Moving.

I have begun the moving process.  Many tears have been shed in this decision to move, but even in the bitter-sweetness of it all I can see change giving way to great new opportunities.  But none-the-less it is hard to leave everything that is familiar.  I have lived in my apartment for for seven years.  Seven is the number of completion.  In these seven years I have grown, healed and cultivated my talents.  I live about 3/4 mile from the Ruston Way Waterfront where I have spent countless hours skateboarding and sitting by the gorgeous waters of the Puget Sound. Ruston Way has been a place of peace to experience nature, unwind and be inspired. I live close to a beautiful park too. I have had parties and get togethers (graduation, birthday, fun) in the lounge with my dearest friends.  I have made mistakes and learned from them. I have lived alone in my apartment for 2 years which has been a cocooning phase.  A time of quiet rest and healing.  My apartment has been a place for the presence of God.  I'm really going to miss it.

Happy New Year 2015

2014 has been an amazing year!!! I said out loud in January that it would go by fast and it did.  Overall it was a very smooth, very blessed year.  This is what I needed.  The year started out very turbulent as I was facing great internal storms, as I ventured into the unknown with traveling and building my business and falling in love.  I faced my fears head on this year.  I tried new things I had never done before, surfing, skiing, traveling to new places and letting love in.  At the beginning of 2014 I wrote down a few goals for this year... to grow my business, take risks, overcome fear, and FALL IN LOVE.  I can say I have accomplished all of those things.  The last half of this year has been marked with quiet rest.  So much peace and healing has been forged in me through rest.  I've had time to contemplate, process, and journal.  My internal systems, my heart and nervous system, were literally strengthened through rest. Within the rest I discovered that in order to fall in love I had to heal from passed wounds and free myself of guilt from my mistakes.  When ever the opportunity to fall in love presented itself in the past I would get what I call soul heartburn. It's an intense internal torment and literally makes my body temperature rise and my heart feels like it's burning.  I had the wonderful privileged of facing this fear this year.  I overcame fear by going to the other side of it.  I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to fall in love this year. I am no longer afraid to love.  I am stronger than ever!!!  2015 holds many new adventures.  I am moving to southern Florida for new adventures.  I will be growing my life and my business in Florida.  I have many public speaking opportunities lined up for 2015 already!!!!  2015 will be a year of transition.  I feel that it will be slower than last year and a bit more bumpy as transition is never easy.  I plan on continuing to fall in love in 2015 with the hope that I will someday soon meet the man I will marry and with whom I will share life's adventures.  2015 will be strengthening, adventurous and filled with new opportunities for growth. May 2015 be an amazing year for you! Happy New Year!!!!

Energy source

Colossians 1:29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Until recently I have been in a state of anxiety and survival most of my life.  Just like most people I have been through experiences that left me emotionally traumatized.  If I had gone to a Psychologist a few years ago, I would have most likely been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.  Maybe you can relate to this.  When someone has experienced trauma they can be set on survival mode, within survival mode there is a need to be constantly vigilant, worrisome, and most of all, in control. Traumatized people have a difficult time trusting God because it is hard to reconcile that bad things happened and He didn't step in to stop it.   When I started traveling avidly, these survival skills did not help me when I was far outside my comfort zone.  Traveling requires the ability to be ok with not being in control of every aspect of your surroundings.  The first few months of traveling I experienced levels of anxiety that seemed high enough to take my life.  There came a point that I realized that I had a choice, to learn peace, or die young.  I have been on a journey to find true peace for a little over a year.  My anxiety has drastically decreased and my traveling experiences are so much more enjoyable.  Here are some bullet point truths I have discovered that promote peace.

• My time of war has come to an end. There was a time in my life that I was subject to pain and trauma. But that season is over.  Like an airplane taking off I have cleared the turbulence and am flying in the slip stream.  I can make choices to protect my life because I am now an autonomous adult.
• Everything in life that is not on the Rock (Jesus Christ) is on shifting sand.  Everything that I had been holding on to that was unhealthy I let go of:  Relationships,  mindsets, sins.  Give God every part of your life.
• When we are anxious its because we are relying on our fleshly strength and energy to survive.  God has an endless supply of energy and He will work His energy in us.  When I trust God and let Him work His energy in me, I can travel and speak and face the unknown with confidence and joy.

