Category: Faith Lived Dangerously

DreamRider The Inspirational Story of Bruce Jennings: Learning to Live with a Disability

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My mom and I have an App on our T.V. called Parables T.V. It has a whole bunch of Christian movies. One of my favorites is a movie called DreamRider. It’s a true story based on real events. Matthew Geriak plays the role of Bruce Jennings, who due to a motorcycle accident lost a leg at the age of 18, two weeks before high school graduation. Determined to walk across the stage to get his diploma, he learns to use a prosthetic leg.

About five years later, after he became a Cal State Fullerton student, he was hit by a car while he was riding a bike. He suffered internal injuries, a broken leg, shoulder and ribs. Sent to a convalescent home to get professional care, Bruce meets Mr. William Perry played by James Earl Jones who challenges Bruce to stop feeling sorry for himself and go to Boston to see the Old North Church to see if the model he made really is an exact replica of it. Up until then, people have made the trip in 40 days. Bruce is determined to do it in 39 days on his bike with only one leg. He didn’t have a prosthesis, but used a toe strap to both push and pull on the left bicycle pedal with his remaining leg.

The movie shows his ups and downs as he gets ready to go to Boston. I like the movie for many reasons. First, I like the wisdom in it. Surprised Bruce would even have a chance to live, Dr. Reade played by Javier Grajeda says, “All I saw was a young, strong, body refuse to give up when a normal body should have.” His mother, Mrs. Jennings, played by E.J Peaker says,

“Dr. Reade, If we don’t look for every bit of hope we can find, what good are we to the life in there?” So true!

I also love Mr. Perry who has a positive outlook on life and is full of wisdom. He asks Bruce to give him a date for when he’s going to Boston. When Bruce asks Mr. Perry why he has such a hang up about time, Mr. Perry replies, “Time is the very essence of life. You waste your time you waste your life.” Bruce learns not to waste time and begins training for Boston with the help of professionals, friends, and family.

Secondly, I like the movie because the disability never goes away. I’ve seen so many movies where the main character has an illness but by the end of the movie the illness is completely cured and the character has completely normal use of every part of the body. As the old storybook ending goes, “And they all lived happily ever after.” That drives me crazy! While I believe that can happen, I also know there are instances where the illness or disability never goes away. Look at me. I was born with cerebral palsy. I’ll always have cerebral palsy. I’ve seen a lot of organizations out there trying to find a cure for many things. I don’t have a problem trying to find a cure, but that can be expensive. What if the experiment doesn’t work? Then what? How long are we going to spend trying to find a cure? When is the time to say, “This is not curable. I need to learn how to live with it instead of get rid of it?” What if the condition you have is meant to stay with you for a lifetime? Are you going to cry about it the rest of your life, or are you going to do what you can with what you have and make a difference in your community?

Look at Jesus’ response to the disciples about the blind man in John 9:3. “When asked who sinned, Jesus replied, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (NIV). Instead of always trying to get rid of an illness or disability, we should be asking, “How can I use this to glorify God, my Creator?”

Finally, I like the movie because I saw a lot of myself in Bruce. As he’s training, he turns into quite a fighter. While others question whether or not the trip is possible Bruce says, “I’m not giving up now!” I found myself rooting for him. Go, Bruce!

DreamRider is the most positive movie about a person with a disability I’ve seen so far. Other movies like Me Before You portray people with disabilities in a negative light. The person with the disability loses hope and wants help committing suicide.

On the other hand, in DreamRider, the main character learns having a disability doesn’t mean the end of life, he just has to learn to do things differently. He gets a chance to ride across the country on one leg. What an opportunity! The guy used to play football. By having the new challenge, he gets to do something he might not have done otherwise and show the world you can do anything you put your mind to! I wish the film industry would make more movies like this today! We need it!

The night before his trip to Boston, as they talk about his journey, Mr. Perry encourages him not to stop.  Bruce says, “I can’t go any further than Boston.”

Mr. Perry answers, “I don’t mean just the bicycle. Stay on the journey of your life. That’s what counts.” As they go inside, Mr. Perry asks, “Do you know what a real winner is? A  real winner is a guy who does his best. It doesn’t matter what the score book says.”

Amen! Lord, guide me as I stay on the journey of life. Let me be a winner in your eyes as I run the race for you. Thank you for allowing me to live!

