Family – the glue that gives life meaning; the bond that should be stronger than steel has been weakened by society.
Don’t believe my words – read the newspapers, or watch the news. Families are dissolving faster than sugar dissolves in a warm beverage.
Husbands are having affairs. Wives are having affairs. Parents are putting work before family leaving the children to fend for themselves for hours each day. Parents are pushing children into sports (for their own gratification). Children are putting sports before studies because they read about the huge sums of money the players earn. And the list goes on and on. No wonder society is in such a state of disarray.
Family values are disappearing. In their place is the “instant gratification” of the me generation. And I don’t mean just the youth – I mean ALL generations. We’ve become the disposable generation. Don’t like it, throw it out and buy something else, or someone new. Sad to say, this is the state of the family in 2009.
Television and Hollywood teach deception is the norm. Don’t like your husband/wife – have an affair – but don’t get caught. And if you’ve been watching the news lately, politicians and sports figures are at the top of the list. When the dirty secrets are revealed, they go on television to confess – but only AFTER they were caught. These are educated people – not blind to the results of their actions. What does this teach our children? Certainly not the vows taken in marriage!
Deception is the work of the devil. He is on earth to kill, steal and destroy. And he is doing a great job within the family unit. Sad to say, he has lots of help by the media, television and the movies. We can’t watch regular television without commercials that should be x-rated. We can’t watch the family rated shows without some reference to immoral acts. Who judges these shows for values? I, for one, think they need new judges.
The family unit is dissolving and the world wonders why.
We are responsible for what we watch, what we hear, and what we do with the information from these sources. If we chose to fill our minds with trash, trash will be the result. That old clique “garbage in, garbage out” holds true in today’s society.
God gave us dominion over our lives – and he also gave us Jesus to help us make the right decisions. When Jesus died on the cross, he said, “It is FINISHED!” The devil was defeated at that moment in time. And when we accept Jesus into our hearts, we have His POWER to overcome the devil; to take back what he has stolen from our families.
Families are God’s creation. He started with Adam and Eve and today he has billions of children. Each child has a free will to choose Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And he is saddened by the conditions of 2009 and the number of his children that have rejected his Son Jesus.
Jesus will return – one day; the day and time only God knows. But until Jesus returns, we need to set about his business. We need to take control of our minds, filter out the devil thoughts, images, and wrong choices. We need to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus.
Parents – you hold the lives of your children in your hands. God gave you these precious gems to nurture and love; to provide security and education. But most of all, to lead them into the arms of Jesus. Don’t destroy their faith in you because of your desire for the lifestyle of the rich and famous – or the make believe characters on television or movie.
Jesus is the remedy for the dissolving family. You can read about him in the Bible … and you can call upon him – any day, and hour, any minute, any second. He awaits your call for help!!
Families Unite for Jesus!!!
(c) Nancy Carey
www.nancycarey.com
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Routine or Adventure - You can have both!!!
Life is an adventure. Although we live in a world of routine, sometimes our routine is upset when life takes a new road to new adventures.
As I thought about the word “routine,” lots of images crossed my vision:
Up at the same time everyday to prepare for work
Leave at the same time everyday to drive to work
Take the same route everyday to work
Eat lunch at the same time every day
Leave work at the same time everyday
Take the same route home
Eat dinner at the same time everyday
Go to bed at the same time everyday
I’m certain everyone has variations on their personal routine; especially those with children. Yet the fact remains; we are creatures of routine.
But what happens when we change just one element of our routine?
Changing one fifteen minute block of time in my routine changed my life. Just fifteen minutes – every morning wedged between “Up at the same time everyday to prepare for work” and “Leave at the same time everyday to drive to work” revolutionized my thinking and my goals.
What was so powerful that it changed my life – in only fifteen minutes every morning? No, it was not physical exercise, although it is important also.
Fifteen minutes of reading the BIBLE opened my mind and heart to God’s plan for my life. While I nourished my body with food, I also nourished my mind with God’s wisdom for the day.
Our mind needs spiritual nourishment just as our body needs vitamins and minerals to sustain a healthy life. Society is consumed with improving the “look” of the body, but spends little time on improving the “look” of the mind. Although we can’t see the “mind,” we experience the effects of its neglect.
