Candice Lange

You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California .

In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:

People ask me, What is the purpose of life?

And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life.

The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life..

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us ~ and those around us ~ more effectively. Look for the meaning.

Eric Allenbaugh, American Author of "Wake-up Calls"

The harder we fall, the higher we bounce! Proverb

Let go of what you think life should be so you can experience the life you have.
Rhonda Britten Founder, Fearless Living Institute

A mother understands what a child cannot say. Jewish Proverbs

These were saying on another mother's website that I did not want to forget. Thank you, Jaci!

Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over
obstacles and adds significance to all you do!

I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.

He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed....'

I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.

He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.

He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Clause is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?

Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.

The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.

He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.

He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.

And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! ' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.

His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.

He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.

His life is simple.

He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.

His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.

He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.

He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.

He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.

Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.

Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.

It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.

It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.

And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.

Kevin won't be surprised at all!

- Author Unknown -

A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him..

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'

GOD SAID "NO"

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness..
God said, No.
I give you blessings;
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things
that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life,
so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said... Ahhhh,
finally you have the idea.

THIS DAY IS YOURS
DON'T THROW IT AWAY

May God Bless You,

'To the world you might be one person,
But to one person you just might be the world'

'May the Lord Bless you and keep you,
May the Lord Make his face shine upon you,
And give you Peace......Forever'

'Good friends are like stars...
You don't always see them, But you know they are always there. God loves you & so do I.

Think back to when you were 6, 8 or 10 years old. Do you remember
your teacher? Do you remember how you looked up to her? Her words
were golden. Do you remember when you forgot to do your homework or
weren't paying attention? Her stern words cut you to the core. Not
because she was mean but because you desperately wanted her approval.

School ended and those days were long forgotten. Then my child was
diagnosed with autism.

Why didn't anyone warn me I'd become that 8 year old again?

I desperately need teacher approval, not for me, but for my child.

This is a common sentiment of parents to children with autism. So if
you're a teacher, Autism consultant, SLP, ABA therapist, OT, PT,
Psychologist, Social worker, Camp Counselor or anyone else that's an
authority figure to a child with autism -

THIS IS FOR YOU!

My child has autism. I know that. I'm not in denial. How could I be?
I live it every day. I have other children. My friends have children.
I know the difference. They answer questions, my child might not.
They play together, my child might not. They share their thoughts, my
child might not.

My child is different. He is on his own mission. I'm happy to be by
his side. I am thrilled when he learns something new, no matter how
small. I am proud when he accomplishes something I once never thought
possible. I take delight in his idiosyncrasies. Please rejoice with
me. Please notice his worth.

My child is multifaceted. He has weaknesses and strengths. He has
deficits and skills. People are always pointing out the deficits.
Please join me in noticing his skills.

Teachers. In our meetings, please allow for some time to recognize my
child's good points. When you do, I go home walking on air. When you
don't, I drive home in tears.

SLP's, OT's and PT's. When your opening statement is a positive
remark about my child, I begin to relax. When you only voice
concerns, my stomach twists into knots.

ABA therapists & Camp counselors. When you greet me by telling me my
son had a great day, my anxiety fades. When you focus on the
deficits, your words hurt me deeply all day.

Consultants, Psychologists and Social Workers. When you begin with
positive observations, my heart soars in delight. When you only
stress your concerns, my heart splits in two.

My child faces judgment at every turn. I invite you to stand apart!
Stand strong with us! Unique is good! Let's tell the world! Help me
instill pride in my son. Show him his greatness. Try and see his
perspective. Praise him as much as you can. By doing so, you improve
my child's life and build his confidence. You will motivate and
inspire him. He will exceed your expectations and I will be eternally
grateful to you.

- By Jene Aviram

Written for my sister, Beverley Del Greco. Beverley has two
exceptional children. One of them has autism.

This article is property of and copyright C 2003-2007 Jene Aviram of
Natural Learning Concepts. Reference of this article may only be
included in your documentation provided that reference is made to the
owner - Jene Aviram and a reference to this site
http://www.nlconcepts.com

This is a beautiful short movie with soothing music about your life - The Dash.
http://www.thedashpoemmovie.com

David Ring is very inspirational to me. He has cerebral palsy but doesn't let it stop him. He has a wonderful family and a speaking career. To learn more about his story visit www.davidring.org.

David Ring Ministries
PO Box 682286
Franklin, TN 37068
615-591-6221

In studying the lives of people of greatness, so often,a common thread seen is adversity and how they responded to it.  When asked about the many obstacles, they said adversity has made them stronger, wiser, and tougher. It has given them endurance, patience and stamina.  For example, Abraham Lincoln our 16th President, born in poverty, ran for office eight times and lost, failed in business twice and suffered a nervous breakdown.  He could have quit but didn’t.

So often we want to save our children from life’s struggles.  We do not
want our children to have to face adversity, but adversities are going to
come.  The answer will depend on how we respond.....

