Thanks, God!

As I sit here on my bed this morning, my mind goes back to a year ago
this time. What was March 24th like for me in 2006? Short? Very
depressing.
I lived in my mom's house. I had been here since Feb. 14th. Chris
wasn't due here until the 28th. During those 14 days, all I did was
watch TV, go online, walk Rusty (that is when my mommy had time, since
I didn't really know the complex), sleep a bunch, and made phone
calls. I was sad about being by myself all the time. My mommy worked a
lot back then. The other thing I did was to ask God why. Why the heck
did I leave my two jobs, lots of friends, new home I was about to buy
6come here to a place I didn't know?
When Chris got here, I was glad to have company during the day, I
wanted to be out working though. I didn't know anyone. I truly was
angry and depressed.
We did fun stuff during the evening some days. We went out driving,
and some mornings, we even went out to breakfa/. Now, we were both
bored. He wanted to work and so did I.
He did get a job on April 13. He started working at Sam's Club on
April 13. I was so happy for him, but inside, I was sad that he was
working and I wasn't.
It wasn't until June 19 that I started volunteering. Every weekday, I
went to volunteer at AIB. though I made half of minimum wage, I didn't
go there for the money, I went there for my own sanity, work
experience, and believed that I would soon be an employee here.
Of course, that carried on until October and now, God has blessed me
with employment at Arizona Industries for the Blind.

--
Come, read and take a journey with me at
www.WorldOfShariG.blogspot.com

Some Sad News

I have the saddest news. A very good coworker from my previous job and
a great advocate in the disability community died yesterday. He died
of cancer.

My heart is broken because the world has lost a great advocate for the
rights of people first, independence for people with disabilities
second. William, you will truly be missed.

I first met William when I went to Great Lakes Center for Independent
Living as a consumer. I was young and impressionable. I was depressed,
cuz I had made a mess of my life. And my dad told me that I needed to
become more independent. I didn't like this recommendation, but I knew
it was true and my daddy was right.

So with the phone number given to me by a friend from school, I
called. William was one of my teachers as I attended Independence
University. My dreams and hopes were being restored as I met people
who had disabilities, just like me, who were LIVING.

William was a great person; very outgoing, friendly, and caring. He
was full of life! I enjoyed being in his class.

In 2000, I started working for Great Lakes. Now, William and I were
co-workers. We worked together throughout the close of that center and
during my time in Detroit at the Disability Network. Always a delight
to work with. I admired him, cuz he would get the job done. I like
folks that get the job done.

William was very well-respected throughout the community. He helped
many people. He was an asset whereever he went. William, I'll miss
you.

May the peace of God comfort the family and all of us who will miss
him greatly during this extremely difficult time.

God bless

There Must Be More Than This

Hey,
I've got some thoughts that are probably scattered. They're not in any
order. I'm gonna try and write them here. Forgive me if they're not
understandable at first. I know the Lord will give you understanding.

I was listening to John Francis this morning. He talked about the era
of fear in the church vs. the era of grace and celebration. He, like
I, grew up in this era of fear. It wasn't all fear though. You found
people wailing and praying, fasting, and preaching the "or else"
sermons. There was no "whould you like to," "This is an option," or
any of that. We only heard "You must," or "You better." People fasted
a lot, prayed a lot, warfared a lot.

I grew up in a church like that. I don't mean grew up in years, but in
God. The church I went to, you fasted, whether it was a holiday or
not. You fasted because God had called a fast. You prayed, no matter
what time it was. You did it because God said. The preaching? There
was no sugar-coating or candy-coating. It was raw and uncut.

I miss some of that time tremendously. However, there were people who
did things out of duty, not out of love and joy. I understand that.
I'm even sure I did some things out of duty too.

But now, the era of grace and celebration has come. We're so happy. We
come to church talking and laughing. Sometimes, we don't even respect
the house of God. There are no all-night prayers and such anymore.
It's all about "having a good time in God." This is a necessary era.
People should know the joy of God. I myself remember longing for the
celebratory side of God back in the era of fear.

