Just When I Needed It Most

It's been a while since posting anything here. Doesn't mean life hasn't been happening, it's full speed ahead. We hope everyone is doing well and for those in our climate, we hope you join with us in being thankful for the mildest weather that we can ever remember.

Snow and cold are not "friends" to our wheelchair tires! So it was great to not be restricted with minus twenty and thirty celsius temps. Our van lift hydraulics don't like to budge in frigid weather either. Who can blame it. Not that I ever leave the house, but my husband does all the super market shopping and all other adventures beyond our driveway. For some reason, staying indoor creating when I can, is what I do. Fatigue has been regular visitor these days, so when I am up for brain engagement, I tend to focus on my other blogs all about creativity and then my shop blog, hoping to sell my work to help recover my art supply addiction!

Yes, most creative types have an art supply addiction. Even if you don't touch them, you just see something really cool and then feel the sudden urge to "GET THAT!" Does that sound like you or anyone you know? Then there is the problem with being sure I don't hide the supplies away. Out of sight, out of mind. It really helps to inspire me, to be able to see what materials I have to spur my never quiet right brain.

Craig, has been faithfully working on his railroad painting. Squeezing that in, between shopping, volunteering, helping me out and everything else. But, he still isn't done. As soon as he is, you will see.

Recently I contacted one of my favourite ministries and I was blessed with a personal response from a lovely sister in Christ, who just also happens to have SMA type 3, like me! Struggling with disgouragement about trying to find and hire a new Care Attendant. As always, God provides the right person at the right time,  His perfect time. But being a

human, I get tempted to worry and all that fun stuff. Happy to receive her response and to meet a person living who could relate to my life, is a rare thing. I love How God allows these encounters just when we need them. So I thought I would share her story from the JAF website for anyone else who may be interested.

Meet Kathey, Click here.
And if you are in need of support encouragement and such check out Joni And Friends. Joni, as you know if you have read this blog, is one of the most inspiring people I have ever read about, watched in her own bio movie, documentaries and conferences. It must be so exciting to get to live in sunny California, no snow battles and to be able to be

a beacon of Sure Hope in God's ministry to persons living with disabilities. Be encouraged.

A verse on her story page was just what I needed reminding of. Right at this moment!  So awesome, how God does that!
[Pro 16:9 NLT] 9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.


Lord willing, my goal is to begin writing more on this blog like I originally intended to. Be it stories about life, videos about our adventures, experiences and such, I hope to be back soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Take care guys.

Anita Shares Her Testimony Of Our Sure Hope

Share From: Heartfully Creating: Craig Paints Part 3 - Peeks To Progress, Perks To Painting With Chronic Pain

The following post was place on my Heartfully Creating Blog with the accompanying video. I decided it was a good idea to share it here because he shares why he started painting later in life. Since that is a life topic, made sense to share it here too!

Chronic Pain Sufferers may find some ideas from what he says.

Here we go...Well Craig is whizzing along faster than I can keep up. Obviously time lapsing his work, would mean hours and hours of footage. So I am doing short interviews and photographing the developing stages!
Welcome to Part 3 From our new "Craig Paints," series. Craig, my husband, shows us that anyone can learn how to create a great painting without any tutorials, formal training or even following the rules LOL.

In todays episode, Craig not only share life in Peggy's Cove (Craig's version), he also share what prompted him to paint. Originally he used watercolour. When he married me, he started dabbling with my leftover acrylic paints. I taught him the tips and tricks to using this fast drying/non-re-usable once dried medium and the rest is history!

He shares a very personal reason why he paints that may encourage others who are in a similar situation as he is.

Watch Craig Paints Part 3 - Peeks To Progress, Perks To Painting With Chronic Pain


Today hear a couple great reasons why Craig paints as well as another great read story!

Hopefully, you'll be inspired to give painting with acrylics or whatever a try. And if you already create, we'd love to hear from you.

Any questions or input would be great. Craig loves feedback about his work!

For more details and such, please connect to my creativity blog here https://heartfullycreating.blogspot.com

To connect more, check out:

Instagram, 
YouTube

A Bergie Creation Shop Blog

A BERGIE CREATION Shop- at Etsy 
 LIKE ABC On Facebook

Twitter 
HeArtfully Creating Creativity blog
 HeArtfully Creating's Facebook Group

Pinterest

Mary Jane Ponten - In God's Perfect Time! | Joni and Friends

Meet this inspiring 80 year old woman. Born with Cerebral Palsy, has lived an incredible and inspiring life. She was married, has children and has a heart of ministry. Click the caption below to the video link about her or click here.