Faith Lived Dangerously

Queen Frostine

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I take Ballet lessons. My Instructor always has me pick a character so i become the character and really get into the dance. last November when I danced to o Holy Night i picked Queen Frostine. Below is the paragraph I wrote I was trying to become the character.  Enjoy my pictures and videos.

Queen Frostine from the Candy Land  board game in the 1980s. The Best!

original-frostine

Hi, I’m Queen Frostine. I’m married to King Kandy. People call me, “The picture of grace and beauty.” They say I’m, “Everything a queen should be.” I wear a long blue evening gown, white gloves, and a blue crown. My favorite thing to do is ice skate. My Snowflake Spector always leaves a trail of magical sugar snowflakes that follow me everywhere. My favorite place to go is Snowflake Lake which is just up a ways from Lollipop Woods but not as far as Ice Cream Mountains. I spend my day ice skating. I live in the Ice Cream Sea. It’s very bubbly. Come visit me some time! We can even share an Ice Cream Sundae and a cup of tea!


Here I talk about fun times with my Instructor, Jessica What fun we have!

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I dressed as Queen Frostine for the 2016 Fun Life Halloween Party. I Love ice Cream! I just love sweets period! Candy Land was my favorite board game as a child.

 

 

 

Faith Lived Dangerously

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood ….” The Ministry of Mister Rogers

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“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?”

Sound familiar? Those are the beginning lines to the opening of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood theme song. Every time I hear the first few bars I can picture Mister Rogers’ house. The traffic lights, the fish, the curtains, the trolley, Etc. Through the years Mister Rogers Neighborhood stayed the same. In a fast paced world trying to keep up with the times to please each generation, the format never changed. Many people don’t know it, but Mister Rogers actually went to school to become an ordained minister. Mister Rogers decided to break into television because he saw something he didn’t like. He saw a program at his mom and dad’s place where people were throwing pies at each other and decided to do something about it. When his parents said, “You’ve never even seen television. How can you say that?”

Mister Rogers replied, “Well, I’ve seen enough to know I’d like to try to put my hand in it.” In an interview with CNN, he stated, “I went into television because I hated it so, and I thought there was some way of using this fabulous instrument to be of nurture to those who would watch and listen.”

He earned his divinity degree in 1962, and at his ordination the Presbyterian Church asked him to serve children and families through television. Mister Rogers Neighborhood began on February 19, 1968. I know what you’re thinking. “Mister Rogers a minister?  I never heard him mention God or Bible verses in the show.”

That’s true but the Christian principles were there. Mister Rogers believed in the famous saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” He always greeted viewers by saying, “Hello Neighbor.” He believed your neighbor was whoever you happened to be with at the moment. The show was at a very slow pace. Mister Rogers was the host and did many of the characters’ voices in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. He played himself not a made-up character. His ideas were easy to follow. All the episodes for the week were based on one theme such as music, fast and slow, etc. He also introduced viewers to people like Eric Hill, author and illustrator of the Spot books.

Whenever he showed how various things were made like crayons on his projector called picture picture, he never sped up the process. Viewers saw each step as it was happening and he explained it. One of the key songs in the program was:“I like to take my time I mean that when I want to do a thing I like to take my time and do it right. I mean I just might make mistakes if I should have to hurry up and so I like to take my time.” One of my favorite episodes was when he took viewers to a local pretzel factory and showed people how pretzels were made. I love pretzels.

On the factory tour, the man who was making pretzels said they originated in Germany, France, and Italy, 1500 years ago and were given to children for saying their prayers. A pretzel has three folds. The first fold represents children crossing their arms praying to God. The second represents parents. The three holes resemble the Holy Trinity. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It’s the only time I remember hearing any reference to God in the show.

He interviewed all kinds of people, including people with disabilities who were in wheelchairs, on crutches, and blind. He made being different okay and always told people they were special. When Mister Rogers said, “You Are Special,” and “It’s you I like,” I knew he was talking to me. It was okay for people to cry and talk about what they were feeling. One time I remember him saying, “Real brave and strong people are able to cry when things are hard. The one thing they don’t do is give up.”

Even when the characters in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe got into a conflict with one another, they always worked through it. They talked it out and resolved the conflict. They said, “I’m sorry.” Whenever they did something like build a school, everyone worked together. People learned how to cooperate with one another and share ideas. My mom never minded me watching Mister Rogers even as I got older because she could be in the kitchen and listen and not have to worry about what I was watching. We both recognized the great quality of the program.