Now, being in the "joy" era, I long for the "fear" era. But I see that
it's not about either. We must have a meeting, a union of the two
eras.

We must bring back the all-night prayers and fasting. The
unadulterated Bible studies where we're not trying to worry about
offending people. We've got to once again respect the house of God.
But at the same time, we must serve God out of joy and celebrate Him.

Oh, how I long for that meeting. That union. I enjoyed so much seeing
demons casted out. I miss the heavy prayers. I long for the raw Word.
But I also like the celebration of God. I enjoy the joy of the Lord.

Lord, bring these two eras together, for they are both expressions of
Yourself. Teach me how to live in the union and unity of these
eras--where there is both sobriety and joy; fear of the Lord and love.
Oh--- that's what I want.

As I close this entry, please, no one take offense. I'm not pointing
to any church, teaching, sermon, person in particular. I'm expressing
my heart in my journal that you chose to read.

God bless,
Sharonda

Extremely Jazzed

I had to tell the world how jazzed I am today with my dog, Rusty!!!!

I have never been able to take him on a bus. The times that I have, it
was an utter catastrophe. He would jump, howl, bark, try and run to
the door, and the list goes on and on. So, finally, I just gave up.
Thank goodness I have a caring family who could chip in and help, or I
might not have Rusty today. I'd have to turn him back into the school.

Anyways, my adopted Mommy (KG) had recommended a couple months ago
that I purchase a pinch collar for him. She had had great success with
her dogs and thought it would be good for me to try. Well, I knew very
little about this collar, but I trusted her judgment implicitly. So, I
bought one.

I have seen so many changes for the better with this collar in my
Rusty. I no longer have to pull and jerk and joke and scream. He
minds--and that's with not much correction on my part. But I thought
the bus would be different--especially from what I knew of the past.

Well, today, we took the Dial-a-Ride to PV mall. He had improved 100%
I was floored with awe and amazement. We walked around a bit then took
the main linehaul home. He was wonderful!

I am so excited and find this a great relief. I see that I am no
longer limited to waiting for cars and rides from others. We'll
finally go places together and be a REAL team.

GO RUSTY!!! HALLELUJAH, JESUS!!!!

Today

--
Come, read and take a journey with me at
www.WorldOfShariG.blogspot.com
Hey yall,
I know. I've not kept you on point as to what's been happening with
me. I'm gonna do better. But this is what happened today.

I went to the foot doctor. My ankle has gone down quite a bit,
however, it is still swollen. I like to say that it's at it's normal
swelling place. The doctor refers to it as chronic swelling.

Anyway, the sad news is that I still have to wear the camwalker
another month. I still have to take the Celebrex. I still have to use
the ice pack. And, I'm adding something new--physical therapy. I'll
have to go twice a week.

Yes, it's true. I'm a little sad about it. I was truly hoping to get
off these muscle relaxers. They make me feel sleepy and slow me down.
In addition, I don't like that Rusty doesn't get his regular walks. In
fact, I'm gonna contact someone to see about paying them to walk him
daily. He shouldn't suffer cuz I can't do it.

I'm happy though because it has indeed gone down. I appreciate Dr.
Laurino's aggressive approach to get my ankle back to it's original
place.

So that's today's scoop.

To My Puppy Raiser

Anyone want to know what a guide dog does? Here's a great poem that
explains. I call it an Ode from Rusty!

Title: To My Puppy Raiser

Written by: LINDA LINDEMAN-DeCARLO Puppy Raiser
Willoughby, Ohio

I¹m going to be a Leader Dog, hear me when I say,
It¹s what I want, it¹s who I am, and I will have my day.

You did your job as raiser, got me on the right track,
Now I¹m going to learn to guide, I don¹t think I¹ll be back.