Building your wings

This season has been very restful.  I've had ample time to spend skateboarding at the waterfront  and meditate.  I've also had moments where I feel really antsy and fear that my life is moving too slow.  The other day I had an aha moment.  Sometimes in our desire for something to happen in our life we abandon prayer, patience and waiting on Gods timing and we take life into our own hands.  From my experience the fruit that I produce out of impatience is inferior to the fruit that is produced from Gods perfect will.  God has heavenly treasures in His design prepared for us.  Everything we desire in our hearts has an answer in perfect design in heaven.  I spent time with a dear sister in Christ today and expressed to her my urgency for the things that I want to happen in my life and she expressed the same sentiments.  We prayed with each other and while in prayer I saw a picture of a pair of huge wings and God's hand was meticulously placing each feather to create the wings.  I shared this with my sister and we both started laughing joyously. In this season that it seems that very little is happening God is building our wings.  One day we will soar high above the place we are now. 
 Isaiah 40:31 "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

A blog about a log

A few years back I had a dream that I knew was from God. In the dream I was facing many trials regarding family, and anxiety about my future.  I felt like I was drowning.  Then along came a man, who took my hand and said, I have a surprise for you!  He lead me through a field with tall grass but the grass has been mowed into a path.  We walked for quite a distance.  Then at the end of the path was a raging river.  It looked very dangerous, like if I fell in it would be catastrophic.  The only means to cross the river was a log.  As I looked to the other side of the bridge I saw a thick dark forest.  I could sense that the man wanted me to cross.  I turned to him and asked 'How will I get to the other side safely'? He said "Because I will go with you."  I am in a season of the fruition of this dream.  I am adventuring into the unknown and I know I can do it if God goes with me!

Education Revolution

I woke up this morning with an idea in my mind that I believe was given to me by God. I was thinking about education and public schools and the way that they are run,  so regimented with very little creative freedom.

                When we are small children most of us live an existence of playing and having all our needs met by our parents or guardians. This existence changes almost immediately when we start kindergarten and each year of school we are gradually inundated with institutional rules and regulations.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not minimizing the important of education and structure in developing a healthy society but the way most public schools are run we are taught more how to survive small spaces, over populated classrooms, and underpaid teachers than we are to be healthy members of society.  During our childhood and adolescence we spend most of our waking hours in this environment, then we graduate go to college and join the workforce, where again we are confined to a small space like a desk or a cubicle.  If we do nothing to get out of the rat race, then that is where we stay and our biggest dream becomes retirement. When we retire, suddenly we aren’t working and all we know to do with our free time is watch TV.  I paint a dismal picture, I know, but unless you confront and challenge this model of existence you will be stuck in this model of existence for life.
Bells and policies, large classrooms, small halls by which students shuffle to and from class.  I believe that this model of education squelches the vision and freedom that our youth need to become free thinkers and world changers.  Youth should be learning in the community, in nature, through travel and new experiences.  Another vision has been added to my life dream.  In my future when I am a wealthy business woman I want to start a school that has a Montessori style of education, where students learn in a model of freedom.  I'm thinking of an education co-op. Not home schooling, community schooling.  The school would not have a building with classrooms, but teachers would teach within different venues of the community, outdoors and even abroad.  There will be very little standardized testing.   I believe with this style of teaching youth will have an educational experience which will allow them to live life to it fullest. It will show them a model of living life that will prevent them from entering into the adult slump that many Americans experience.

