A Review of "Not Of This World" by Lisa Chan from this 48-Year-Old-Grey-Haired-Hott-Mama-of-Four

Lisa Chan, wife of Frances Chan (author of one of my favorite books, Crazy Love), returns for the third installment of her True Beauty Films, "Not of This World".  

Following "Be Still" and "Deny Yourself", this final video "invites women into an authentic conversation about God's Word."  Lisa weaves her teaching with scripture intertwined with the real life story of another woman's hardships and struggles.

Here is what I liked about "Not of This World":
* Practical Scripture - Lisa beautifully backs up every point she makes with Biblical scripture.  She offers key points from His word to encourage us to live a life in Christ.

*  Personal Reflection Guide - "Not of This World" offers a unique booklet with scripture and thought provoking questions.  It is eye catching and artistic in its' presention; leaving room for personal input and reflection.

*  Personal Story - An incarcerated husband, a mom reveals her path from the depths of sin to salvation.  Lisa melts the story of a young mother with a toddler and, while nine months pregnant, encounters loud knocks as the police take away her husband.  Be sure to watch the "Back Story," which puts it all together.

"Not of This World" is beautiful.  It is eloquent, artistic, and clever; filled with warmth and emotion, providing a direct connection to the love of Jesus.  The answers are all there.  So, why have I been edgy all day after viewing Lisa's final "True Beauty" film?

Here's what I think happened.  You see, when you watch "Not of This World" as well as Lisa Chan's other films, you will see beautiful people in lovely surroundings.  The moms, no matter what struggles they encountered, are dressed to the hilt in perfect hair and make-up, in neat organized surroundings or striking outdoor settings.

Since I am human, what do I do?  Well.... I start comparing.  What.am.I?  Like in the title, I am a barely five feet tall, freckled-faced, five pounds heavier, chaotic household, Parkinson's blogging, 48-year-old-grey-haired-(not-so)-hott-mama-of-four!  I haven't experienced incarceration, abuse, or poverty.  I am stuck in this world with school shopping, sports activities, piano lessons, grocery shopping.  Where, exactly, can I relate to Lisa's "True Beauty" series?  Tell me.

Then it struck me.  God thinks I am beautiful.

Interested?  Just let me know and I will include you in a drawing for a free copy of "Not of This World" from David C. Cook or click here to purchase your copy.

A Review of PARKINSON'S CENTRAL - A Smartphone App for Parkinson's Disease

Not long ago, I learned that the National Parkinson Foundation was releasing an app for Parkinson's Disease.  "Seriously?" I thought..., "There's an app for that?"  Diagnosed five years ago with a young family, we discovered that my "hott-hubby" Dan would have to live with this neuro-degenerative disease for which there is no cure.

I have to admit that this whole world of smartphone apps somewhat mystifies me; so, how can the National Parkinson Foundation come up with something that can really help people with Parkinson's?  This 48-year-old-grey-haired-Hott-mama-of-four has troubles operating my Samsung Galaxy Note much less loading AND using an app for Parkinson's Disease.

"PD" belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.  Symptoms include tremor, rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs, brandykinesia (slowness of movement) and impaired balance. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks, according to the National Institute of Health.  Considering the physical challenges of PD, how will patients be able to successfully operate a new smartphone app?

Not only that, but what about the technically challenged healthy folks out there like me!?  My kids (ages 8 - 23) taught me that there is an app for just about everything!  For example, when we visited Universal Studios, they all had apps to learn the wait times for everything from roller-coaster rides, the Minion Mayhem, to Hogwarts!  When I recently ventured to a One Direction concert with Violet, our 13 year old daughter, Caity, now 23, loaded an app on my phone to help us maneuver around the metro in Washington, DC.  I have even seen her use her smartphone app to by coffee at Starbucks.  Golly!

So, after Violet loaded PARKINSON'S CENTRAL, "a free, easy-to-use smartphone app that people with Parkinson's and their caregivers can use to access Parkinson's-related information wherever and whenever they need it", I began a journey of discovery on new telemedical adventure.  Here's what I learned:

*  It's is NOT hard to use!  Once I overcame my clumsiness with something new, I found myself breezing through the tabs on PARKINSON'S CENTRAL and learning useful tips for both patients and caregivers!

*  The format design is colorful and creative!  You know, there is so much information available online these days that sometimes it all seems to be one big mumble-jumble for me.  PARKINSON'S CENTRAL is cleverly designed with eye-catching tabs that effortlessly steer you around the app.

*  The information is current and applicable!  Whether you are recently diagnosed or have been living with this crazy chronic illness for years, PARKINSON'S CENTRAL introduces relevant and informative medical advice for patients at ALL stages of PD.

In conclusion, I know you must be thinking it.  Go on and admit it!  I was.  So hear goes:  How exactly does the National Parkinson's Foundation expect patients, with tremors and other physical challenges, to operate this new app, PARKINSON'S CENTRAL?  Manipulating their way around a hand held smart phone is sure to be a difficult task for many patients with PD, especially those who can sometimes find it difficult to button a blouse or buckle a belt.  Hopefully, a PD patient will find this new app available when their meds are "on" or a patient caregiver nearby.