Be inspired.

Mary Jane Ponten - In God's Perfect Time! | Joni and Friends

http://www.joniandfriends.org/television/mary-jane-ponten-gods-perfect-time/

EXPRESS YOURSELF NO MATTER WHAT - OVERCOMING PHYSICAL CHALLENGES

Ever since I can remember, I have been making art, creating in what ever way I want. Mostly in two dimensions, painting and drawing.  . As my hands weaken, I am always adapting new ways to create. Recently, I just learned how to work with my hands using polymer clay. Never thought it would be possible, especially since my hands are at their weakest so far. I decided to make a short video encouraging anyone out there who may have had their physical abilities change their artistic life. I am here to tell you don't give  up! 

Click video below to watch!

A Coloured Pencil Drawing by Anita Berglund

If you are creative and think you can't create because of your physical situation. I am here to tell you that there is always some way to express yourself creatively. It helps that I was born with my disorder, Spinal muscular atrophy, so it has progressed slowly, leaving me time to adapt as my abilities change.
Check Out a video short on what is new this week at A Bergie Creation (July 13th 2015) My Online Easy Shop that features my handmade jewelry. If you like, please feel free to pass the link along, it helps me out a lot!

Get a Kleenex...

http://www.joniandfriends.org/radio/5-minute/paige-and-tyson-snedeker/

Tempted to stop watching the news lately? I've met those who say they never know what's going on because they can't take it, too depressing for them. As for Craig and I, we may enjoy diversions but, we also believe it is our responsibility to know what's going on with the human race. Craig feels that even though it is often tragic and heartbreaking, knowing what's going on beyond our four walls - helps him know what to pray about or who to pray for. We are warned in the Bible about such days. Thankfully God provides rays of sunshine to encourage and strengthen us, be it through His Word, through friends and family or even through the lives of perfect strangers. Well, people we have never met, who are technically strangers but thanks to modern technology, we get to "meet" these people through media such as television and the internet.

Meet the Snedeker family, particularly Paige and Tyson. Here are rays of light to cut through some of the dark stories of late. "Meeting" this family left me with a kleenex in hand… speechless and in awe of how lives like these can actually be real, but they are. (Click the title to watch the video)

http://www.paigesforgodsglory.org/about/

"The Snedeker Family - No Unhappy Endings"

So, if you find yourself grumbling and complaining about the upcoming big "holiday" event, first of all you may want to rethink the whole thing, it causes that much stress…if not, take a break and watch one of the most incredible stories I have ever seen. Two parents have three young children who all have what appears to be a genetic,  mysterious, life threatening, neuromuscular disorder that has no name. Imagine that? Your children, short of a miracle, will not life a full life span due to a disease that can't be diagnosed. Leaving them, legally blind, hearing impaired, connected to respirators, using  power wheelchairs and completely dependent on the arms and legs of others, Paige and Tyson are two incredibly inspiring individuals. They lost their brother to the same disorder at a much younger age than they are now and they both give God all the glory. Only God can put hope and joy in lives that most would consider not joyful or hopeful.

Below is the Link to the Video that left me speechless and tearful (inspirational tears)

  The Snedeker Family - No Unhappy Endings

Below is the website that Paige has featuring her beautiful children's book (click the title to link up)

Paige and Tyson Snedeker - Article from Joni and Friends website

http://www.biblicaltraining.org/testimonials/tysonsnedeker

Below, Tyson Snedeker mentioned in the video about wanting to have a ministry devoted to learning about the Bible. I found this website that he and a friend, Judy Rooks  have called Biblical Training.

Tyson Snedeker -Biblical Training

Bedpans, And Toilets, And Catheters Oh My!

We All Gotta Do It!
From the moment we are born, it isn't a secret that we are always in need of waste elimination. From poopy diapers, to potty training trials, training pants, bed wetting, and graduation day, being able to control it all as needed.

