His Unfailing Presence

Another year I enter
Its history unknown;
Oh, how my feet would tremble
To tread its paths alone!
But I have heard a whisper,
I know I shall be blest;
"My presence shall go with thee,
And I will give thee rest."

What will the New Year bring me?
I may not, must not know;
Will it be love and rapture,
Or loneliness and woe?
Hush! Hush! I hear His whisper;
I surely shall be blest;
"My presence shall go with thee,
And I will give thee rest."
- Unknown Author

Malala Yousafzai

Okay, I've really thought about this - and my PERSON OF THE YEAR must be Malala Yousafzai.  I'm not asking you to agree with me.  I just hope that after you read the information below, that you at least agree that she is an amazing young lady...


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Malala Yousafzai (Pashto: ملاله یوسفزۍ‎ Malālah Yūsafzay, born 12 July 1997) is a school student and education activist from the town of Mingora in the Swat District of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. She is known for her education and women's rights activism in the Swat Valley, where the Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school. In early 2009, at the age of 11/12, Yousafzai wrote a blog under a pseudonym for the BBC detailing her life under Taliban rule, their attempts to take control of the valley, and her views on promoting education for girls*. The following summer, a New York Times documentary was filmed about her life as the Pakistani military intervened in the region, culminating in the Second Battle of Swat. Yousafzai began to rise in prominence, giving interviews in print and on television^[ and taking a position as chairperson of the District Child Assembly Swat. She has since been nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize by Desmond Tutu and has won Pakistan's first National Youth Peace Prize. A number of prominent individuals, including the Canadian Minister of Citizenship, are supporting a petition to nominate Yousafzai for the Nobel Peace Prize.
On 9 October 2012, Yousafzai was shot in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen while returning home on a school bus. In the days immediately following the attack, she remained unconscious and in critical condition, but later her condition improved enough for her to be sent to a hospital in the United Kingdom for intensive rehabilitation. On 12 October, a group of 50 Islamic clerics in Pakistan issued a fatwā against those who tried to kill her, but the Taliban reiterated its intent to kill Yousafzai and her father, Ziauddin.
Former British Prime Minister and current UN Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown launched a United Nations petition in Yousafzai's name, using the slogan "I am Malala" and demanding that all children worldwide be in school by the end of 2015. Brown said he would hand the petition to Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari in November. UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon has announced that 10 November will be celebrated as Malala Day.

(*In Mingora, the Taliban had set an edict that no girls could attend school after 15 January 2009. They had already blown up more than a hundred girls’ schools. In the days leading up to the ban...)


To read the full story of this amazing young lady and her attempt to make sure that females have a right to receive an education - just like males - go to  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malala_Yousafzai.

Matt Maher: "Turn Around" Lyric Video

My Normal

Friends-

Two and a half years ago I started writing this BLOG because of the stigma of mental illness in the United States.  Since then, this site has transformed from a "we are different - let's stand together" to a "we are ALL children of God".  I think I prefer the second thought much more than the former.  I may have a mental illness (bi-polar), but I'm not anymore different than you are.  We are all unique.

The problem is, everyone tries to compare themselves (or others) to a "NORMAL" that doesn't exist.  Everyone is doomed to fail when the measuring stick is broken.  You see, we are all made in God's image. God wasn't made in our image!  So how does that change things.  Let me try to explain...

Think for a minute about the first picture you ever saw of God.  Was he a white-haired, blue-eyed, Anglo-Saxon? or was he a dark-skinned, brown-eyed, African-American?  or was he a she?  We tend to take our heritage - our perspective, our normal - into consideration when we think about God.  We do the same when we think about humankind.

We "feel sorry" for that child in the wheelchair and the blind lady at the bus stop.  But perhaps we need to stop for a moment, because they may be feeling sorry for us, too.  That blind woman has a heightened sense of her surroundings that we will never experience.  Our "disabilities" may not fit the norm, but does that make them bad? 

I chose to use my experiences from life to write this Blog.  It's therapy for me and hopefully for the rest of you.  After two and a half years of writing, I have readers from* the US to Russia to Slovenia.   I feel God is using me in this capacity to help others - normal or not... and I take that challenge very seriously.

