He who is able to bear every burden to heal every hurt in my heart. It is a wonderful, powerful place...Where there is faith.

I was born and diagnosed with OCD my freshman year of high school. I was 16 at the time and I thought that my hormones were going wild. It wasn't fun. It really scared me, and my mom was concerned. I had an anxiety attack one day on the track and it affected me to the point where I was unable or too scared to eat lunch because of the chemical imbalance. I had unwanted thoughts in my head and that made me lose my appetite.

I see a really good doctor once a month (the same one that my guy friend goes to) and he prescribes me with medicine that I must take on a daily basis. I am now 25 1/2 years old. Before I was diagnosed, I had to see a psychologist for a period of time. As the days went by, I got more and more comfortable with her. She helped me slowly build up my self-esteem. I got so close to her that I hugged her like I hug my mom.

My positive thought is Think positive, and you will be fine. I got that quote from a celebrity whose name was Zachery Ty Bryan. He played Brad Taylor on the once hit show, Home Improvement. I loved that show. It was fun to watch and made me laugh, and laughter is the best medicine.

Hello! My name is Naomi Miller. My purpose for writing this email is to encourage others who have had to face physical obstacles in life. It is about my husband of 44 years. He has a very debilitating disease known as rheumatoid arthritis, which keeps him in constant pain. He has always been a hard worker and a good provider, which he took great pride in. He worked for 33 years as a field representative in the heating and air conditioning trade. I watched as he got worse and more crippled everyday. It broke my heart to see him suffer this way. The last five years that he worked was a desk job, which he hated, but suffered through it to take care of his family. On November 10 1994, while on his job, he suffered a heart attack but with our faith in God his heart surgery was successful. Two years ago he was diagnosed with an aneurysm of the aorta and had another surgery to repair it. Through all of this he never lost faith in God or in his ability to overcome these physical limitations. His hands our so unusable and his fingers are so twisted that he cannot use his computer keyboard. Now for the encouraging news... He installed voice to text software on the computer and built me a web site. So, regardless of your situation or your physical limitations, you can be productive. Never give up or lose hope. Since he had to retire on disability, I went to work fulltime in a large grocery chain. He built this web site for me to be able to generate some extra income, so that I could be home with him. I did not write this letter to be a commercial, but I certainly would appreciate a visit to this site and an email to let me know what you think about it. I will certainly read your email to him, which I know will encourage him.
Thank you for reading this, and please say a prayer for us.

Naomi Miller

My email address and site URL are located below.

For all your Gift, Jewelry and Home Decor needs; please visit us and use our secure site to order. All major credit cards accepted. http://www.lorinagifts.com/
email: lorinagi@lorinagifts.com

I like your site! I can tell that you put a lot of work into it. It's good to see that you have had so many hits. I bet it is cool to see messages of encouragement from people all over the world.

I would like to share a message that encouraged me. My major course of study in college is Physical Education. This has enabled me to be able to work with several guys and gals with disabilities. Through this work, I have learned that the disabilities I worked with were actually strengths. The Bible says that with pain and sorrow comes perseverance. I strongly believe this. Though you might not be strong on the outside, your strength lies within. I tell all the folks that I have worked with the same thing. Your mind is a powerful tool, Jason. Take all the problems that your disability causes you and change them into advantages. Most people running around this world don't have the first clue about establishing a web page; most people don't know how to write properly (very good grammar on your site!). I hope to see you some this summer, though it will be a busy time. Remember, anything that's easy to accomplish isn't worth having...and life isn't easy. Hope to see you soon.

Brian

This is something that I have been meaning to do for sometime. I visit this website often because my best friend is the designer. Whenever I get down in the dumps I come here and read about other people's experiences and count myself lucky. Jason made this page to inspire and encourage other people to overcome any obstacle they may face. He asks people to write him about what encourages them or inspires them. I want to tell everyone that Jason is what inspires and encourages me. He is always there to listen to what ever I have to complain about. He always puts my fears and concerns before anything else and he makes me believe that anything is possible. Jason, you are absolutely wonderful and I thank God that I have a friend like you. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and for all the prayers. When I think that things are at their worse, Jason always seems to brighten my day. Whenever you get down, always remember that there are people in this world like Jason that care and will do anything in their power to help. People like Jason are an inspiration to us all. We should all strive to be more like that. Jason, I love you. I know I get too busy and forget to tell you daily how special you are to me but I am very thankful to have you.

-Erica

This writing of Hannah Whitall Smith encourages me:

I had a vivid experience of this one time in my spiritual life. The Twenty-third Psalm had, of course, always been familiar to me from my nursery days, but it had never seemed to have a special meaning. Then came a critical moment in my life when I was sadly in need of comfort, but could see none anywhere. I could not at the moment lay my hands on my Bible, and I cast about in my mind for some passage of Scripture that would help me. Immediately there flashed into my mind the words, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. At first, I turned from it almost in scorn. Such a common text as that, I said to myself, is not likely to do me any good ; and I tried hard to think of a more recherche' one, but none would; come; and at last it seemed as if there were no other text in the Bible. And finally I was reduced to saying, Well, if I cannot think of any other text, I must try to get what little good I can out of this one and I began to repeat to myself over and over, This Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Suddenly, as I did so, the words were divinely illuminated, and there poured out upon me such floods of comfort that I felt as if I could, never have a trouble again.

...Let me entreat you, then, to begin to trust and to follow your Shepherd now and here. Abandon yourself to His care and guidance, as the sheep in the care of a shepherd, and trust Him utterly.

Hannah Whitall Smith
From the book, THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

Hello, my name is Mandy and I recently found an old friend from high school named Jason. :) I must admit that I always took for granted the little things in life when there are others who struggle daily for the things that I can do, yet complain about. I have been taking care of my grandmother for the last 8 years and realize what it is like to watch someone slowly lose there abilities each day and it makes me thankful that God has given me a half way decent body to help others who can't help themselves. Anyway, I want to thank you Jason for coming into my life and just knowing you and all that you can do is a blessing and a living testimony for me and the others around you...always Mandy

Hi, I recently met the designer of this website (Jason) and from what little time I have known him, I have already learned what a kind and generous person he is. He has such a great and positive outlook on life. And when he told me about his web page, and I came here and read all these responses, I was shocked. These are some of the most wonderful and inspirational responses I have ever read. I don't quite know how to explain the way they made me feel, all I know is I they made me have goose bumps and I didn't leave here with dry eyes.

In the past few months for me, I have been experiencing some internal battles with myself. I started a new job back in September of 1999 and since then my job has take me away from my church on numerous occasions. And believe me I have started feeling the effects of it. I mean I have been to church my whole life, and you can't just do something for 18 years and just stop and expect yourself not to feel any kind of effects at all from it. I have noticed a great change in my attitude toward people and just a difference in how my everyday life goes. I have been working on getting my life back together for the past couple of months, things are starting to go better but they still aren't like they were before.

There is a particular song that I think about when I get down and depressed. The name of it is The only Real Peace here are the words.....
Life is a few days of trouble, a wise man once said;
but I'll not complain for I'm sheltered I'm clothed and I'm fed.
Through many the trials my wants and my dreams put me through,
and the only real peace that I have dear Lord is in you.

Chorus: The only real peace that I have dear Lord is in you;
The only real peace that I have dear Lord is in you.
Through all life's frustrations, I need you and I know I do.
Cause the only real peace that I have dear Lord is in you.

The higher I soar in my dreams the harder I fall;
And sometimes I've wondered if dreams are worth dreaming at all.
But my disappointments can't keep me blinded and blue.
Not when I am reminded of the sweet peace I have Lord in you.

That song means so much to me and it brings tears to my eyes every time I sing it. I would just like for people who might be feeling down and depressed to know that God is the only real peace, and He can bring you through your darkest valley's and most troubling times in life. He is your BEST FRIEND no matter how you may feel. All you have to do is call on Him and He will reveal His glory to you. I let God into my heart on September 14, 1997 and ever since that day, life just has not been the same. And I am proud to say that I am one of God's Children.

Jason, thanks for your kind words and great inspiration, you have really made me look at things in a whole new perspective since I met you. Keep up the good work, and God Bless! If anyone would like to e-mail me and give me any other kind words of inspiration please do so my e-mail is blueice@alltel.net
I'd love to hear from you! Thanks...
Taron (jellybean_31401 on Yahoo Messenger)

To anyone in need of encouragement...

Whenever the Lord brings me to a desert in my life, I think of the finished product of needlepoint. On the top, which our Lord always sees is the beautiful completed piece. We only look at the underneath of the piece which is full of threads and looks like such a mess. But praise God that He sees that finished piece from above. As in Romans 8:28 says, All good comes to those that love Him.

Right now, I am facing a Wave runner accident that happened on September 5th, 1999. I suffered a torn rotator cuff and a severed ACL ligament in my knee and broken ribs. I am a forty-six year old very active woman. It is now March 28th and I am still in physical therapy and have faced 2 surgeries already. I cannot work because I stand for a living so I have been home for 6 months. My quite time with the Lord really has increased and so has my prayer life. I know that He allowed this in my life for only good. In Psalms 91 He tells us, Because He loves me, says the Lord I will rescue him. I know my Savior loves me and I love Him and only good will come of this. I hope this helped or encouraged someone.

God Bless,
Maryanne

I have Multiple Sclerosis

http://hometown.aol.com/babydo624/
Nancy's Place

I would really like to give the Lord all the glory because He gives me strength when I need it. My wife is going through a battle right now with her health. She is a strong Christian but the battle is getting her down, if you know what I mean. We pray together and believe that God has already healed her but she still has a problem or weakness believing through. Praise God she asks me for prayer when she needs help and we together we get the victor over Satan lies. The Lord gives me scriptures to use and to stand fast for my wife. We have to keep on keeping on for Jesus! Amen! I believe the Word is true and no weapons formed against us will prosper. Praise be to God. God said if we only believe we shall have what ever we ask for. I love to encourage people about what Jesus can do for them if we only believe in what the Word says.

God Bless you for your ministries
A brother in Christ Jesus, Dion
Please answer back if God leads you! I would love to hear from you all.
My email address is: digb@eaznet.com

God's love never ceases. Never. Though we spurn him. Ignore him. Reject him. Despise him. Disobey him. He will not change. Our evil cannot diminish his love. Our goodness cannot increase it. Our faith does not earn it anymore than our stupidity jeopardizes it. God doesn't love us less if we fail or more if we succeed. God's love never ceases!

from Just like Jesus by Max Lucado

This song encourages me:

No, Not One

1. There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No, not one! no, not one!
None else could heal all our souls diseases, No, not one! no, not one!

2. No friend like Him is so high and holy, No, not one! no, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly, No, not one! no, not one!

3. There's not an hour that He is not near us, No, not one! no, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us, No, not one! no, not one!

Chorus: Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! no, not one!

Smiling is infectious,
you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner
and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realized
I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile
then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine
could travel around the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin,
don't leave it undetected
Let's start an epidemic quick,
and get the world infected!

Keep the smile going by sending this on to a friend.
Everyone needs a smile!!!

I am 41 years old and I've had Spastic Paraparesis since I was about 4 and a half years old, it happened so gradually nobody could tell when it started.