Fathers heart

Lately I have been struggling a lot with worry.  Since passing on the title of Ms. Wheelchair America there have been several circumstances in my life that have surfaced very tender and wounded parts of my heart.  I am now in new season that requires a lot of faith.  I feel like I've been free falling and not quite sure if there is a parachute to catch me.  As I was skateboarding at the waterfront tonight I had a revelation about my circumstances.  Just as many of you can relate to this,  I have experienced words of fear and caution over my life.  I think many of us think that if we love someone then we should protect them by warning them of all the bad or dangerous things that could happen if they take risks.  The truth is that love does not speak fear. 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."  God our Heavenly Father does not look at our future and speak fear into us to protect us. He speaks goodness, life and possibilities and then He IS our protection.  He is strong enough and big enough to protect us from all harm.  He has no fear for us because He is fully confidant in Himself and His ability to safe us.  Also, I often look at things coming up in my future and worry myself sick about all the different bad things that could happen.  A thought came to me tonight as I was gazing at the gorgeous Puget Sound.  When a lamp or flashlight lights our path we can only see what is in close proximity in front of us. Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."  I think often times we worry about what we can't see ahead of us, and many people get stuck in the same place because they are comfortable with what they can see in front of them.  But I have realized that I am able to grow and dream and achieve so much more when I journey on towards the unknown knowing that the light of the world will remain on my path.  We always have light for today which gives us confidence that that light will be on our path tomorrow.

Glory to glory!

2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 

I have decided to move to Miami Florida.  Great doors of opportunity have opened there to grow personally and professionally.  In a recent prayer time with a friend she said she saw a picture of me emerging from a cocoon and flying away.  I woke up this morning with a vision in my head of myself as a butterfly emerging from my cocoon in Miami and flying around the world.  I believe that we cocoon and emerge many times throughout our lives.  Each time we return to our cocoon we process and create, and then we emerge again, even bigger, more vibrant, colorful and glorious than before.  As we pursue God and His plan for our lives, He takes us from glory to glory.  

Living Waters

This year as Ms. Wheelchair America has not only opened doors of opportunity for the Ms. Wheelchair America Foundation, but it has also opened doors for my motivational speaking business, SHIFT.  Recently, I have had many business opportunities.  This is such a blessing! Yet as all fledgling businesses I am facing gains and losses.  Entrepreneurship takes guts and a willingness to take calculated risks.  Sometimes as I've taken these calculated risks, a deep anxiety sets in. Anxiety that the risks were to risky and I might come out in the negative.   As I have brought these anxieties to the Lord in prayer I heard His voice of wisdom say "Don't try to come out ahead by what you can dig up, instead receive what I pour down."  So I started praying prayers that God would pour down blessing on my business and the opportunities ahead.  Today I was walking in the park and was watching the ducks in the pond.  The ducks were leisurely swimming and I started to notice that they were drinking the water, bathing in the water and digging up grub in the water.  All of their needs are immediately met in the water.  John 7:38 says "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” As we jump into the water of the Spirit, fully trusting God, He will direct the current.  And within the water we are cleansed, and provided for in every way.  And within the water is joy because where there is water there is splashing, swimming, surfing and horse play! 

The Bride

The Son, is Jesus, the Messiah, God in bodily form who in equality with the Father took on the sins of the world to create a way for mankind to connect with God.  Jesus is not the Sunday school Jesus that many of you may have been taught.  He is God!!  The Creator, the beginning and the end, He bears the Glory of the Father.  He shines in splendor, with all wisdom and power. He raised Himself from the dead with the power endowed Him as God.  He hold the keys to Kingdom.  He was raised from the dead and went to Heaven in bodily form.  He is in bodily form waiting for a church, the Bride to return to. Would any of you want to marry a bride who had just rolled out of bed, hadn't brushed her teeth, or her hair, or hadn't taken a shower?  No! A glorious bride not only brushes her teeth and takes a shower the day of her wedding, but she will spend months before the wedding preparing; preparing the bridal party, picking her wedding dress, going to spa treatments, going on a diet, getting her hair done at the salon, finding and securing the location, picking the music and arranging decorations for the location. She will also spend months preparing and engaging the hearts of the people involved; talking to family, having Bachlorette Parties, and a bridal shower.  The groom waits. The groom is less involved with the planning, but he supports the bride and waits for the day when she will reveal her glory to him and they can be one and be together forever.  The bride is compelled to prepare for the groom because he loves her and celebrates her and yearns to have all of her with him in life.  Jesus is the groom of Heaven and Earth.  And we, the Church are His Bride.  He loves us and celebrates us and He is waiting for us to prepare ourselves as a Bride.  You see the Church is not a building with four walls, a title and a denomination.  The Church is us, the believers of God.  God is after our hearts and He is waiting for His Bride to prepare for the return of His son.  Right now as the church we are closer to being the bride that just rolled out of bed, not fully awake, bad breath, no shower.  We need to wake up and get ready for our glorious King and Groom.  You are His church and I strongly believe that the youth of this generation will wake up the Bride.  Your gifts and talents will be used by God in the world to bring positive change and wake up the Bride to be prepared for her Groom.