In an interview he said, “I’m so convinced that the space between the television set and the viewer is holy ground.” Because he hardly mentioned God or Bible verses in the show, he was able to touch many lives just by being himself. As he would say at the end of every show, “You make each day a special day. You know how, by just your being you. There’s only one person in the whole world like you and people can like you exactly as you are.”

I learned it’s okay to be slow. The best things made are made slowly. Trying to move too quickly causes problems. It’s okay to cry. Just don’t give up, If there’s something you don’t like, be part of the solution, and not the problem. We all have unique gifts God has given us to make the world a better place. Mister Rogers, thank you for the impact you had on my life. Thank you for liking me exactly the way I am. See you in heaven.

Lord, help me to slow down and take my time so I can listen to your voice and know your will. As I write, help me to create things that are pleasing to you. Amen

Faith Lived Dangerously

“Pain and Torture” The Value of Physical Therapy

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Therapy

Eating lunch at home with my left hand. A Special Thanks to Traci Gee and Sarah March for helping me get ready to hold my nephew. Those three weeks together were sure an adventure!

Pool

Getting ready to swim at the YMCA

Traci

In the Water with Traci Gee July 2013.  Swimming is one of my favorite Summertime Activities! I’m a Mermaid in the water!

caden and Aunt Ra

Here’s the reason I learned to use my left hand. In this picture, he’s about four months old. (I think) Now he’ll be three in January  They grow up so fast!  By the way, his middle name Rex is in honor of my dad who passed away in January 1995. Too bad Dad isn’t here to meet his grandson.

Jensen Family

The Jensen Family 2015. On the left is my sister Roz Jensen. Next to her is her husband, Cody Jensen. My sister is holding Brynn who was born August 3rd 2015. We just celebrated her first birthday. I’ll have to write a story about her next. If Caden sees my mom without me, the first thing he says is, “Where’s Aunt Rachael?” He can’t wait to see me! I love him too! We always have a great time together! What a great family!

I have cerebral palsy. Over the years I’ve had lots of physical therapy throughout my life. Physical therapy helps me strengthen my leg muscles which helps me be able to do things like transfer to a car; get in and out of bed, etc. Sometimes when the physical therapist is stretching my legs and holding it up on their shoulder it can be painful if the muscles haven’t been stretched out enough. Sometimes, as my mom is watching me and she sees the look on my face, she says,

This is liable to look like pain and torture you know that?” The therapist smiles and we laugh.

As a child, I didn’t like going to physical therapy. Now that I’m an adult, I’ve come to appreciate the benefits of physical therapy.I especially appreciated it in the summer of 2013 when I knew my new nephew would be arriving soon. I’m a children’s author and I really love children. I couldn’t wait to hold my newborn nephew  First I had to get my left hand working better I used my right for everything my left hand just sat there. It wasn’t that I couldn’t use my left hand but my left hand is slower at doing things so I get impatient and let the right hand do it all. Holding a baby takes two hands. I can use my left hand, but my right hand is more relaxed because I use it more.
In order to get my left working well enough to hold a baby, I did all kinds of things. My friend Sarah came in and helped me. During the summer of 2013, Sarah helped me train a new caregiver named Traci who would take care of me during the week. For three weeks, Sarah Traci, and I did lots of physical therapy. At lunchtime, they put my right arm in a sling so that I had to use my left arm for everything. Picking up the drink, picking up my sandwich etc. Trust me there were many times I thought, This is crazy. My tea is in a huge aluminum container. When It’s full, it’s really heavy! Many times as I tipped it up to take a drink I’d spill tea down the front of my shirt or even drop the container on the floor. What a mess! When something is not habit repetition is the key. That’s true for anyone but especially someone like me who struggles with getting the right messages to communicate with the right parts of the body so I can do the small everyday tasks.
At times I sighed and wondered, Why am I doing this again? Then I’d tell myself silently, Baby, Baby, Baby. That got me motivated again. I continued working to strengthen my left hand. When I was at the computer at home, Traci would switch the mouse pad over to the left side. I moved a few icons around on the desktop. At the hospital, it used to take me forever to get signed in at the volunteer office The cursor moved everywhere on the screen except the correct numbers I needed. The more I used my left hand, the faster it got. Now I check in at the hospital in no time at all.
Finally January 1st 2014 came and my nephew arrived. His name is Caden Rex Jensen He has Hazel eyes very similar to my sister, and black curly just like his father. When I held my nephew for the first time, we both looked at each other and smiled. I thought about all the hard work I’d done in therapy to get to this special moment. The “pain and torture” was worth it. I thought. Caden Rex Jensen is now a year old and will soon have a sibling in August. I can’t wait until my nephew gets old enough to hear to this story. Then I can tell him, “I learned to use my left hand for you!”
Faith Lived Dangerously