My life couldn't possibly be better, because of what my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done in me, since I asked him into my heart on January 15, 1985. You can read about all he's done in my life at:

http://members.tripod.com/~guzdziol/tmony.htm
Please feel free to email me at guzdziol@tripod.net
I will be happy to reply.

Joe Guzdziol
Evergreen Park, Illinois

TRUE STORY

Tramatic Brain Injury

Hello, my name is Blaine Stanziana and I have a head injury story that I will live for the rest of my life. On May 1st, 1979 at the age of 21, I was in an Industrial accident in which I received a head injury. Several months after this head injury I began to hallucinate (events from my past would appear in front of my eye's, I would even recognize them) and dry heave terribly.

I began to see doctors who could find no explanation for these events that now took over my life. Now on July, 1st 1988, I took a gran-mal seizure while working up on a deck some 6 feet from the cement floor, I fell back head first causing numerous injuries including a subdural hematoma, and a second brain injury. Now in 1990 I finally began to get some answers, the period between the two head injuries when I was hallucinating and dry heaving (1979 to 1988), I was taking Complex Partial Seizures, doctors have estimated that I took over 35,000 of these seizures, the 1979 head injury had given me epilepsy that went undiagnosed for 11 years. Not one doctor ever asked me if I ever had a head injury.

I have emotional problems, mood swings, I have nightmares, and a balance problem. In July of 1998 I was walking with my wife down our street to our home, I lost my balance and fell on my right arm. It was fractured so badly that I was in surgery with in 12 hours; they had to drill 4 pins into my bone coming up thru the skin all hooking to a metal bar for some 55 days.

Now the last week of February of 1999, I thought I had developed a cold in my neck, so I was putting hot and cold packs on it for a week or so. Then I began to notice that my left arm was begging to go numb and was loosing strength. So I went to the doctor who ordered an MRI of my neck. When he received the results of the MRI, he immediately phoned my wife and I and said to get to his office as soon as possible.

When we arrived he told me to sit down that he had terrible news, he pointed out that vertebrates C-4, C-5, C-6, and the disc for C-7 had degenerated away so badly that a sudden stop in my car could have broken my neck, this being a result from my 2nd TBI accident 11 years ago, he ordered emergency surgery. He pointed out that without the surgery I was within weeks from a being in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. They removed the three degenerated vertebrates and the bad disc at vertebrate C-7 they replaced them with 3 inches of bone taken from my left leg, the operation was 4 hours long and took place in March of 1999. I had to sleep in a chair for almost two months, I wore 5 different neck brace's for 5 months.

The operation that took place on my neck in March of 1999 had done damage to my vocal cords, I had been talking very hoarse for over five months. Now I had to have laser surgery done on my vocal cords so my voice would return back to normal. I'm glad everything worked. GOD Bless.

I have learned one thing from all of this, it is,

A Head Injury Comes With A Life Sentence.

Blaine Stanziana
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Recently my mom and I visited a local nursing home. We received many encouraging messages for my site. It was a pleasure talking with them. There were many loving people there. With some help, I asked them what encourages them, or what keeps them going, or what advice they would have for others. I will use their first names. Sometimes we missed getting a person's name, but I have included all the messages.

James said, Having reminders around encourages me. Like the Cross I have on my bulletin board, and this (holding up the laminated printout of the 23rd Psalm we gave him.) You know the Cross on my bulletin glows in the dark. I like that.

We also met a very talented singer. He is blind, but he does not let this hinder him. He said, I sing in the church services at the nursing home. I also go to area churches when I have someone to take me. He also visits with his friends at the nursing home.

C.Y. (Carl), originally from Harriman, Tennessee who will be 87 in June was a Deacon and Sunday school teacher at the South Hammon Church. His daughter gave us information about him. She was glad his message was going to be on this site. He is retired from Union Carbide, and before he got sick could make picture and mirror frames and many other things. His daughter also said Carl has one great, great grandchild. We also go to talk briefly with him. When we showed him a copy of the 23rd Psalm, he said, Oh yes, He's a good Lord. Oh yes, I couldn't make it if I didn't have the Lord.

Vera said, I have had a stroke, a heart attack, and cancer. Thank the Good Lord, I'm going to a better place. Praise the Lord. We have to trust Him and praise Him. We have to love one another and pray for them. You gotta live it.

When I asked one lady what encourages her, she said, Someone like you.

Another lady, as she was reading the Bible verse, The Lord is my Shepherd. turned and said with assurance, He's mine, too.

Louise said, What keeps me going is Jesus Christ. Take everything to the Lord, and you'll be alright.

Bertha, mother of six children said she worked on a farm. She said she knew what it was to work. I was saved when I was sixteen years old. I'm telling you right now, I will never forget it. I always went to church and I took my kids to church.

Charles said, What keeps me going is Christ Jesus. If it weren't for Him, I couldn't make it one day. I have lung cancer, emphysema, and a lot of pain. The way I get through the pain is I think of what pain Jesus went through on the cross. My pain is nothing like what He went through for me. I think of all He gave for me.

When we told Connie about my web site, she said, Go to it, son! Stay with it! I worked for the Lord all my life, and if I had it to do over, I'd do it again. I went to church all my life. And I know I didn't come here for nothing.

Pauline said, If it weren't for the Lord, I couldn't make it. I had to have a leg took off. I am diabetic and had sores on my foot.

After reading a verse of the song What A Friend We Have In Jesus we gave her, Monteen said, I have to carry everything to God in prayer. I want to!

One lady told us she had been very sick. She said, I have been praying off and on all morning. The Lord knows all about it.

Margaret said, I read the 23rd Psalm every day. Even if it's midnight when I read it.

Another lady said, I came close to dying. They said I had three days to live, but I came out of it. And I've been changed over it ever since. Me and the Lord are gonna make it this time. There's nothing like the Holy Spirit.

Willie (May?) said, I am 94 years old, the oldest of nine children. I'm the only one left. I love reading my Bible, even though I have to use a magnifying glass to read it. I like to go to the church services they have here Wednesday and Sunday. The good Lord has been good to me. I try never to lay down with a bad feeling on my mind.

When we went in to visit one lady, she had her Bible in front of her on a tray as she lay in bed. She said with a smile, I keep my Bible with me everywhere I go. I love it. When I go meet a friend, I take it with me. It's the only book I read.

Hi, I was just reading some of the stories that are posted up and I just want to say that YOU ARE ALL GOD'S REAL MIRACLES!! I think that this web site is truly inspiring and I want to wish everybody good luck and don't ever lose the faith!

Tina

From Mom

In a recent sickness, I learned that I need to approach God and life with open hands. I should constantly be open to His plans for me---not part of the time, but all the time. And also that I should not go in my own strength, but in His strength. As the Bible verse says, When I am weak, then I am strong. I thought I was already living this commitment, but it was not nearly as full and consistent as it should have been.

The two main things He has shown me to do is to love everyone more than I ever have and to pray for people more than I ever have throughout each day.

I'm a writer for Disability Life Magazine, a new bimonthly.

Would you be interested in contributing? I'm looking for a variety of disabilities, as long as the person can correspond by email---this is how I correspond to gather material for my articles.

Disability Life is circulated nationally, and we love to print photos as well.

Deadline for next issue is MID APRIL. Please feel free to email me with an uplifting personal experience to tell, who has any kind of disability. Disabilities I have written about so far: hearing impairment, blindness, amputeeism, mental retardation, schizophrenia, asthma, multiple schlerosis, spinal injury, facial disfigurement, Huntington's.

Please feel free to email me at Zantarra@aol.com

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Lorra Tamplia

Your life and your web page is a tremendous blessing to me. Words cannot express just how much you mean to us and to the church. If we're in trouble spiritually, physically, mentally, we call on you to intercede for us and it is so comforting to have such a precious friend like you that cares about everybody needs and their hurts. Thank you Jason for everything and being led by the Holy Spirit. We love you deeply. May God continue to bless everything you do.

Love,
Rose and John

Hi, Jason has been such a blessing to me and our entire church. He always comes in with a smile and a warm hello to everyone he meets. When we get up on Sunday morning and in just a few minutes we can be ready to go, and not think about our friends who have to take a long time to prepare just to be able to make it to our service it should humble our hearts. When I stand in the pulpit if it is to just make an announcement or deliver a sermon, as I look out over the different faces, I can count on Jason to be paying attention. Not only does he help in the worship services, but he is always eager to make posters or anything else that will help our church. Over the entrance to our sanctuary is a computerized poster that reads WELCOME TO CEDAR CREEK . This was made by Jason, it is just another way he has found to make people welcome, when they come to worship with us. I am proud to be called Jason's pastor.

Pastor Larry, Cedar Creek Baptist Church

Christmas is coming in two days. What a wonderful season to think about our position and to think about Christ's position.

He was and still is the most important person to every come to this earth. He is the KING of all kings. He could have been born in another time where sanitation and the best equipment was present. He could have had the world's best physicians to care for His mother and Himself. He could have had dignitaries visit from all the foreign countries to bring Him everything that a man of such merit was worth. HE COULD HAVE HAD THE BEST. Instead, He chose to come to earth to fulfill what prophets of old foretold. He never complained, He never whimpered. Even as He died on the cross, His big concern was for His mother.

I sure wish I could be more like Him. I pray everyday and ask Him to help me be a good example to others, just like He was. I ask Him NOT to take my burden away from me, but to be able to have His help to bear my burdens. He has never let me down. When no one else is around, late at night, and I am in pain, He stands beside me, and lets me know that He is there.

Since I last wrote about having facets disease, I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I have gone blind in the right eye a few times, and have had Myocleptic Muscle Spasms, that are very painful. I have gone septic and almost died and recently found out that I have an enlarged heart.

I really do believe that the Lord never gives us more than we can handle. The secret is to call to Him in the darkest moments of your day and night. Ask Him to bear your burdens. He will never fail you.

On Christmas Day, when you have a few moments, take time to think about the poverty and unsanitary conditions Christ was born into. He could have had it all, yet He sacrificed for us and choose a different route. Anything we have to bear is NOTHING compared to what He endured. He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane bearing our burdens, so much that he bled from every pour. He was baptized into one of the filthiest rivers ever in existence. He went without food or water for forty days and forty nights. He always thought of others no matter what His situation was.

May we all try to be more like Him in the millennium. May we pray for each other and for the doctors and researchers. May we think of others before ourselves.

I pray that I may be more like some of you. Your testimonies of Christ in your life are beautiful. We really have it the easiest. We have something to pray about every single day. Other people don't have it as easy as us! LOL

God bless each and every one of you that reads these words, especially you Jason, for starting this website.

Love,
Roberta
rscohrs@aol.com

Last night on December 11, a close friend of mine broke his back after falling 60 feet off a cliff. He severed his spinal cord at the 12th vertebrae and will never walk again. He is the loving husband and father of 2 young girls. He is a fighter but he will need help overcoming this challenge. My circle of friends and myself would like to help him but we will need some help.

Anyone with any input on how we can help our friend would be greatly appreciated. mcole@westburylife.com
Thank you.

I am 19 years old and have lived with Spina Bifida all my life. I used to get real upset when there were things that I could not do that other people were doing. But now that I have grown up a lot I realize that there are a lot of things that I can do that not many other people can do so I don't feel bad when I see people doing things that I would like to be doing. My family has helped me realize that there is always a purpose to life. I am not exactly sure what my purpose in life is but I know God has a plan for me. So I thank God everyday that I am alive and that I have a very great family that sticks with me through thick and thin. I have realized that if God didn't think I could handle having this disability he would not have gave it to me so that means that he thinks I can handle it so I am going to do my best to show him that I can and not give up on myself.