I¹ve done my year of social, I¹ll now train with the best,
I¹ll know what I am doing, I will put your fears to rest.

I¹ll work out in the world and I¹ll never be alone,
I¹ll get my master safe to work, and then I¹ll get him home.

I¹ll wait in heavy traffic until it¹s safe to cross,
And my master will obey me, Œcause he¹ll know that I¹m the boss.

Loud noises won¹t distract me, I¹ll always stand my ground,
And I promise that I¹ll stop at curbs, and puddles, go around.

I was born to be a Leader Dog and I will serve him well,
For I know his vision is impaired, that much I can tell.

I'll become his best friend and will never steer him wrong,
And I will cuddle up with him, and sleep the whole night long.

I¹ll be a perfect Leader Dog, you can count on me,
It¹s what I want, it¹s who I am, it¹s what I¹m going to be!

Copyright 2007 - May be reproduced with byline intact.

Born August 4, 2003, Rusty was indeed already predestined for his
lifelong journey--to be a Leader Dog. "Leader Dog" is the name of a
school. The general term for a dog guiding the blind/visually impaired
is a dog guide.

The first year of his life, Rusty was socialized and grew up on a
cherry farm in Michigan. His puppy raisers told me that he loved to
run in the fields. He loved to go to the fruit market and bury his
nose in the peanut boxes. Before his raisers could stop him, he had
peanuts in his mouth, eating them joyfully. Indeed, peanuts are one of
his favorite treats.

His companion in those days was a Beagle named Barney. He and Barney
were best buds and played lots.

After a year on this farm, he was taken back to Leader Dogs for more
advanced training. Before training, however, they did medical
examinations on him to determine if he was healthy enough for such a
great feat. Obviously, he passed the test, cuz he's with me.

Well anyway, he stayed in the kennels until he was picked up by a
trainer. Daton Johnson picked him up and Rusty was given four months
of HARD work. Ideally, after the four months, Rusty was to meet his
"forever person" (The person he would spend the rest of his life
guiding). But the class had no match for Rusty.

A friend of mine told me as I prepared to go to Leader Dogs that there
was a match made in heaven just for me. That match was definitely
Rusty. He couldn't be put to work then, so he waited another four
months. I'm sure this was frustrating for Daton who had worked
tirelessly with Rusty. It had to be also hard for his raisers who
waited anxiously for news of Rusty's "forever person."

Well, I came to Leader Dogs on July 31. I was introduced to Rusty on
August 3 of 2005!

More later, cuz I've got to feed Rusty!

-

Yesterday Was a Good Day

Well, I guess my subject says it all! Yesterday was a good day. Things
didn't go the way I planned them, but they were definitely the way God
planned them, and I was truly happy.

I made contact with one of my former Pastors on Monday night. (She
also was my former supervisor and is still one of my adopted moms. She
was the one God used to ordain me as a minister. She also was the one
who married Chris and me. I served as their lead intercessor and their
Praise and Worship Leader while there.) She had been here since Sunday
night for the Pastors and Leaders Conference at Phoenix First. We had
already agreed that she couldn't go home without us seeing each other.

Well, my plan was for us to go out to dinner or something like that. I
let one of my "Moms" know, and she was most willing to keep my guide
dog with her. I had it all planned. We would go and have fun!

Well, when she got here, she said that she had just come from a
luncheon. Therefore, I knew that she couldn't be hungry. She said that
she just came by to see me and talk. I thought that was so sweet and
kind. I was very happy to see her. However, I was sad that I had
inconvenienced my other mom with Rusty. The Lord told me not to worry,
I would still have a great day.

We talked. I asked about everyone I could remember at Spirit Filled
Ministries. It was wonderful to see her. I think the last time I saw
her was in 2005.