“Write By Numbers”

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The top photo is the lined paper Jessica used to help me learn to write. See the picture on the bottom left with the purple writing? That’s how my writing used to look before I started working with Jessica. I started working on this with Jessica in the middle of February and Traci’s birthday is March 31st. The book shows the finished product. Look at the improvement in a month’s time! Not Bad Huh? It was well worth it!

I never learned to write my name very well in grade school.  With cerebral palsy, it takes more time for me to learn something than the average person. I know what I want my muscles to do. Often, getting my brain to communicate with my muscles to work together is a challenge. My brain has to figure out how to re-route itself. Repetition is the key.
I did learn to write a little bit but just my name. I couldn’t write well enough for the teacher to read a whole sentence. There were other things to worry about in school. Time wise I had to use a one lined flat screen typewriter.  Recently, I learned how to write thanks to my good friend Jessica.
 It all started when I wanted to write my name in a book, I got my attendant aide Traci, for her birthday. It was one of those small pocket books that says, “To and from” on the inside. I just wanted to learn to write my name well enough and type a short birthday message, then paste it on the inside. However, Jessica had another idea. “Why don’t you learn to write the whole message?”
Jessica always pushes me to go to the next level!
“Are you crazy?” I asked.
“No Really. I think you can do it.”
 Jessica doesn’t take no for an answer easily! We only had a month and at the moment my name was barely readable. How would I ever learn in time for Traci’s birthday? Jessica and I have accomplished other milestones. I knew she wouldn’t suggest it if she didn’t think it was possible. I really wanted to give Traci a nice surprise, so I l hesitantly said, “Okay.”
We got to work right away. One of my biggest challenges was to get the letter c going in the right direction. My c’s we’re always backwards and I was taught to write my name in capital letters. As I was re-learning how to write my name, this time using a capital R and the rest of the letters lowercase, my brain connected well with different shapes.
A lowercase  c looked like a mini size cookie, h was like a chair, my name has to a’s in it so we made two c’s with kite tails,  the letter e is like a c starting with a line going down in the middle. For letters like c a, and e, Jessica said, “Start to the left and go all the way around. “ I learned most of the letters in my name start with the c motion.
One day Jessica brought in some lined paper with numbers and colors. It reminded me of when I was a kid and they have those coloring books where you color by numbers. I looked at the paper and asked,
 “What are we going to do? Write by numbers?” We both laughed. The paper was supposed to help me get the size of my letters right.  I did learn to write in time for her birthday and Traci loved her gift. I learned to write my name and a whole paragraph! What an accomplishment! I can write! I did it! Now, so I don’t forget how, the key is to keep practicing on a regular basis. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition.
 

 

 

 

Faith Lived Dangerously

Dear Awana Kids

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Here’s another piece I wrote back in January when I took my flash fiction and nonfiction class. It’s a letter to my Awana kids explaining my disability and answering some questions they might have. Enjoy!

Awana Awards Ceremony T & T Girls  3-6th grade (Truth & Training) May 2013 at Grace Baptist Church

 