Dear God,
I want to know
Exactly how to Pray.
I need some Words
Which ones are right?
Please tell me what to say.

I've bowed my Head
I have Knelt down,
But ... should I be Upright?
I've Closed my eyes,
I've Raised my hands,
Or ... should I Fold them tight?

Do I stand up?
Should I sit down?
Dear Lord ... what do You like?
Are Lights turned On
Or are they Off?
Maybe ... Candle Light?

Wear my Glasses?
Take them off?
Be at my desk or table?
Should I Whisper?
Speak out loud?
Do I quote the Bible?

What do You think
About the Time?
Do You prefer the Dawn?
Should I Pray Fast,
Or keep it Slow?
Better Short ... or Long?

I'm New at this
What are the Rules?
I want to do it Right.
How do I know
You'll even hear
That I am in Your sight?

And while I sat there quietly,
Waiting for some sign,
I Heard a Gentle Voice Say
Oh, dearest Child of Mine ...
Do you think I really care
About the Time of day,
Or whether you are Standing up,
Or Kneeling when you Pray?

I don't care about your Posture,
Or about the Place you choose;
Just open up your Soul to me,
I have no other rules.

Tell Me what is in Your Heart,
And tell me what you Seek;
Tell me of your Sorrows,
And of those things that made you weak.

Speak to me in Private
About what concerns you most;
I know about your Good Deeds ...
You have no need to boast.

My Child, You don't need Lessons,
Just Talk to Me each day;
Tell Me Anything you want, dear child,
Anyone can PRAY.

~author unknown~

WHAT CANCER CAN'T DO

Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith, it cannot eat away peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot reduce eternal life,
It cannot quench the spirit,
It cannot lessen the power of resurrection,
Though the physical body may be destroyed by disease, the spirit can remain triumphant. If disease has invaded your body, refuse to let it touch your spirit. Your body can be severely afflicted, and you may have a struggle. But if you keep trusting God's love, your spirit will remain strong.
Why must I bear this pain? I cannot tell; I only know my Lord does all thing well. And so trust in God, my all in all, for He will bring me through, what'er befall.
Our greatest enemy is not disease, but despair.

Source Unknown

I like the idea of encouraging one another.

Hi! I love to tell you words that encourage me. Here it is. Love is Patient; Love is kind; envies No one, Love is never boastful, nor conceited, not rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense. There is nothing Love cannot face; There is not limit to its faith, it's hope, and endurance. In a word, there are three things that last forever; FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE but the greatest of them all is LOVE.
First Corinthians 13. These are the greatest words ever written.

Also, the Ten Commandments also encourages me greatly. Laws to live by.
Thank you for thinking up such a wonderful page. God bless you.

Mercy.

I have so much to be thankful for. We have a very healthy family now. About 2 years ago my husband had colon cancer and had to have treatments for about a year. He was doing good and had a bicycle wreck. He hit face first on the highway. Taken by ambulance to hospital, we got home from work and couldn't find him. Finally we called the hospital and he was there. He had to have about 200 stitches in his face and head, and in ICU for 3 days. He comes home after a few days. People like my nephew Jason was praying for him and he begin to heal. Six days later our son Andy went for a late evening bike ride and we received a call from a deacon in our church saying that Andy had been hit by a mini van and had to be lifeflighted by helicopter to the Baptist hospital. I thought this was a joke because I was spoon feeding, bathing, dressing my husband and trying to get him back to health. Andy had to have a lot of operations, and was soon able to come back home. I am thankful that I had people like Jason and family praying for me. I never could have made it without them. The Lord is so good. We had a lot of friends bring food, and helping take them to the Doctor. Thank you God, thank you God. Jason is a great prayer warrior. Thank you Jason.

Charlotte (Jason's Aunt)

Some things I am thankful for is my family who have done so much for me and I'm thankful that God saved my soul and all He has done for me.

Hi, My name is Brenda, and I would like to say I am Thankful For All Gods' Blessings, Family, Health, Life and Life Eternal, food, clothing and shelter. I am also Thankful for Jason and what he means to me and our entire family and church family. He is a great person to know and a great person to have praying for you for whatever you situation might be.

Jason said in his preface that his web site was for people with disabilities for encouragement. We all have disabilities in some form or another, and throughout our lives they may be greater at some point than others, but God carries us through. I thank God for the valleys of my life, because I can surely recognize and appreciate the mountaintops.

To Jason and all the people who have written in to you, keep up the good work and may God continue to Bless and Keep You!!

Love,
Brenda

May you know, in your heart, that others are always thinking of you.
May you always have rainbows that follow the rain.
May you celebrate the wonderful things about you.
And when tomorrow comes, may you do it all over again.

May you remember how full of smiles the days can be.
May you believe that what you search for, you will see.
May you find time to smell the flowers,
and find time to share the beauty of you.

May you envision today as a gift, and tomorrow as another.
May you add a meaningful page to the diary of each new day,
and may you make living happily ever after . . .
something that will really come true.

And may you always keep planting the seeds of your dreams.
Because if you keep believing in them,
they'll keep trying their best . . .
to blossom for you.

~ Collin McCarty ~

All of the messages were very inspirational and they help me to be more aware of what difficulties exist for people with disabilities. I will be praying for you and all of the people that wrote to you, that you all can stay focused with your work, and that God will continue to be with you and your computer contacts that this form of encouragement can go on and on, and that there will be lives touched everywhere, whether there is a spiritual, physical or mental challenge or not, and that we would all strive to do what the Lord would be pleased with and that we would all work to Glorify God.

Changes
Written by Sonya Black
August 28, 1999
Revised September 19, 1999
Revised September 26, 1999

Disability is an abrupt, apprehensible, unexpected, unrequested, unpredictable, startling, and stunning thrust into change. Feelings, emotions, health and even the future change. To become disabled is to become changed.”

Becoming disabled is easy, just be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Recovering from your disability is what will take all your strength and courage, recovery is as tumultus as a hurricane. Rehabilitation is the eye of that storm. A creative rehabilitator helps you fight the damaging winds of injury and surf the wave of recovery. Art can also be a rock to climb onto in a storm. Art can be applied to your healing, it allows for anger, but it also expresses hope. Art in any form can help you along the road to recovery.

On December 23, 1998, I started my day the same as countless others. I left for work. I was blissfully unaware that I was to become yet another highway casualty. My car was hit head on. The force of the impact shoved the engine block back two feet, severely breaking both my ankles. My right ankle sustained a simple break requiring minor surgery. The left ankle was so maimed that amputation was the suggested treatment. However, my physician and I decided to attempt reconstruction and rehabilitation. The first step in beginning rehabilitation is to accept your new limitations. Now, like an alcoholic at an A.A. meeting, I must admit to everyone, and most importantly to myself, that I am changed; I am disabled.

Going home is the next step in the adjustment process. What used to be simple, everyday activities can now become almost impossible tasks. It is very difficult to become dependent on others for everything. Emotions can rage out of control. The murky waters of depression can rise to dangerous levels. As that slow drowning begins, self-pity is the riptide that pulls you further from shore. Desperation and feelings of failure are the weeds that grow from the muddy bottom. They can reach out and coil around you, pulling you even further below the surface. Art is a buoyant raft that can pull you back to the shores of life. Art can give hope where none can be found.

My life raft was a cross-stitch project. The creation of art allowed my mind to expand and express inner feelings in a tangible form. Art became my friend, my savior. In art I found a way out of my desperation.

I started with a blank piece of Aida cloth, a fabric canvas, a collection of threads, and an idea of what I wanted to create. Over time, as each stitch was placed, a picture began to emerge. I fashioned a stone-paved walkway, meandering through a peaceful garden toward an arbor-covered entrance. The path is bordered with fields of flowers, awash in subtle, natural hues, bowing slightly to an imagined breeze. In the eye of the scene is a warped gate hanging slightly askew from its hinges. Extending from the portal sides is a worn picket fence, the posts covered in ivy. Among the variegated ivy leaves a wisteria vine, its velvet textured lavender petals in full bloom, entwines itself along the archway and majestically reaches for the heavens. Billowing clouds gently dot the luminous blue sky. I can almost feel the gentle caress of the wind on my skin and smell the sweet nectar emitting from the abundant flora. A sense of tranquility washes over me, a peacefulness as welcome and needed as a spring rain.

It is hard to remain focused when the process of healing is so long and difficult. It is helpful to have a focal point to concentrate on. Art is an excellent aide in recovery. As I started rehabilitation, I used my cross stitch as a guide.

Just as cross stitch needs a counted number of stitches to complete the picture, rehabilitation requires many small steps to reach a specific goal. Cross-stitch relies on a wide variety of color, form, and shadow in order to develop into art. Recovering from an injury will require the efforts of many people, but most importantly, your own determination. Together, the colors of thread and the placement of stitches create an art form. Collectively, the members of a rehabilitation team can help you obtain recovery.

I am now nine months into my therapy with each new accomplishment no less significant than another. I began in a wheelchair, and through many small steps, now require only a cane. Soon I will walk without assistance. Throughout the entire process I visualized a cross-stitch sampler. Each goal that I obtain is another completed row of stitches. There are still many blank areas of my picture, but as I progress to my final rehabilitation goal, I envision the entire sampler, and a way of life that was once familiar to me.

I would hope that anyone suffering from a debilitating injury will find comfort in an art form. Art has many faces and can be found anywhere. It can be looked at, touched, or created. Art is a malleable form of expression. It tells stories of fear, anxiety, hope, and success. Recovery is a long, hard task and art can help you accomplish it. Allow art to comfort you, hold you, or carry you up the road of recovery. Allow art to tell your story.

Rehabilitation is a new beginning. It is a chance to regroup, an opportunity to design your own future and set your own goals. It is guidance, help and caring from knowledgeable people. Rehabilitation is a pathway out of the pit of disability and desperation. Rehabilitation is hope. Rehabilitation is life.

I am not experiencing any discouragement in my life, I don't have any physical disabilities. As a matter of fact everything is going good, but I want you to know that there is hope in Jesus. This is not just a cliche'. This e-mail was sent to me by mistake because I don't know the person who sent it or any of the people on her mailing list; but I believe that God works everything out for His good.

I hope that everyone that is reading this will give Jesus a try. He might not remove any trials that you are going through but he will give you peace in the midst of your storm. The difference is in our attitude. Instead of asking why me ask why not me. There is always someone else who is worst off than you. If you don't believe me take a look around at those who are dying from aids, cancer, homelessness, life in prison; no family who cares and then those who don't have access to a computer to receive encouragement messages.

So be encouraged, no matter what you are going through, He will make it all right but you've got to be strong. Hold on, troubles don't last always. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

Hello, I have a ministry of encouragement...I make gift baskets. I call them Encouragement from the Heart ...About 1 1/2 year ago, I was praying for 3 ladies that had cancer and I believe the Lord spoke to me to make encouragement baskets. I told the Lord I did not have the money to do that. He told me he would send sponsors. As of today, I have made about 140 baskets, given them away to people that need encouragement. The way the Lord has provided is a miracle. Thanks for letting me share this with you.

