39 AND HOLDING

Monday, October 12, 2009 was my 39th Birthday and I had this desire to celebrate this year in a very simple, sweet and enjoyable way. I wanted to spwnd my entire birthday with someone who is very special to me and that person is my precious friend Tina. We share a friendship and sisterly bonnd which is almost 20 years old which I'm so thankful to God for..



Our day together started out with me volunteering with Tina at Battle Monument School where she 's the Music Teacher there and has been for almost 20 years that's also where Tina and I met so many of her students I've known for a long time and they are wonderful and sweet friends Two of her classes sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me which was very sweet They were her 1st period class and also Miss Brandy's Class Her class is full of cutie pies my favorite of all though is this beautiful little girl Rebecca , She must be 3 or 4 years I love all of Tina's students. It's fun to volunteering because I get to see growth in Tina's students every time i help there



When the school day was over,we continued our date by going out for dinner on the Avenue at Red Brick Station . The entire night was Tina's treat I always feel special when I'm with Tina - That night I felt spoiled and after a great dinner and sweet fellowship. I really enjoyed catching up with someone I love so much. After dinner we took a stroll and stopped in Barnes And Noble and browsed some books. Next, we went to the craft store to buy silk flowers for (my Niece Evelyn's 5th birthday which was that Friday on October 16th - Evelyn is Tina's 5 year old daughter who I love

Tina, Thank you for a wonderful birthday I love that it was very simple. I love you

SPECIAL TEACHERS I WANT TO THANK

Here 's a bouquet of flowes for two favorite teachers who have impacted my life in extra special ways. I am blessed to know you both in my life years after Ive graduated . The love, encouragement support, and friendshhip have brought me a very long way.. A FANTASTIC TEACHER IS NEVER FORGOTTEN THANK YOU PATTI AND CHRISTINA FOR BEING SUCH SPECIAL TEACHERS TO ME. THESE FLOWERS ARE TO SAY THANK YOU TO BOTH OF YOU IN A VERY SIMPLE AND SWEET WAY.

I have had many teachers who I've liked a great deal and appreciated throughout my years of schooling. There are two extra special teachers that I've had that I wish to thank. I want them to know what a serious impact they made on me and I am blessed to still have them in my life as friends today.

My first special teacher is Mrs. Patti Paetow She taught me two subjects at Killough Middle School when I lived in Texas from 1982-1985 Mrs Paetow taught me Special Education Language Arts and Reading. I know I love Reading and writing so much because of her.Patti taught me in my Middle school years which were awkward for me as I was a pre teen at 12 and trying to figure out who I was. She was a tough and very sweet and loving teacher . It was very easy to tell that she wanted to make sure you learned.

A Special Ed. teacher very often does more then required to help there students. That was the case with Patti and myself. As a person with special needs I needed help to write in my classes so most times Patti would help me with that . This is in addition to teaching her own classes.

The both of us became very close and good friends so we shared a lot together one of the most important things she shared with me was the day she told me she was engaged and I was the first student she showed who ring to. I was so thrilled. for her. Later that year, I met her husband John (In 1st photo Patti is in white) When I worked with Patti she was in her second year of teaching and she's still in the Education field 25 years later.

Christina Blackman is my next teacher I want to thank she came into my life in my last year of high school. My final year of high school was strange for me until I met Miss Bisset on January 26, 1990 Her Music Class and her sweet spirit were a very enjoyable release for me I also considered her a close friend more and more as we got to know each other In 1998, Christina got married and I attended her wedding

To be a successful Special Education Teacher I feel it's very important to believe in your students and abilities and treat us no different then you would anyone else Both ladies were and are wonderful like that they're friends which gave me a comfort and trust level which has me more confidant which helps me in life now. There are many other things they've taught me that I'm so thankful for I'll carry them with me for life..

When I worked with Christina she had just started teaching and is still teaching Special Education Music almost 20 years later in the same school where she started...

THANK YOU PATTI AND CHRISTINA FOR BEING SUCH BLESSINGS TO ME AS YOU TAUGHT ME THE LESSONS I NEEDED TO KNOW YOU ALSO HELPED ME TO GROW.