Prayer is Powerful!

As I have taken new risks in my travels as Ms. Wheelchair America I have faced many fears and I have realized the power of prayer more than ever. In the book of James Chapter 5 verse 16 it says "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." I am a witness to the truth of this verse!  My experience this year has lead me to understand that if we want to be peaceful, powerful, and effective human beings than we need a covering of prayer and we need to be praying.  For a long time I have been stir crazy about the promise God spoke over my life a long time ago, that I would be an International Worship Evangelist.  It has been 16 years since this promise was implanted in my heart. I encountered the Lord in a radical way in 1998 on the campus of Pacific Lutheran University and began to get involved with a church called New Song.  At New Song I was filled with the Spirit, set free from the sin and hindrances of shame, insecurity, and self-hatred.  For about 10 years I was being mentored, discipled and trained for my calling.  But there came a time that I felt it was time that I transitioned from training to calling in 2006.  The door opened a little for me to lead worship and function in hospitality and do some local evangelism, but a messy church split closed all those doors, and I went through a time of being a wishy in the wind. When I won the crown of Ms. Wheelchair America it opened the door for my calling.  With these new opportunities to travel and impact audiences with my story I began to see my calling unfolding.  Yet my frustration grew that my home church was still not a place that I felt I could offer my gifts and talents, so I decided I would leave church and do my own thing.  I began to experience anxiety and nightmares.  One particularly bad night I asked God, what do I need to do to find peace.  He said in my spirit "Get back under the covering of prayer and leadership at church."  2 days later I met with my Pastor and re-submitted my heart to their covering.  I asked the elders to pray over my upcoming travels and they did.  Ever since I have taken this action step I can see God at work so much more in my travels and my life.  My peace has returned and I can see prayers being answered where ever I go.  I am still believing for a greater commissioning towards my calling and I anticipate great things as I wait in faith!   

Happy New Year!!

2013 was a year of immense spiritual growth in my life.  I was crowned Ms. Wheelchair  Washington in March and Ms. Wheelchair America in July.  This fast and upwards promotion in my life was both a blessing and a huge challenge.  As I began to travel around the nation, most of the time alone, I realized some very broken, depleted parts of myself.  In the midst of the joy of being promoted I also experienced severe anxiety, sleep deprivation and emotional weakness.  In this bitter sweet year I learned so much.  I dug deep into the presence of God and asked for healing and wisdom.  These are a few nuggets of wisdom that I learned this year...

TALENTS: Read the Parable of the Talents Mathew 25.  God has given each of us talents. These talents are meant to be seen and shared with the world.  As we shine, we give glory to the Father and share in His happiness.

DESTINY: Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Time and again this year I have seen how God works for my good.  There were miracles big and small of happenstance, provision, and changed lives where I saw God working for my good as I walked in the purpose He has for my life.

WEAKNESS:  2 Corinthians 12:10 "That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  I have never felt so weak as I did this year at times, when I was anxious or sleep deprived or lacking resources, God always provided the strength I needed.  I am learning, that as I admit my weakness and bring my needs before God, He is present and comforting.  Although I have been promoted, I must not put myself on a pedestal, for the higher I raise myself the farther I have to fall, but if i fall in a humble stance, I fall into grace.