Well, other things happened that could be viewed as catastrophes. One
was that I didn't have a ride to work yesterday morning. My Mommy had
a doctor's appointment and wasn't going in right then. And Tuesday
night, when Chris got home, I found out that he had to work in the
morning. Of course, my natural inclination was to panic. But I was
like "Well God, if I get a ride, I'll be at work. If not, I'm sleeping
in.)

So this morning, I called my cell group leader and friend. She has
truly been there for me to talk and vent to. I know for certain that
it stays right there. And everyone knows that's the way I like my
business. Anyway, she was most willing to assist me. So, off to work I
go!

On the way, her husband asked me about how much time Chris and I spend
together. As I thought about it, I had to say hardly none. I had been
thinking about this sad phenomenon the other day. However, I gave it
over to Jesus and I trusted that He would and could work that out. We
(her husband and I) discussed this in great length. We talked about
Chris and I being kinda like ships in the night. I laughed and said,
"Well, no one is ever bored at our house." He begin to stress this as
a need for our marriage. I agreed and told him that I trusted the Lord
to work this out.

Well, guess what? He did! When I got of work, there was no Rusty. So,
Chris and I had the grandest time. I really enjoyed myself! We took a
walk to throw trash away and get mail out of the box. We just held
hands and talked and laughed. My mom saw us and said we looked like we
used to before we were married. It was just fun shooting the breeze!
We saw kids having karate class on the lawn. We breathed in the warm
Arizona air. We just enjoyed life.

When we got home, we decided to go out to eat. We went to Sizzlers.
Man! That was some good food! I had the steak and shrimp scampy. He
had the fisherman's platter. Each meal came with the all-you-can-eat
buffet. We ate to overflowing. All I could do is come home. Shish! I
was full and so was Chris.

I started working on my computer and got the laptop finally up on the
network. I had emailed some folks for help, but they didn't reespond.
Sometimes, I have to remember that I don't need them always. I need
the Lord and the Holy Spirit. Well I called Cox, waited forever, got a
technician, worked with my husband, and... voila! I'm on the network!
Thank you, Jesus!

While I was working, Rusty came home. Boy, was he excited! He ran,
jumped, barked, rolled over and played. What a dog! My mom told me how
well he had behaved while out with her. They sang his favorite song
"Happy Birthday," and he joined in (you should hear it. It's
hilarious.) She said he was a great dog.

Around 11:30, we went to bed. God had orchestrated time together for
my husband and me, allowed me to see my Detroit mom, and helped me get
the computer fixed--all in one day! I couldn't have done it better!

A Little Ranting

Yesterday's Transplant seminar went very well. Chris is really into
it, and that's good. There must be a whole bunch of praying on this
one. It's best to start now. This transplant thing is not a laughing
matter.

Anyway, how am I feeling today? Not too god. The camwalker that I'm
wearing on my right food causes me to walk lopsided. More pressure is
being put on the left foot, thereby causing me a blister. And though I
woke up feeling good, as the day has progressed, I'm really tired.

I've been thinking about going to Detroit. I finally decided to check
the prices. Man!!! That mess is high! It's about $365. Times and
prices have really changed. Maybe someone will donate to my cause. I
sure wouldn't be mad.

Well, that's all I'm gonna say for now. I'm really wondering how much
of this tiredness is physical? Hmmmm.

I'll check in soon.

Today, February 5

I'm finally up to today. I came to work feeling quite good. I have to go to a Transplant Seminar with Chris. He is finding out all his options for a kidney transplant. Personally, I have never nagged him about it, though the doctors feel he'd be great for one.


He has seen people do well after a transplant. He has also seen people not do well and die after a transplant. I feel that it has to be a decision that is solely up to him. No one else will be in that hospital, taking that medicine, going under... but Chris. Romans 1:45 says "...Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." I think that people, especially saints, should do a lot more living by that Scripture. Instead, sometimes, we try and sell people or even coerce them into doing things. Because they're not truly sold out on it, they don't try as hard; or they complain while they are doing it; and some of those times result in failure. Instead, we should pray more often and let God handle it. After all, isn't He God? Isn't He the only one who can change a heart?


