The phrase 'Live, Laugh, Love' has been gracing the walls and mantles of families for several years now. To be honest, I had lost sight of its true meaning until the funeral today. Matt Phillips embodied the phrase without fail around every person he came in contact with. He knew his life might be shorter than other people's but he would not let that stop him from living a full life. Every single word that was said about him was the exact word I would've described him with. I get so caught up in my problems that life passes me by. He sure did have an infectious laugh! He could laugh at himself more than anyone else. I think I forget to laugh at myself sometimes. And love. Matt loved in many ways. Through encouraging and including people, through his laughter, through his intellect, and through is desire to lead people to Christ. Also another thing I lose sight of at times...and I do not have a physical disability!
This little man was a giant to many people.
On another note, I have been giving therapy at West Texas Rehab center for a few days now and have learned so much. I feel like my brain will explode but that I am taking steps towards a career. I haven't decided where I want to work and God has many open doors for me. All I know, is that this next 18 months will fly by! We are guaranteed to not be the same person when we finish. The truth is, I am never 'finished', until God chooses to bring me home. Then I will be perfect, just like Matt is now.
Keep reading (and trusting)...brighter days will come soon! Be joy
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tears and Mr. Smiley
If anyone ever thought you could run out of tears, I am pretty positive that you can't (unless there's a disorder). My last 3 days have been full of gut-wrenching cries. Most likely its what my body needed, but I also know that God is working on my heart and soul. He takes every seemingly bleak event and turns it into something good to those who love Him.
I had never fully realized the impact that someone can have on me and I on them. Whether it comes through a spoken word, a hug, or even a smile, it all means the same. I am loved! I can't decide if it's sad that I realize it differently every day, or if its just a blessing that God has created within me.All of this growing, brokenhearted and empty, is teaching me more than I could ever learn otherwise.
Mr. Smiley would be Matt Phillips. A beaming light of perseverence and faith who I became friends with at Southern Hills CoC. He just turned 16 this past Wednesday and I was able to join the youth in singing 'Happy Birthday'. How emabarrassed he was but his smile never left his face! Late last night (after I was already asleep), I was informed by text message that he had passed away. What a note to wake up to in the morning before my first real day of therapy! I had just seen him 4 days previous. While we all miss him here and will feel a hole in the youth group, I know that he is running and jumping in heaven. You see, he grew up with what is commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease and was in a wheelchair. He could not do sports, but he could swim and outspell anyone I know. I will forever be blessed and inspired by this guy.
Whatever I have been, or will face will be small in comparison. Thank you Lord, for Matt Phillips and the life that you gave him here on earth. I pray that many more people would come to know you because of his unfailing love for You.
I had never fully realized the impact that someone can have on me and I on them. Whether it comes through a spoken word, a hug, or even a smile, it all means the same. I am loved! I can't decide if it's sad that I realize it differently every day, or if its just a blessing that God has created within me.All of this growing, brokenhearted and empty, is teaching me more than I could ever learn otherwise.
Mr. Smiley would be Matt Phillips. A beaming light of perseverence and faith who I became friends with at Southern Hills CoC. He just turned 16 this past Wednesday and I was able to join the youth in singing 'Happy Birthday'. How emabarrassed he was but his smile never left his face! Late last night (after I was already asleep), I was informed by text message that he had passed away. What a note to wake up to in the morning before my first real day of therapy! I had just seen him 4 days previous. While we all miss him here and will feel a hole in the youth group, I know that he is running and jumping in heaven. You see, he grew up with what is commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease and was in a wheelchair. He could not do sports, but he could swim and outspell anyone I know. I will forever be blessed and inspired by this guy.
Whatever I have been, or will face will be small in comparison. Thank you Lord, for Matt Phillips and the life that you gave him here on earth. I pray that many more people would come to know you because of his unfailing love for You.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A New Life
So after being dormant for about a year and a half, I am resurrecting my blog. A LOT has has happened since I last wrote on here! My main reason for coming back is that the upcoming months will hopefully contain experiences worth writing about. As a first year (second semester) graduate student...crazy, I know....I plan on joining the Harding Speech Pathology program in Zambia this summer for 6 weeks. More details to come!
As for now, one of my very close friends is leaving the country to do mission work in South Africa for 9 months. I will greatly miss him, but we will hopefully see each other in May/June! While I am here, I will be getting clinic hours at West Texas Rehab Center, keeping up with classes and doing some work with the youth at SoHo still.
I have been enjoying the new Bank (Student Recreation and Wellness Center) at ACU. Several of my cohort members go with me, or indoor soccer happens on Thursday nights. My sister, who is a Senior at Abilene High and a captain of her soccer team, will be at ACU next year (which I am excited about). Time sure does fly!
The only not so good thing that has occurred, was my dad having a slight stroke close to New Year's. He is doing better now. On medication, in rehab and easing back into the work life. We were very blessed with prayers, support, and the fact that it could have been much worse. God is so good!
If anyone is still going to read this, let me know. I'd love to hear from you! I also hope to be a more consistent blogger...
Love to you and yours!
As for now, one of my very close friends is leaving the country to do mission work in South Africa for 9 months. I will greatly miss him, but we will hopefully see each other in May/June! While I am here, I will be getting clinic hours at West Texas Rehab Center, keeping up with classes and doing some work with the youth at SoHo still.
I have been enjoying the new Bank (Student Recreation and Wellness Center) at ACU. Several of my cohort members go with me, or indoor soccer happens on Thursday nights. My sister, who is a Senior at Abilene High and a captain of her soccer team, will be at ACU next year (which I am excited about). Time sure does fly!
The only not so good thing that has occurred, was my dad having a slight stroke close to New Year's. He is doing better now. On medication, in rehab and easing back into the work life. We were very blessed with prayers, support, and the fact that it could have been much worse. God is so good!
If anyone is still going to read this, let me know. I'd love to hear from you! I also hope to be a more consistent blogger...
Love to you and yours!
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