 
Dear Awana Kids,
I have cerebral palsy or CP for short. I was born this way. I had some problems at birth. Don’t worry it’s not contagious. CP is a condition not an illness. If I had a real illness I couldn’t be here. My wheelchair is nothing to be afraid of. I may look different on the outside but on the inside, I’m just like you.
            When I was your age I was in the Awana program just like you. I memorized the same bible verses you memorize, had similar Awana books just like you and got awards just like you. I was very good at memorizing. I got awards for my uniform almost every week.  I was one of the fastest memorizers! My mom was amazed. I turned out to be one of the kids who was the “crème of the crop” as the old saying goes. My body has cerebral palsy not my brain. I always say because I can’t write things down on paper I have to exercise a different part of my brain, which is why I have a great memory.  Some people have told me I have the memory of an elephant because I remember things so well! Have you ever heard the old saying, “An elephant never forgets?”
When you come up to me to make conversation with me, you don’t have to slow your speech down or talk to me in a loud voice. Just talk to me like you would anyone else. I can hear you and understand you. We don’t always have to talk about my disability.  I like to talk about other things too. What’s your favorite food? What about your favorite color? How about your favorite candy? My favorite candy is Snickers but I like anything with chocolate. I even have a shirt that says, “Drop the chocolate and nobody gets hurt.” I have quite a sweet tooth! Some people have called me, “Sweet tooth Rachael.” My favorite color is purple.  If you see me drop something on the floor, go ahead and help me pick it up. If we’re going outside somewhere, hold a door for me. I promise I won’t run you over!
If you have questions about the lesson, don’t be afraid to come up to me and ask me. I’m just as capable of answering your question as anyone else in the room. Again, my body has CP not my brain. I’m here to have fun with you and honor the Lord with my service the best way I know how. I’m really looking forward to some of the theme nights this year. Crazy hat night is one of my favorites. I think I’ll wear my Dr, Suess hat. “I do not like them Sam I am. I do not like green eggs and ham.” I’m really looking forward to a fun year at Awana of studying God’s Word with you and getting to know everyone better!

Love,
Rachael

 

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Faith Lived Dangerously

God’s Promise

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 I had so much fun writing the poem about Saul I decided to write another one about Noah and the flood. I wanted to tell people what the rainbow means to me. A special thanks to my good friend, Sarah March. She was my extra pair of eyes as I wrote the poem. Your input was very valuable. Also, a special thanks to my brother-in-law, Cody Jensen. He gave me great direction in searching through the scriptures. I really enjoyed our conversation last week. Writing this definitely caused me to dig into God’s word more! The last couple weeks have been quite a journey! If you want to read the story of Noah in the Bible, it starts in Genesis chapter six, and ends with chapter nine, where the Lord talks about the rainbow, which is the emphasis in this poem. If you haven’t read the Bible, Genesis is the very first book. All scripture quotations are taken from the NIV. (New international Version). Genesis 9:12-15. Enjoy! 

I colored this picture last year at Joni and Friends Family Retreat when the  theme was, “Hope Overflowing.” As you read this, I pray your heart will overflow with the hope and peace of God’s Goodness.
 ““May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13
God was grieved by man’s sinful heart
So many people went their own way
Noah and his family were the few to obey
So God told Noah to build an ark
Soon a big flood would destroy the earth
There would be nothing left
Nothing left of worth
It wouldn’t be long
Before God’s creation was gone
But Noah and his family would be safe and sound
For following God’s ways they would not drown
Noah built the ark and brought in the animals two by two
The Lord shut the door and the flood began
For 40 days and 40 nights the rain came tumbling down
The Lord began to flood the ground
While those in the ark were safe and sound
Noah sent out a raven to find dry land
But he came back he found no safe haven
Noah sent out a dove
He found a green leaf
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief
The storm was through!
The earth made new!
A rainbow appeared in the clouds
And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between
me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over
the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,
I will remember my covenant between me
and you and all living creatures of every kind.
Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.”
The rainbow is more than a pretty little charm
It’s God’s Promise to keep us safe from harm
A beautiful reminder He loves the human race!
Thank You Lord for your Amazing Grace!


                                                                


 
 
 
 

                                                           

 
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 


 

 

 

Faith Lived Dangerously

Summer Adventure 2015 Jesus Is Lord over His people

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Last week I got teach the lesson at my table in fourth grade at Summer Adventure A.K.A. Vacation Bible School at Grace Baptist Church. The theme for the entire week was Jesus is Lord. Friday was Jesus is Lord over His people We told the kids the story of Saul. I wrote this poem and they loved It! I held their attention! I gave all my kids signed copies of the poem to help them remember the story and the fun week we had together! Another table leader shared it with her kids and soon everyone wanted a copy! It was a hit! Maybe I’ll have to start writing more poetry. Enjoy!