GOD BLESS,
Linda

It was some years ago, but it is still a vivid memory to me. We had just moved into our new mobile home and as two disable guys we were feeling very independent. We both used wheelchairs to get around and this was a big step for us.

We had been settled in for about three months and Thanksgiving was upon us. What a great time to celebrate our new lifestyles with our friends. We invited some friends over for a Thanksgiving feast. We would supply the setting and the turkey and they would bring the side dishes. All plans were set and it was going to be an outstanding dinner.

About a week before the big day we went shopping and picked out a nice 17 pounder, (Turkey that is) . We brought it home and put it the freezer. All was going well at this point.

The day before the feast I stayed home from work to start the preparations and to play a little music; I was a closet musician in those days and was in love with my keyboards. About noon I decided to move the bird from the freezer to the sink to start the thawing process. We had left it in the paper bag the store had put it in. I grabbed it by the top of the bag and started to move it to my lap. The plan was to move it from my lap to the sink, but to my horror it fell out of the bottom of the bag and to the kitchen floor with a thud. Ok no problem. I reached down to pick it up but soon remembered why we left it in the bag. I had nothing to get a good grip on, it just kept moving and sliding around. I tried cornering it and spent some time playing bulldozer attempting to roll it to a corner, but it had a mind of it's own. When I pushed it this way it would move that way, when I pushed it that way it would move this way. Finally, I got it to a corner. I leaned over to slide it up my legs and on to my lap, but it was still too slippery and too heavy. It just sat there. It would take a better plan. Ok you !#@ Turkey ! , I was getting a little upset now.

After some thought, I had an idea. GET A ROPE! I could hog-tie it and slide it up onto my lap. To this day I don't know what possessed me to think that a rope was going to work but I was desperate and just a little challenged by then. I got the rope and had it cornered. Ye Haw! , this cowboy was going to get him a Turkey! I tied the rope around the turkey and started to pull it up my legs. One inch, two inches I was beginning to have hope. My hope was dashed as it got away and ran across the floor. I chased it around again and this took a few more agonizing and anger raising minutes. I cornered it again and started the process all over with the same results. I attempted this method three or four times. By now an hour had passed and I was really upset. Mother would have washed my mouth out with soap if she had heard the words I pronounced on that #!@ turkey.

After some more thought, I had another idea. GET A RAMP! I could build a ramp and roll it up then move it to the sink. I got my plastic transfer board that I used to get in and out of my car and my manual wheelchair. The plan was simple, I would lay my wheelchair back, and this would lower the seat and allow a lesser slope. Good plan, I should have been an engineer. I got it all set up; the wheelchair, the board, and after a short chase the Turkey. The plan was good except for one small problem, the chair had wheels, Dah! The name wheelchair should have clued me in. Each time I pushed the Turkey up the ramp the chair would roll away or the ramp would fall. My attempts were many but to no avail. Oh, that *#!@ turkey had won! I was a humbled, emotionally drained, independent individual. I sat there knowing that when my roommate Tim came home, he would make fun of me. I was by then in no real good mood. About 6 pm I heard the sound of the Paratransit bus pull up, he was home. I had to face the music. Now Tim is one of those guys who could read people well. When he entered the house he could feel my mood. What's wrong ? he asked. I hesitated at first then broke down and told him the complete story. Leaving nothing out in hopes he would have pity on me. He did. He simply stated that it was ok and Lee, our friend was due over anytime and he would help.

All worked out well, the turkey made it to the sink, and we had a grand feast. By the way, that turkey was one of the tenderest birds I ever ate. And I won!!

H Cherney

JESUS HUGS

Have you ever had a Jesus hug?
Do you know what one feels like?
If you've never had a Jesus hug,
I pray one day you might.

A Jesus hug is different,
As far as hugging goes;
It's a little taste of Heaven,
Here on earth below.

Only those who love the Lord,
Can give a Jesus hug;
It conveys God's grace and mercy,
And unconditional love.

Those who give out Jesus hugs
Always seem to somehow know
Just when you're in need of one
To make your spirit glow.

And if you ever need one
I hope that I will see,
So I can give you a Jesus hug;
Just like someone did for me.

by Jan McIntosh

A new commandment I give to you, that you love
one another; as I have loved you, that you also love
one another. By this all will know that you
are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34 (NIV)

http://www.users.bigpond.com/lrb2/
If anyone would like to write, my email address is lrb2@bigpond.com.
I will answer.

I am 54-year-old Christian with cerebral palsy from Australia. I would like to encourage all disabled persons never give up. My favorite Bible verses are Romans 8:28-32

GOD BLESS,
Laurel Bennet

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.

Then the second tree said, someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.

Finally the third tree said, I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter. And he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard. The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to be-coming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsman said, I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and women came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said, Peace and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

On the subject of looking for things to encourage us: It was said of the wonderful writer Celestine Sibley that she could see the extraordinary in the ordinary events of life. Celestine in one of her columns wrote: You have to look sharp, you have to pay attention to catch the small quiet, often fleeting blessings and know them for what they are.

When we invite Christ into our hearts and become Christians, Christ said He would be with us always. Knowing Christ is with me always--no matter what--is my greatest encouragement.

*This came from my friend in Egypt. He has been reading a book entitled A Gift for God. It's about Mother Teresa. Here are his thoughts.

In one chapter about faith, she shared about suffering. We are all suffering. Mine may be very different with yours, but we are experiencing it for real. So from time to time I have to turn to our Creator, to find comfort, because who else could give it to us? Sometimes I am so confused, angry, and frustrated to find the answer. Why? Why couldn't I live my life as the other ordinary and simple people? Every time I turn to God in my helpless state, my anger, my sadness, my confusion, my frustration, and my joy. Sometimes He gives me the answer, sometimes He is just quiet. But He is always there all the time. And I am learning that is enough. Easier to say than done, right?

Here's an excerpt from the book entitled A Gift for God.

I think, dear friend, I understand you better now. I am afraid I could not answer to your deep suffering. I don't know why, but you to me are like Nicodemus, and I am sure the answer is the same - Unless you become a little child.... I am sure you will understand beautifully everything - if you would only become a little child in God's hands. Your longing for God is so deep, and yet he keeps himself away from you. He must be forcing himself to do so, because he loves you so much as to give Jesus to die for you and for me. Christ is longing to be your Food. Surrounded with fullness of living Food, you allow yourself to starve. The personal love Christ has for you is infinite - the small difficulty you have regarding the Church is finite. Overcome the finite with the infinite. Christ created you because he wanted you. I know what you feel - terrible longing, with dark emptiness - and yet, he is the one in love with you. I do not know if you have seen these few lines before, but they fill and empty me:

My God, my God, what is a heart
That thou should'st so eye and woo,
Pouring upon it all thy heart
As if thou hadst nothing else to do?

This was published in the May 5, 1998, issue of The Stanford News:

*My friend from Egypt sent this to me.

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And liberty and justice for all! Amen!

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, That's what's wrong with this country! Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.

Really? my son asked.

Cross my heart. Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes and my soul is good already.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

by Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more. I would
have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet
was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living
room and worried much less about the dirt when someone
wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my
grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled
up on a summer day because my hair had just been
teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a
rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not
worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching
television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried
by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of
pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern
if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was
practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to
last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd
have cherished every moment and realized that the
wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in
life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have
said Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.

There would have been more I love yous .. more I'm
sorrys ... but mostly, given another shot at life, I
would seize every minute...look at it and really see
it... live it...and never give it back.

*In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.

I went back and looked over all of the new posts on your page yesterday and was very impressed. You seem to be reaching some very powerful people. I always consider people that don't give up, and decide to deal with life as it is, as being very powerful. And reading some of the posts on sites like yours keeps me very humble. All I have to do is read about the circumstances some others are dealing with and I think of how lucky that I really am. I guess things could always be worse, huh?
Bob

*Bob sent me this poem to put on my web page. Someone else had sent me this poem but I thought it was so good that I would post it again.

At Day's End

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through,
Is there anyone to remember now a kindly word of you?

Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped another person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does the one whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?

Did you waste the day, or use it? Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say,
You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you've done today?

*This email came from Bob who previously sent an email to this site. If you would like to contact him, his email address is Bjohnsen1@aol.com
He asked that when people contact him, to put in the subject line Jason's Page so he will be sure to see it.

THE BLESSING IN NO

I asked God to take away my pride.
God said No .
It is not for Me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said No .
Her spirit was whole,
her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said No .
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said No .
I give you blessing,
happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said No .
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and bring you closer to Me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said No .
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked for all the things that I might enjoy life.
God said No .
I will give you life so that you might enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me love others,
as much as He loves me.
God said Ahhhh, finally you got the idea .

I, like some other people who have posted messages on your page, am trying to reinvent the wheel called me . Being that I was held prisoner in bed for so long, with the only the use of one arm, the computer was about the only thing that I could try to learn something new with. When I started I had no idea of what I was going to try to do, because I really wasn't familiar with the Internet. I did have some experience with computers in my work but it didn't give me any exposure to the Internet, so it was all rather new to me. And with the extra, added problem of all of the pain I was in and the nausea that I felt every time I tried to read something (due to a concussion) it was a very slow process. I still don't claim to know all that much about the net, but I have learned how to use it for what I need it for. The main function for me is trading on the stock market and communicating via e-mail with friends. As far as my career as a trader, I still have a lot to learn. I even wonder some times if there really is any real logic that can be applied to the market, being that there are a lot of Old Time experts that seem to be scratching their heads as much as I do in these unusual times. Anyway, this still looks like the best bet for me because on my bad days, if I can at least get to my computer, I can still get in the game. I have come to the realization that I doubt very much that I can ever hold a job again, and starting another business of my own just seems impossible. When I ran my own company before it took about 150% effort and dedication, which I can no longer muster on a regular basis, so I have stopped kidding myself and moved on.

*This email came from Bob who previously sent an email to this site. If you would like to contact him, his email address is Bjohnsen1@aol.com
He asked that when people contact him, to put in the subject line Jason's Page so he will be sure to see it.

Hi, my name is Roberta, I am 44, and living in a K.C. suburb. I have Facet's Disease both in my back and my neck. It causes excruciating pains in places that you wouldn't think you could have pain. Sweet Jason encouraged me to visit this site again. I cannot fathom what so many of you go through. It has been three years since I have been diagnosed and I am just now accepting the fact that I MAY have pain every day, 24 hours a day, for the rest of my life. Funny, when I finally did accept it, I quit putting my life on hold, I quit saying, I'll wait until I feel better. That day may never come.

I did meet a doctor that came down here from Mayo's and he is thinking about burning the nerves to the Facet's, leaving me unable to feel pain in those joints. I am praying about this now, and if any of you have experience with this procedure, please write and tell me if it was a good decision.

No matter what happens, I do have a strong faith in the Lord. He has taken me this far, and I know He will continue to lift me up. When I try to handle all this on my own, I fall short, my life is a mess, and I end up giving myself a pity party. I know we all have those every once in while, but the Lord has given me strength beyond normal bounds.

