Soul Surfer The Movie Releases 4/8; The Biography of Bethany Hamilton

soulsurfersmall

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again. Based on the Bethany Hamilton bio, the Soul Surfer movie has already inspired millions of people worldwide through the love of her family, her sheer determination, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. The biography of Bethany Hamilton is pretty amazing: Soul Surfer casting is an all-star team, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. The Soul Surfer movie release date is April 8th. You can find out more details at the Soul Surfer IMBD web site, or www.bethanyhamilton.com , or read the biography of … [Read more...]

How Can I Get Kids Out The Door To School When I Can Barely Move?

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My husband used to take care of the kids in the mornings because I have a hard time with mornings. But he works the third shift now and I now have two children in school. I have to wake up at 6:30 after little or no sleep and have the kids on the bus by 7:30 a.m. It is becoming increasingly difficult and I keep waking up later and later. This makes it harder because then I have to get them both ready in less time. Sometimes they balk. One is an occasional bed wetter, which makes it worse each morning. So far I have managed to get them to the bus each morning on time. But, I know it is just a matter of time that they miss the bus on my account. I really need prayers. Karlynné Hi, Karlynné, First I have to confess that my husband … [Read more...]

Writing Brings Healing to the Soul

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By Lisa Saunders, Special Guest Writer The moment I gave birth to my daughter Elizabeth in December of 1989, I felt a stab of fear—her head was so small, so deformed. Within 12 hours, I was told she had been profoundly disabled by congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus). The neonatologist said, “If she lives, she will never roll over, sit up, or feed herself.” He was right. Writing (& Scripture) was how I dealt with my initial shock & grief--organizing my thoughts of despair by getting them down on paper stopped them from endlessly swirling around & overwhelming me. Getting my revelations & stories inspired by Elizabeth published made me feel less alone as I connected with others. Sharing my story with others not … [Read more...]

Breakfast on Your Body –Without the Calories

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So this woman I know, who shall remain nameless to keep her dignity (hi, mom!) has always sworn on her mother's advice to wrap raw bacon around a toe that is starting to get an ingrown toe nail. Evidently the fat of the bacon will pull out the infection. I have to admit, I've seen it work. . . But for those of us with not-so-hot immune systems, I wouldn't recommend putting a piece of bacon on your toe. (Nor leaving it in your sock, where your dog can pull it out & eat it & have to go to the vet &. . . well, that's a whole other story). But look what we found as a humorous alternative? Bacon & egg b&ages! Yeah, we know this post likely won't help you grow in great depths spiritually, but we hope it brings a smile to your face. We can … [Read more...]

The Hero

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By Rhonda Clark Her days are filled with poking & prodding. Doctors & nurses keep a watchful eye over our little darling as they adjust & administer medications. Every moment her tiny heart beats is one more moment we have with her. My days are filled with learning hospital jargon as I sit in the brightly painted rocking chair near my daughter's NICU bed. Today, I get to hold her but only for a brief time. She's so tiny, frail, & weak. Her six-week-old body has survived one surgery, & only God knows how many more will be required to mend her malformed heart. The God-given talents of special surgeons will make her heart right. The second surgery will happen as soon as the doctors believe she can h&le it. We call her Faith because we … [Read more...]

Inspirational Article – We Can All Use More Joe!

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This article is not about coffee or caffeine or its ability to give us the jolt that we need to make it through the day, but it is rather about Joe, a man who regularly raises up people just as a cup of Joe can. The amazing thing about Joe though is that he inspires without realizing that he is an inspiration. In his mind he is just being Joe, but to the people around him he is a role model. I know Joe because he is in my karate class. That fact might not be very notable except for the fact that Joe has quite a few health issues including the fact that he only has one lung. His sister told us that he has almost died several times & each time she sees him, she feels as if it’s Christmas because she is so glad that he is alive. Our … [Read more...]

Ever Feel Like Your Body is a Crime Scene?