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Saul was a bully
Who tried to kill the holy
Slowly God worked on his heart
And Saul had a brand new start
After being blinded by the light
Ananias restored his sight
And Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit
And God used him with all his might
Even with a dark heart like Saul
God changed him and his name became Paul

 

 

 

 

Faith Lived Dangerously

“Focus On What You Can Do”

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the great face off with Sarah March before the great Tortoise and the Hare race in front of my house October 2014. I’m the Hare Sarah is the Tortoise. I won! ! We just recently had anther race. I won again! Those pictures are on Facebook. Now I need to rewrite the Tortoise and the Hare story! 


“Focus On What You Can Do”
Here’s s a piece I’m posting this piece which I wrote for my Mircoflash fiction and nonfiction class I took in the winter semester. Enjoy!


“We would like to thank everyone for coming to our church play. We will now serve dinner and refreshments in the other room.”

Sarah brought me my walker and I stood up and turned around We followed everyone else into the other room. The room was on a lower level and we had to go down a long ramp to get to it. My walker has four wheels. If I don’t control my legs I can easily run right into something. Sometimes I need a little help.

“Now Sarah when we go down the ramp, hold the bar on the back of my walker so you can help me control the speed.”

I was anxious to get to the food!  Before Sarah had a chance to grab the bar, I pushed off at the top of the ramp, raised my feet in the air, and said “Catch ne if you can!” I laughed the whole way down. My walker went flying down the hill and Sarah ran after me. Finally, I got to the bottom of the hill. Sarah caught up to me. We both laughed and walked safely into the other room.

Having CP is hard at times. There are many moments when I wish it just wasn’t there, but, if it wasn’t for my CP, I wouldn’t need the help I need, and I would never meet great people great people like my friend Sarah. Funny moments of laughter like that wouldn’t happen. I’m able to show people how to have fun.  Without CP, some of the happy moments I have in my life wouldn’t happen. Whenever I get down about having CP, I have to remember my mother’s wise words. “Focus on what you can do not on what you can’t.”
Faith Lived Dangerously

“Unique Precious Child”

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At Camp Capernum August 2014.  was our camp speaker at Ooakbridge. He gave me the idea for the talk with the kids.





Here’s the talk I gave to the kids last night in Awana. They loved it! Enjoy!

 

Psalm 139: 13-16 (NASB)

 

“For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My]frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.”

Have you ever gone to the store with your mom or dad when you stand in line to pay for something the casher or the machine scans the item, usually on the side when the cashier or the machine scans the item there’s a bar code. That’s called a UPC Code. UPC usually stands for Universal Product Code.. This summer when I went to Oakbridge with Fun Life, a ministry of Young Life, (another Christian organization) the camp speaker came up with his own saying. He said that we were a Unique Precious Child made by God. He said that if God has fridge like we do at home, He would have a picture of everyone He loved. Can you imagine? That would be a big fridge!

We live in a world that puts a huge emphasis on outer appearances.  ‘If you’ll buy this can of hair spray you’ll  have soft silky hair.”  Everybody is trying to be “Perfect.” The truth is, in reality nobody is “perfect” by the world’s standards. Our society is very competitive. Who has the most trophies? Who can score the most goals in soccer/ Your favorite movie stars all have wrinkles and pimples when they leave the studio. The only reason your favorite stars look the way they do is because of technology. God made us all to be perfect in his image. God doesn’t make mistakes. It is not a mistake that everyone is here today. God doesn’t “Oops I don’t think I should’ve done that.”  The very same God who created you and me is the very same God who created day and night. He also created the plants and animals. He knew where every piece of the puzzle was going to go.  He said, “It is good.” He created the earth in six days. I sure can’t do that! If God created the earth in six days, don’t you think He knew what he was doing when He created you?

God cares more about our inner image than our outer image. Our actions toward one another, our relationship with him, Etc. When we get to heaven, we will give an account for our lives. You won’t get into heaven based on the way you look. What’s really going to matter is how you served the Lord. . God isn’t going to care about how well your nails are done or how much make-up you have on. I believe God looks at each one of you very lovingly and says, “Take off the make-up, and show people the real you.”

He loves you so much that he sent his son Jesus to die for each and every one of you. I wish they would put Jesus on the cross on model posters. He’s the perfect model. The problem is the world has to look past his blood and nail scarred hands. Jesus is the model of true perfection. If you h already have a relationship with Jesus, That’s great! We’re here to help you grow in your walk. If not, ask us how one can be started. That’s what we’re here for! 1He says to every  one of us, “You’re my Unique Precious Child.”

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