Welcome To Holland By Emily Perl Kingsley

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Emily Perl Kingsley
Journey of Hearts
A Healing Place in CyberSpaceTM
Emily Perl Kingsley

Emily Perl Kingsley broke into television in 1963 doing Script Research for the CBS series EAST SIDE/WEST SIDE, starring George C. Scott. This was the start of a series of what she calls "dream jobs" including work on John Gielgud's NBC-TV special AGES OF MAN and THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK. In 1967 she became Associate Producer of the ABC-TV game show EVERYBODY'S TALKING. Two years later, she did the film research and assisted in editing a feature-length documentary on Malcolm X which was distributed in theaters (the film which was later adapted by Spike Lee into a major motion picture).

In 1970, after a research-booking job on THE DICK CAVETT SHOW and a stint as Talent Coordinator for the 22nd Annual Emmy Awards Show, Ms. Kingsley joined the Children's Television Workshop as a writer for SESAME STREET. She has been writing scripts and songs for the popular children's television show ever since and, in addition, has written about 20 children's books, two home videos (ELMO LEARNS TO SHARE and ELMO SAYS BOO) and many of her songs appear on
Sesame Street record albums, CDs and tape cassettes. Recently, she has written material for the CD-ROM versions of 101 DALMATIANS and THE LITTLE MERMAID for Disney Interactive.

She has received 12 Emmy Awards and 9 Emmy nominations for her work on SESAME STREET.

The mother of a child with Down Syndrome, Ms. Kingsley is a frequent lecturer on that subject and on mental retardation and disability rights. In 1976 she was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Down Syndrome Congress and was chairperson of their Adoption Committee. She served on the Board for nine years. She is co-chairperson of the Parent Assistance Committee on Down
Syndrome of Westchester County and has served as a member of the Westchester County Committee for the Disabled as well as the National Media Council on Disability, a national committee working to improve the ways in which people with disabilities are portrayed in the media. She currently serves on the Non-Traditional Casting Project, helping to encourage television and film casting of people with disabilities.

The story of her son, Jason, was the subject of an hour-long drama special, THIS IS MY SON, on NBC-TV in 1977. THIS IS MY SON was written by Allan Sloane, Ms. Kingsley's collaborator on the TV movie KIDS LIKE THESE.

Since then, Jason and his mother have appeared on such television shows as DONAHUE, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, DATELINE NBC, A.M. PHILADELPHIA, the ABC soap opera ALL MY CHILDREN, HOUR MAGAZINE, CBS SUNDAY, LIVE AT FIVE ACTION NEWS, CNN NEWS and many many others.

CHILDREN OF HOPE, a segment the Kingsley family did for NBC WEEKEND won an Emmy Award in 1979. An update on that segment aired on the premiere of Jane Pauley’s new show DATELINE NBC, March 1993 and won the National Media Award from the National Down Syndrome Congress.

Jason has appeared dozens of times on SESAME STREET, was featured on ALL MY CHILDREN and in December 1984 he starred in a full-length episode of the ABC-TV series THE FALL GUY with Lee Majors. In 1997 he guest-starred in an episode of TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL.

Ms. Kingsley was instrumental in accomplishing the comfortable integration of mentally and physically disabled children and adults into the format of SESAME STREET. She has written much of the material for the show using children and performers who have disabilities, such as Linda Bove, the Little Theatre of the Deaf and Itzhak Perlman, among others. In 1980 she received an award from the National Theatre of the Deaf in recognition of her work for the deaf and hearing-impaired.

In October 1994, she received an EDI Award from the National Easter Seal Society in recognition of her Sesame Street scripts which have treated disability issues and enhanced the “equality, dignity and independence” of individuals with disabilities. She received another EDI Award and a Grand EDI Award in October 1995 for a Sesame Street script about wheelchair accessibility. She received yet another EDI Award in October 1997 for a Sesame Street show which featured a wheelchair ballet.

In 1983 THE DAILY NEWS selected Ms. Kingsley as one of the Ten Volunteer Women of the Year. In 1984 she received the Media Award from the State of Ohio Department of Disability. In November 1985, she received the National Down Syndrome Congress's Exceptional Meritorious Service Award.

In March, 1987, the entire Kingsley family was honored at the Annual Friends of the Retarded Ball held by the Westchester Association for Retarded Citizens. On that occasion, March 21, 1987 was proclaimed "Charles, Emily and Jason Kingsley Day" in Westchester County by order of County Executive Andrew P. O'Rourke.

In 1988, Ms. Kingsley received the 1988 Humanitarian Award from the Girl Scouts of America, Westchester/Putnam Division, the Exceptional Service Award from the New Jersey Association for Retarded Citizens, the Distinguished Service Award from ARC/Union County and the Kathleen Arneson Award from the People-to-People Committee for the Handicapped. In March 1989 she was honored with the Humanitarian Award from the Association for Children with Down Syndrome. In June 1989 she received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the State of New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Council.

In 1990, Charles and Emily Kingsley were given the first annual “Kingsley Award” by the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Tampa, Florida. This award, named for the Kingsleys, will be given each year to acknowledge extraordinary service to mankind by a family.