LOVE:Romans 8:35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" I need love and so does everyone in the world and God has an infinite supply.  I discovered that I thought needing love was weak.  A lot of us suffer from an orphans mentality about love.  Mostly because many of us have felt withheld from in many circumstances in life,  but God does not withhold His love, He pours it out infinity.  I have began to open my needs before the Lord and in tears ask Him to meet them, and He does.

2014 holds many blessings and I have many needs in  order for them to come to pass.  So I lay them at the feet of my King, trusting that He can do far more than I cam imagine. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

My worth

As I have been preparing for the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant I have retreated away from chaos into retreat.  This has been both a miraculous and lonely place.  I have had the shackles of my heart removed.  This is a count of the things I have experienced and heard from the Lord.  Last week the sermon was about love.  1st Corinthians 13 love.  I left the sermon perplexed, frustrated and questioning.  Overall realizing that I have not really loved the Christ loves.  I am intolerant of negativity and disrespect.   I am self protective and I am lonely.  Loneliness is the open door that the devil uses to lead us into temptation. I have been drawn to temptation many times because of the pangs of loneliness.  I have a huge wave to ride and my desire is to be deemed worthy to ride it.  A couple prayer times mark my breakthrough.  I was praying about my hearts desire for a husband.  I heard "Don't settle. Ask him to fight for you. For you are worthy. " I think many women don't fight for their worth.  It is easy to allow the pangs of loneliness to make alliances with less than what we are worth, just to not feel lonely.  "Require the fire for any man who wants to hold your heart."  The other thing I have been praying about is the reason behind why I see that I am worthy of a banquet, but have seemingly only had  access to crumbs.  I heard "Jenny, you have turned crumbs to gold because you have made the most of every opportunity. You have cried out from your lowly place and you have been answered." Will you allow God turn your crumbs into gold.

Getting ready

The Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant is only 2 weeks away!!! I can't believe it!! I need an outlet to process my thoughts and get feedback and I am using this blog entry to do so.  The pivotal moment in this competition will be the final speech. Each contestant has 2 1/2 minutes to share their platform speech and convince the judges that they are the best choice to be Ms. Wheelchair America.  Here is a rough draft of my speech...

I was born with partial limbs in 1979, adopted at birth by amazing parents and raised in a small town in Western Washington. My parents had a calling to adopt children with special needs so I had 5 other siblings with special needs.  The laws that required public schools to educate students with disabilities were very fresh when I entered the public school system.  Segregation of mainstream students and disabled students was still occurring, which aggravated my parents to hired a lawyer and fight for my education. They won, which allowed me to receive a mainstream education and be included in the mainstream classes. This was both a privilege and a challenge, as I had the opportunity to get a great education, while also experiencing being teased and bullied, especially in my middle school years.  A gifting for public speaking, and performing was made apparent early on in my childhood. This passion kept me strong throughout  the challenging times of experiencing peer rejection.  When I went off to college at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma Washington,  I had a much different experience.  I was in a very inclusive environment and got involved in campus ministry. I was surrounded by friendship, acceptance, and positivity! These new experiences empowered me and brought to life the destiny inside of me to change the world with the message, that beyond your limitations is fulfillment and life's purpose. The dream of being a public speaker and performer began to become a reality.  Through my twenties I worked and went to school studying Radio Broadcasting, and a Masters in Counseling, preparing for my career. After receiving my Master's degree I had the privilege of working as a career counselor at the Tacoma School of the Arts, which functions in the inclusion model of education.  It is here that the vision of my motivational speaking business was made a reality. In 2011 I started my motivational speaking business SHIFT and began sharing my story in schools.  This March I was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Washington and my platform is "The Power of Words". This opened the door  to many more opportunities to reach youth with a message of acceptance and awareness.  In the three months of my reign I have spoken at over 20 events, schools, daycares, and preschools.  Many efforts are already being made to change the antiquated system of Special Education in American public schools and more needs to be done to have all schools in america switch over to this model of education. As Ms. Wheelchair America my vision would be to take  the message of "The Power of Inclusion" to the schools of America.  I would  advocate to change legislature and the laws surrounding segregation of students with disabilities to be included in mainstream classrooms with their peers. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Equity