I LOVE YOU BOTH DEARLY/

Congratulations Jenn and Matt

This is my camp sister and long time friend Jenn and her husband Matt and their new little blessing from above . Their son Titus Grant Reider was born on Wednesday, August 11, 2009.

I'm thrilled for Jenn and her husband Jenn, Titus is a blessed little one to have such a Godly mom like you to help guide him to follow Christ.

Titus is sure a peecious handsome little miracle . Jenn, Im proud of you. You look great. All of you will be in my prayers as Titus grows up.

I love you enn

REMBERING THE WHITE WEDDING AT CAMP

The photo at right is of the bride and her son Robert before walking his mom down the aisle

The photo at very top right is of the brideand groom along with the minister who married them Scott Mitchell

This June 27th our camp director Debbie married John White after knowing him for a while . I believe it was 5 years. The wedding took place in Douglasville, Ga. so most of us couldn't be there

A camp volunteer (Rebecca Clark) made this wedding cake from scratch and she decorated it herself as a surprise for the bride and groom so all the campers could take part in the wonderful celebration as all of us enjoyed the yummy cake we saw slides from the wedding Rebecca also made them a quilt for ther bed . She had all campers write something on a piece of fabric and then she sewed each piece on the quilt

NEW BABY HAS ARRIVED FOR A CAMP SISTER

My sister and camp friend Jennifer (Jenn ) )and her husband Matt had a special delivery sent to them by God this week, on Wednesday,August 12th Jenn gave birth to their baby boy. Jenn and Matt named their son Titus Grant Reider. I haven't seen Jenn in over 2 years she sent me an e-mail with the wonderful news that she was having a baby. She had asked me to pray for them the entire time she carrid Titus and I did. What Jenn doesn't know is I was praying for her and her husband to have a baby for a long time so I'm thrilled and excited for them . Jenn, I know you'll be great mom with the Lord's help CONGRATULATIONS I LOVE YOU

Visiting the Inner Harbor with Tina and having a blast

Well, I haven't postesd anything on my blog for the longest time so I thought I would start up again because I enjoy writing and sharing events in my life , These are recent pictures of me and my longtiime friend Tina when we had a wonderfully fun night at the Inner Harbor on Tuesday, July 6, It was a great day . Tina and I had fun playing this stringless harp, the sound is madw with lazors. Here I am playing it. Both of us enjoyed a fantastic dinner at the Rusty Skupper.. I like things that glimmer and shine so we popped into the crystal store we loved loojing at the beautiful things they had on display.
The both of us planned some simple Christ -Centered TLC for each other we picked out our favorite Bible verses and read them. That was the most precious time because God is in the center of our friendship What a blblessg it was to relax and enjoy time with my friend Tina
Tina seeing you relax is a great joy to me Tina, Thanks for a great time and lots of fun just being together I LOVE YOU

KIDS IN DEEP THOUGHT

This is one of most favorite pictures of two very important little young ladies that the Lord brought into my life. Watching them play and explore different things as well as interacting with me and others has d me to see things through the eyes of a child again which is a wonderful perspective that I forgot about because it has been so long since I have been a little girl myself.



I love this picture a lot because just like me the gtrls enjoy looking at beautiful flowers as part of God's creation and they also enjoy dolls Just like me I am a person who loves to wear dresses and skirts Evelyn (at right holding flowers) loves to wear dreses too as a matter of fact it's very rare to see her in long paints. Both girls and I LOVE THE SAME FAVORITE COLOR AND THAT'S THE COLOR PINK. When Evelyn gets very excited she screams with delight just as I do which is so very funny to me that we share that trate as well

Their mom and I have been very good friends and sisters for years so it's sweet and loving how God gave her kids trates that are so very closse to mine but slightly different because every child is God's special creation. I know He usess the trates to draw us closer in His love and also gives their mom and I a deeper Godly love bond for one another

Hmmm Let me think what do I want to be today when I play? I don't know what to be. I CAN BE A FLOWER PRINCESS WELL, EVELYN You already are God's little princess and He loves you so very much... I LOVE YOUR HEADBAND.