I have promised to be by his side through it all, no matter what his decision may be.

I want Chris to be happy. That's all I want.


So today is the seminar at Good Samaritan transplant center. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Sunday, February 4

Today was a good day. It was the first day that I really felt like walking. I was up on time and everything. So, after getting dressed, I surprised everybody, and walked to my Mom's house. I figured I'd save her a trip and Rusty and I could get some exercise at the same time.
Yes, she was thoroughly surprised.

I think that church went well. I was really happy and enjoyed Praise and Worship. Miss Cathy's sermon was great. Any message on the Holy Spirit is great!

Afterwards, Mama had promised to take us to dinner. We chose the Golden Corral. Man, we were not disappointed. I ate so much, I was ready for sleeping when I got home.

But I didn't sleep. Instead, I kept my promise to Rusty and took him for a walk. Of course, he was tooooo excited. He's a great dog and I feel he deserves his exercise, which he needs to stay healthy and happy. He did great on the walk. I was tired when I got home.

After taking a nap (for three hours). I got up and started on my computer. That wasn't long-lived 'cause Rusty wanted to play. I played with him and talked to Chris until about midnight.

I seem to have a problem of going back to bed too late on Sundays. This messes up my schedule on Monday, and I'm too sleepy. But I did good last night and woke up feeling good in the morning.

Saturday, February 3

I'm finally up to Saturday. I went to my Phoenix Chapter National Federation of the Blind meeting. I am the Secretary, so I had to be there. Vicki does a great job at conducting the meetings. She's a very good President and Fred is a good Vice. Fred conducted this meeting.

After the meeting, Mommy and I went to eat before Evangelism. We went to Bishop's. I, personally, didn't enjoy their food. It was very bland. I prefer Hometown Buffet or Golden Corral much better. Anyway, it was just a place and we tried it out.

After that, we decided to go home. I just wasn't feeling well. My leg was hurting and so was my head. I was just pooped.

So, I went home and took a nap. Nikwa, (my sister who I have to yet write about) said that she would do my hair. She came and permed it. Now, I'm prettier! *LOL*

At about 7:00, we decided to go to the movies. We saw "Stomp the Yard." I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and felt that all the actors did a great job. I liked the storyline. I had big fun. We ate lots of popcorn too--including Rusty.

After the movie, I came home and went to bed. I knew that Sunday morning would come quickly. Plus, I was still tired.

Thursday, February 1

Well, the big day is here. The day that I'll find out the news.

I went to Advanced Foot and Ankle. Dr. Laurino was very nice. He'll
definitely be my foot doctor from now on. He x rayed my ankle and...
Didn't find anything. However, as he pressed it, the tendons were in
pain that deal with sprains. So there you have it--Ive got an
extremely bad sprain.

He put me in an uniboot and camwalker. I've got to wear it until the 13th.

Well, I'm happy and unhappy. I'm glad they didn't find anything. No
surgery? Yeah!!! No cast? Yeah!!! I'm just sad that I've got to wear
this thing. It's hot and heavy. However, I can be mobile with it.
That's the good news. I can still walk Rusty and do what I do. That's
today's news!

Tuesday, Jan 30

Well, it's been a crazy week for me. Mentally, I've been cool, but
physically? Nah. Lots of it had to do with my ankle. It's been hurting
nonstop since I fell two weeks ago. Suppose I gotta get it checked
out? Well, I made my appointment for Thursday. I'll let yall know what
happens. To be truthful, I'm kinda scared. Like I said, I've done the
cast thing and am not interested in a replay.

Anyway, today at work was cool. I met with a few representatives from
Humanware who came to demo Mobile Speak Pocket. It made me feel really
good that I knew a lot of what they were showing us already. What made
me feel even better was the fact that I have Mobile Speak Smartphone
and could show them how it wasn't working with the MPower. Codefactory
said that it was an issue that Humanware needed to straighten out. And
ya know I let them know. They showed us some of their braille
displays. They are really cool.