I know it's been a while since I submitted an entry.  After being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Washington my life has been a whirlwind of events.  I am so blessed!!! My business has grown exponentially, I found an author for my Children' book, and I am running for Ms. Wheelchair America in July.  With all these good things happening the sweet in my life is very sweet and the bitter has a bit more of a bite.  These successes have strained relationships in my life and I find myself feeling more alone than ever at times.  On the other hand I have gone from feeling invisible to being seen by the world.  This is very exciting and at the same time very scary!!!  Being seen means being pursued by many.  I have the tendency to say yes to anything that sounds like a good idea.  On a few occasions recently I have jumped into agreements and decisions that seemed like a good idea but ultimately leave me feeling anxiety.  Thank God for grace. Proverbs 6 says "My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor , if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said , ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbors hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea  with your neighbor, allow no sleep to your eyes. Free yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler."   I have learned that there is a way out of unwise decisions, but my goal is to tell anyone who asks something of me, that I will get back to them in 24 hours.  As I continue to pursue God's plan for my life and get more Kingdom of God equity, I need to be wise with the opportunities that have been entrusted to me, by making wise choices with my friendships, time, and activities. One thing I know is that in these decisions to follow wisdom, will be great reward.  How does this speak too you?

I am Ms. Wheelchair Washington!!!

Today was such a magical day! Including a magical bathroom! I know that sounds funny, but it's true.  getting to the pageant was stressful. We got lost 8 miles in wrong direction which was stressful and my fault for not printing out the directions.  So, when I got there I was stressed. But I really needed to use the bathroom. So, I go into the ladies room and there is a ceiling speaker blaring the song, "You Are So Beautiful too Me."  I felt that heaven was serenading me.  So, first, I went into the initial interviews with the judges.  That went well, as the judges were people I connected with and comfortably shared my story and vision in being Ms. Wheelchair Wa.  Following the interviews was a short break before the speeches and questioning from the judges in front of the crowd . Again, I went too the bathroom!  The song "Hero" was playing, by Mariah Carey, which is one of my all-time favorite songs!  It really ministered too me and inspired me.  Right before my speech I found a quiet place where I could connect with the Lord alone.  I gave Him my fear and received empowerment by the Holy Spirit.  When I did my speech, my heart was pounding, but everything came out elaquently. MIRACLE!!  After I received the crown, a joy like I have never known came over me!!  Then, miracles started to happen! I made connections with a man named Marty, who knows a publisher he can connect me with to help publish my childrens' book. I met the owner of kersey mobility, who wants to help me with the process of getting a modified van. And I connected with women who do make up and hair and offered their services to me. I also connected with several other prominent  public speakers.  What a miraculous day!!  am so excited for what this year holds! Praise the Lord!!!

Children's book

I am writing a children's book to compliment my "Power of Words" presentations.  Here is y rough draft. Please give me feedback!

Children’s book

 Title: Words Have Power

(Not illustrated, pics of me and real people.)

Hello, my name is Jennifer Lynn Adams.

I was born with missing limbs. (Pic  of me as a baby.)

I grew up in a big family. (pic of my family)

In a small town. (Pic of small town)

I use a wheelchair to get from place to place.  (pic of me in my wheelchair)

When I am at home I move around outside of my wheelchair. (pics of me at home)

When I was a kid, other kids would tease me because I looked different.

Being teased hurt my feelings and made me scared to go to school (sad face pic)

When I grew up and went to college (pic at PLU)

I made friends who spoke kind and true words to me.  (Pic of college friends)

They said “You are beautiful.”  “You’re life has purpose.” “Your story will change lives.”

Their kind words and friendship took away the hurtful words said to me in school and made me happy to be me! (happy pic)

WORDS HAVE POWER! (Full page)

POWER TO BULID UP! (pic build up)

 OR TEAR DOWN! (tear down pic)

Your good words and kind actions are POWERFUL!

The same way my friends help me, you can help others be happy too!!

Your WORDS HAVE POWER!

Start now! (pic starting line)

Watch the power of your good words and actions

Build up other’s around you! (pic of happy kids)

Say it out loud!