I have a hot rod walker on wheels. Amazing how handicapped people all stop each other and talk. What a great way to make friends. My best to each and every one of you and if you know anything about burning nerves to facet's, please email me at rscohrs@aol.com

Love,

Roberta

GIVE THANKS

Dear Child,
When good things come into your life,
come to Me and give thanks,
When financial and material blessings
come to you, give thanks.
When you wake on an autumn morning,
and the air is cool and filled with promise,
and your eyes are amazed by the awesome beauty of
My creation, give thanks.
When your loved ones are gathered close
and your heart is filled with the joy of their company,
give thanks.

But when the trouble comes,
when questions crowd your mind,
when those close to you have let you down,
when the skies turn dark and help seems far away what then?
Then, too, give thanks.
Know that I am in control.
Thank Me, knowing that in spite of what you see with your eyes,
I am working my will in every situation.
That I have promised never to leave you
nor forsake you.
That I love you and very near - nearer than your tears
and nearer than your trouble.

In good times, your thanks will flow
from a heart of gratitude.
In difficult times, your thanks will flow
from a heart of faith.
But all the time give me thanks.

Your faithful Provider,
GOD

Just want to share interesting words, which I read from an inspirational book lately.

God's love never ceases. Never. Though we spurn him.
Ignore him. Reject him. Despise him. Disobey him. He will not change.
Our evil cannot diminish his love. Our goodness cannot increase it.
Our faith does not earn it anymore than our stupidity jeopardizes it.
God doesn't love us less if we fail or more if we succeed.
God's love never ceases.

God loves you the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way.
How relieving, comforting and encouraging don't they? May God's grace be with you always.

Having Cerebral Palsy should not prevent anybody from becoming a productive member of society...

Hello, my name is Yvonne and I am wondering if you could add my web page, http://home.att.net/~ysinger/, to your web page.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at YSINGER@WORLDNET.ATT.NET

Thank you,
Yvonne

My name is Bethany Bakely and I have Down Syndrome. I want to encourage first time parents to be a part of their children's lives because I know it's hard to raise a child who is handicapped and you need to know that your child loves you and you should always be there for them and love them. You should know that even though your child may be handicapped that they will love you forever.

Hi! I was reading some of these stories and I think that this page is wonderful and I hope more people will know about it.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer (I was 23). I was fortunate enough to require very minimal therapy and was told that my cancer was highly treatable! Nonetheless I was frightened and this had changed my life forever! I could not sleep thinking what if and maybe I was lucky this time but what about if a recurrence should occur and what if I will not be so lucky then???? Well that is what was keeping me from going on and being free. I felt as though I was robbed and my youth and free spirit was gone. The cancer was gone but my morale was scarred. Until recently I was out with a friend and we were driving to go shopping. We headed out on the highway (my friend was driving) when I noticed that some other car was going to cut us off, so I warned her to be careful this car didn't see her and sure enough he cuts us off! We tried to avoid a collision by trying to change lanes and that is when the car stared swerving and doing 360's (I only remember praying oh God this is it, this is where it ends, I just pray for my family to be given strength to go through this). The car took 3 impacts all by the passenger side hitting a parked truck on the shoulder of the highway. We were treated on the scene and taken to the hospital where we spent the next couple of days. We came out with cuts and bruises and soreness that will take some time to heal but it will. Oh boy, did I do some thinking!!! Life is so short you surely never know what will happen and what could happen in a split second. Life should not be wasted on what if cause this is what is; life is beautiful, please live it!!!

Hi, Thanks for your website. Forgive me, I don't remember your name, but mine is Shelley, A.K.A. The Blindlady. I hope that qualifies. One of the best medicines I've tried for my situation is humor. I invented this alter ego when I wrote The Blindlady Rap back in 1992. Here's a list of things I recently developed. I think some of them may apply to those with other disabilities.

BLINDLADY BENEFITS:
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, you can read in bed without disturbing your mate or without your parents finding out.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, if you accidentally bump into someone, they apologize.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, you can actually get good service at fast-food restaurants.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, you can get into the Sears Tower for half price.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, you can take your dog to work.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, you have a good excuse for getting people to hang the toilet paper so that it rolls over the top.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, you can usually sniff out the best places to eat and easily find the produce section at the supermarket immediately.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, people offer you a seat on the bus regardless of your age.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, people actually stop at stop signs when you're at the curb.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, you don't have to fiddle with the T.V. antenna to get good reception.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, you're the only one not panicked by power failures.
WHEN YOU'RE BLIND, you always know exactly what your kids are doing.

The Bible says A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. If you'd like to swap humor or just talk, please feel free to E-mail me; magnussen@integrityol.com. Thanks

At this time, I am going through a difficult period of my life. This text is a great one. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me ...Phillipians 4:12...Also, try Psalms 1:3 and place your name where He is. Hope this helps. Peace.
Nothing but Love,
Nandi

God turns everything around, all the time, so something good has got to come out of this...I just can't tell you when. And remember, He will never leave or forsake you. He is a friend that will stick closer than a brother.
I have a lovely sister named Judy who is undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. The prognosis is not really good. But with prayer and a positive attitude she is responding amazingly well to her treatment. Judy has become a positive thinker and does not allow negative thoughts to enter her mind. She is going to make it with God's help. And so will you.

My name is Roberta and I feel like my health problems are small compared to the ones I have read. I have something called Facet's Disease. I have no cartilage in my back or my neck, therefore nerves get pinched and they create horrific muscle spasm that even throw me out of bed. Not a fun way to get out of bed!

Just like many of you, I have pain twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We all know what that means. The doctor takes you off pain pills even if you don't hurt any less because they say you are narcotic dependent. Is it our fault that the disease does not go away? Enough of the bad and on with the good. NEVER ASK WHY! It is a nonproductive question! The questions to ask are WHAT am I supposed to learn from this? HOW will this help me to grow?

I have become very close to Christ through all of this because as you know, he is the only one who has ever had our pain. He is the only person you can turn to after it has been more than 2 months and every one you know thinks you should be well! He is the one that I can talk to and cry and actually feel BETTER after I cry.

We know that what Christ went through had eternal significance. What we don't know is what eternal significance our pain and illness mean to us. It gives us a chance to become better people. We have more compassion, more love for others, and we do not forget to pray even one single day. We want to help others. Even though we are ill, if we can ambulate, or someone can get us a phone or near a computer, we are the first to be there for a friend.

If this gives you something new to think about and is positive to you, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to do that. If you would like to email me my address is: rscohrs@aol.com.

I love your web site! I wish more people knew about it. I'm a 30 something woman diagnosed with breast cancer. My worst fear was what would happen to my child when I was gone, but have since accepted the fact that God would not have asked this of me if He had not made a provision for my child. Prayer both on my part, and those who support me, combined with a strong presence of people willing me to LIVE has given me the strength to let go of my fear and embrace my experience as nothing more than a detour in the pathway of life. We all know tomorrow is promised to no one. We all have the same destination. However we get there, we must take responsibility for our approach to the journey and make use of every opportunity. It comes down to this: ...most people are too toasted on their cruise to be mindful of the tab they're running up. I got a reminder while still on the ship, and I'm grateful. I urge anyone suffering to remember always: other people draw strength and encouragement from you by watching you and learning from you so make the most of the day!

And My Wheels

And my wheels keep on spinning around,
in my head and on the ground.
They keep me wondering why I'm hanging on,
when the pain sometimes seems much too strong.
But then I remember I'm like other souls,
reaching out for my goals.
And what my body is, is another thing,
I can't care, my soul wants to sing.
My soul wants to sing.

H. CHERNEY

What a powerful web page!

Throughout the past two years, I have been going through the final stages of accepting being diagnosed with a potentially terminal illness. You see, I was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer called dysgerminoma not once, but twice, in the past thirteen years. I was nine years old the first time I was diagnosed so I don't remember much about it. I do remember denying I was sick though. I think that's the first step no matter what your age is. I went through a surgery in which my right ovary and the tumor was removed. I had a biopsy one month later at St. Jude in Memphis in which they discovered the cancer had not spread. Everything was great. I began a summer camp for children who had cancer in 1989. I had several surgeries due to my being also fibrocystimatic. I had so many problems fitting back in at school. People would shy away from me and tell me I was disease infested and worse. I decided to change schools and put the past behind me in 1992. I began the 10th grade with very few friends and would end it with many false friends. You see, in November of 1992 I had a reoccurrence. Too much time had went by for a relapse, so I was rediagnosed. I remember the doctor calling my room and my mom bawling her eyes out. I ran her out of the room, walked over to the window, and said God, if you have to make me die can I at least make it back to one camp and keep my hair? I lost my hair three weeks after beginning bleomycin, VP-16, and cysplatinum treatments. Looking back, I am so glad I did. It taught me not to be vain. God has let me see six camps since that day (next month will be the seventh). AND I was a companion-counselor from 1995-1998; I will be in staff this year and maybe a companion-counselor again. I want to help kids who have to go through what I did. I am rapidly approaching my next six-year mark now, which has me uneasy and has brought me back to my acceptance. WHEN I get through my visit next week I can finally gain time. I love telling people what God has done for me. As I was saying, it has been really recently that my hidden bitterness at relapsing came into showing. I'm glad it did because now I can say that I am not bitter I am so grateful. I attended a Christian college for six weeks this past spring (I had to quit due to health reasons--I am NOT normally a quitter) I read this amazing book by Philip Yancey who mentioned the blind man in the Bible and those asking what he or his parents did to make him be blind and Jesus answered that it was done to demonstrate him as an example. I had always known this occurrence but it was awesome to finally digest its meaning. To those who read this, you are God's example. We are special people who are given only what we can handle and nothing more. My body is healthier now-- KNOCK ON WOOD. But I am still considered disabled, and always will be, which is bad sometimes because people tend not to believe I was sick by looking at me, except when the question is raised about my one always visible scar on my neck and other scars on my abdomen and shoulder which are seen when I wear my bikini in pride (I have experienced a dozen and a half operations with 2 more coming up soon, four months of chemotherapy, radiation, etc.) Let me tell you something, sometimes the scars from the surgeries do get on my nerves. I'm 22 so I am looking to find my true love and sometimes I wonder if I ever will because they are so ugly. BUT those scars are a reminder of my own mortality and of how much I owe it to God for helping me survive about 12 VERY close calls and 13 wonderful years. If anyone has read this far remember to let your inner light shine through and remember that the body is only a capsule, some in better shape than others, but what you do with God's gift to you--the capsule, no matter how imperfect you may feel it is, is your testament to his grace. I just wanted to say one more thing because I know that I have been rambling. When I was sick one remark would always pop into my head and make me feel better, You can hurt my body but you CANNOT touch my spirit . Of course, they were hurting my body for a good reason but anyway. If anyone is suffering from a serious illness give it all you can. Don't let the illness win. That's what it wants. --one of my friends who was a true friend from high school gave me that advice. And also, if you give it all you can, there's nothing else you can do but give it all up to God--a CT scan lady at St. Jude told me that on one of my first checkups following completion of chemotherapy treatment on Feb. 15 1993.