God gave everyone twenty-four hours in a day – and for most, eight of those hours are consumed with sleep plus another ten hours for work leaves approximately six hours for all the other activities of life. Not a lot of time to accomplish all our to-do’s necessary in the busy world we live in, but more than enough time to spent time in the Word of God.
How did my “morning spiritual nourishment” change my life?
It assured me of my salvation with the Lord. When Jesus said, “It Is FINISHED!” – He meant it is FINISHED. He paid the price for my sins – once and for all. I now live under the waterfall of His GRACE. Through his death on the cross, I have assurance of eternal life in heaven and for blessings while I am here on earth. One day I will be in my new home and see Jesus face to face to personally thank him for all he has done in my life!!!
What else have I learned from my spiritual nourishment?
That God gave me a gift, actually two, no – three: writing, photography and volunteering with the disabled. And once I began to exercise my gifts, the blessings flowed like living water over my life. They flowed through my fingers when I wrote My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007 in nine weeks. They flowed through the lens of my camera when photographing his beautiful creations. They flowed through my outreach into the disability community.
The flowed and they flowed and they continue to flow.
I believe spiritual nourishment is vital to living a life full of adventures. But I must warn you …
Fifteen minutes wedged between my “Up at the same time everyday to prepare for work” and “Leave at the same time everyday to drive to work” expanded into listening to Bible study and worship music on the way to/from work, reading great books written by the anointed of God which has led me to an unquenchable thirst to be all I can be for the Lord.
Routine is great – and is necessary for a successful life. But routine without the Word of God in our lives is not healthy. It’s a routine that needs to be shaken to its roots and reorganized to make reading the Word of God the most important time of our morning routine.
We can have Routine and Adventure in our life – God’s way!!!
When we make time for God, he will make the desires of our heart a reality and give us his adventures of a lifetime!!!
© Nancy Carey
My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Sunday, August 9, 2009
What does the word DISABILITY mean to you?
What does the word DISABILITY mean to you?
For me, it means “wheelchair.” Why? Because I’ve volunteered since March 2006 with incredible ladies in wheelchairs. So when my sister, Cathy Porter (Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007) and I were invited to attend the W.E.A.N. Self-Esteem Workshop for Girls 13-18 with Disabilities, my first thought was “wheelchairs.” I was the event photographer while Cathy was a “whatever needed” volunteer.
But I was totally wrong in my perception. What WALKED through the door of this event were incredible girls NOT in wheelchairs. These precious young ladies were labeled “disabled” not because of their physical disability, but because of a brain disability. The mother-daughter event touched my heart – and changed my thinking.
My life changed the day I photographed these girls – I learned how beautiful they are on the inside as well as the outside. Their “joy” was evident with their contagious laughter and willingness to share what their disability meant to them.
What did I learn from these precious girls?
· They are very protective of their families
· They want to be treated equal
· They love new adventures
· They love the CAMERA
· And most of all, they love their MOTHERS
Mothers – oh my, I was overwhelmed with emotion at their dedication to their daughters. It reminded me of Cathy and our mom – the mom who refused to put Cathy away when she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
My eyes were also opened to another revelation – wheelchair users love to volunteer. These precious Queens from W.E.A.N. (Women Empowered Abilities Now) were the most giving volunteers to these able-bodied attendees. The served with their hearts – and gave love to all who walked across the threshold of this event.
Disability means different things to different people. A disability can be mild to severe, but it almost means an opportunity for the able-bodied (body and brain) to volunteer to help.
I WALKED away from this event with renewed appreciation of ALL my abilities. And I also WALKED away with a renewed quest to share the blessings of volunteering.
Appreciate who you are – what you can do – and never WALK away from an opportunity to GIVE of your abilities.
www.wean1.org
www.nancycarey.com
For me, it means “wheelchair.” Why? Because I’ve volunteered since March 2006 with incredible ladies in wheelchairs. So when my sister, Cathy Porter (Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007) and I were invited to attend the W.E.A.N. Self-Esteem Workshop for Girls 13-18 with Disabilities, my first thought was “wheelchairs.” I was the event photographer while Cathy was a “whatever needed” volunteer.
But I was totally wrong in my perception. What WALKED through the door of this event were incredible girls NOT in wheelchairs. These precious young ladies were labeled “disabled” not because of their physical disability, but because of a brain disability. The mother-daughter event touched my heart – and changed my thinking.