Well I'll just sit here and look cute and think about how much Jesus loves me and how much I enjoy coming to visit G$randma and Grandpa with mommy, daddy and my sister . Bye, I want to go play now.

A DOUBLE B- DAY PARTY AND REUNION ALL IN ONE WHAT A BLAST

Two weeks ago on Saturday May 16th my youngest niece Amelia turned three years old and her mommy and daddy had a fun- filled birthday party paety planned. The party activites included playing around in something called a "moon bounce "brought to the party by Aunt Becky which loked fun Three of Amelia's cousins came too Aiden (who also had a birthday on that day however he's 4 yeaes old. Anna, and Cassey all under age 6 There was an Art project which was ccool to see done you put water color paint in a spray bottle add water and shake bottle to mix the paint and then you are ready to design anything you want.. There was a docorate your own cupcake for dessert station complete with frosting and sprinkles I AM HUGE CUPCAKE FAN ESPECIALLY CHOCOLATE CUPCAPCAKES WITH VANELLA FROSTING WHICH THESE WERE YUMMY

IN ADDITION TO IT BEING A DOUBLE B-DAY PARTY FOR AMELIA AND AIDEN. IT was a renion for me of sorts because i haven't seen JON (MY ADOPTED BROTHER THROUGH FAITH SINCE MAY OF 2001 AND THAT WAS THE LAST I SAW HIS WIFE COURTNEY AS WELL SHE'S ALSO KNOWN AS "AUNT COOKIE" TO MY NIECES EVELYN AND AMELIA . Since I LAST SAW THEM THEY NOW HAVE 2 KIDS WHO I MET FOR THE 1ST TIME THAT NIGHT. THEY ARE SWEET KIDS.

THANK YOU TINA FOR MAKING ME A PART OF THIS SPECIAL CELEBRATION.

SPECIAL CAMP EVENT FOR LISA

I started to attend a camp called Christian Overcomers in August of 1993. It was there I took a big step in my spiritual life, I GOT BAPTIZED in the camp swimming pool. That was a very special and important day for me. I had made choice to follow Christ 2 years before that on July 27Th 1991 . I didn't grow up in a Christian home so getting Baptized at camp was something I really wanted to do and something I prayed about and God opened that door. I WAS SO EXCITED..

The date was August 16, 1993 there were about 100 witnesses to celebrate this big event with me . The Pastor who helped me to do this was Scott Mitchell from Douglasville GA Pastor Scott himself has special needs too so having God use him to Baptize me made it extra extra special for me I ONLY WISH MY FORMER TEACHER AND SISTER COULD HAVE SEEN IT IN PERSON SINCE GOD USED HER TO START ME ON THIS JOURNEY MY sister saw the event in pictures

Wedding bells soon to ring.

My sister and friend Debbie Neilley will wed at John White on Saturday, June 27, 2009. in Douglasville, Ga. Scott Mitchell will do the marrage service for them, I met John 5 years ago when he became a volenter for Christian Overcomers camp. Debbie and I have known for at least 12 years, Debbie is a camp director of a camp I attend three times a year The first shot of this post is Pastor Mitchell who is also very special person in my life too.

I am excited for them both

A TRUE FRIENDSHIP TEST.. WOULD YOU PASS IT?

When a person meets and starts a friendship with someone with special needs for the very first time I have noticed in most cases one of things will happen. A genuine and real friendship will be started between the two people with GOD'S HELP AND HIS LOVE. I define (a genuine friend as a friend who loves you fully in God's unconditional way. They're also willing to get to know us for just who we are A good Bible verse for that concept is (John 13:14) Love one another as I have loved you. Another verse is (Romans 12:10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly (sisterly) love Honor each other above yourselves. I'm grateful to mostly have genuine friends.

The next type of friends that I love and enjoy having in my life as a person with special needs are what I'd classify as a trying and willing friend which is someone who wants to get to know us but is a little shy about doing it at first When that period of shyness is over, they'll talk to me and realize that I'm just like them with a heart and feelings who's just sitting down.

