My Trip to Detroit

I have to tell you about my miracle! You've got to know. I felt that I could get an earlier flight going home to Detroit. I was excited, but my ticket was for a later time. I decided to take my chances and get to the airport early. If worse came to worse, I would be sitting their all day.


Anyway, when I got to the airport, the lines were very look and my chances looked slim. However, I expected a miracle, though I was really scared. I did get tot he front of the line in a timely fashion--that means that my mommy hadn't left yet. They told me that I would at the front of the waiting list.

I proceeded through check-in and took my seat. While sitting, I met a young lady who had been there at least 24 hours. She had spent the night there, and didn't think that she would make it in time for her best friend's wedding. She was waiting to go stand-by, just like me.

I said to her, "In Jesus' name, I'm flying out on this next flight, and so are you!" I was really emphatic about my stance, but she was a bit hopeless.

As we sat and talked about her best friend, who lives in Michigan, time slipped by. I kinda lost track of time, actually. But soon, I heard my name being called to board the flight. I was totally ecstatic!

I could tell my friend was happy for me, but sad for herself. I told her, "Don't give up. You're next." And I prayed really hard that God was listening to me right then and I wouldn't look like a fool. And guess what? Her name was called next. She got to go too!

We didn't get to sit together, however. I did my usual thang--sleep on the plane--but when I sat down, I praised God fully for allowing me to get on that plane!

Something happened on the way off, the stewardess told me that someone was waiting to help me off the plane. It was my newest friend. Who came to help me and thank me for praying for her! I was so full of boldness right then. I told her, that it was my pleasure and that Jesus loved her and wanted to show himself to her.

If I never got to see her again, which I knew I wouldn't, I was greatful for what the Lord had done! I was thankful for His miraculous hand in my life! God had shown, in flesh, that He loved me!

My Trip to Detroit

I have to tell you about my miracle! You've got to know.

When I got to the airport, the lines were truly long. My mom and I went through the lines praying, praising, and believing God. I gave her the verse the Lord had given me--Acts 27:25. I was truly scared, Chris and I prayed last night. Now, here was the time for a miracle to be performed.

When I finally got up to the counter, I was told that all the seats were sold out. However, I would be first on the stand-by list. Though I heard this news, I didn not quiver. All I knew is that I had to be on this flight. The Lord had done so much, that I felt that there was a seat for me.

When I got up to gate A12, I met a girl named Cali. We talked and talked. She told me how she had been waiting on stand-by for two days. She had a wedding in Michigan that she needed to attend and was very hopeful to get on this plane. I began to pray that not only I would have a seat, but my new friend, Cali, would have one too.

Well, the flight attendant came over to announce my seat on the 9:10 flight. I would be sitting in E19. Tears came to my eyes as I thanked the Lord for working the miracle He had promised to do. However, I wasn't satisfied. I would not be satisfied until I knew that Cali would have a seat too.

I got on my flight for free. I didn't have to pay anything for standing by because when I requested a seat, there were not available. As I was getting comfortable, Cali ran up to tell me that she, too, had gotten on the plane. I was so happy. Now, she wouldn't miss her best friend's wedding after all!

At the end of our flight, the flight attendant told me that someone was waiting to assist me. Well, guess who it was? Cali! She had told them that she wanted to help me back down to baggage claim. Now that was a miracle full circle!

Thank you Lord Jesus for being a wonderful God!!! I love you, Lord.

On My Way to Detroit!!

Wonder where I've been since my last post? Well the subject says it all. Today, I'm on my way to Detroit!!!! I'm soooooo excited!!!!!


Ac 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

I'm going this morning on stand-by. Now, here's a miracle that is unfolding. My flight isn't until tonight at 6:05. However, I plan on getting on the 9:10 AM flight. Yes, it's sold out. However, I will have a seat on that plane. Someone might have an emergency.... anything. But, Sharonda B. Greenlaw will be on that plane. I'll be sure to write about this miracle when I get to a computer.

I'm looking forward to seeing my father and all my friends. I didn't really have a place to stay. My daddy called this morning and told me that he has prepared a room for me in his house. I've got two other friends who I have room in their house too while I'm there. God, my Father, has already prepared the way for me.

I'll be in Detroit until Tuesday morning. Rusty is with my Mommy C.G. and her family. Yes, I miss his little feet running across the home. I miss his chain jingling when he walks. I miss taking him out for his park times. But it's all a happy miss. I know that he's being well taken care of.

I'll miss my husband--whose birthday was yesterday. Go Chris!! God is really doing a work in his life. He is continually changing for the better. It's an absolute pleasure being around him--well... most of the time. *lololol* No. For real. He's a good guy.