* United States, Germany, Belgium, Egypt, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Russia, Turkey, UK, Mexico, Canada, Australia, India, China, Greece, Slovenia, and Denmark.  Thank YOU!

Carol

A Strong Person VS A Person of Strength

A strong person won't let anyone get the best of them.....
but a person of strength gives the best of themselves to everyone (including themselves)....

A strong person works out everyday to keep their body in shape....
but a person of strength kneels in prayer to keep their soul in shape....

A strong person isn't afraid of anything.....
but a person of strength shows courage in the midst of their fear.....

A strong person walks sure-footedly.....
but a person of strength knows God will catch them when they fall.....

A strong person wears the look of confidence on their face......
but a person of strength wears grace (but not always)....

A strong person has faith that they are strong enough for the journey....
but a person of strength has faith that it is in the journey that they will become strong!

The strong falters, but strength increases.

I like this poem, but remember:  It's not essential to always be a "Person of Strength."  Jesus carries us when we are weak.

How Many Kings?

Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe after all we've projected

A child in a manger
Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl

Just a child Is this who we've waited for? 

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me? 

Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior

All that we have whether costly or meek

Because we believe

Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure

And myrrh for the cross he'll suffer

Do you believe, is this who we've waited for?

It's who we've waited for

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me 

All for me

All for you 

Check out the video by Downhere on YouTube.

Leaving Heaven

Well, it's been real nice living way up here
In paradise, over the atmosphere
But I can't stay long, gotta make my way
I'm leaving Heaven today

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricenter.com/e56541-matthew_west~leaving_heaven_lyrics.html ]
You see the world is dark and it needs a light
I'm gonna hang a star in the eastern sky
So everybody's gonna know where I touch down
I'm leaving Heaven right now

I'm gonna walk around that broken Earth
Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you're worth
You should know
That you're the reason why I'm leaving Heaven

Ain't gonna be no kingdom, ain't gonna be no crown
Just a little old manger, in a little old town
But it'll do just fine for this humble King
I'm leaving Heaven let all the angels sing

I'm gonna walk around that broken Earth
Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you're worth
You should know
You're the reason why I'm leaving Heaven

And when my time comes to an end
I'll lay down my life like a truest friend
And when I get back home, I'm gonna make some room
So, don't you worry, ‘cause I'm coming back for you

And you will say goodbye to that broken Earth
You're gonna walk on streets of gold
And if you ever wonder what my love is worth
Well you should know
That I'm the reason you'll be seeing Heaven
Oh, you're the reason why I'm leaving Heaven
I'm leaving Heaven

Leaving Heaven - Matthew West -
Check out the video on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZLNRThASR4
Photos - Flickr

Have Youself a Merry Little Christmas

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be
Out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yule-tide gay
Next year all our troubles will be
Miles away
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more
Someday soon, we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So, have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Beauty

I found this on FaceBook - Positive Inspirational Quotes ( PIQ)

Twelve Days of Christmas

My Lord and Savior gave to me...

1 - The Gift of Creation
2 - The Gift of Christ
3 - The Gift of Salvation
4 - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
5 - The Gift of Faith
6 - The Gift of Love
7 - The Gift of Natural Abilities
8 - The Gift of Spiritual Abilities
9 - The Gift of Hope
10-The Gift of Compassion
11-The Gift of Life
12-The Gift of Grace

 Merry Christmas!

Removing the Stigma of Depression

Once again we are entering the S.A.D. season.  If you suffer from depression, you know what I'm referring to -  if you don't, please take a moment to educate yourself on the topic:  Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter. Symptoms usually build up slowly in the late autumn and winter months.  Symptoms are usually the same as with other forms of depression:

• Hopelessness
• Increased appetite with weight gain (weight loss is more common with other forms of depression)
• Increased sleep (too little sleep is more common with other forms of depression)
• Less energy and ability to concentrate
• Loss of interest in work or other activities
• Sluggish movements
• Social withdrawal
• Unhappiness and irritability

SAD can sometimes become long-term depression. Bipolar disorder or thoughts of suicide are also possible.

