"Making a Diffrence"

Today we will have a staff meeting, just like we do every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. As I look around the table, I see witness to God’s calling in every staff member; people who put their lives on hold so many times to ensure that the families and campers here have the experience of a lifetime. To some people, a job is a job, but to others it is a calling. I have been told. “ If you love your work, you don’t have a job”. I am witness to what happens when God indeed calls you.

One particular story happened on the Adventure Course right after I came to work here. Larry and I had been asked to provide the teenage campers with some team building activities. As usual, once we finished the team building portion we allowed them a chance to step outside their comfort zone and try some of the high elements. “Challenge by choice,” as Larry, describes it.  On that particular day a young lady, whose body was weak from the treatment for her illness, so wanted to climb to the top of the catwalk like the other campers were doing. She attempted it several times but to no avail. She just didn’t have the strength.  Larry seeing how important it was to her, asks her to sit down and rest, he said,  “you will do this, I promise.”  She waited patiently, all the time watching camper after camper, celebrating and shouting with excitement as they made it to the top of the 20-foot high element. True to his word, Larry walked over to the young lady and said “Are you ready to do it?”  He then harnessed the young lady to him and he became her legs. He carefully climbed the rope ladder allowing this young lady the experience of a lifetime; I stood there and cried as I heard her shouting with excitement when she, indeed, made it to the top.

"Will I Make a Difference?"

Have you ever taken the time to inventory your life?  Have you ever wondered if what you do has a positive influence on the lives of others.

As I have mentioned before, I have the honor and privilege of not only working for Children’s Harbor, I also get to live here. Early morning walks are something that I really enjoy. Stopping by the chapel and having a chat with God is high on my to-do list.  While at the chapel this morning, I captured this beautiful sunrise as God captured my heart. He made me realize that, everyday is an opportunity for me. I don’t even have to get into a car to find someone to help. The children and their families are here. Right in my back yard on this very campus.  All I have to do is wake up in the morning with the attitude that I will make a difference today and make the effort. 

Your opportunity may not be as close as mine but they are still there. How many opportunities have we missed, how many lives could have been made better by something we might have said or done? As you witness the sunrise of a brand new day ask yourself, “Will I make a difference?” 

"One Man’s Trash"

Have you heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This statement has never held more truth than when it comes to the Children’ Harbor Thrift Store. During my speaking engagements I have heard numerous stories from individuals who have happened upon some amazing “buys” during their visit to our campus store.

Get this; the perfect golf club for an amazing $5.00, a surround sound system for an unheard of $50.00 or better yet, the single plate purchased for $2.00 that was a perfect match to replace the broken piece in the family set of china. And then there is the local lake resident who furnished his entire cabin with furniture and items he purchased from the Thrift Store. I can go on and on with stories from individuals who are more than happy to tell you about their treasures.

My recent treasure find was 2 wrought iron chase lounges for $30 each! I am part of the growing crowd that "Love the Thrift Store!"

So, when you are thinking about throwing that slightly used item in the trash, remember someone may be looking for that very item to add to his or her treasures.

Note: All proceeds from the sell of these items go to support our mission. You can visit the Thrift Store on Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am –4:00 pm. Debra Krauel is the Thrift Store manager and she can be contacted at (334) 857-2008

"Till It Comes To Your House"

Last night we held our first meeting for the Children’s Harbor Montgomery Area Advisory Board. An amazing group of business professionals and volunteers willing to help us brainstorm ways to bring more awareness of our organization to the River Region. During the discussion it was mentioned how sometimes it is more comfortable for individuals to give financial support versus time simply because being in the middle of the mission is out of their comfort zone.

One of the board members, who is the father of a special needs child said it best.  “Till it comes to your house.”  When the ones you love are the ones that are diagnosed with “that” illness or suffering from ”that” disease, then you get it. .  We seem to distance ourselves from people and situations that we are not comfortable with , therefore cheating our own selves of a real blessing. Instead of choosing to understand we choose to abstain.  If you have a heart to help, there is a place for you. Volunteer; become involved with your time and talent. Make a difference . Do it now, don’t wait “Till it comes to your house.”