I'll miss my mommy--riding to and from work with her; Going over her house; and all that jazz. I'll miss my sister too. Laughing and such with her crazy self.

I'll miss my co-workers. We're such a family there. We all have our little "issues," but we are a family. I reall love that too. It is something very special.

But it will all be a happy miss. It will give me great reason to come home to Arizona. I'll enjoy myself in Detroit. And I'll be happy to come home to Arizona.

Boy last year, when I first got here, I never thought I'd be loving Arizona and calling it home. My God! Things have changed!!!

I'll keep yall updated, in my usual late fashion, of my happenings in Detroit.

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to send a quick note wishing all the mothers--whether they have physical children or just wonderful mentors and role modes--the happiest Mother's Day ever.

As I think about this great holiday, I think of Sister Nicole Hendrix. She has been greatly used of the Lord to help me to grow spiritually. I grew by leaps and bounds and have learned countless things under her personal tutellage.

I think about Pastor Thomasyne Faulkner. A woman of God who saw greatness in me. She took me under her wing and allowed me to shepherd her flock, lead praise and worship, and preach at her fold, Spirit Filled Ministries. Never afraid to see the hidden things in people and bring them to the light. I love you!

I think of my newest edition to my mommy list--Dr. Christine Grubb. She not only has been the greatest mobility teacher ever, but she's hung in there with me, right beside me, through thick and thin. She's got the heart of gold and is a wise woman full of advice, but most of all--love. Though we work apart, I know that if anyone is in my corner, Christine is. And if I need her for anything, she's right there for me. I love you, mom.

And last but not least, I'm wishing my own mother, Voin White, the happiest Mother's Day ever. Thanks for being a friend and a role model. Thanks for being a strong woman for me to look up to.

Today, the family went to Sizzler's Steakhouse. We had a great time. It was full of laughter and joy. Each person said something great to Mommy about her.

Nikka even paid for my meal. She thanked me for helping to raise her. That truly touched my heart. May 13 has been great.

Debt Cancellation

I am so excited! You know, we've been doing International School of
Ministry (ISOM) at church on Wednesday nights. One of the brothers in
my group is really being vocal about debt cancellation. I have heard
him but have tended to push it to the back of my mind because of my
discouragement.

You see? Before being laid off, moving to Arizona,... before life
happened, I was a great payer of my bills. I believed in it. But after
life happened, I got discouraged. It seemed that the more I paid, the
more the bill escalated. I got so discouraged until I finally said,
"What is the use?" So I just stopped paying them. I ignored the calls
of the bill collectors, and sat back and waited for the "debt
cancellation by faith" but so come my way.

But last night, something happened. As there was only me and him in
our group, and we were praying, I began to tell him how I felt about
my bills. How discouraged I was. And the more I let out my
discouragement, the more the Lord replaced it with a resolve to see
those bills extinguished. I truly repented for not paying my bills. I
repented for not speaking the Word over my debts. I repented for not
walking in faith.

As I got to work today, I said that I would at least see what one of
my bills cost and ask God for creative and witty inventions on how to
get rid of that debt. As I called, I prayed for favor. All I know is
to tell the truth, so that's what I did.

Well, the Lord gave it to me. They hooked me up with a payment plan.
I'll be done paying that bill of entirely in a year. So by next year
this time, that bill will be gone!!!

Praise the Lord! I've got two more to go.

Pensive Moments

This week, Chris' left brace broke. When he went to the orthodics on Friday, they gave him a camwalker. When he got to work on yesterday, they told him, after he had been there a few hours, that they would not allow him to work. He could not come back until he had his brace on. That meant in eight weeks.

When he came home, my question was why? You could tell that this person who hardly complains or shows any sadness was quite disturbed. I too was sad because I know how much Chris loves to be active and out there working. All I could do is pray.

The Lord gave me, at least I think it was Him, that Christ is a warrior who faces the world head-on. These weeks, or this time off, has been designed to make him stronger in spirit. Go to everything--evangelism, cell group, Friday night live, Sunday services, everything! Do all you can to get stronger. I think Chris accepted that.

God, I pray, in your name, the name of Jesus, that you come through and show yourself strong on my husband's behalf. Draw him closer to you. Make him strong in spirit. Perform a miracle. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Musings on Star Wars

You know, as I read Star Wars, I see how little and insignificant humanity is. Ma Brown says that "We are just a cup of dust." What I mean is, we are not the whole. We are only a small part of something very big. This is why we must stop being so self-centered and see the whole picture.

Psalm 8:4-9 (NLT) says it like this:
" 4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?[a] 5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God[b] and crowned them[c] with glory and honor. 6 You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority— 7 the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, 8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!"