In my lifetime I've also had many pity friendships too . they're people that just become friends because they feel sorry for me and or all of us with special needs. Sadly ,I've had to let those friends go because it was their desire to do so

THANK YOU TO ALL MY FRIENDS. ALL OF YOU HAVE MADE MY FAITH DEEPER BY LOVING EACH OF YOU UNCONDITIONALLY AND PRAYING FOR YOU AND FOR SOME GOD HAS TAUGHT ME A GREAT DEAL ABOUT FORGIVENESS

To all readers of this post, my question to you is after meeting a person with special needs what type of friend would you consider yourself to be? I challenge all of you to think about it.

GOD TELLS US TO LOVE EVERYONE...DO YOU?

GREAT NEWS FOR A CAMP SISTER

Today, I received a wonderful news from a camp sister I wrote her because I didn't hear from her for a while. She answered my e-mail and told me that she couldn't wait to tell me that she and her husband Matt have a little one coming from Heaven in August. Jenn is dear friend and sister I met when she volunteered at a camp I attend . God brought Jenn into my life about 6 years ago

Matt and Jenn got married on November 5Th 2005 in PA. They're a sweet Godly couple who I'm blessed to know the both of them Jenn must be about 3 months or so because the doctor says Jenn and Matt are having a son.

MY SPIRITUAL FAMILY WILL BE GROWING IN AUGUST I PRAY. I'm thrilled//

GOOD FRIDAY AND VERY HELPFUL NIECES

On Friday April 10th our church had our Good Friday Service. I took in the service with my sister Tina and my nieces Evelyn, age 4 and Amelia almost 3 years old sitting beside me. In the servce they asked us to turn to several different Bible passages in a quick fasion so I needed help since I'M NOT A FAST PAGE TURNER.

My nieces helped me get to the pages as best as they could with no help . The next few times I WOULD STOPTHEM WHEN THEY GOT TO THE RIGHT BOOK AND SECTION IN THE BIBLE... I LOVE AND ENJOY THEIR WILLINGNESS TO HELP THEIR AUNT LISA. Evelyn and Amelia played quietly beside Tina and I listened to the service. Tina got up to be part of a small singing group and Evelyn wanted to give mommy a hug and a kiss so she ran up to the platform very quickly to hug and kiss mommy and then ran back to her seat with me.

I enjoyed having my nieces help me and interacting with them in service because they're learning to serve others at their young ages They have wonderful Godly examples in how to do it by watching their mom and dad, I tend to retain thngs better if I hear them since my vision is far from 20/20 until Heaven It also gave me a chance to help Tina in a tiny way

Mostly new images added to the collection for youto view

In the "Love In Him Expressions" line of greetng cards most of the graphics are angels and butterflies because they're quiet symbols of Faith which most people love and enjoy. I added new graphics to my line which hasn't been placed on a card yet however they will be there soon.

Here are just a few of my newest images to the collection. I also have a few images that features litte girls ( I'd say toddler age) using flowers in the images in some fashion. They're just too cute not to use Here they are I hope you like them too

Thank you for your interests in my cards. Just so you know the image of the girl in the wheelchair holding flowers IS NOT ME I just liked it a great deal and wanted to add it to the collection

REALITY TV SHOCASES SPECIAL NEEDS IN A GOOD LIGHT

The picture to the left is of my favorite Amazing Race team Margie and Luke. ----------------

The other picture shown are of the American Idol contestant Scott (season 8) who I think is just precious . God gave him a beautiful voice and heart to match

So , sorry these pictures are out of order I'm still learning how to place the pictures near the correct section so that this and any other posts I write that include pictures make sense to the reader.

I am really enjoying the current season of The Amazing Race and American Idol because this season both reality shows have contestants with special needs on them this time. This wasn't the first tme for the Amazng Race to do it . On a prior season, The Amazzing Race featured a cousin team, one of them was a "little person" That season that team didn't win but they did well.

This season it featears a Mom and Son team Luke (is deaf) his mom and he communicate by sign language. They are able to finish task just like anyone else. Margie and Luke are now n 4th place GO LUKE. You have to be somewhat of a dare devil to be on that show and that is so not me. Luke's team is the one I want to win the most because I have special needs myself, so I can relate to his team more..

