Monday, February 20, 2012

Inspiration is just a spark


I appreciate all of you who stopped by to wish me well. I’m feeling much better now after a little rest and relaxation. I spent the time getting a little extra sleep on some days and actually getting some writing on my novel accomplished. I will be posting here just not as often as I had been because I am getting to a point in my novel which is consuming my time.

On one of my other blogs I had hung up the “Gone Fishing” sign, but I didn’t catch anything. Of course, I guess you’d actually have to go to somewhere there are fish in some body of water and cast a line or a net to succeed. My fishing trip was more of fishing for some peace of mind.

The idea that one could go fishing and never go to a body of water brings to mind the idea of inspiration. This past week someone told me I inspired them. I am happy I am able to give inspiration to someone as I am sure I have inspired many with the successes I have experienced. Coming from being bed ridden and unable to walk or work and then losing over 150 pounds and regaining my life and now being among the employed after being out of work for over four years is a story which is inspiring. And, if you have been reading my story for awhile now you know there have been many bumps to overcome along the way. However, inspiration is just a spark. You actually have to go to the water and cast the line or net if you are ever going to succeed. Success requires action.

I have been inspired by many people, places and things in my life. My mother and sister are going to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk. When my mother does this walk she will have been a cancer survivor for 25 years. This is very inspiring to me, however, I am not at a point in my life which I can act on that inspiration and participate myself.

There have been so many people in my life, teachers, friends, family and even strangers have inspired me in one way or another to act. Many of you have given me great inspiration. There are literally thousands of success stories here on WW which are inspiring. I found Scott Rigsby’s book “Unthinkable” extremely inspiring where he tells his story of how he was the first double amputee to complete the world famous Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon. I was also inspired by Sue Augustine’s book “When Your Past is Hurting Your Present” in which she describes getting beyond the fears which hold you back. She had been an abused and battered wife and overcame her fears and succeeded turning her life around and has helped thousands do the same.

There have been many places and things which have inspired me in many directions. When I have seen the glory of God in nature I have been inspired to write many poems and stories. I have been inspired by a work of art or a photograph. There have been many moving experiences in my life which have been inspiring.

However, when it comes down to it, you can be inspired and have wonderful and great feelings about all sorts of things you may want to do or change. But, if you don’t act, nothing will be accomplished. Inspiration is just a spark and it is up to us to light the flame and keep it going.

I wish each of you much success in achieving all of your goals and dreams.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Amy Grant - Better Than A Hallelujah

From the album "Somewhere down the road" by Amy Grant.
Better than a hallelujah is a powerful song about life's frailty & God's unconditional love for us in every situation...more so in times of sorrow than praise.

Friday, July 29, 2011

PLEASE Read. Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Your Help is Needed!




My friend's 19 month old granddaughter needs your help. Her name is Alexis Harding. Here is her story.

I am 19 months old and I have a seizure disorder which has not yet been diagnosed. I started having seizures at 24hrs old, I am hypotonic, developmentaly delayed and also failure to thrive. My seizures are a variety of different ones. My head and eyes deviate to the right or left and I have clusters which last sometimes for hours. I also have staring and drop seizures. After I have a seizure I cannnot use my right arm sometimes for minutes, sometimes for days. I have been on 8 meds that have not worked and the ketogenic diet. The meds that failed to work are phenobarb, lamictal, topimax, kepra ,clonopin, clobazam, acth and trileptal. I am currently taking 3 of these meds all at once to try and get some control on the seizures without any success. Because of my size and age the doctors are limited on what they can give me. My seizures used to come once in a while but the older I get the worse they get. I am having anywhere from 5 to 30 seizures a day for periods of 4 to 5 days in a row. Sometimes they will stop for a few days for whatever reason and then they will start again. I have been hospitalized once a month since I was born, this month being the worst I have been in the hospital 16 out of 24 days so far. I have had 6 MRI's, a spect scan, pet scan, spinal tap and tons of genetic testing all of which has come back normal. I have been through weeks of video EEG's which have showed spikes coming from the left side of my brain and they have captured 3 of the 5 types of seizures I have. If anyone has any information that might help us find out what is wrong with me please comment or email us. Please help my Mommy and Daddy help me.

How You Can Help

First, if you do have an answer or any helpful information her email address is alexisharding01@yahoo.com

Second, leave your supportive and encouraging comments and prayers in the comment section below. Her parents and grandparents will appreciate it.

Finally, share this story with others. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone... You can click on the share button and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter, etc. Also, you could post her story in a blog post of your own.


Thank you so much for taking the time to help this child.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!


The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Save a Forgotten Equine


This story is from a friend of mine, N Lynn Mazer, and desribes why she is a volunteer with horse rescue. After reading the article please take the time to visit the website to learn more about this awesome cause. The story is reprinted with her permission.