The Bottom Of the Matter!
Until recently, I never considered talking about the physical challenges bowel/bladder issues that can arise when you have a physical disability. After all,  poop talk isn't exactly a socially acceptable topic for casual discussion. But you know what?  It is a hard core reality. And it makes life a heck of a lot easier, when you can ask questions and seek advice on any topic that is crucial to life. After all, if we don't eliminate waste products, we can get pretty ill and even die. So it is serious enough to not be be embarrassed by. Jonathan Merchant isn't embarrassed about it all. In fact, it is why I am writing this post, to share his very personal and "family friendly" video, dealing with his particular disability (spinal cord injury), and his bowel care routine. Craig and I, stumbled upon his video a while ago, and thought how brave he was to share such a personal aspect of life. After watching him, it was impossible to feel embarrassed about bathroom "stuff," ever again. As you will see in Jonathan's video, he is discussing how you can be independent regarding bowel care. We don't all have the same physical abilities, so his method is appropriate for others with the same type of mobility and strength. Look how amazingly flexible he is!
You will notice that he has something attached to his right leg. He doesn't talk about it, but it is called a "leg bag." That is a bag that collects urine which runs through tubing. For males, the tubing is attached to a condom catheter. Females who use this method, use indwelling catheters. I can go into more detail on all that another time.
Watch Jonathan's video if you want and then we will talk some more.

We always learned to call suppositories, the "bullet" method! Depending on muscle tone, strength, whether we have spinal cord damage, or can not feel anything, or lack muscle control, or whatever the case may be, our bowel eliminating methods can vary.  Jonathan's routine is one method that is used routinely, when persons are not able to push out waste material or for those of us who just use suppositories as needed.  Such as, when having very hard stool issues or constipation. Don't' get me started on how much that can hurt! Some need to use suppositories regularly and some require then as needed.

If you have had your own experiences that may help someone in your position. Please leave questions and comments below. I hope to delve into more detail on this very personal issue soon. 

Fun Was Had By All....

A Night Of Surprises!
Justin Hines, we introduced him in the last post, encouraging our fellow town folk to attend his concert. Well, we made it and wow, what a blessing that evening was.

Not only is he an incredibly talented Canadian singer, he is, as we suspected, a deep, sincere,  and meaningful person! You can tell that when you watch him sing and listen to his lyrics. And well, when you actually meet him! Surprise!  On our way to the venue, my husband Craig, my Dad and myself, were about to walk through the parking lot and spotted the "Vehicle of Change" RV and who was coming out of it? Justin and his beautiful wife, Savannah. (Hope I have her name spelled correctly)

Guess who my Dad, husband and I got to meet prior to the concert?

That was one of a few surprises that night. The first one was, we didn't know until we bought tickets and read them, that Justin was touring with a duo who call themselves "Ash and Bloom." Unaware, we googled them and were glad to learn that we'd enjoy them as well. Turned out A & B were sincere, deep and meaningful also! Oh and our first thoughts, "they remind us of Simon and Garfunkel!"
Capturing A Great Evening
Wanting to capture this once in a life time event (for us) and to make a tribute to Justin and now, Ash and Bloom, I came with my handy dandy, compact digital camera...mission accomplished. Check out the edited version  here.

Side Bar: Adaptive Video and Photography Pointers
I made my usual amateur video. I apologize for the wobbles and shakes. When I make videos my arms aren't able to move beyond my chest level, which means, I point and shoot and hope it works! Been doing it this way ever since my arms stopped cooperating. Hey, it's all about adapting as you go. The invention of the compact digital camera has definitely been a blessing. It means less weight to hold and that I can take pictures without being able to hoist the camera up to my eye. TO me, a camera can feel like it weighs a pound, so that's definitely a plus.
After doing it so much, you get a good sense of what you are pointing at. So to anyone who has given up on taking photos, due to physical limitations, don't. There's always a way to make it work when you really want to accomplish something. In fact, I have even seen adaptive tripods that can mount to your wheelchair arm rests or the frame. It's a perfect option for those who have restricted mobility such as myself, or those who want to take some seriously steady video without your viewers requiring one of those little bags they give you on an airplane. (you know the ones I mean ;O)
All things considered, I think wobble and all, the essence of the evening was captured.
Sharing What We Love With Who We Love
Do you ever have that feeling when you discover a painter, read a book or hear a musician you adore, that you then, want those you care about to watch, read or listen too! Well, that's how we feel about Justin. So, aside from emailing everyone we knew about the event, turned out my parents and Craig's sister and her husband were able to join us.
Not only did they enjoy Justin and Ash and Bloom, but as you will see in the video, A & B wanted to "go deep" as they said and sing about, "old love,"  celebrating marriages that have been together for a long time. Knowing that my parent's are coming up to their fiftieth wedding anniversary on October 12th, I was thrilled to have them say that. The fellas asked who has been married for five...ten...twenty...thirty and fifty, or more years. With great excitement I looked toward my parents and they had their hands up! You will have to watch the video to find out what happened next. Needless to say, that was surprise number three of the evening.
What a great time!
Thanks Guys!
Craig and I just want to encourage anyone who has the opportunity to listen to or watch Justin and Ash and Bloom, to do so. We hadn't been out in the evening, well, since...can't even remember.