Wow, Lord. You're absolutely awesome.

Sometimes, when I go out at night and all is quiet taking Rusty to the grass, I also am reminded that there are forces out there. We truly are in a spiritual battle--good against evil--and this battle is for the souls of men. The eveil forces--also known as demons--are always fighting against God and HIs people. They are fighting to thwart the progress of the saints. However, the good news is that they are not the victors--WE ARE!

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)
"10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategiesof the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world,and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standingfirm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from theGood News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

I love reading this stuff because it's a story of how the devil can play on weaknesses to ensnare people who no knowledge. How if I'm not under the control of the Father God, I too can fall and go to hell. I can never be too self-confident. My reliance must always be on God.

I finished reading "The Cestus Deception" today. Wow! It was really something. I guess now it's time to get into the meet of the matter and read the book I don't want to read--"Revenge of the Sith.

But before then, I think I'm gonna download "Jedi Trial." It's also a Clone Wars novel. It shows how Anakin Skywalker became a Jedi knight.

Nikka's 20th Birthday

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to my sister!!!!!!!
Happy birthday to you.

It's hard to believe that 20 years have gone by. My little sister, the one I helped to raise and loved her as my own, has grown into a young lady.

"Did we do something for her birthday?" you ask. Of course. She wouldn't have it any other day. We celebrated at Ruby Tuesday. It's the only promise that Mommy hadn't fulfilled to her, and we brok off the spirit of abandonment and broken promises.

The food was great. This was my first time, but certainly not my last. I got some onion strings and something else, that escapes my mind now. Whatever it was, it was definitely good.

Chris got barbecue ribs. He said they were the best ribes he's eaten from any restaurant around here.

Saints from the church gave Nikka presents. That was really sweet. I think she had a good birthday. We've got a birthday coming up in May--Chris. I bet we'll be back there at Ruby's house again. *LOL*

Star Wars Musings

I'm reading the book, "Cestus Deception." It's a Clone Wars novel. This book has helped me to regain the mindset of a warrior. Here are a few thoughts to think about from the book. These quotes come directly from "The Cestus Deception."

"... a soldier in the field didn't care about how he looked. What mattered was performance under fire."

"Risk was always a factor. Fear was a soldier's constant companion. No dishonor in that: what a man felt mattered not at all. What he did meant everything."

"The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in combat." In my words..., if you can take it, you can make it!

"... always aware that the slightest imperfection might negatively affect performance, endangering a mission or a brother's life."

Correction

The website that I got that info is
www.believersweb.org
Sorry.

Pride

Ok yall, So you know, I've been reading the books and watching the
Star Wars movies. I've been keeping a few entries in a notebook about
what I've learned so far. I'll have to transfer it to this journal.

I've read so far The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and have
seen both movies. Because I don't want to see Anakin Skywalker turn
into Darth Vader, I'm reading a Clone Wars Novel before I read Revenge
of the Sith. However, since I've seen movies 4-6, I know his change is
inevitable.

As I looked a little further into Darth Vader, I saw that his name
means Dark Father. Here's what rocked me to the core last night as I
read the Wikipedia about him. "Skywalker is ultimately seduced by his
own hubris and fear of loss, as well as by the machinations of the
Sith Lord Darth Sidious."

That sounded so deep, that I had to look up a few words. Here are
their definitions:
Hubris--Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance.
Machination--the act of plotting. A crafty scheme or cunning design
for the accomplishment of a sinister end.

Basically, Anakin's pride brought him low. As I thought about this all
last night, I could hardly sleep. Pride. What a dangerous thing to a
Christian... to any person, believer or nonbeliever in Jesus Christ.

I copied these from
www.believers.org:
4. Dangers that pride has:

4.1. The newer believer can easily become proud (1 Tim
3.6, "conceited" tuphoomai, BAG 831, is in the passive. It means
to be puffed
up, conceited, blinded, be foolish). He makes the mistake of
taking credit for spiritual growth and ministry. He forgets that he
is a product
of God's grace (1 Cor 15.10).
4.2. Proud believers reject God's authority in the church
(1 Cor 4.6, 18 "become arrogant" phusiow,
BAG 869, to be puffed up, inflated).
4.3. Proud people can disrupt the life of the church (1 Cor 4.6-7,
"become arrogant" phusiow; Jude
16;, "speak arrogantly" `uperogkos, BAG 841, of excessive size,
puffed up, swollen, haughty, bombastic).
4.4. When you take yourself
too seriously you are proud (Rom 12.3 "to think more highly"
`uperphronew, BAG 842). 1 Cor 15.10 gives the right attitude.
4.5. Proud
religious people will attempt to change you away from grace (Col 2.18
"inflated" phusiow).
4.6. Knowledge (gnwsis) that is not understood,
accepted as certain, and applied can stimulate pride (1 Cor 8.1).
Knowledge (epignwsis) that is understood, accepted as certain, and
applied is
needed for the Christian life (Eph 1.17; Phil 1.9; Col 1.9-10).
4.7. Pride can affect what you say (Jms 4.16). The result is a sin of
the tongue which can cause great damage to self and others (Jms
3.2-6). 4.8. Pride will eventually come back and hurt you
(Prov 11.2; 16.18;
29.23).