There was a group of friends who all gathered at one SPECIAL friends house to live life to the fullest, and celebrate and socialize and just plain have fun! And it was a very lively party from morning until night. Nothing but fun! When things started to settle down and most conversations experiencing a noticeable lull a friend of the HOST walked up and asked HIM, Can you give us a ride home ? Sure HE replied, wait a sec and I will go and let my wife know OK ? And so HE did just that, stating Honey I'M going to give some of our friends a ride home OK ? OK she replied, adding, I will see you when you get back . Yup HE added, I will be back in a little while . And with that HE left and gave HIS friends a good safe ride home. After they had laughed and joked (a five mile trip-one way) and HE received congratulations on HIS excellent party, they said their I'll see you's and thanks for the ride. And HE left to return home. Unfortunately on HIS way home he was involved in a car accident and HE did not survive. There waiting for HIM at home sat HIS wife, believing what HE had last said to her I will be back in a little while . Never to see HIM alive again!................................... I was told this story when I was going through a hard time and it helped me instantly!!!! But, that is not the end of the story. For you see the MAN whose name I have not mentioned, but as a TRIBUTE I capitalized all reference to the MAN. Because at first I did not understand why I was being told this STORY . Until I was informed of the MAN'S name. And then I fully understood . You see as it turns out this MAN was my childhood BEST FRIEND !! I shouted REALLY ? And my shout was met by an unflinching Yes !! I cannot express in words the mixed emotions I experienced at that time. My mood swing was unlike any other I have ever experienced before or since. Happiness, surprise and PROUD that my BUDDY would not be Just a statistic !! The MORAL? I was instructed to TREAT EVERY PERSON YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH AS IF IT IS THE LAST TIME YOU WILL EVER SEE THEM ! Adding, BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE !!!! Just in case anyone is wondering, I had an OTJ accident on 11-19-96 and three surgeries later I am still in pain. Yet surprisingly enough I felt none as I typed this. SMILE I have neck, back and shoulder problems and I have to re-school myself. I am 43 years old and love it!! Not so much the ALGEBRA but I love all the other schoolwork. I am going to be a MICROCOMPUTER ELECTRONIC'S TECHNICIAN. I also have permanent restrictions but I am not complaining. At least I am still alive! I fell 20 feet and bounced off a hand railing and onto the frozen ground. (OUCH) So my message to anyone who reads this is simple, LIVE LIFE ONE DAY AT A TIME . And do not worry about the past it is gone. Why worry about tomorrow? It isn't here yet. Live for today and by the way the MAN'S name was JAMES and I remember HIM affectionally as TWIRP or TWIRPY . He was the first and only person I knew who went through a KIDNEY TRANSPLANT . (LIFE-LONG PROBLEM) When we played he had an attached outer bag and would challenge me with I BET I CAN PEE FURTHER THAN YOU CAN ? I said HUH? And that was the day I discovered HIS battle with HIS own kidneys. He never said a word, never complained, and HE taught me how to make friends!!!! In life and as it turns out in the afterlife also!!!! I treasure HIS memory and am only too glad to share OUR story. I love all people. I guess the only real color that matters to me is green. As in greenbacks!!!! Although I've been laid up for close to three years now, my motivation is re-schooling and earning an honest living. For you see I am an OPTIMIST. Best of luck people and WORK HARD.

The Carpenter...An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and ask if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career. When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed him the front door key to the carpenter. This is your house, he said, my gift to you. What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none to well. So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that, we would have done it differently. Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live in it for only one day more, the day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, Life is a do-it-yourself project. Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today. Pass this on to someone you like. I did.

I have been in a wheelchair since the age of 13. My doctors have told me on at least three occasions that I was going to die. I did not believe them! Today, I am 46. I am still in a wheelchair, but I love life. I owe all I have to God. He has sustained me. My life and times are in His hands. I have dedicated a web site to Him and others who are going through difficult times. Here is the web site: THE SHEPHERD'S POST
Please feel free to visit and add your suggestions.

God bless you.
Dan

I am 29. When I was 27, in my final year at university, a knee deformity I had been born with put me in a brace, and then a chair. People told me to give up my course. People expressed sympathy for me that I had to use a wheelchair, and said How terrible...! BUT really, that is the last thing it is.

I am thankful that I live in a world where I can get around in a chair, and there are such things as disabled awareness and disabled rights. I may move around differently now, but I still can. The wonderful people and carers I met enabled me to complete my degree course.

Now, I am about to start doing voluntary work with other disabled people, and the most important thing I have learned is that if you are a carer, this does not mean you have to do everything for the person you care for. You enable them to do it for themselves. This is a very special gift for a disabled person. To the people who gave this gift to me, I will always be grateful, because by doing it they have shown me how to give it to others.
See the ability, not the disability.
Enabled, not disabled!

Hi- I am writing a paper for a rehabilitation counseling graduate class and in wandering around the internet looking for information I found your web page. It is a wonderful discovery, and one I will pass on to my clients. Thanks for it, and thanks for all who contribute their stories.

Hi. My name is Mark and I am from Melbourne, Australia. I was injured at work some 10 years ago and suffered spinal damage and other subsequent problems. I am really fascinated by your web site and wonder if there is any one out there who may be interested in helping me out. After I got back to thinking what I was going to do with the rest of my life after the accident I decided to go to university and study. I am nearly finished my degree in social work/psychology and this year I have to do an honors research project. I want to contact as many people as I can who, like me have experienced the good and bad times associated with traumatic work place injury, rehabilitation programs, employers, and government departments. What I plan to do is let people tell their own story and try and see what it is that gets us through these times. If any one wants to tell their story good or bad I would really like to hear from you at ryanmg@avon.wire.net.au . Confidentiality and anonymity is not a problem and no information will be used without the written consent of the informant. Thanks again and keep up the great site.

To encourage one another: I have been looking for someone like you to come along. I enjoyed all of the encouraging stories and ideas. Thanks so much for being there when I truly needed to hear that other people are going through but still staying focused no matter what they are going through. Thanks again.

I was injured in a logging accident at age 22, paralysis from a spinal cord injury at level t-6. It took 5 long years to regain the ability to walk with only the aid of a short leg brace. Two years after my injury my wife wanted out and started divorce proceedings. In 1990 because of the extensive damage to the spinal cord I required surgery and had Harrington rods put in my back and because of the trauma again I lost the ability to walk. I subsequently required 3 more spinal surgeries, once from a car accident I was rear ended and bent one of the rods in my back and in 1993, I broke my back again when the seat broke off my scooter, and again had rods put back in my back. Today I can walk with the aid of a walker and enjoy every minute of life. I hate people who sit in a corner and whine about how bad things are for them. Get going. There are all kinds of things you can do.

I'm a 37-year-old woman who has rheumatoid arthritis. I have had it since I was 11 years old, and have it in literally every joint in my body, including my jaw and sternum. I live with pain everyday of my life. The things I have learned that help me handle all this is.... don't be afraid of the pain...don't think of your disability as a negative thing. Just experience it for what it is...a part of this life...just do the absolute best that you can. And enjoy the good times... even the ones that seem small and inconsequential. Be grateful for what family and friends you have. And last but not least...laugh.

I'm 28 years old. I have tumors on the spine. I've been in a wheelchair since last year. Before that I lived with pain for 9 years...and once a doctor asks me if I would rather have pain and walk or no pain and use a chair. I chose the chair, but now I need pain.

I had polio as a child at 5 years old which affected my spine. A life long time it felt to get adjusted. Just when my life was under my control I had 7 heart failures in 5 months at the age of 40. I asked `why me God'...What have I done? For the rest of my life I will have to sleep with oxygen.

Then I saw the children with cancer. What have they done? I had the chance to fish, snorkel, ride a horse, ride a motorcycle, fly overseas, and see dolphins out at sea and a lot more. What chances did they have? Every time I feel sad when I read the poem `If` by Rudyard Kipling. Every verse means something. Especially the bit:

`If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
to serve your turn long after they are gone
and so hold on when there is nothing in you
except the will which says to them: `Hold on!`

Think of that and pick yourself up and start again.

Hi there,

My name is Bob, and I am recovering from a multi car accident. It has taken me 5 years so far to prove that the doctors don't actually know everything. Things like: You will never walk again because of all the damage. Or you might be better off in a wheel chair, it will be easier. Or my all time favorite: All your other damaged body parts will heal in time, but I don't believe that we can repair your legs. These were some of the little tidbits they told me in the emergency room the night of the accident. Well, all I can say is DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOURSELF. Fight back like you are fighting for your life, because you are. And the struggle makes life worth living.

I know that this attitude may seem strange to some, but it works for me because I'm one of those people who hates to be told that he can't do something.

Boy, I could go on and on here talking about ME, but I'll just say that it has been 5 years of hard work (up to 6 1/2 hours a day of therapy) but it has produced some wonderful rewards, like. Three weeks ago my daughter was married and I was able to walk her down the isle without the aid of a wheel chair, a walker, crutches or even my cane, which is the stage that I am at now.

So when you reach your point of making the decision as to whether you are going to deal with it and go on, or just give up. Remember the people out there like me that have proven that there is hope as long as you DON'T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF. Keep fighting! It is worth it...

If you need a pen pal (which I sure did while I was locked in bed) my e-mail address is Bjohnsen1@aol.com.
And I would be glad to hear from you.

*This email came from Bob. He asked that when people contact him, to put in the subject line "Jason's Page" so he will be sure to see it.

Heard these two quotes today and thought they might be helpful to others coping with disabilities:
1. Adversity is not welcome but is the opportunity for growth. How it is handled determines the amount of growth we obtain.
2. Negotiating with, but never conquering, fear. We can live with the uncertainties of life as long as don't let fear overcome us.

Hi! This is my first visit to this web site. I've been dealing with M.S. for eight years and find encouragement many different ways. First of all, my belief in God has gotten me thru the worst of this. Second of all, the love of my family and friends has also helped. This support is so important and keeps me fully grounded. To those who are struggling, find someone you can vent your frustrations...it helps.

My name is Jack and I'm retired with back, heart, and diabetes problems. I was a police officer for 25 years. I write poems and have a great deal of respect for those of you that suffer. Try this one and see if it fits:

Ping Pong

Most days God is quiet
and allows me to play
a losing game of
ping pong in my head.

author Jack Atchison 1998

Ping Pong - Part II
update!

God broke his silence
sending my daughter
to help me sharpen
up my game.

author Jack Atchison 1998

My disabilities include: brain injury, asthma, panic disorder and patience. The latter being the most disabling of all. I get so tired of people dwelling on what they can't do! People need to look at what they CAN DO. And be thankful for that gift and not dwell on the negative! I am quick to lose patience with anyone giving less than their ALL!

I work with disabled individuals everyday...There are many who struggle and succeed in life and many who do not even make an attempt. The ones who try the hardest and have the most family support are the ones who are successful. One of my favorite quotes for those who don't try is from Shel Silverstein:

Listen to the Mustn'ts child, Listen to the Don'ts, Listen to the Shouldn't, the Impossibles, the Won'ts; Listen to the Never Haves then listen close to me - Anything can happen, child - Anything can be.

You can achieve ANYTHING you put your mind too! You have to have faith, trust and believe in yourself! The only way to overcome the obstacles that your disability might put before you is to be strong in your belief in yourself.

I've been writing about the disabled for quite a few years. I myself am mentally challenged. I was told quite a few years ago that I would never be able to go to college-I never listened to those who told me that- and today I am just 9 credits from getting my degree. It wasn't easy but anything can be done, but you really have to want it.

