See how easily I get distacted? I have not written in this blog for 2 1/2 years. I allowed myself to quickly become re-engaged in our community through volunteer activities when having time freed up by a change professionally. However, I took my eyes off the reason for the professional change and quickly lost focus. Until December, I was living in a blur of commitments away from family and again, it is writing and running that have cleared up my vision.
Since I wrote last, I have been at the top of the mountatin achieving goals by running 2 half marathons, serving on our local school board, completing a 3 year leadership cycle with our local AMBUCS chapter and answering God's call to facilitate an adult Sunday School class. There have also been valleys including a foot injury in a fall road race resulting in a 9 month hiatus to appropriately heal and mourn the loss of my boss who died after a 7 year battle with breast cancer. Through these challenges, I have deepened my relationships with humankind and am seeing the words on the pages of my life expand from merely words and sentences to paragraphs a part of a larger story.
All along the way, God reveals a new part of His story in me. Rekindled friendships from the past open my heart to understand how our lives are intertwined and new friendships reflect a new, more confident being who is more able to discern God' purpose for our connection. When we are able to be transparent in our intentions, we are able to hear His words through our fellow partners in this journey through the kingdom. I will be intentional to write more frequently and will expand about the experiences I've mentioned above. Please join me!
Showing posts with label AMBUCS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AMBUCS. Show all posts
Friday, March 11, 2011
Friday, August 15, 2008
Crazy Summer
I can't believe school started this week and that I haven't made a post since June!!! I have had the opportunity to experience change this summer in so many ways. Our office moved to Salina after a change in ownership; our kids are quickly emerging as independent, unique, little people whose quirks are both adoring and maddening at times; my time on the road training has been reduced as my pace is quickening; and my mind has forever been changed after meeting an inspiring man named, Dan Keplinger, AKA King Gimp. Dan will be the primary focus of this post as he has come to mind almost daily since I had the fortune of hearing his incredible story at the National AMBUCS convention in Rogers, AR in July.
Dan has spastic cerebral palsy and has not allowed his disability to define him. He, who has vey limited control of his motor skills, has recently completed his masters degree in fine arts. He was the subject of an academy award nominated documentary film, King Gimp. There are many messages that come from this man's amazing life, but the one I was struck so fully by that I was not able to speak after sitting through his presentation for the emotion that overflowed from me is this: Do not let others define you or tell you what you can do in life. Seems simple, yet the impact of experiencing this man's artwork has changed the way I view many aspects of my every day world.
I work in the disability world and every day have the opportunity to interact with very special people. How many times do we who are "normal" make judgement about what those we have the ability to influence are capable of becoming? I've always considered myself as a positive, encouraging individual, but I want to be more than that. I want to follow those things I'm most passionate about and I want to inspire others to do the same. So that's that. Each day, I think of the man who literally trembles and yet his passion is expressing himself through painting. He has learned to do so with a brush attached to a headband. His art is raw, pure emotion. I encourage you to learn more about living your passion, whatever it may be.
On a side note, I'm thrilled to report I have achieved 11 minute miles in my training for the half-marathon. If I can shave 1 more minute off, I'll have reached my goal of 10 minute miles by race day. WOO HOO! Blessings to you - Lori
Dan has spastic cerebral palsy and has not allowed his disability to define him. He, who has vey limited control of his motor skills, has recently completed his masters degree in fine arts. He was the subject of an academy award nominated documentary film, King Gimp. There are many messages that come from this man's amazing life, but the one I was struck so fully by that I was not able to speak after sitting through his presentation for the emotion that overflowed from me is this: Do not let others define you or tell you what you can do in life. Seems simple, yet the impact of experiencing this man's artwork has changed the way I view many aspects of my every day world.
I work in the disability world and every day have the opportunity to interact with very special people. How many times do we who are "normal" make judgement about what those we have the ability to influence are capable of becoming? I've always considered myself as a positive, encouraging individual, but I want to be more than that. I want to follow those things I'm most passionate about and I want to inspire others to do the same. So that's that. Each day, I think of the man who literally trembles and yet his passion is expressing himself through painting. He has learned to do so with a brush attached to a headband. His art is raw, pure emotion. I encourage you to learn more about living your passion, whatever it may be.
On a side note, I'm thrilled to report I have achieved 11 minute miles in my training for the half-marathon. If I can shave 1 more minute off, I'll have reached my goal of 10 minute miles by race day. WOO HOO! Blessings to you - Lori
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