This is the first season that American Idol has featured a person with special needs on it. His name is Scott Macentire and He's almost totally blind Scott has been given an awesome angelc voice that I am very inspired and moved by. He also plays the piano which he taught himself to play as a kid.

I love to listen to music I try to sing with the music on the radio. Singing is something I can do and enjoy more

These 2 shows are doing a wonderful job that we do abilites all we need is a chance to showcase them. we also need people to believe inus

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The Ministry of Music--It touches many llives

One of my most favorite things to do when I was growng up was to listen to the radio and try to sing along with the song that was playing. That hasn't changed at all as a matter of fact , I listen to music more these days because God uses it to minister to me. The style of music I like has changed as a kid I liked Light rock (I guess that's what it would be considered these days.)

Now, my favorite style of music is Contemporary Christian I enjoy this type because of the right moral messages it leaves with you. This music lifts my spirits because the focus of it Jesus Christ and His Love for us. Very often, I muti-task as I listen to it and it makes whatever I'm doing go faster and more enjoyable to dp.

Some of my favorite national artists and groups are Michael W. Smith, ,Chris Rice,,Twila Parris, MercyME. There are so many others.

I LOVE one local group as well . That group is True North They are a Godly husband and wife team of musicians who compose original pieces their music is full of Godly messages Their names are Christina (Tna) and Alan) Outside of writng music as part of True North Tina works as a Special Education Music Teacher I am happy to say that I'm a former student of hers.. Alan is a very accomplished Jazz musician.

They have two precious little daughters Evelyn Grace and Amelia Margaret. The above shot is my favorite local group True North with their children

CARDS ARE COMNG... I PROMISE

I continue to design cards for those of you who are still interested. Thank you for being so patient . I try to come up with new desgns daily but that doesn't alwways happen that way however at tmes I get writer's block.

I can put your own pictures on your cards if you wish just send them to me in an e-mail. I can also design cards around a special Bible verse too

Please check back again soon. Thanks for visiting my blog

GOD ANSWERS LITTLE PRAYERS TOO I'M SO THANKFUL

Last night right before going to bed I had small and kind of serious mishap happen with my laptop.. When I moved my wheelchair slightly at the request of my mom. I heard this BIG BOOM AND CRASH That big sound was my closed laptop falling to the floor. At first, I was very upset by this event but once I found out that everything was working as it did before I WAS VERY GRATEFUL. for many reasons. The first is I don't have to transfer info anywhere else which takes so much to do I am so excited there was NO key damage.

The reason the laptop fell was the wire I use to charge the battery was caught in my wheelchail wheel and both mom and I didn't notice it until it was too late.

A CELEBRATION FOR SHELLEY WITH FRIENDS

Yesterday night I went out to Red Brick Station with two friends that I already knew and loved Shelley and Diana I also met three co- workers of Shelley's Laurie, Kimberly,, and Abbey I really enjoyed meeting them they have been and are wonderful friends to Shelley. We all got together to celebrate a very happy and joyous event in Shelley's life. We had a fantastic time together eating, laughing and sharing time with our Shelley who means a lot to all of us.

I felt really special that I was included in such a small close knit circle of friends who Shelley is extra close to and comfortabble with. Shelley, I want you to know that you have always been special to me but we've gotten closer through FRBC, God's love, and Tina Thank you Tina for inttrducing me to Shelley many years ago.

I love you Shelley

HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY CHRIS

Today is a very special day for me because I became an Aunt for the first time 16 years ago today to my Newphew Christopher. What a blessing it has been for me to watch him grow and develop into the fine young man he is today. Chris is a very kind , sweet and loving young man with a tough side to him as well.