I was born with congenital problems and recently a car accident has made it impossible for me to continue with nursing school. I find what works for me is being useful, I can take the pain but I need to have goals. I run a chat palace for health problems and am looking for people who would like to help. I need people who have access to computers and would like to spend time helping others like themselves. I also have a health magazine and would welcome articles on various medical subjects. This is all non-profit, no money is involved. If you are interested email me and I can tell you more about it. I am also trying to get mail support for those who are house bound or for nursing home and hospital residents. A pen-pal type where anyone with access to homes and hospitals can find people who would like to receive mail from others. A printer would be helpful to download any mail.
Thanks,

Debbie http://users.ids.net/~gaia11/

then click on cat scan

Hello. I am a 31-year-old female diagnosed with Spina Bifida. I live in a nursing home because my mother is not able to take care of me anymore. I encourage my fellow nursing home residents to live their lives. The best way that I can encourage someone is by reading the Bible or other religious books. I think those materials might help them be happy and try to be healthy. It helps me get through my day and I pray also for anything that goes on in our lives. If anyone reads my message, they can contact me at jmt3010@erols.com. Thanks.

Childhood Lessons That Later Helped Me to Triumph over Handicaps. From a book entitled The Gift of Healing...A Legacy of Hope by Beatrice C. Engstrand, M.D.
1. Turn to God. Take your problems to Him. Put your religious faith to practical use.
2. Respect and value all forms of life. Respect for life can be one of your best defenses against a life-threatening illness.
3. Appreciate the value of small accomplishments. Take one step at a time.
4. Develop the habit of communication. Reach out to everyone about you. A loving heart has a language all its own. Don't withdraw into a shell.
5. Be tolerant of others. Accept others as they are. This will make it easier for you to be tolerant of yourself.
6. Strengthen your inner resources. Form a habit of storing peaceful, beautiful places in your mind, which you can retreat to in times of stress.
7. Learn to live in spite of an ongoing problem. Time does not heal anything; it ameliorates.
8. Focus attention on life's true value. Explore every talent. Widen your horizons.
9. Be kind to others. When you bring happiness into the lives of others, your own life will be happy too.

I am a 41-year-old female with multiple mental and physical disabilities. I have attempted suicide 13 times in my life. Due to my borderline personality disorder, bi-polar disorder, bulimia/rexia and alcohol addiction these account for these 13 attempted suicides. I also have physical disabilities, which include osteoporosis, asthma and a hiatus hernia. I have in the past year and half become a true believer in the twelve-step recovery program. I attend AA and OA meetings on a regular basis. I now have been clean 1 year 9 months from alcohol. I thank my higher power for this and I am now working in a psycho-social clubhouse as a full time staff person for five weeks. I hope this can help others believe that there is always hope for all of us with disabilities no matter what they are. We can help one another in dealing with these issues.

I found your web site looking for illnesses. What a blessing! I found someone with near the same problems as my husband and I. Thanks for the blessing!

My words of encouragement are simple, I have a few sayings that I live by. Among them are:
Do unto others as they do unto you; when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And nobody can like you all of the time, and you can't like others all of the time - but when you like yourself, you've got it made!

My favorite poem is:
At Day's End

Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through,
Is there anyone to remember now a kindly word of you?

Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped another person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does the one whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?

Did you waste the day, or use it? Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say,
You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you've done today?

I'm special. In all the world there's nobody like ME. Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person like me. Nobody has my smile. Nobody has my eyes, my nose, my hair, and my voice. I'm special. No one can be found who has my handwriting. Nobody anywhere has my tastes - for food or music or art. No one sees things just as I do. In all of time there's been no one who laughs like me, no one who cries like me. And what makes me laugh and cry will never provoke identical laughter and tears from anybody else, ever. No one reacts to any situation just as I would react. I'm special. I'm the only one in all of creation who has my set of abilities. Oh, there will always be somebody who is better at one of the things I'm good at, but no one in the universe can reach the quality of my combination of talents, ideas, abilities and feelings. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but none can match the symphony sound when all are played together.

I AM A SYMPHONY. Through all of eternity no one will ever look, talk, walk, think or do like me. I'm special. I'm rare. And in rarity there is great value. Because of my great rare value, I need not attempt to imitate others. I will accept - yes, CELEBRATE - my differences. I'm special. And I'm beginning to realize it's no accident that I'm special. I'm beginning to see that God made me special for a very special purpose. He must have a job for me that no one else can do as well as I. Out of all the billions of applicants only one is qualified, only one has the combination of what it takes.
THAT IS ME. BECAUSE......I'M SPECIAL.

My name is Marlyn and I would like to share the web page I put together for my daughter, showing the many things and the full life she has been able to live in spite of having Rett Syndrome.
http://crash.ihug.co.nz/~ajhulst/jintro.htm
The biggest encouragement we have had was basically wanting the same things for her as most people want and not accepting that her disability should prevent her from having a full, fun life. We believe in her above all else.

In my 'old life' I worked more than full-time, cared for my three children and my husband. I was able to accomplish so much with my high energy level. Life was good. In late 1993, I was in two car accidents within three weeks. I was not at fault in either of them (I had to tell you that!) and ended up with a neck and back injury.

Since then my health has deteriorated and have since been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (a form of arthritis) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (minimal energy and a multitude of other symptoms). My energy has been reduced to 20-30% of my previous energy and I have a lot of pain. Some days I don't even get supper on the table for my family. My vast world from before has been reduced to mere existence - alone - at home. Many days I've just wanted to die. I'll tell you what I've learned through the roller coaster of emotions and changes. My faith in God has increased.

If I never do more than lay in bed - I live to serve Jesus Christ - and praise Him for who HE is despite my circumstances. He has been my strength in times of weakness. The friend when others have failed me. He loves me no matter what 'state' I am in. God's word is full of promises for all of us.

I've also learned that It's not what happens to you that counts, but how you handle it. It's not how far you FALL, but how well you BOUNCE. I encourage you today my new friends to bounce. Don't look at what you can't do - but what you CAN.

I read all of the messages on your web site and loved them all! I recently found out that one of my friends has breast cancer and I was searching for some nice words to say to her. Reading through all of the letters you received gave me plenty of encouragement of what to say to my friend. God bless you all!

Hi, my name is Michele and I was a victim of a head-on collision a week ago this evening. My husband was in the vehicle ahead of me and saw it happen in his rear-view mirror. A young teenage driver missed a curve on a country road and hit my vehicle at around 50 mph. Luckily, I lived! My husband jokes and says it is due to his rosary that was in the glove box. The car is a total loss and my left arm is broken and I am very bruised and sore. My case with an airbag saved my life! I have been through a lot in my life at age 31, two stillbirths and 4 miscarriages and divorce. I have always referred to footprints poem. It has brought me some peace in such a rocky life. Take care.

I am new to a computer, and I'm also learning a new way of life. A little over a year ago I had a large tumor removed from my spine. This saved my life but also left my left side not working so well. So after therapy and a lot of prayers, I am walking. My arm they say will never work again, but I have faith and trust in the healing power of our Lord Jesus. I am 32 today, and have two little angels from Heaven and a wonderful husband to help me see everyday is a blessed gift of God to each of us, so I say trust in your heart and look up, because God is looking at you.
God bless each one of you out there

It's December 26, 1997 and I'm happy to have been here for one whole year. In a few days, I'll be 28 years old. I always try to keep looking to the good side of life and hope for the best. There is always someone else who may be worse off than you. In addition, a good prayer always seems to help. God never seems to be far off when I need Him. Being physically disabled for the past 15 years makes life a little harder to live. So when you're down, look to God!! I did. And I'm still going.

I am 29 and have rheumatoid arthritis. I thought that you might be interested in checking out my Chronic Illness/Pain Newsletter at http://www.ixpres.com/jlcopen. I started the newsletter because I found such a lack of articles in magazines, etc. that dealt with all of the emotions and constant readjustments/changes that accompany a chronic illness. I am a freelance writer and so decided to put this together to try to fill the gap. It has articles such as What to do When Exhaustion Takes Over and When Friends Just Don't Understand. Some of the material is Christian, but there are also tons of great links and a bulletin board (Assembly). I hope you will drop by and if you have time, sign the guest book.

I am dealing with the illness of Manic Depression (bi-polar), where I have been in two hospitals and have had five medicine changes since Christmas. It is not easy to live with this illness because of other people not understanding. I do understand that there are other people dealing with illness of some kind and I do support them, as I know that they will support me. It is not easy and I do wish others in this illness and with other sickness to consider another alternative to suicide. I know because I was on the brink of doing so.
http://homepage.usr.com/n/northwynd/

Mary & Rich Gott's Testimony

Acts 3:2,4-8
2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple.
4-8 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and anklebones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Acts 5:16 -- There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Acts 10:38 -- How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

RISE AND WALK
Christians with Disabilities and their Families
By Mary A. Gott

My husband has diabetes. He has had it all his life. When we married, I knew he had it but it did not bother me. I loved him and that was all that mattered. I did not however know what complications could arise with one who has it.

Two years after the birth of our son, my husband awoke from his sleep one morning and discovered that everything he could see was covered in a red haze. The doctor told us what had happened was a blood vessel had broken in the back of the eye and the blood spread to the front of the eye. They also told us that the retina in both eyes was detached.
Laser treatments were done to close off the blood vessel, which had broken, and to clear the eye of blood. Surgery was required to fix the detached retinas. The doctors did everything that they could to restore his sight but the damage had already been done. He would never see perfectly again. My husband subsequently lost his job and had to go on social security disability. It then became my responsibility to go back to work full-time.

Two years after he started losing his sight, another complication arose. My husband started going through the beginning stages of kidney failure. He began dialysis one year later and was subsequently placed on a transplant list for a kidney. After ten months had passed during which he underwent dialysis, we received the phone call informing us that a kidney was available. Since the transplant, our lives have become a bit more normal. Things still continue to be difficult. My husband still struggles with the complications of diabetes.

Through everything we have gone through, we have always stood firmly on our faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. It was the Word that brought us together as husband and wife. It was the Word that sustained us and still continues to sustain us. My husband and I have faith that he will be healed according to His precious promises. Though the manifestation of that healing has not taken place in his body yet, we believe it will one day. Our faith has never wavered. The strength that we have needed to get through day to day has always been there through the Lord Jesus Christ who walks steadfastly with us and carries us through.

The name of this ministry is Rise and Walk . Our goal is to encourage each of you along with the families of those who care for a disabled spouse, child, or parent(s) to rise and walk on not with your own strength but with the strength that only comes from the Lord Jesus Christ through the working of the Holy Spirit and His Word. We would encourage you to contact us. We want you to know that you do not have to be alone anymore. There is someone out there with the same faith that you have in Jesus Christ and His Word and will stand with you and encourage you and not let you down.

Sometimes people who are in a church body do not know how to reach out and minister to those are struggling through the difficult circumstances of their lives. Both friends and family have a fear of not knowing how to respond to those who are disabled. We have felt that same isolation and loneliness that you may have felt being in the body of Christ. If you are fortunate to be in a church body where your needs have been met, Praise God! We rejoice with you. If not, we encourage you to contact us.

Feelings come on strong when you are in the midst of bad circumstances that are beyond your control. Sometimes we need to talk with someone and get encouragement and feel loved in spite of those circumstances.
We want to hear from you.
Our e-mail address is MGott6330@aol.com.
You can also reach us MGott6330@juno.com.

I recently visited a health care center. I asked elderly residents there what had encouraged them and what advice they would have for others. The following seventeen responses are from them.