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Ever get sick of being poked or having to take your medications via a needle? When I was in the hospital for a week I was given shots every few hours & my stomach looked like a crime scene. Boy do I wish I'd had these fun little b&ages. I could have stuck a couple of these "Crime Scene: Do Not Enter" b&ages on the biggest bruises & it would have given all of the nurses a good giggle. In Genesis 21:6 it says, 'Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, & everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.'" Go ahead & be a bit silly. Let God bring you some laughter & while you are laughing, spread it around! Do you have a favorite item like this you want to share with us? Let us know or comment below. We want to spread the laughter … [Read more...]

Track How Much Air Pollution is Near Your Kid’s Schools

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Ever wonder why so many kids in your child's class seem to have asthma? Are there days the school moves recess indoors due to air pollution? As those of us with chronic illness realize, chemical insensitivities can lead to many health problems now & down the road. USA Today has created a great tool for parents to use & it takes less than 10 seconds. I just put in my son's school & found it is in the 68th percentile (rather good actually). USA Today uses Google Maps & lots of data to track toxic air pollution outside 128,000 USA schools to create this site, The Smokestack Effect. The site is packed with everything you can think of regarding clean air (or dirty air) & schools. Each school is given a national rank in comparison to other … [Read more...]

Postponed – Stay Tuned! Joni Eareckson Tada on Larry King Tonight

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2:40 PM Update: There's been a change in plans, JAF friends! We just learned moments ago the interview on Larry King Live has been postponed -- it involved a scheduling problem with the appearance of Abbie’s parents.  But not to worry, when the interview is rescheduled, God will definitely use your prayers (He's wonderful that way).  More later… Joni We've just heard from Joni, of Joni & Friends International Disability Center, that she will be appearing on Larry King Live tonight (Monday, April 26, 2010) to comment on the case of Abbie Dorn, the disabled woman whose ex-husb& has denied her the right to see her 4-year-old triplets. Joni says, "Although significantly brain damaged as a result of post-delivery complications, … [Read more...]

Joni & Friends Hosts Annual Summit For Disabilities Ministries

This annual event is wonderful & I have been honored to be a speaker & exhibitor for past years. This year, with my health being a bit more unpredictable I decided to pass on being involved as a speaker, though, as they date gets closer I am hopeful I may be able to attend. ~Lisa The event is May 7 & 8th & is co-sponsored by: First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena & The Joy Center for the Disabled. The registration form tells a bit about this amazing conference. Learn how to start or exp& a disability ministry at your church. Choose to attend up to 3 workshops each day offered at the Summit sessions on Friday & Saturday. Attend one networking session by geographical area (see how the churches around you are starting or exp&ing … [Read more...]

Tools for Family Caregivers is New Program of Partners Against Pain

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The National Family Caregivers Association has partnered up with Partners Against Pain, the national pain management education program, to create "Caregiver Cornerstones."  Caregiver Cornerstones is a new program that offers information, encouragement, & "tools to family caregivers who are caring for loved ones suffering from chronic pain." The 4 Caregiver Cornerstones are: 1. Learning about pain management. Taking an active role in helping to manage a loved one's pain may help you feel more useful & worry less. 2. Caring for a person with pain. This includes making sure that patients receive proper assessment & follow their treatment plans. 3. Caring for yourself. Being a family caregiver can be a dem&ing job. Allow others to … [Read more...]

Feeling Invisible?

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I am in the process of preparing a presentation for a church called "Showing Up!" My mom was recently forwarded the video below of Nicole Johnson. If you've attended a Women of Faith conference in the past you have likely been blessed by her talent & her message for Christ. There are different ways we can feel invisible: Sometimes we feel invisible because our disease seems to have taken over the ability for our real personality to shine through. Other times, we may feel like whatever we are saying is not heard. "How many times do I have to ask you to pick up your toys so I don't fall on them?" Or, "Could you please open this jar for me?" (After it's sat on the counter with a sticky note attached for four days.) I love my husb& … [Read more...]

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