May you sense and feel the love and peace of God that is with you today on your birthday and for the rest of your life. I wish you the very best always. I want you to know that you're very special and important to me

HAPPY 16TH B-DAY// I love you.. You are in my prayers always

Child like faith expressed out loud with a simple and loving prayer

Last week at church before service started, I played with my nieces (Evelyn 4 and Amelia 2 in the nursery As Evelyn was playing on the floor I was watching her play from my wheelchair Evelyn said "Aunt Lisa can you come down here with me? I said "Aunt Lisa needs help getting down there to play. Then, she said I know, I HELP YOU AND JESUS HELP YOU TOO, Yes Jesus does help me. I said. I was very moved by her next sweet statement she said y Aunt Lisa, In Heaven you no need help. After that she closed her eyes and prayed this,,



Dear Jesus , help my Aunt Lisa to play with me Thank you Amen



Jesus says in His Word for us to come to Him with child-like faith What a wonderful little picture of His love shown to me through my niece

Quiet symbols of Faith

In my card line you'll see most of graphics for them are butterflies or angels. The butterfly is the symbol of new life in the Bible. I just they show how beautiful God'creation really is. He has made most of them very colorful. Mosst people like to look at a butterfly wherever they see them regaurdless where they stand with the Lord For the non-believer, the image will be a butterfly and it's my prayer that God will use the inside message of the card to think of Jesus Christ.

In the Bible angela are messengers of God .They also protect us. Those symbols can be used for any occassion. Since I live in a non Christian home I needed to find quiet ways to express my faith so collect pretty much anything with a butterfly on it I also a massive doll collection which includes many angel s

Here are samples of graphics I will use. I made 4 new cards today Please keep looking here for them (Above are 2 images I use. I do have many more images.

piggy back ride please!

My 2 nieces Evelyn (4 years old) and her sister Amelia ( 2 years old love to play with their "Aunt Lisa" (me) One of their favorite activities is to take piggy back rides since I use an electric wheelchair my version isn't the traditional one. In my version they stand on the back of my wheelchair while holding on to the handlebars of my chair while I drive my chair where they want to go. In this shot Evelyn wanted a "piggy back ride so I took her past this mirror and she decided to strike this pose out of the blue.My nieces and I enjoy playing together.

I appreciate their parents teaching them to love everyone the way God does from a very early age. I love that we play like any other aunt and nieces but it doesn't bother them when and if I need to adapt things so an activity can be done with them and me

special niece snapshot with Lisa --youngest photographer I know

Here I am with my sweet niece Evelyn who is now 4 years old, I love this shot of us because my eyes are open (which I tend not to have in most pictures I take. In most pictures, my eyes are closed with a big smile or if my eyes are open I have a silly expression on my face. It's rare that I smile and have my eyes open in a photo.

This shot was taken in Oct, when Evelyn and I had a combined birthday party our dates are 4 days apart (of course different birth years.)

Evelyn loves taking pictures so she got a kid style digital camera as a gift from Aunt Lisa (me) She took the photo in my first post here of my sister and friend Tina (her mom)

Creative weekend

Hi, I jut figured out how to put a post up on the blog on my own. Putting a post up would have been so much easier had I NOT FORGOTTEN MY PASSWORD but that's in a "perfect world" GOD DESIGNED US AND THE WORLD the way He wanted

We were created in His image, yes, even those of us with special needs I consider having special needs a gift from GOD. I haven't always felt this way It's only after starting a relationship with Christ in 1991 that my heart changed. I am looking forward to my new body in Heaven.

We can all share our gifts that God has given us .These were thoughts I had today when reading my Bible Iwas inspired to create and add three new cards to my collection Please keep watching here They'll be posted soon

Coming Soon...

...pictures of my cards! Tina and I spent some time trying to take pictures of my cards and upload them here, but the computer would not cooperate! They were all sideways, and I don't want anyone to get dizzy or have to stand on their heads to read them!

We will post pictures of the cards organized by categories: Friendship, Thinking of You, Encouragement, Get Well, Birthday, Anniversary, Special Occasions, etc., so please come back and view!

Welcome to the blog!

Hello! This is me (in the blue) with my friend and sister in Christ, Tina. Tina encouraged me to start making cards as a hobby, and it has become my work and ministry. Sending cards is a great way to encourage people, and I love to encourage people!

I also love making cards! You can stop by my blog to look at my cards, and if you'd like to order a set, you may e-mail me at angelgirl722@hotmail.com.