My name is Grace. I am 83 years old. I have arthritis. I have had very bad arthritis for twenty years. My arthritis got so bad that I come here. I get good care here. But my arthritis has caused me to be bedridden for two years. I have no use, or very little use of hips, legs, shoulders, and arms. There's no cure for it. I wish there was a cure. But I just have to accept the situation and be as cheerful as I can.
I try to keep from being depressed, because when you're depressed, you're really sick. No matter how bad it gets, you can look around and see somebody in worse condition.
(Pointing to her reach tool---a tool that is a rod with a handle on one end and a tweezor-like grasp on the other end.)---She laughed and said My 'reach' is my best friend. It reaches for the blanket to cover me. It picks things up out of the floor if I drop them.

Roxie, Grace's roommate, wasn't feeling well when I visited her. She said she was so sick at her stomach and had been for sometime. She said she also had bronchitis and that it was hard to get over. She said, I just hope I get better.

Elaine said Three years ago, I would have never dreamed I would be here. I have had several strokes. That is why I am here. All of us need all the encouragement we can get.
The most important thing I would tell someone is to try to keep from being depressed. The main thing I do is read. I read for pleasure. I enjoy adventure, mysteries, and other types of books. I have some quilt books. I had dreamed of making a quilt. I used to sew a lot. But my hand won't cooperate now.
I hope to soon be able to move into an assisted living apartment. I miss cooking. I would love to be able to make a cake. I have started going to the rehab room for exercises. I'm enjoying that. The Lord has been good to me.

My name is Lorene. I will be 84 years old my next birthday. I enjoy having visitors. I like to have someone to talk to. Isolation is hard, especially since I can't get up to walk around. I walk some with a walker when someone is helping me. I get my hair done. I enjoy that. My roommate and I get along well. She has a daughter that has been wonderful to me. She brought me a big cup of Jell-O last night.

Lorene's roommate, Osment, said I've been bedridden for two years but I'm happy to have my mind.

My name is Jane. I have been here three years. A Bible verse that has helped me a great deal is Isaiah 40:31 They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. You can't sit down and do nothing. You'll get sick if you do.

I'm Flora. What gets me up in the morning? After breakfast, I go out and feed my cats. I read my Bible. I love people. I treat people like I'd like to be treated. We're all one big family. I like to play solitare too.

My name is Viola. I like to quilt. I make quilts and sell them. I also make pillows, aprons, and other things. It helps me to keep busy. I don't like to be bored. I also like to read the newspaper.

Iva encouragement to others was, Trust God. We have nothing else to trust in.

When Partilee was asked what had helped her and what her advice for others would be, she said: Reading God's Word. Having faith in God. Without God we can do nothing. God made the world and created everything in it.

I'm Dora. I'm 94 years old. I keep trying to keep going. I don't stop!

I'm Beulah. I'm 78 years old. I fell and broke my back. To keep going, I get up in the mornings and walk. I like to read my Bible and pray. I think the Lord wants us to look to Him. I believe God can help me get well. I try to see the good and not the bad. I love to help people. If I can make people happy, I want to.

I met a man named Everett. He had a very good attitude about life. He was enjoying a visit from his wife when I visited him. She said she visits him nearly every day.

Ruby is a diabetic. She had fallen out of bed and cracked her hip. While recovering from the hip injury, she put more weight on the foot of the opposite side. This had caused her foot to swell and be so sore she couldn't stand to walk on it. Her foot had been like this for three or four weeks without getting better. She was wishing for her foot to get well. She had a very good attitude. When asked if she had any hobbies that helped her, she showed us a beautiful quilt she had just finished and said I like to piece quilts and quilt them. I make them and sell them.

I'm Patsy. I have MS. I got it in my late thirties. I was active and working. I began having trouble walking. My doctor told me I had MS, but I didn't believe him. Then I couldn't walk at all. It got the best of me. I have a good family to encourage me. I can walk some now.

I'm Lenora. I have had a lot of health problems. I have had two broken arms, broken hip, and a bad heart. I have had congestive heart failure. I used to quilt. I have arthritis now. My pastor says, The Lord wants you here for a reason. He wants you here to help people others. I try to keep a good attitude. The Lord gave it to me. That's where I got it.

When Annie was asked what helped her keep going, she said, It's the Lord and don't tell him how to do it. He'll do it his way,---Himself--- The way He wants it done. I talk to the Lord and I read the Bible.

I am 82 years old, mother of six grown children, ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Reading my Bible each day and prayer has brought strength and encouragement to me through the years. As the Bible verse, Jeremiah 6:16 says, "Seek out the old paths, and walk therein."
I enjoy visits from my family. I love my family. They are my life. I don't know what I would do without them.
My hobbies through the years have been working with flowers, quilting, and crocheting. I like to keep busy. I think it helps me. It is also important to socialize with people. I enjoy talking with friends and meeting new people. I've always thought patience is important. We all need to use a lot of patience in life.

I have contacted Multiple Sclerosis a few years ago and am confined to a wheelchair. This was depressing at first, but I have learned that having to leave work (computer work that included physical activity), staying at home with a five-year-old son and getting to know neighbors, previously not known, has been a blessing in disguise. I may not have had enough time to enjoy my child's development at such a young age.

I am a twenty-three year old female with cerebral palsy. I'm a senior at Middle Tennessee State University. The best way I know how to beat the blues is to surround myself with good Christian friends and the Word of God. Sometimes it seems pointless, but I have to keep praying and have faith that things will get better.

I am a thirty-year old male who has been recovering from a serious bike accident. I was hit by a van and this caused several broken bones and a very painful recovery. What kept me going was knowing that many people told me they were praying for me. Family and friends from Texas to Virginia requested prayer at their churches. In the really tough times, knowing people were praying for me kept me going and encouraged me.

I am a twenty-year old female, and I am encouraged by this web site! J., you've done a great job on this, and I wish you many responses in the future!!!

A Question of Faith

Recently I had a minor crisis of Faith... actually, let's call it a crisette -- not to be confused with a croissant, which may be a delicious thing to assimilate while trying to assimilate the crisette.
I am paraplegic due to MS, and because I am basically incontinent, I wear an external catheter and a leg bag when out, and I use a bedside drain bag when I sleep. And because I don't shift when I sleep, I have a Roho cushion under the sheet at the foot of my bed to prevent me from getting decubitus ulcers on my heels. Well, the other night, I woke up from the discomfort of heel pressure because the cushion was going flat (I do have fair sensation). It was uncomfortable, but not critical -- until I noticed the puddle on the carpet next to me!
The cushion wasn't the only thing leaking.
The 2,000 cc drain bag hanging on my wheelchair next to the bed was steadily dripping its contents onto my carpet. Since I had only been asleep a couple of hours, there were only a couple of hundred cc's in the bag and less than half that had reached on the carpet, but the combination of the puddle and my sore heels drove me to look up to plaintively ask:
Why? Don't I have enough to deal with?
Grumbling and groaning like a stereotypical crotchety old man, I threw back my comforter to expose myself to the deliberately chilly room, and I levered myself out of bed and back into my chair for the multiple tasks of changing bags, sopping up the urine, cleaning the carpet, and finally over-inflating the cushion slightly so it would stay filled for the rest of my night. An hour later, exhausted and still indignant, I lay there conveniently ignoring the blissful relief of my feet and the snug comforter warming me.
Why? Don't I have enough to deal with?
Finally I calmed down and saw the light. Consider a possible alternative: the cushion stayed nicely inflated and I sleep on blissfully to wake with the entire contents of the bedside bag soaking the carpet next to my bed -- on average, there are 1,400 to 1,600 cc's in the bag by the time I get up for work! Or what if I had a spinal injury and did not have any sensation below the waist? Same result.
Reorientation time.
No, there was need to complain. Instead, it was time for another prayer of thankfulness. Once again, I had been looked out for by God's good graces and spared a major clean-up task in exchange for a few minutes inconvenience. All I had been forced to deal with had been a small wet spot on the carpet that paper towel and spray cleaner had taken care of.
It was a little reminder of one of the life-lessons I have finally learned and which I am forever telling other people to embrace: always strive to find the positive in anything that happens. Do not focus on what has been lost and what cannot be done, instead, concentrate on what you do have, and what you are able to do. And thank God for those gifts.

The song Good God makes me feel better when I'm down.

This Helen Steiner Rice poem encourages me:

A warm, ready smile or a kind, thoughtful deed or a hand outstretched in an hour of need can change our outlook and make the world bright where a minute before just nothing seemed right.

Amateur radio has been an interesting hobby for me over the years with me being able to reach out and talk to many people across the USA as well as around the world. In my former job, I was working on computers and printers for IBM which I did for 29 years. I really enjoyed it for most of those years. I am a member of Handi-Hams organization based out of Courage Center in Minnesota.

I'm a female senior citizen acquainted with a few minor disabilities, sickness and accidents. However, I still count myself to be pretty fortunate at the age of seventy-four and nearing seventy-five.

Several years ago, I was thrown down in the floorboard of a car and broke my left arm and my knee was cut to the bone. But thanks to the good doctors and nurses that soon had me on the road to recovery. Also, I have had a blockage on my brain and am now on medication for high cholesterol level. But during and enduring all of this, my husband has been on the sick list for several years and I spend lots of hours with him.

But I think of what the Bible said in- Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. Also, Psalms 44:17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant. I also love to work outside on pretty days in my flowers. That helps me to keep on keeping on.

The 23rd Psalm encourages me. It reminds us how much our Lord cares for us. He is very patient and caring with us. He knows when we need rest or comfort. He knows whether we need green pastures or quiet waters. As we follow Him, He leads us the right way. He tells us we don't need to be afraid for He is with us.

Smiles of loved ones encourages me.

Receiving cards encourages me. I got a Dr. Seuss card today with this verse...

When the weather is gloppy and gloopy and glucky
And you're feeling depressed and a little bit yucky
And you're wondering why you should be so unlucky,
Just raise your umbrella and wait till it's through--
The bad times won't last,
(In the meantime, remember I care about you.)

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Thank you for visiting my web page. I hope that these words of encouragement will help you in some way. If they do, please let me know. If you would like to post a message, your e-mail address will not be listed unless otherwise stated.

Hi Jason ~ Thanks for this web site which is so inspiring to all. You are really a blessing to everyone...God bless ya! Keep on encouraging. all who know you. Jean Lewis owitaruth@aol.com

This song encourages me... It's so peaceful in the arms of my Lord; In His presence I am sheltered from the storm. It's so good to have His spirit, it's so good to have His word. And it's so peaceful in the arms of my Lord.

And He (JESUS) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Luke 18:1 (KJV) Just keep depending on the Lord.

JESUS, The mere sound of His Name will signal hope. Matthew 12:21 The Message

Giving God praise encourages me. Glory To His Name Verse 1 Down at the cross where my Savior died Down where for cleansing from sin I cried There to my heart was the blood applied Glory to His name Chorus Glory to His name, glory to His name There to my heart was the blood applied Glory to His name

This song encourages me... Praise The Lord (Chorus) Praise the Lord He can work with those who praise Him, Praise the Lord. For our God inhabits praise, Praise the Lord. For the chains that seem to bind you Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you When you praise Him.

This Bible verse encourages me: The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

The Solid Rock My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name. Chorus: On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand.

Lord, you are good. Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.