We typically spend the evenings watching a movie or a favourite dvd, relaxing and...oh, how does that song go...."take a load off your fanny...." Yah, we spend it doing that! Seriously, the older that Craig and I get, our ROHO cushions can't comfort our aging, painful backsides. (I know too much information, but those of you in our position, will know what I mean.) This evening was worth any ach or pain that arose, in fact, we were enjoying it all so much, forgot about the pain. What a great pain reliever!

So long Justin and Ash and Bloom, you are in our prayers and we know the rest of your tour will be wonderful. Thanks for sharing your voices and hearts with us. Make sure you look us up if you are ever in our fair city again! God bless you.

Thank You God!
And thank you God for causing us to learn about the concert and for introducing us to Justin, the year the Ontario Tourism promo came out! We didn't need to discover Ontario, You knew we needed to discover Justin Hines!
Lay Your Burdens Down
For those of you who face challenges 24/7, be they invisible or visible, the road may be bumpier at times, heck, even loaded with pot holes and these days, sink holes. And there may be days when you don't have the energy or motivation to even get out of bed. Trust me, I know that feeling. But because God makes Himself known to us, to me, in so many ways, through the Jesus, and even through the lives of individuals like Justin Hines, Joni Eareckson Tada, Nick Vujcic and my husband Craig - my temptation to feel self pity and discouragement is abated. Not saying I never walk down that path of discouragement, but when I am tempted to, or while I have been hiking down it, He reminds me, yet again....
Philippians 4:13 NKJV - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Matthew 11:28 NKJV - "Come to Me, all [you] who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  "For My yoke [is] easy and My burden is light."

Justin Hines - Take a Listen, You Won't Be Disappointed

 A fews years back an Ontario tourism promo was on our television. Immediately, I noticed a young fellow who was using a wheelchair singing the the song for the video. When you use one yourself, you notice these things. I was so impressed with his vocals and looked him up on the internet. Within minutes, I became a Justine Hines fan. Bonus, he's from Ontario, Canada!
Justin is a singer, songwriter who is a humble artist that views his different abilities as an opportunity for something positive, not as a negative. Loving that attitude, he is an inspiration to my husband and me and we were thrilled to learn that he is coming to our city in two days!
Just want to spread his life and music around, not just to our friends who may want to see him with us - but to whoever stumbles upon this blog.
Here's to you Justin, We wish you well.
Here are some playlists and web links to learn more about Justin.
Justin Hines Inspiring Life

"Courage" Video

"Say What You will"

Justin Hines Documentary Short

Justin Repels Down Hotel in Wheelchair

"Lay MyBurdens Down" video

Justin Is Coming To Thunder Bay, August 20th, 2013!!
Hines is playing at the Italian Cultural Centre on Aug. 20. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at the Baggage Building, March of Dimes, MEDIchair, Painted Turtle, Print Pros Plus, SHIFT YPN office and the Thunder Bay Transit office.
Where We First Saw/Heard Justin Hines!

Rock Church - Life Without Limbs - Nick Vujicic by Nick Vujicic

Wheelchair Accessibility and Transportation

Part one of our newest video is all about the basics of wheelchair accessible driving as the driver (my husband's perspective) and as a passenger seeking transportation without having to transfer out of her wheelchair (that is my perspective! Click here to watch Part One.

Before we were getting married, my husband to be's vehicle was not suitable for modifications that were needed to enable me to also get inside, to travel together. We began praying specifically and God, always knowing our needs, within a few weeks, voila! In our local Auto Trader magazine, was the vehicle we had been praying about. Our city isn't a huge one, so to find a fully modified wheelchair accessible van was truly a miraculous event for us. As you can see in the video, it has all the features we needed so Craig could drive.
It didn't originally look like it does now. The person who owned it before us, had this full size Ford F150 van, modified at an awesome place called, Sparrowhawk. Check it out.

If you have any questions or input, please email us at walkingwayoverrated@gmail.com
Enjoy the video!