I guess yall sighted folks don't have an idea of what I'm talking
about. My BrailleNote MPower is, as easily explained as I can think
of, like a PDA for the blind. I can read email, compose documents,
search the net, and all kinds of other goodies. Mobile Speak
Smartphone is a program that goes onto a SMARTPHONE (I have the
Motorola Q) and allows me to read text messages, use the media player,
and do everything with the phone that a sighted person can. If you'd
like to know more about these companies, go to

Codefactory
www.codefactory.es

Humanware
www.humanware.com

After that, we had a training at work that I attended. Work was ok.

A friend of mine had a surprise birthday party that evening. I wasn't
able to attend, but I was very happy for her. I feel that everyone
should have something special done for them on their birthday. I don't
think you're never too old to have a day that you deem as "special."
For many of us, it's our birthday. It doesn't have to be huge, just
meaningful. I was very happy for her. I thought it was quite
thoughtful of the church to do for her. Go Spirit Life Church!
www.spiritlife.tv

I got a chance to do some grocery shopping. Ya gotta take them rides
when they're available. I went to Sprouts and cleaned up on the Le
Nature water. I'm pretty upset that they've gone out of business and
fully intend to drink this as long as I can. I did some shopping at
Fry's. I got home late and ate a Pot Pie. That was the extent of my
day.

Update

-
Come, read and take a journey with me at
www.WorldOfShariG.blogspot.com
Hey yall, what's been happening?
OK. I know I wasn't supposed to let almost two weeks go by without
writing. Sorry... (LOL) It's just... that life happens.

I'm gonna try to update you and what's been going on. I'll try and
separate different entries with the subject line of the date. Here it
goes.
#--

Staying in Contact

Hey yall,
It's been a while since I've written. A lot has happened since I
talked to you, including me in the ER. Did I say ER? Yes ma'am and yes
sir, that's what I said.

Now the folks that really know me are aware that I don't like doctors,
and moreover, I hate hospitals. The only reason I went frequently to
them was because I was the visitor *laughing*.

Anyway, I woke up early Thursday morning with a pain from hell. If I
didn't need a doctor's excuse for work, I probably wouldn't have gone,
but when Chris asked, I said yes. All the while, from the bed, to the
toilet, to the car, I kept declaring out loud "By Jesus' stripes, I am
healed." I believed that 100%. My body must line up with that fact.
Consequently, I do not sustain long sicknesses.

I tell people that sickness and I have an agreement--that it does not
come here and set up residence. It is uninvited.

Anyway, these hospitals here are definitely different from the ones in
Michigan. Once they decided that it might be my appendix or
gallbladder, they had the IV needle out and ready for insertion. I
hate needles. I hate being out of control and being controlled by
drugs. That just ain't God. Ya feel me?

I cried like a baby. All I kept saying was, "I wish I would have never
come. I don't want no IV. I'm so scared." As I was crying, I just kept
thinking about Chris and started to admire him all over again.

He goes three times a week to dialysis--where they put huge needles in
him. He takes it without complaint. If it were me, I would probably
just ask God to take me out of here.

The nurse was very nice to me, and I held Chris' hand. Man, I not only
felt like a wuss; I was a wuss and din't care one bit.

The more they talked about keeping me, the more I refuted that out
loud, telling them, "Oh no. I'm not staying here. I'm going home. You
won't be finding nothing."

I don't really know why I'm telling you this word for word. Maybe it's
for someone who's reading this or will read this. I want you to be
encouraged to stand on the Word of God. If He said your healing is
available--and He did--then, you agree with God and speak it forth.

Well, I'm sure you guessed it. They couldn't find any problems, and I
was home by 9:00 a.m. Because of the Demarol (or however it's
spelled), I slept all day without pain.

Friday, I came to work.