"Let Us Pray"

Often times we find ourselves zoned in on those in dire need, health wise and other wise when we pray.  We may pass up on the smaller things simply because we don’t want to bother God with the “petty stuff.”  What is petty in God’s eyes? The Bible says to get your mind off yourself and pray about it.  Nothing is too small to pray about.  Some people think they should only bother God with great big important stuff.  Do you know what?  God isn't bothered at all when we pray.  He wants us to pray about everything! How simple can it be?

This weekend an experience at camp, with one of our illness camps, put it in perspective for me.

Mark Vosel and friends with “Dogs on Call” brought their dogs to camp. Dogs on Call are trained therapy dogs.  Therapy dogs help people by providing affection, entertainment, and a special kind of acceptance that only an animal can give.

One of the dogs, Chip, was a little under the weather. Chip’s owner explained that Chip had been rescued from a bad situation and that he had been a very sick dog. Instantly, without any hesitation one of the campers felt the need to pray. Did he do it quietly in the meditation of his own heart…no, not at all. In his heart he felt a need and knew instantly that God would help. He stopped the demonstration, and asks everyone to join him in prayer for Chip. The young man then led the group in one of the sweetest prayers you could ever imagine, asking God to heal Chip so that he could continue to do good deeds and help others. Wow, did you catch the part, without hesitation?

So many times campers who attend camp here with one or more illnesses or disabilities have taught me great lessons. This is another one that I will carry with me forever.  If there is a need, who are we to decide if it is too small for God to care?  “Let us pray.”

Take Them Home and Love Them

Last night Wanda and I attended the ARC of Sylacauga's Awards Banquet. ARC stands for, Association of Retarded Citizens.  ARC is one of the 19 illness related organizations that we donate camp space to each year. The facility donation allows the campers a once a year opportunity to hang out with their peers and a chance to “vacation” without their parents. To them, this is a big thing.
As the director spoke she mentioned one thing almost every parent in the room had faced.  After the arrival of their child they were pretty much instructed by the medical staff to, "take them home and love them." She spoke from experience, being the parent of a 44 year old, mentally challenged young man she knows first hand the label that society tends to place on individuals that are different. She said, "Yes, we took him home, and yes, we love him, but there is way more to life than that. If people only knew or took the time to understand.  The lives that these individuals have touched is immeasurable. She is so right, I am touched and amazed every year when they return for camp.
 Personally, I think the definition of ARC says it better; the part of a circle that is the apparent path of a heavenly body above and below the horizon.  So, "Take them home, love them and watch them shine."
During the awards program, ARC presented Children' Harbor with  the "Distinguished Service Award”  The award was in recognition of the donation of camp space for the past 4 years. Thank you ARC, it is a pleasure to be associated with such an awesome group of individuals! Keep on shining!

Love that Music

Today, Full Life Ahead will be coming to campus to hold their winter camp.  Full Life Ahead is just that, they work with all ages and all types of illnesses and disabilities to help individuals lead a full life.  As I think back on their first camp one of my favorite campers comes to mind....

A young man in his early 20's who has autism. Four years ago he attended camp for the first time and pretty much against his will.  His father and aunt thought this would be a good experience for him so they attended camp as a family. He was very stand-offish, didn't mingle too much and for the most part resented being here.  As fate would have it, the camps entertainment for the evening didn't show up so David and I borrowed my brother's karaoke machine. Everyone loves karaoke. As we were setting things up, he opened the book with the list of different songs.  His attention immediately went to Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline".  He said, "I think I can do it."  We all encouraged him to try, so he did.  As the music started and he began to sing, I realized, this is his comfort zone.  He sang it with soul and sounded just like Neil Diamond, he didn't even need the words.  He was amazing!  The crowd went wild with excitement and he loved it.  The rest of the evening belonged to him.  He was the man!
I found out later that his family had no idea that he could sing. Wow, and he does it so well.
Have you heard how music can sooth the soul, well in this case it was true.  He found his place and felt a sense of ownership with the camp.  He no longer stands alone, he is the first to arrive at camp and is what I would consider, the face of Full Life Ahead.
Oh, and on another note.  He now has a job, and an apartment and a girlfriend.... He indeed is leading a Full Life.