Hummmmmm....  maybe someday a true smartphone will project an app that won't require specific hand/eye coordination.  Wouldn't that be cool? Rather than requiring a PD patient to use a shaking finger to drive around the PARKINSON'S CENTRAL app, maybe some sort of phone projection could easily be swiped in the air, somewhat like you see in the crime lab at Hawaii 5-0.  Hey, and while I'm at it, what about a sensor that will recognize the soft spoken Parkie out there?  Maybe someday our iPhones will have Nurse Siri to "tune" into the questions and difficult speech patterns of PD patients.

If my kid's Kinnect game can see them play games, judge performance, or race Mario with kids around the world, could a smartphone app detect a PD patients severity of symptoms, medical needs, tremors, weakened muscles, stiff limbs, shuffled gait, physical challenges, soft voice?  If Wii Fit can challenge ones balance skills in Yoga, why not?!  Imagine technology where a PWP can stand in front of a monitor in a remote location like the West Virginia hills and be examined by a neurologist around the world.  Kinda reminds me of Kinnect's DANCE CENTRAL of today becoming the PARKINSON'S CENTRAL of tomorrow.

But, that's for another time, I guess.

Until then, give your PARKINSON'S CENTRAL app a try and let me know what you think!

A Video Birthday Card

What Makes Me Proud?

Violet, our 13 year old daughter, and her friend Stephanie do!  Here are two teenagers who had a blast at The Amazing Race for Jenna's Joy Foundation yesterday AND raised money to help children with invisible illnesses.  A rainy, wet, day turned to a memorable event as The Algebros, the youngest of 12 teams came home with a third place win for all their hard work.

It was fun watching their teamwork as they met many challenges in The Amazing Race.  I'm sure these two are up to many more!  Teams earned points for costumes, facebook fan pages, routines, and meeting physical and mental challenges which cleverly incorporated the history and community of Berkeley Springs!

Here are "the fans" and even Ozzie came to cheer! Thanks to everyone for all your help coming out to support children with illness AND the Algebros.  It truely is nice to see how our local businesses also came together, even the Martinsburg Journal featured highlights of the amazing fun!

I am proud of these gals AND to be a part of a community that cares!  How about you?  For children (and adults) with invisible illness, each day can feel like a race.  Please continue to pray for them all!

"Let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us"  Hebrews 12:1.

The Worst Mob by the Minecraft Maniacs

From Hott Mountain to Hollywood, three boys making a movie on a summer day!

Levi Rides a Bike

Radiation Exposure Could Have Caused Parkinson's

While advocating for Parkinson's Disease to be included in the Veterans Administration determination for benefits for military personnel with traumatic brain injuries, I attempted to reach out to people across the country.

Meet Daniel Vance.

"Since 2002, (his) weekly column "Disabilities" has been published in more than 260 newspapers throughout the United States and been the nations's best-read weekly column about people with disabilities."

This week, Mr. Vance talks about our story in Radiation Exposure Could Have Caused Parkinson's.

Thanks for listening.  Keep on Praying.

"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,

 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint 

but rather be healed."  Hebrews 12:12-13

Summer Camp, When Is Your Child "Old Enough"?

During the summer of 1971, I spent my first week away at Summer Camp.  I was the ripe ole age of six and traveled the 40 minutes, or so, up the mountain and across another state (Maryland) to Bread of Life Camp.

It felt like I was on another planet for eternity.

But I was hooked!  Every summer, mom found some sort of camp to ship me off to for at least a week...or more!  From church camp, 4H Camp, show choir camp, student government, to a two week saxophone camp, we always found something crazy to do.

And I LOVED it!  In fact, I found myself returning to the Lion's Club Youth Leadership Camp in Parsons, WV, to be a "C.I.T." or Counselor in Training.  Now, that was a ride to the far reaches of the universe. 

I didn't want to come back.

Why?  Well, maybe it was the cute boys... I'm not so sure, but at any rate, I loved going to summer camp.  

Now, this almost 48 year old "grey-haired-hott-mama-of-four" has finally shipped off her final two to summer camp.  Our boys, Isaac and Levi, at 8 and 9 years old have just completed their first summer camp experience at Hagerstown Community College for Kids! Lego "WeDo Robotics!" for a week. 

And they LOVED it!  Levi's freckles shine when he talks about his Levi's Lego Spacecraft.  And, they are already talking about what they can do next summer! 

 I guess I waited longer than my mom did to send my boys to even what was a day camp.  And, you know what?  I still don't know if they would be ready to be away from home for an entire week of Summer Camp. Kinda gets me thinking, how do you know when your child is "old enough"?   

How to Build a Lego Drill Sergeant

"It's Not Complicated!"

Kids have all the answers!  Especially these Mini Power Campers this week at FCA Sports Camp!  Check out AT&T Dan and his friends.