Meet Whisper, a now 4 year old mare. When Animal Control siezed her from the person who starved her and allowed her wounds to fester Whisper was so close to death she couldn't even stand on her own. She was brought to our rescue farm, Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE http://www.safehorses.org/ ) December 14, 2008 and volunteers immediately began 24/7 care.

Within a short period of time she had to be transported to an equine hospital when we could not keep her warm enough nor standing easily. The contraption you see in the upper photo was devised to hook her to a winch and help her to her feet. The face mask was to protect her from banging her head into things as she struggled to stay on her feet.

Horses are not made to lay down for too long periods or their internal organs can be seriously damaged - so she had to be not only lifted, but suspended for long periods of time.

She was finally able to stand on her own January 2, 2009 and within a few months she had gained weight and looked nothing like the horse brought to us. The biggest thing to note...no matter how cruelly most of these animals are treated, they always seem to be able to forgive, if not completely forget, and become incredibly loving and devoted partners.

The other thing to note is that it takes a lot to house and care for a horse but they can go from starving to healthy in 2 months given the proper nutrition. For them to starve...how anyone could do that to such amazing creatures is beyond me.

Whisper was adopted by a wonderful family mid-June of that year and continues to thrive (yes, we do check up every year on every horse that comes through the rescue).

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!


Whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:17

Friday, November 19, 2010

Thanksgiving Reflection


Once upon a time
Is how this story starts.
When I was just a babe
You touched my parents hearts.

They brought me to the water
And made a vow to You
To raise me to know Jesus,
His teachings through and through.

When I reached my teen years
The heart You touched was mine.
I knew Your Son had come for me,
Would love me for all time.

As I went out in the world,
A young adult you see,
I tried to do it on my own
But You still carried me.

As I tried to win the race
Of fame and fortune true,
I must confess my sin right now
I had forgotten You.

Though troubles were many You stayed right there
Through all my pain and strife.
My parents and You had taken a vow
To guide me through my life.

Looking back now I know You were there
Through all of those dark years.
You offered me unconditional love
And dried up all my tears.

You blessed me with a baby boy
Who fills my heart with pride,
A baby girl as sweet as can be
My love I cannot hide.

My parents and siblings have always been there
To show me how Christ cares.
Nieces and nephews have shown me Your love
Which helps me with what life bears.

You blessed me with friends all of my days
To brighten my life with joy.
Your church with traditions, love and support
Has made me one happy boy.

So today I am thankful for all of Your love
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving.
Please help me to shine my light on the world
And teach others Your Son is still living.

~ Brian Russell ~
Copyright © 2010
Oldman's Poetry Corner
All Rights Reserved



Todays Thankful Thursday is being hosted by Laurie at Women Taking a Stand. Please drop by and join us. Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Praise to the Lord! ~ WFW


With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD:

“He is good;
his love toward Israel endures forever.”

And all the people gave a great shout of
praise to the LORD,
because the foundation of the house of the
LORD was laid.

Ezra 3:11




Since it’s inception, the purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo, or graphic image combined with a verse from the Bible.

Word-Filled Wednesday is now being hosted at Internet Cafe Devotions. Please take the time to to visit and link to others participating in today's Word-Filled Wednesday. God bless you, may your day be filled with peace and joy.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Be Still My Heart ~ WFW


In quietness and confidence is your strength.

Isaiah 30:15


Many times in our lives we forget to take the time to be still and be in the presence of the Lord. We remember to pray but do not take the time to listen to what our Lord is saying to us. As Bishop Fulton J. Sheen stated, "Prayer begins by talking with God, but it ends in listening to Him." Proverbs tells us, "those who search for me shall surely find me" (8:17). So it is in the searching and listening that we find the peace and comfort of His love and grace. Jesus knew the importance of getting away from all of the busyness and hustle and bustle in our lives in order to sit quietly in the presence of the Father. He called us to do the same:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. (Matthew 11:29 MSG)

When you hear that little voice of yours telling you, "I just need a little peace and quiet," it may be the Holy Spirit letting you know to slow down and rest and be in His presence because our Lord is having trouble getting through to you during all of the noise and clamor going on your life.

"Be still, and know that I am God"
(Psalm 46:10)



Since it’s inception, the purpose of Word-Filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo, or graphic image combined with a verse from the Bible.

Word-Filled Wednesday is now being hosted at Internet Cafe Devotions. Please take the time to to visit and link to others participating in today's Word-Filled Wednesday. God bless you, may your day be filled with peace and joy.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

A Prayer When Making a Difficult Decision


Dear Lord,

The decision I have to make will affect my life profoundly, and that makes me tense and afraid. Please calm my mind. Show me what to do and how to do it. Help me listen for your answer and know the answer when it comes. Above all, help me know that it will come and rely on Your guidance. Please Lord, always help me to do Your will.

In Jesus name, Amen

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1
Related Posts with Thumbnails