"Lord Jesus," I prayed as I tossed and turned all night, "I don't want
to be proud. It's the very spirit of Satan himself. I humble myself
before you." Pride will not allow you to see the truth about God,
yourself, or others. It's a dangerous thing to have in your life. It
lets you go up so far, deceiving yourself all the way, and at the
moment you least expect, it pulls the rug right from under you.

Prov 29:23 "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold
the humble in spirit."
Prov 16:18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit
before a fall."
1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time:

In closing, my prayer has been Psalm 51:10: "Create in me a clean
heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

Sedona Trip: Day 1

Well, we made it! We made it to Sedona yesterday at 8:54 a.m. The day
before, Nikka and Mommy got a Dodge Caliber from Thrifty. Man, it's
nice.
We met my coworkers at my job at 6:00. The trip was very easy, but I
thought we should follow them. Traffic wouldn't allow that, so after
we got lost for a minute getting onto the I17, we got found and all
was well. We ended up stopping at this McDonald's. When we got there,
guess who had alson just pulled up? My coworkers.
We laughed,cuz though they had tried to call, I didn't hear the phone,
So I had no way of knowing where they were. Anyway, after that, we
drove straight here.
The conference started at 9:30, and we were definitely on time.
I asked my sister to find me a place near a plug. S3e did. I was in a
corner, but I didn't mind. I didn't want my BrailleNote to lose
porwer. Trust me. The night before, I had dealt with 27 documents for
this conference. That was a lot. Plus my Star Wars book for when
things got kinda boring. I couldn't face not having battery power.
Anyway, the conference went well. We ate at the restaurant for lunch.
All I have to say about that f9od is, very good, but toooooo
expensive. I had a mandarin chicken salad with a cup of iced tea. My
bill was $15.36. My sister had chicken tenders and a cup of iced tea.
Her bill was $10.93. But this is a hotel--a resort even--so what do I
expect?
Our hotel is the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort in Sedona, AZ.
Towards the end of the conference, we got our room. Beautiful room
with Sleep Number queen-sized beds. The girl at the desk had taken a
liking to us For rasons unknown to us. We liked her too. very friendly
and personable. She showed us the room herself.
Once all was over, we found food. We wanted to hurry up befor it got
dark. We settled on Joey's Italian Restaurant. After driving round and
round, we finally got to it. It was a real Italian restaurant. I
ordered the chicken parmigiana--as always. Nikki ordered fettuccini
with sausage.
The food was absolutely excellent. We had hot bread and salad too. My
meal came to $22.63.
When we got back to our room, I had one aim and one goal--SLEEP. nikki
just knew I would be up reading my Star Wars' but not me. After she
helped my hair, cuz it had gotten wet with the rain, I read a few
emails, and went promptly to bed.
My sleep was good. I woke up once and watched a little TV with her,
and then I talked to Chris, and went back to bed.
I awoke this morning at 4:15 to a dog full of excitement. It was his
parktime. We left the room with me praying to God that we would make
it back quickly and safely.
We found our way to the rocks for him to pea, but I got lost coming
back. We walked around and around. I called Nikka, but she was
snoring, oblivious to any phones. I even called the hotel to get them
to transfer the call to my room, but to no avail.
I heard a guy coughing, I latched onto the sound. I turned his way and
asked for directions. He said to follow the path and make a left. He
watched me, and I did it. T3ank you, Jesus.
Right i s'ti

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

Exciting News!