Saturday, for the first time, I went to evangelism. I stayed back to
pray because I fell on Thursday when I finally got up to walk Rusty. I
hurt the same ankle that Satan has been trying to take out since
2004--I fell in the snow and had to wear a cast and the whole nine
yards.

After Evangelism, I went shopping. I really don't like to cool, but I
have determined to cook for my husband at least on the weekends. I'm
getting my confidence back, cuz back in the early ninety's, I used to
throw down. I cooked all kinds of stuff--fried fish, chicken, pork
chops; round steaks with potatoes and gravy;... the list was endless.
Because of a lot of hurt (some of it was because of my rebellion), I
shut down (way down). But, I'm back up again--slowly but surely! Two
weeks ago, I cooked spaghetti. This weekend, I made meat loaf. Yall
got ideas for next weekend? Send 'em my way.

Well, that's about all for now. I know I've got to finish my family
portrait. I'm gonna try and do that today.

Stay tuned, and thanks for reading and commenting.
#End

--
Come, read and take a journey with me at
www.WorldOfShariG.blogspot.com

Hurray! Another Success

I had to interrupt this normal broadcast to tell you about my great success!

All those who know me and want to get to know me must know this one thing--I love computers! I find it quite relaxing to work on my own--that is, when I want to. Anyway, I have been trying very hard to set up my BrailleNote as a display for my computer. My sister has taken me to the store on at least four occasion as I adventurously bought cords for this feat--only to discover that they were all the wrong cords.

Well, yesterday, I even had assistance from another state trying to help me. We got closer, but no success. Then I had someone else call me from this state. Closer, but no success. Then, my mommy took me to get a refund for the last cord I bought and look for the right one. We found it at Comp USA; plugged it in; and voila! It is now working!

I am so very excited. I figure, why purchase something neew when I can use what I have.

Thanks, God. Hurray!

Introduction--Part III: My Husband

One day soon, I'm gonna have pictures of my entire family available
for all to see. But I guess, until then, you'll have to see jsut as I
do. *Smile*

In 1994, I had a relationship that ended quite disasterously. I mean,
it was pretty bad. The Lord was with me though. I went through
tremendous physical and emotional and spiritual healing afterwards.
This process took about six years.

During those six years, I was pretty hateful towards all men,
including, and especially, my father. I never considered getting
married or even having a boyfriend. I was truly hurt.

I started working in 2000 at the Great Lakes Center for Independent
Living. This guy intrigued me. So down I went--another road that ended
in a bad relationship. The Lord just used him to say to me, "I can't
be with you. I'm not good enough for you."

I remember feeling that my heart was being ripped in two. We had spent
lots of time together talking. I had witnessed to him, but he chose
not to give his life to God. I vividly remember feeling like rivers
would shoot from my eyes when the Lord stopped me from crying. That
was deep. I liked this guy sooooo much, but I know that he was right,
he wasn't the one for me. God Himself had kept him from me and me from
him.

In 2001, I met this guy and we became good friends. I definitely
wasn't trying to get with him. After all, all my attempts were futile.
I had designed to wait on the Lord. Anyway, this guy and I were
friends.

He told me that he was the grandson of a preacher in Belleville.
Indeed, I sensed a person who had been running away from his own
calling from God. I also sensed a guy who had a message to deliver to
many. I told him that. He was stunned. No one had ever spoken that
word to him.

I also told him that I felt that he had a mask on. What the world saw
was not the real him. Inwardly, I was intrigued and wanted to know the
real person inside. I guess it reminded me of how folks with outward
disabilities are treated many times.

People, that don't know about something tend to shy away from it. Many
of them aren't willing to stay around and get to know the real you. If
they do, they feel sorry for you and pity you. That goes for people in
and out of the church--sad to say.