My life changed the day I photographed these girls – I learned how beautiful they are on the inside as well as the outside. Their “joy” was evident with their contagious laughter and willingness to share what their disability meant to them.
What did I learn from these precious girls?
· They are very protective of their families
· They want to be treated equal
· They love new adventures
· They love the CAMERA
· And most of all, they love their MOTHERS
Mothers – oh my, I was overwhelmed with emotion at their dedication to their daughters. It reminded me of Cathy and our mom – the mom who refused to put Cathy away when she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
My eyes were also opened to another revelation – wheelchair users love to volunteer. These precious Queens from W.E.A.N. (Women Empowered Abilities Now) were the most giving volunteers to these able-bodied attendees. The served with their hearts – and gave love to all who walked across the threshold of this event.
Disability means different things to different people. A disability can be mild to severe, but it almost means an opportunity for the able-bodied (body and brain) to volunteer to help.
I WALKED away from this event with renewed appreciation of ALL my abilities. And I also WALKED away with a renewed quest to share the blessings of volunteering.
Appreciate who you are – what you can do – and never WALK away from an opportunity to GIVE of your abilities.
www.wean1.org
www.nancycarey.com
(c) Nancy Carey
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Independence Day
A day noted with freedom, or better known as the 4th of July. A mid-year point that says summer is here, and will soon be gone. A day of celebrations with family and friends.
But what does Independence Day mean to you – PERSONALLY?
We celebrate the day with hot dogs and hamburgers and every “outdoor” food imaginable. We gather to watch the BIG fireworks display and wonder at the splendor of the lights in the sky.
But what does Independence Day mean to you – PERSONALLY?
Do you reflect on the freedoms you have and how often you take them for granted? The simple freedoms to choose where you live, where you work and where you spend time in rest and relaxation?
You do have a choice in these matters, although you may not realize it. The choices you make effect the independence you experience tomorrow.
When you live your life according to the Word of God, you experience true independence - not just within your nation, but from sin. No need to wait for one day a year to celebrate Independence Day – but as a child of God, everyday is Independence Day. Independence from SIN with the assurance that once you accept Jesus as your PERSONAL Lord and Savior, your independence assures you an eternal life of endless celebrations.
And when this nation –The United States of America, returns to its roots with God, this nation will return to the blessings of God.
According to Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
The United States of America, a land that many used to say they love. But in today’s economic situations brought on my greed, many have lost their zeal for this nation blessed of God.
Remember the song you sang in grade school …
God Bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside Her
And Guide Her
Through the night with the lights up above
The lyric was written out of a heart with love for our country; a time when freedom was vital and fought for. But today, we take our freedoms for granted. We allow the “political” in-the-know take control and use their powers for evil instead of the good God intended.
Stand up for your country that you love. Don’t sit back and take your freedoms for granted. Hold the “political” in-the-know group accountable with the same accountability they hold you.
As Citizens of the United States of America, we hold to the truths in the Constitution of the United States of America. Don’t forget your rights, nor your freedoms. One by one they are disappearing and we, as a nation founded on the Blessings of God, need to hold precious the freedoms granted us by God.
So today, this July 4th, 2009 – take a moment and reflect on what this Independence Day means to you – PERSONALLY.
Happy Independence Day!!!
Nancy Carey
www.nancycarey.com
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
But what does Independence Day mean to you – PERSONALLY?
We celebrate the day with hot dogs and hamburgers and every “outdoor” food imaginable. We gather to watch the BIG fireworks display and wonder at the splendor of the lights in the sky.
But what does Independence Day mean to you – PERSONALLY?
Do you reflect on the freedoms you have and how often you take them for granted? The simple freedoms to choose where you live, where you work and where you spend time in rest and relaxation?
You do have a choice in these matters, although you may not realize it. The choices you make effect the independence you experience tomorrow.
When you live your life according to the Word of God, you experience true independence - not just within your nation, but from sin. No need to wait for one day a year to celebrate Independence Day – but as a child of God, everyday is Independence Day. Independence from SIN with the assurance that once you accept Jesus as your PERSONAL Lord and Savior, your independence assures you an eternal life of endless celebrations.
And when this nation –The United States of America, returns to its roots with God, this nation will return to the blessings of God.
According to Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
The United States of America, a land that many used to say they love. But in today’s economic situations brought on my greed, many have lost their zeal for this nation blessed of God.