Signs and tests

There is no test for SAD. Your health care provider can make a diagnosis by asking about your history of symptoms.
The health care provider may also perform a physical exam and blood tests to rule out other disorders that are similar to SAD.
SAD Information provided by - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

If you are a regular reader of my Blog, you know my history of depression and my mission of removing the stigma that is associated with Mental Illness.  Once a year I devote a post to the FACTS of these diseases.  Please pass this information along.  

Please remember to show compassion for all God's people.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." - Romans 12:15

 

What is mental illness?

A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.
Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.
Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.
Learn more about treatment and services that assist individuals in recovery.

Find out more about a specific mental illness:

 

• Anxiety Disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Dissociative Disorders
• Dual Diagnosis and Integrated Treatment of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Suicide
• Tourette's Syndrome
  

Find out more about conditions sometimes related to mental illness:

• First Episodes of Psychosis
• Insomnia
• Sleep Apnea
• Tardive Dyskinesia
  

What does recovery look like?

As people become familiar with their illness, they recognize their own unique patterns of behavior. If individuals recognize these signs and seek effective and timely care, they can often prevent relapses. However, because mental illnesses have no cure, treatment must be continuous.
Individuals who live with a mental illness also benefit tremendously from taking responsibility for their own recovery. Once the illness is adequately managed, one must monitor potential side effects.
The notion of recovery involves a variety of perspectives. Recovery is a holistic process that includes traditional elements of mental health and aspects that extend beyond medication. Recovery from serious mental illness also includes attaining, and maintaining, physical health as another cornerstone of wellness.
The recovery journey is unique for each individual. There are several definitions of recovery; some grounded in medical and clinical values, some grounded in context of community and some in successful living. One of the most important principles is this: recovery is a process, not an event. The uniqueness and individual nature of recovery must be honored. While serious mental illness impacts individuals in many ways, the concept that all individuals can move towards wellness is paramount.

Happiness is possible...

Mental Illness information provided by - www.nami.org. If you or someone you love is affected by any of the disorders listed above, please reach out to NAMI for support.

The Candy Cane

Let's continue with some Advent traditions...

The True Story

A candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness,
so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols
for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of
pure white, hard candy: white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless
nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the Foundation of the
Church and firmness of the promises of God.
The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious
name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the
staff of the Good Shepherd with which He reaches down into the ditches of the
world to lift out the fallen lambs who like all sheep have gone astray. Thinking
that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes.
He used three small stripes for the blood shed by Christ on the cross. So that
we could have the promise of eternal life.

SCRIPTURES FOR THE MEANING OF THE CANDY CANE

Hard Candy - Reminds us that Jesus is like a "ROCK", strong and dependable
Psalm 31:3
Peppermint Flavor - Is like the gift of spices from the wise men.
Matthew 2:11
White Candy - Stands for Jesus as the holy, sinless Son of God
1 John 1:7
Cane - Is like a staff used by shepherds in caring for sheep.
Jesus is our "Good Shepherd".
John 10: 1-18, 27-30
The Letter J. - Is for the name of Jesus, our Savior.
Matthew 1: 21
The Color Red - Is for God's love that sent Jesus,
and for Jesus' love in giving His life for us on the cross.
John 3: 16 and Revelation 1:5
The Stripes - Reminds us of Jesus' suffering - His crown of thorns,
the wounds in His hands and feet, and the cross on which He died.
John 19: 1-30

 http://justforkidsmagazine.com/candycanelegend.html

The Season of Advent...

The Season of Advent is upon us.  During this season, I plan to share some stories of Christmas traditions.  Here's one we can start with...

There is an old Mexican legend about how Poinsettia's and Christmas come together, it goes like this:
There was once a poor Mexican girl called Pepita who had no present to give the the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked to the chapel, sadly, her cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up.
'Pepita', he said "I'm sure that even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves him will make Jesus Happy."
Pepita didn't know what she could give, so she picked a small handful of weeds from the roadside and made them into a a small bouquet. She felt embarrassed because she could only give this small present to Jesus. As she walked through the chapel to the altar, she remembered what Pedro had said. She began to feel better, knelt down and put the bouquet at the bottom of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into bright red flowers, and everyone who saw them were sure they had seen a miracle. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the 'Flores de Noche Buena', or 'Flowers of the Holy Night'.
The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent his purity.