No Knead Bread Recipe Part 1

Kneading Bread Matters
Don't "they" say that if you are trying to sell a home, bake some bread and it will cause people to want your house??? True or not, who knows? Whatever the answer, doesn't it smell delicious!
Yum, home baked bread. For many it isn't something they have ever considered doing on their own. After all, isn't home made bread difficult and doesn't it require a lot of work? The whole kneading thing is a key part to making a successful loaf of bread. It is the formation of gluten strands, that can only be achieved by kneading. Check out this "How to Knead Dough" video, from All Recipes.
As for me, the only way I would ever be able to make home made bread, was with a bread machine. Unfortunately, it didn't survive long. I suppose it was because I was so thrilled to be able to make home baked bread, pizza dough, bagels, and buns, that I over worked it!

Contrary to what some believe, that a bread machine disqualifies bread from being hand made. We say, yes, we acknowledge that kneading your own bread and all that goes with it, makes it as hand made as can be. However, for those of us who use it because it is the only way to produce the closest substitute to home baked bread, we say, bake on!

Save Money!
Making your own bread, regardless of the method actually makes great budget sense. A decent loaf of Artisan bread at our local market ranges between four to five dollars. To purchase the ingredients, flour, yeast and salt means a fraction of the cost and great tasting bread to boot. (Don't forget the water can come from your tap!)

A Food Wish Comes True!
It was over a year ago, that I stumbled upon one of my favourite recipe food blogs, Food Wishes. Without a bread machine, the possibility of bread making was impossible. Then I saw this ! Never before had I heard of bread that didn't require kneading! Kneadless to say, get it, kneadless! :o) within minutes, I was making bread. All it required was flour, yeast, water and salt and the ability to stir. Oh yes and a total of about twenty one hours. My husband and I tried variations of Chef John's recipe and none of them failed. Over and over, it worked. We eventually came up with our own version, but all the credit goes to Food Wishes.
Aside from me being able to make our own home baked bread and pizza dough, my husband Craig is now the number one bread baker in our home. Even with his poor bent fingers, thanks to arthritis, he too, can easily stir up a loaf of bread. Click here to watch it!

So whether you have limited arm strength or movement or arthritis, the No Knead or Kneadless Bread making method is for you!! It is so rewarding to know you can do something you never thought possible! Wanting to share this awesome opportunity, we have created part one of our Kneadless Bread Making video.
Part two is coming shortly.

HOLLY'S HEART

Meet Holly!

As I go through the videos at the Joni and Friends Television website another one tugs at my heart and I want to share it with you. This woman isn't just beautiful on the outside, but incredible on the inside. Holly was born with Spina Bifida and as mentioned in a previous post, S.B. varies in how it affects those who are born with it. Holly's life is being used by God to touch and inspire others as so many of the people in this video series are. Her love for Jesus, clearly radiates through her life as she talks about how she can't do anything a part from Him. She has been devoted to her studies in social work, seeking to serve in the support community for person living with physical disabilities.
To be inspired watch Holly's story- click here.
Meet Holly at her website - click here.

Brian Doerksen -"As For Me and My House"

Meet Brian Doerksen!

Brian Doerksen is best known to many as a musician, songwriter and worship leader. He was born in Canada! He has a beautiful wife and children. Brian's heart for Jesus, is obvious through his inspired lyrics and melodies. Many of us, myself included, have sung his songs repeatedly, even though he still writes new songs, there are many that are now classics.
This video documentary, produced by Joni and Friends, is an intimate presentation about his family discussing something that I, didn't know about until I watched the video. He is forthright, open and sincere, just like his music, as he lets us into his home and heart, talking about raising two boys born with a disability called, Fragile X.
What is Fragile X? The Fragile X Foundation says: "The most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and the most common known genetic cause of autism or autism spectrum disorders. Can cause learning and behavioral challenges ranging from mild to severe."
This video is an encouragement to parents who are in similar situations and even though we don't have children, his words hit near to my home and I feel challenged to draw closer to Jesus.
Watch the "As For Me and My House" video here -click here
See Brian's Website here

Be Inspired..."Determined to Win"