Remember the song you sang in grade school …
God Bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside Her
And Guide Her
Through the night with the lights up above
The lyric was written out of a heart with love for our country; a time when freedom was vital and fought for. But today, we take our freedoms for granted. We allow the “political” in-the-know take control and use their powers for evil instead of the good God intended.
Stand up for your country that you love. Don’t sit back and take your freedoms for granted. Hold the “political” in-the-know group accountable with the same accountability they hold you.
As Citizens of the United States of America, we hold to the truths in the Constitution of the United States of America. Don’t forget your rights, nor your freedoms. One by one they are disappearing and we, as a nation founded on the Blessings of God, need to hold precious the freedoms granted us by God.
So today, this July 4th, 2009 – take a moment and reflect on what this Independence Day means to you – PERSONALLY.
Happy Independence Day!!!
Nancy Carey
www.nancycarey.com
Author: My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Michael Jackson -- A Sad Story
Michael Jackson made the news once again. The world is mourning the loss of a great musical talent.
Michael was blessed with an incredible gift of music that reached the world. But it wasn't enough to bring him happiness. The music he made could not calm the storm raging within his heart.
When God blesses us with incredible talent, it is a gift. A gift that we should treasure and take care of. As we have heard through television, radio, newspaper and every form of communication, Micheal Jackson will be remembered as one of the greatest music talents of all times. Sad to say, Michael will also be remembered for other aspects of his life that were not so great.
What lesson can we learn from Michael Jackson? Great success comes with a price! Measure the cost before embarking on a journey with tremendous consequences.
God gave each a talent - it's time you use yours to bring joy to the God who gave it to you. Don't take your gift for granted, but use it wisely.
Nancy Carey
www.nancycarey.com
Michael was blessed with an incredible gift of music that reached the world. But it wasn't enough to bring him happiness. The music he made could not calm the storm raging within his heart.
When God blesses us with incredible talent, it is a gift. A gift that we should treasure and take care of. As we have heard through television, radio, newspaper and every form of communication, Micheal Jackson will be remembered as one of the greatest music talents of all times. Sad to say, Michael will also be remembered for other aspects of his life that were not so great.
What lesson can we learn from Michael Jackson? Great success comes with a price! Measure the cost before embarking on a journey with tremendous consequences.
God gave each a talent - it's time you use yours to bring joy to the God who gave it to you. Don't take your gift for granted, but use it wisely.
Nancy Carey
www.nancycarey.com
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Adventure Continues ...reserve your copy today!
The Adventure Continues - My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007 will be released January 2010.
Cathy Porter's memoir continues with more life changing moments and adventures. Don't miss the sequel.
Nancy Carey
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Cathy Porter's memoir continues with more life changing moments and adventures. Don't miss the sequel.
Nancy Carey
http://www.nancycarey.com/
Women Empowered Abilities Now July Event - Baltimore Maryland
I've learned that women in wheelchairs let no grass grow beneath their wheels. They continue to roll forth to share their mission in life.
And for Janice Jackson, Executive Director of W. E. A. N. (Women Empowered Abilities Now), she is reaching for the disABILITIES youth of Baltimore, MD.
July 25th -- Young girls from the ages of 13 - 18 will experience a day like no other at The League for People With Disabilities for a FREE All Day Self-Esteen Workshop for Teenage Girls with disAbilities. The workshop is titled, "We Embrance Acceptance Now!"
The goal -- to empower 50 young ladies with self-esteen sessions, guest speakers, entertainment, and fun!!!
And of course, Cathy Porter, Ms Wheelchair Maryland 2007 and I, author of My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007, will be there to join in the festivities and life changing memories.
Nancy Carey
http://www.nancycarey.com/
And for Janice Jackson, Executive Director of W. E. A. N. (Women Empowered Abilities Now), she is reaching for the disABILITIES youth of Baltimore, MD.
July 25th -- Young girls from the ages of 13 - 18 will experience a day like no other at The League for People With Disabilities for a FREE All Day Self-Esteen Workshop for Teenage Girls with disAbilities. The workshop is titled, "We Embrance Acceptance Now!"
The goal -- to empower 50 young ladies with self-esteen sessions, guest speakers, entertainment, and fun!!!
And of course, Cathy Porter, Ms Wheelchair Maryland 2007 and I, author of My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007, will be there to join in the festivities and life changing memories.
Nancy Carey
http://www.nancycarey.com/
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