March of Dimes 2012- Team Kyle

It's that time of year when I raise money for a cause very near and dear to my heart....Because of a little boy that is near and dear to my heart: Kyle Sherrill. Here is an e-mail from Kelly, Kyle's Mom with a brief update on what Kyle's been up to since last years MOD walk:

"Kyle is 4 now - and he is amazing! God's healing is evident everyday. I feel like MOD snuck up on me this year! My focus has really been on therapy lately. We are starting to see some struggle in the fine motor and attention/focus areas. ...I remember being in the NICU and wondering why the doctors cared so much about these things - all I wanted was for him to live. Well... now I see why these things are so important! But we are not taking no for an answer - we are working hard everyday and everyday Kyle sees success! He is such a hard worker! and just for an update we got kyle into a school that can take him all the way to 6th grade. They believe in 2 teachers per classroom so the highest ratio will be 8 students to 1 teacher! They use the same fine motor curriculum that Kyle's OT uses and its the best out there! Also they have gross motor and motor planning toys on their play ground and best of all they will let kyle move at the pace that is best for him. We can delay kindergarten if need be and he can learn to read and write at his own pace. I am so thankful and so excited!"

Seems like March of Dimes snuck up on all of us this year. The walk is April 29th this year and with that being only about two weeks away, there's not enough time to raise a lot of money. However, if you are interested in supporting this great cause and "Team Kyle" please go HERE and purchase a t-shirt....Nine dollars of every shirt purchased will go to March of Dimes and help babies born early like Kyle and myself!

I know the majority of you don't know Kyle, (and some of you have never even met me) so you're probably wondering why you should bother buying a shirt for someone you don't know. My answer to that is simple: Every time I wear my "Team Kyle" shirts out, there's always usually at least one person that asks "Who is Kyle?" that opens the door for me to tell people Kyle's story and the incredible miracle God did in (and continues to do) in his life! If YOU were to buy a "Team Kyle" shirt, not knowing him, but knowing me, you would have TWICE the chance to tell of not only Kyle's story, but mine as well! AND...March of Dimes gets some money from it! It's a win/win situation for all!

If you choose not to buy a shirt, that is totally understandable! Many of you have supported me when I have raised money for this in years past, I greatly appreciated it and I hope you will support me in the years to come! I would ask that whether you buy a shirt or not, that you pray for Kyle as he continues therapy and as he prepares for school. Pray for his parents Kelly and John for wisdom as they make decisions for him.

Thank you all for your support of this amazing little guy and of this great cause! I appreciate it more than you know (and Kyle does too)!

I'm no journalist, BUT....

Everybody is having a field day snickering at Tim Tebow every time he kneels to pray after a game. The radio announcers even did a "Tebow" as they signed off in the studio and were cracking up as they did it.

The thing that gets me is, Tim Tebow is doing this quietly. It's not as if he's purposefully finding a camera to kneel in front of....The cameras find HIM! And later snicker and make jokes about it.

If that were a Muslim who were praying, we wouldn't DARE laugh or make jokes....Because that would be disrespecting and offending their religion. Yet, it's okay for the media to do so to a Christian who quietly takes a moment to kneel? I think not.

Our media needs some brushing up on what it means to be respectful and non biased.

Winners in my book!

Tonight, Dancing with the Stars crowned another winner....Congrats to JR and Karina!

However, it's not them I want to talk about. I'd like to talk about Ricki Lake and Derek Hough, my favorite dance couple from this season.

I've made no secret on this blog how much of a Derek Hough fan I am. I'll vote for him every time he's on the floor, even if I don't know his partner. This season however, was different. I used to watch Ricki Lake's talk show and was a fan. So, when I heard she was going to be on the show, I was thrilled, when I heard she was partnered with Derek, I knew I was going to LOVE watching this season and I knew who I would be rooting for.

They made me proud every single week and I couldn't wait until the next week to see them dance again! Ricki talked openly about her struggles with her weight and how it affected her self esteem and about how being on the show had changed all that.

Tonight, after they were eliminated (boo!) a video was shown of their journey throughout the last ten weeks and Derek shared that when he first met Ricki she was incredibly self conscious and didn't want to look at herself in the mirror and always kept her head down. He said that throughout the season, gradually she started to lift her head and she just became became a beautiful princess.

As I sat and listened to Derek tell Ricki's story (through tears, I might add), I felt as if he might as well have been talking about me.

My Cerebral Palsy caused one leg to me shorter than the other and because of that I walk with a noticeable limp. A girl on a walker, with a limp. No reason to stare, right?....Yeah, right! People do, and it drives me crazy! Not only that, but CP also causes me to startle easily so I jump at everything (I've said it before, but you never want to go to the movies with me...You'll probably end up with a lap full of popcorn the first time I jump)! Needless to say, I'm REALLY self conscious about these things. Hearing Derek tell Ricki's story and seeing how DWTS has helped her overcome that and become more comfortable with who she is...Honestly, first it broke me. I cried all the way through the montage of footage and the entire commercial break (Yes, I was sad they didn't win, but that WASN'T the reason I was bawling LOL) and second, it inspired me. I was inspired by how open she was and how Derek stuck by her through it all believing in her so much so that he filled their freestyle dance with numerous lifts and tricks that scared Ricki at first but she did it!

It's not a snap of your fingers and presto your filled with confidence...It's a journey and I'm so thankful to have been able to go on this journey with Ricki and Derek this season! It taught me a lot about myself and inspired me as I walk my own journey.

So, Ricki and Derek, if you ever read this....Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you both for simply being the amazing people God made you.

Ricki-You are a winner! That you for your transparency, bravery, and incredible spirit! Keep holding that head up....You are beautiful inside and out!