In July 1990, the Kingsley family received the Special Achievement Award for Families from the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. This award recognized the family for “contributing in an extraordinary way to improving the quality of life of people with mental retardation.” The award was presented at the gala celebration of the 100th birthday of Mrs. Rose Kennedy at Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

Ms. Kingsley, in collaboration with Allan Sloane, co-authored a teleplay for a two-hour Movie-For-Television called 'KIDS LIKE THESE,' which dealt with her family’s experiences raising a child with Down syndrome. Tyne Daly, Richard Crenna and Martin Balsam and five youngsters, all of whom have Down syndrome, starred in this film which aired on CBS-TV on November 8, 1987 and on September 19, 1988.

KIDS LIKE THESE received the prestigious humanitarian award, the 1988 Christopher Award, as well as the 1988 National Easter Seals Communication Award. It won First Prize (Dramatic Category) at the Rehabilitation International Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan in 1988. In addition, KIDS LIKE THESE won the 1988 ARC of Excellence Award from the Association for Retarded Citizens of the United States, the Media Award from the National Down Syndrome Congress and the Community Service Award of Outstanding Service Through Media from the Association for Retarded Citizens of Norfolk, Virginia. It was voted Best Movie-of-the-Week at the 1988 Media Access Awards.

Since its initial airings on CBS-TV, KIDS LIKE THESE has been shown several times on the LIFETIME Cable Network, on the E! Cable Network and in many foreign countries.

Ms. Kingsley is the on-camera host of a Westchester County biweekly cable-TV show called FAMILY FORUM ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.

She has also co-authored, with Barbara Gibbs Levitz, a documentary film called EMPLOY•ABILITY, narrated by James Earl Jones and designed to encourage employment of individuals with developmental disabilities. EMPLOY•ABILITY was produced and sponsored by the Woolworth Corporation and the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

EMPLOY•ABILITY won a Gold Medal at the Questar Awards International Competition, a Bronze Plaque at the 41st Annual Columbus International Film and Video Festival, an EDI Award from the National Easter Seals Society, a Certificate of Creative Excellence from the US International Film and Video Festival, the New York Festivals Finalist Award and the Media Award from the National Down Syndrome Congress.

Ms. Kingsley is the author of the inspirational essay WELCOME TO HOLLAND which has been reprinted in many languages and in many forms all over the world. Dear Abby runs this piece every October to commemorate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and it has been reprinted in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE MOTHER’S SOUL. It has been used as the theme for several disability conferences, was worked into a patchwork quilt and is the subject of a series of oil paintings.
It was recently set to music as a choral piece by composer Terrence Minogue and was performed at a concert in Sacramento, California.

Ms. Kingsley lives in Chappaqua, New York. Two stepsons, Glenn and Todd, are grown and married. The Kingsleys have six grandchildren.

Charles Kingsley was a member of the Board of Directors of the Westchester Association for Retarded Citizens for 17 years, serving on 10 different committees. He was President of WARC for several years as well as Third and First Vice President and chairperson of several Board committees. He also served on the Board of Governors of the New York State Association for Retarded Children for 14 years. Charles passed away in 1997.

Jason Kingsley graduated in June 1994 from Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak, NY. He passed all of the New York State Regents Competency Exams in order to earn a full academic diploma.

With his friend, Mitchell Levitz, another young man with Down syndrome, Jason has written a book called COUNT US IN: GROWING UP WITH DOWN SYNDROME, which was published in January 1994 by Harcourt Brace & Company. COUNT US IN completely sold out the hardcover edition and is currently in its fourth printing in paperback. It has made the UPI Best Seller List and has won numerous awards, including the Washington Irving Book Award and the New York Public Library BEST BOOKS OF 1994 FOR TEENAGERS list, among others. COUNT US IN has been published in a Japanese language and a Hebrew language edition. A Spanish translation is being considered.

Jason recently graduated from Maplebrook School, a three-year post-secondary transitional program which has prepared him for independent living. He is now working as Assistant Cultural Arts Program Coordinator for Westchester ARC and has recently moved into his own apartment in Hartsdale, New York.

Last updated June 30, 1998 All material, unless otherwise specified, is copyrighted 1997-8 by Journey of Hearts A Healing Place in CyberSpace http://www.journeyofhearts.org/jofh. We invite you to share the information on this site with others who may benefit, but ask that you share from the heart only and not for profit.

Final Mike Sherman column: Embrace life’s challenges

This season was a rough one. It was revealing in many ways. It was not an experience a player, coach or fan will want to revisit anytime soon.

Although the disappointment and frustration of losing weighed heavily on me, when I look back on this season 10 or 15 years from now, it will hold a special place in my memory.

It is through the more difficult times in our lives that we are revealed to those around us. Either we like what we see and embrace it, or we don’t like what we see and change it. Sometimes, we look away and do nothing, and that’s the worst response of all.

How we respond to adversity and the difficulties we face are a healthy part of our lives. We should view them and respond to them as challenges, rather than obstacles or failures.

This section of Motivational Stories and Sayings is intended to share those that have changed your life for the better. Also come back to read someone else's motivational stories and sayings on a day you need to be lifted up and inspired.