Anyway, I decided to stay around and get to know this guy--simply as a
friend. My mom and I were his first visitors at the hospital when his
toe was amputated. I witnissed to him and he came to our church. We
prayed with him and read the Bible with him. Somehow, he had become a
part of our family--and that was fine with me. I wasn't looking to him
as a boyfriend--I would always care for him as my big brother.

Time passed. He began to grow in God. As with all of us, the growth
was sometimes very slow, but steady. He would accompany me to meetings
and such, many times being my eyes and a great help to me. He would
show me flowers as we walked down the streets. No one had ever done
this. We laughed and talked a lot. He was a good friend.

I too, had deliverance to go through. Because of Chris' persistance,
the Lord used him to help me get lots of deliverance as well. My
attitude used to be a mess. Chris might tell you that it is still a
mess, but I have come a long way. I was reeeeeeeealy a trip. One
minute I was cool. The next minute, I was mad as hell with him. Chris
always kept his cool though with me and my jacked-up attitude and was
there when I came back from my tripped-out zone.

Chris had lots of physical problems when we first met him. He
practically lived in the hospital, didn't eat right and the whole
works. We, our family, saw him come off the diabetic needle; go less
to the hospital; and actually have stable health. These are miracles
that only the God of heaven and earth could accomplish. And believe
me, we, including Chris, give God all the glory.
#End

--
Come, read and take a journey with me at
www.WorldOfShariG.blogspot.com

Introduction--Part II: My Parents

Now that I've finally got this thing working, I thought I'd try
posting to my journal and tell you some about
my parents.

My father still lives in Detroit. I have two brothers and a sister by
him. I love my dad a lot. God has done a lot in our relationship.
While growing up, we weren't around each other much. He had his life
going on, I guess, and that really hurt and scarred me. As life went
on, the Lord Jesus Christ helped me to forgive and love my father.

When my mom left for Arizona in 200e, the Lord brought my dad closer
to me. We did things together and he was there for me. We would talk
and laugh. It was quite neat to have him around, even if it was later
on in life. We really became close and I loved that.

When I moved to Arizona, it broke his heart. I thought I was the only
enjoying our relationship. It wasn't until I was planning on moving
that I found out he enjoyed it as well. My heart was broken about
leaving him, but I had to obey the will of the Lord for my life.

My desires for my Papa are (1) that he ba saved and know the Lord
Jesus Christ as his Lord, (2) that I will get to visit him this year.

My mommy is a wonderful, wise woman. I thank my God above for allowing
her to be in my life. She has been in my corner since I landed on this
earth. I haven't been the easiest child to get along with. (1) Being
born blind surely was a surprise; (2) being strong-willed was (and
still is) interesting. But my mom has given me loads of wisdom and I
appreciate her for this.

Besides leading me to Jesus Christ, who is my Lord and Savior,
I thank my mommy for believing in me, especially when I didn't believe
in myself. She is my biggest cheerleader and greatest confidante. She
is not afraid of me or of telling me the thruth. I am so proud to have
her as a mom!!!

Well, in the next post--Intro Part III--I'll let you in on the rest of
my family. I gotta keep yall guessin'

Peace

Is this it?

Is this it? Have I found to problem? I hope so. If you can see this
post, holla back.
Peace

introducing....? ME!

Hey yall,
My name is Sharonda Greenlaw, but my close friends call me Shari. I guess you know what level of friend you are by the name you address me by. *laughing* I’m kidding.

Anyway, I was born and raised in Michigan. I lived there all my life—that is, until February 2005. My husband, Chris, my dog guide, Rusty and I moved to Scottsdale, AZ where we happily reside.

I’m not gonna spend a bunch of time talking about those former things. If you wanna know more about the past, go to my former blog at

blog.myspace.com/special2god

that’ll get you up through the end of September. The reason I’m changing my site to blog is because I want to be able to post via email. That way, no matter where I am, I can keep my peeps current about my world.

Well, this is Part I of my Intro. I’ve gotta get ready for a client, so I’ll post later. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. I hope you be a frequent visitor.

Peace