“I will use my words to build others up!” “I will use my actions to help others around me!.”

WORDS HAVE POWER!!

The end

New thing!

This week was both challenging and thrilling!!  I am stepping up too the plate in a whole new way with my speaking business.  I'm already signed up for 5 events next month!  There is a new season ahead of change and adventure!! God is doing a new thing!! Last night, my roommate Ariel and I were talking, and I said "Our lives are changing right before our eyes." And she said "Our lives will never be the same again."  That is good news.  I have a whole new perspective for the next 10,20,30,40,50, 60 years of my life, and beyond into eternity.  God has laid a foundation through trials, discipleship, challenges, and learning experience in my life, and it is strong and sturdy, only a work that His Spirit could do. Now, just like a ninja, or warrior, I must take everything I have learned and put it into action.  Living for God is so exciting!!  I have seen through the experiences of my life, that people as they age tend to decrease in passion and creativity. They get increasingly less inspired, more complacent. They begin to digress rather than progress.  Jesus said if you try to hold onto your life, you will lose it, but if you lose your life for the Gospel, you will find it. I am seeing the truth of this in action in my life.  I am heading upwards, and I give my life to God to use for His purposes!! I am progressing towards all that He has for me!  I have plans to write a children's book, to compliment my presentations in schools.  May you also discover the joy of laying down your life.

What defines you?

I spent the whole weekend at the encounter conference.  It was amazing!!  But there was a struggle in my spirit the whole time.  The struggle was more like an argument between God and I. God saying "I love you. You are pure and spotless and loved." I'm saying "But remember when I did that bad thing or remember how this happened to me."  It wasn't till I got home and started to do some soul searching and praying for revelation, that I put my finger on what was causing me to feel unsettled.  It's kind of been a lifelong struggle of feeling generally unsettled.  I'm sure you can relate. I realized that my struggle was that I always try my best to appear as though I have it together. I want to be seen by others as beng a good person who does no wrong. The truth is, this is exhausting and ultimately ends up in shame because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It is so much better to boast in my weakness than to try to appear strong.  I am a sinner, and the only thing that makes me right is the blood of Jesus.  So I will allow Him to be perfect and I don't have to hide my faults and flaws, or my past because God is using all of it for His glory.  He is writing a beautiful story through me and the pages of my story are covered with glitter!!  He shines as strength in my weakness, so I don't have to stuff down or repress my weaknesses or faults, because they do not hinder me from shining. They show others that no matter what you have done, or what has happened too you, or how disfuctional your family is, you are loved, healed, cleansed, and made perfect through the blood of Jesus, shed for you.

Processing

This is my rough draft for the Ms. Wheelchair WA day of interviews and platform speech. Please provide feedback.

Miss Wheelchair Washington

Potential, opportunity, advocacy, favor, beauty, growth, connection, purpose, vision

What is the vision for being Ms. Wheelchair Washington?

·         To shine!

·         To have more opportunities to grow my business

·         To spread the message of SHIFT

·         To use the arts to build self-esteem

What is SHIFT?

·         Motivational speaking business which bears the message of “The Power of Words.” Our words and action are powerful to build up a life or tear it down, to include or exclude.

·         Our weaknesses may be what we are self-conscious of, but our weaknesses are the very thing that shines in the world.

·         People think that having no arms and legs is an impertinence that it is something that needs to be fixed, but it’s not. It’s a gift to inspire others to pursue their full potential. If I can live a full life, you can.

·         I have fought hard to know who I am and sought hard. Many people have encouraged me. I have had the wonderful privilege to find the gem of my identity. I want to help others discover the gem of who they are, whether able bodied or disabled.

What is my message?

·         There is something really amazing worth finding beyond our limitations

·         SHIFT peoples mindsets to see the power of inclusion

·         Give everyone who wants to shine, a chance to shine

·         Words have the power of life and death, to build up or tear down

Platform speech

·         Background

·         Experience with the power of words in my life

·         Starting SHIFT

·         Vision of SHIFT

·         What I would do as Ms. Wheelchair WA

·         Song