Meet Jean Driscoll!
Keeping in step with what we said we would do - meet another inspirational person who happens to use wheels for legs, just like us! Born with Spina Bifida, a cousin to Spina Bifida Occulta, which is what my husband Craig has, Jean Driscoll is world record breaking athlete who loves Jesus Christ and shares that love in some incredibly unique ways. Ways that could only happen because of her hard work and physical abilities. Coaching the first ever, paralympic racing team in Ghana, Africa is one of those ways!
Spina Bifida is a disability that affects the spinal cord in varying degrees. It is why women who are wanting to get pregnant, are to take Folic Acid because it helps to prevent any anomalies from forming in the the development of this area. Personally, most of the individuals I have met throughout my life, who live with spina bifida, generally have semi or full paralysis from the waist down and can use braces and walkers or they use a wheelchair to get around. As with most who have spinal cord issues, whatever you use gets extra strong, meaning these individuals have super upper body strength. Just like when a person who can't hear, has heightened other senses to compensate, truly an amazing feature that God designed.
Like I mentioned in a previous article, children who are like myself, born with a disability, are generally quite happy and content because it is who we are, all we know. From the age of eleven until I was seventeen, I lived in an eighteen bed institution built to provide a place for children living with physical disabilities. Most kids lived there because like mine, our home towns, weren't equipped with wheelchair accessible schools or places you could receive physical, speech or occupational therapy. Sadly, that was when I first learned that there were others who had been abandoned by their biological parents into foster care, unable to accept their child's needs. Seeing those dear peers, caused me to be extra thankful for the family I was able to visit with every other weekend and holidays. Thankfully these days, in Canada, much has changed. There are funds available to assist parents with things like home support, respite and easier access to all of those therapies that are so often needed, not to mention, wheelchair access to government funded buildings is law.
One precious lady often comes to mind when I remember my days there, Pamela had white blonde hair, blue eyes and spoke ninety miles an hour. She didn't let spina bifida stop her from anything, determined to get where she wanted, she'd often ditch her wrist crutches, lie tummy down on the floor and  using her elbows to propel her tiny, thin body up and down the long halls, leaving them with a fine polish!

Jean was also quite mobile when she was young, with the assistance of devices. It was after she had undergone many surgeries in her early teen years, that she discovered walking wouldn't be better but impossible. Facing a new way of getting around, she faced some very serious struggles. The video documentary focuses on how Jesus touches her life in ways she hadn't imagined. I don't want to spoil the story by saying too much, you will have to find out for yourself, just how many Boston Marathon records she breaks! 
Here is Jean Driscoll's Web Site - click here

Determined to Win, the Jean Driscoll Story video Documentary- click here

What is This V-Blog About?

Watch the  video above

Be Encouraged!
Anita and Craig

Life, Not Up For Debate -Part 2

Welcome to Our World!!

Hi, I'm Anita and my husband is Craig! We love life and most of all we love life because of Jesus Christ, it is He who gave us new life in Him,  body, soul and spirit! Why would anyone want to hear about my life? Well, just as God used the lives of others like Joni Eareckson Tada, to inspire and encourage millions, including me (I strongly suggest you check her out here - link to the right of this page) For years now, there has been a strong desire to write a book about the many unique challenges, trials, lessons and joys, victories, and eventually total peace that has been my life, well His life, because it isn't mine to claim but a gift from God. And he had made it clear that because this life is not mine, and because He has blessed me with a vast array of life experiences from trauma, to joy - a life that no one else has lived (trust me, if you stick around you will find that out!), that I am to testify to all He has done to glorify Him, and to encourage anyone else who may be where I was at over thirty years ago. Help and support wasn't a click away back then and now it is!

Walking, Way Overrated is intended to be a place of support and encouragement for anyone, especially anyone who has a child or loved one, friend, or colleague who lives with, or is facing a disability or illness and they aren't sure what to do to help them. Or if you are someone who has just been diagnosed with a progressive disorder or disease such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and you are terrified of the future prognosis and are actually toying with the ideas presented in recanted news reports about assisted suicide. You are tempted to believe that to choose the date of your demise would be more dignified than to endure until God decides when you are to leave earth.

Maybe you are in a hospital, recovering and are in rehabilitation after the trauma of a spinal cord or head injury and you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or asking your friend to help you "check out" because you believe there is no point if you will never walk again, you feel alone and forsaken. Or maybe you are like me, born with a disability, a life you have always known as "normal." That was until, you would hear family members refer to you in a way that seemed to get them attention as whoever they were talking to felt sorry for them. Meanwhile, you are the one they are talking about...you feel rejected and "different" and it was proved when at school one day, it began, a handful of your fellow students started bullying and teasing you. Because of the foundation laid by what you heard at home about yourself, deep down you believed that you deserved that treatment, so you didn't tell or haven't  told your parents. In my case by age eleven, I was sent away to an institution and the bullying stopped but, how I viewed my self didn't and it fertilized my mind causing the rapid growth of some very self destructive behaviours. (More details on all that in the future)

If any of the above persons are you, or if you are just interested in hearing about one amazingly transformed life - one that went from death and darkness to joy and light, then make sure you subscribe so you can hear  the entire story.

This Little Light of Mine...
"Hide it under a bushel, no, I'm gonna let it shine!"