I am writing with exciting news today! I bet you can tell by my entry
one of the things I'm gonna say. Well... you're right. Chris is coming
home today! I am so happy that I will have a little time to spend with
him before I go to Sedona tomorrow. But you'll never get the next one,
so I'll have to tell you.
Guess what I did today? I went to Fry's by myself. That's right. you
heard it straight from the horse's mouth. Me and Rusty took a trip.
Nikka took us there.
When I got there, I asked for the customer service desk. I had made
the correct turn and was closer than I thought. They were very kind
about getting someone to help, and my wait was very short.
When the guy came, I directed him in the best way to lead us. He got a
cart. Rusty and I walked behind it. He pulled it. It was peachy.
My first stop was the bank. You should've seen the teller. He was too
surprised to see me come alone. He even asked where my family was. I
wasn't angry, because that's who I normally come with. But boy, did my
loan trip do loads for the stereotypes of blind people and my
independence too.
I notified him that they were all preoccupied with their business. I
still had needs to take care of. That's why I was there. He was quite
kind; you could tell that his eyes were being enlightened. I got my
money and went next to the deli.
There at the deli, I wanted a baked chicken for Chris when he finally
gets home. He selected the chicken. I asked the lady if they had any
eggplant wraps today. She said yes, so I bought one. I paid right
there at the deli and the helper guy got us to the door.
Rusty and I proptly walked out. He crossed the street in the exact
plce. We turned left and then right at the gate. I praised him
profusely. My, what a great guide he is. I t3en kept telling him that
we needed to get home. We proceeded on our regular walk home,as I
listened for all the audible clues. The water fall. The mailboxes. We
crossed the street and I waited to feel the metal plates.
We turned left and walked toward Mommy's house. We stopped for him to
do his business. I picked up my wares, and we marched right on home.
For his good work, he got lots of hugs and two biscuits.
Yeah! We did it! What a boost to my day!

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

A Quick but Resounding Thanks!

Here's a great story I just read:

One day, when I was a freshman in high school,

I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.

His name was Kyle.

It looked like he was

carrying all of his books.

I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?

He must really be a nerd."

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my
friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.

They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping
him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten
feet from him.

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled
around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks.

"

They really should get lives.

" He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"

There was a big smile on his face.

It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never
seen him before.

He said he had gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football

with my friends

He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I
liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.

I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious
muscles with this pile of books everyday!

" He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..

When we were seniors we began to think about college.

Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never

be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football
scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.

I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation.

I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak

Graduation day, I saw Kyle.

He looked great.

He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.

He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.

He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.

Boy, sometimes I was jealous!
Today was one of those days.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.

" Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began

"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through
those tough years.

Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly
your friends...

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the
best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the

story of the first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't
have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

"Thankfully, I was saved.

My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy
told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.

With one small gesture you can change a person's life.

For better or for worse.

God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way.

Look for God in others.

As I read this, my heart welled up with thanks to all those who've
made my current situation more bearable. Thanks to my Mommy who has
blessed me beyond beliefe by taking me back and forth to the hospital,
therapy, work... and wherever. Never complaining and never fussing.
Just serving.

Thanks to my sister, Leniqua for being a great little sister. She
hangs out with me, just being herself, which makes me laugh
hysterically. This helps me take my mind off of myself and my
emotions. Laughter is good, like a medicine. (prov 17:22) She has
always accepted me for me and treated me as such. She's another person
who knows me better than I would like to give her credit for *smile*.
She's fun the be with and very sensitive to me. She's a darling!

Thanks to John and Becky for visiting Chris in the hospital and Becky
calling to see what I need. I haven't called her yet, but I know that
she will help in a heartbeat.

And to all others of my church family, coworkers, and all for just
causing my life to be so much more enjoyable. Thanks fot the big and
small things you do that make my life much more meaningful.

Sad and Depressed Today

I know that lots of time has elapsed since my last post. It just seems
that busyness overtakes me and I want to write, but then sleep takes
over me and... Dang it! It's time to start this old mary-go-round all
over again.

Anyway, the biggest news right now is Chris' thyroid surgery. They
performed a thyroidectomy--taking the thyroid out. Then, they did
autotransplantation--putting a piece of the thyroid back in his
body--his is in his arm. I had never heard of such a thing. My my my,
how medicine has progressed. Anyway, his surgery was Friday. All went
well. God is healing him up totally and fully!

As of Tuesday, which is today, he's still in the hospital. I keep
telling myself that all things will happen in His time. God knows what
is best and at what time. In the meantime, I'm fighting back some
strong emotions of oppression and depression.

You want the truth? Well, here it is... I miss him. I miss his jokes.
He's so good-natured. Never letting life get him down for too long. I
miss his keen sense of observation. I hardly have to say things to him
about myself or my thoughts. He... just seems to know. He actually
knows me much better than I give him credit for. And whether you know
it or not, I can be a trip (but only sometimes... LOL), and he's
patiently there.

Beneath his hard, joking exterior, he has the softest heart. And me?
I'm all about the inside, the stuff that most folks won't stick around
long enough to see.

I'm just missing you today, Chris. I pray that the Lord Jesus
continues your full and quick recovery. God bless you is my prayer.

Love,
Your wife

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.