Derek-Thank you for constantly being someone I am PROUD to root for season after season! No doubt you are an incredible teacher and amazing person!

You both SHINED this season and I'm proud to call myself a Drickilous fan! Thank you once again!

Leading by Example

While I was at my volunteer job this past week, some of our music wasn't printing correctly from the cd that had been sent to us from the company. So, our (fairly) new music minister got on the phone with the guy in the office across from me. As I worked, I listened and shot an occasional glance his way.

I was SO proud....He never lost his cool (and believe me there were moment he COULD have). He was patient and friendly for the entire thirty minute conversation....I wanted to run into the office and thank him over and over again for leading by example in that office (I restrained myself, but did e-mail him later).

It was SO refreshing to see someone who claimed to be a Jesus lover prove it by not only saying it, but living it out in this circumstance. And he had no idea I was watching!

THAT, in my opinion, is when you can clearly see where someone stands with their faith...How do you treat people or situations when you THINK no one is watching?

If I learned anything this week it's that people are ALWAYS watching. I hope I'm showing them Jesus!

Happy 4th Birthday, Kyle!

Four years ago this little guy came into the world....WAY too early! Upon hearing the news, this entire town it seemed hit our knees and prayed for a miracle for this sweet boy born at just 23 weeks!

Today. as he celebrates his fourth birthday, I'm once again reminded how big our God is, and how prayer changes things! Who knew someone so tiny could hold such a grip on my heart! So proud to be a part of TEAM KYLE!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Today, Her Prince Has Come!

Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a Princess. My childhood best friend and I spent hours together pretending to be Royals going to a ball, and I spent more than one Halloween in a fake crown and dress going door to door telling my neighbors,"Trick or Treat! Princess Natalie needs candy!"

This morning, I was up at three a.m. along with two billion other people, and watched as Kate Middleton wed her Prince, and in doing so, became a true Princess!

I drank in every single thing about the ceremony. From Prince William arriving to the abbey in his royal garb, to the absolutely beautiful bride walking in with her father, her incredible gown and train flowing behind her.

I smiled as Prince William whispered, "you look beautiful" to his bride upon her reaching the alter, and my ears drank in the accents as the couple spoke their vows to each other (because you know my love for accents--Especially, British accents).

I took in the glances and smiles they gave each other during the ceremony, and my heart loved the phrases spoken by the archbishop when he said, "Be who God meant you to be, and you can set the world on fire!" Everything in me loved how it was stated that all weddings are Royal because we are all children of the Creator, and I loved how the Creator was deeply woven into the entire service.

The romantic in me loved the way William gently helped his new wife as they kneeled to pray, making sure she was settled before bowing his head, and how he held her hand securely and confidently as they exited the church to throngs of well wishers and helped her in the carriage. Once settled, Kate looked to her husband and appeared to say, "I'm so happy!"

*I* was so happy about an hour later when the new Duke and Duchess appeared on the balcony to wave to the crowd. Upon giving each other the traditional balcony kiss, they seemed to respond to the crowds chants of "Kiss again! Kiss again! Kiss again!" William appeared to be coaxing his wife playfully with a few words as she laughed, and a few seconds later, their lips met again for an unheard of SECOND balcony kiss! The couple laughed at the roaring applause, gave a last wave, joined hands and headed back inside once more.

Yes, I've always dreamed of becoming a princess, and today, my dream, became Kate's reality! I pray for them as they begin this journey together. May they be protected, blessed, and guided by the One who joined them together!

Congratulations, William and Kate!

*Disclaimer: NONE of the images in this entry are mine.*

Less Than A Week

Sunday, March 1st is the March for Babies walk! For those of you that have thought about donating, but haven't yet, now is the time! I'm SO close to my goal and I can reach it with YOUR help!

If you are willing, please GO HERE and make a donation! And spread the word! TOGETHER, we CAN make a difference for babies born too soon!

Kyle and I thank you!

Dance Your Shoes Off

Team Kyle 2011

I'm once again raising money for March for Babies and Team Kyle!

If you've read this blog, you already are familiar with Kyle's story and how much he means to me. Kyle was a preemie, like myself, and is a living testimony of God's healing power.

Please consider donating to this cause that is so near to my heart.

Visit my personal page (or click the banner above) and donate there. Any donation big or small will be a huge help!

http://www.marchforbabies.org/NatNicole1981

Thanks so much!

Happy 3rd Birthday Kyle!

For those of you that don't know Kyle Sherrill's story, here it is in a nutshell: Kyle was born at 23 weeks (approx 4 months early) with a less than 1 percent chance of survival.

Today, Kyle Sherrill turns three years old and is perfectly healthy!!!

I've talked about him A LOT on this blog and I've said before that I have never prayed for ANYTHING or ANYONE as consistently as I prayed for Kyle during the first weeks and months of his life. He's INCREDIBLY special to me and is without question, a miracle!

Happy third birthday, sweet Kyle! Love and hugs to you!

Amazing Story!

I'm just gonna give you the link and let my fabulous friend, Liz Jordan take it from there. Just have your tissues handy & get ready to be blessed!

INCREDIBLE STORY OF MR. BROWN AND HIS BROTHER

Team Kyle Report

So sorry it's taken me this long to get an update posted...I've been waiting on the official numbers for the team.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everybody who gave to Team Kyle! As a team we raised over THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS for March of Dimes! And thanks to you, I EXCEEDED my personal goal of five hundred dollars and raised 695.00!!!! You guys are INCREDIBLE and I cannot thank you enough! This is just our first year...I fully intend to help out Team Kyle next year and can't wait to see what we will do then!

Kelly has a short update on their blog and will be posting more pictures soon.

Kyle was absolutely my motivation for raising money for this cause. I love that little boy and I know many of you gave not knowing Kyle but wanting to help nonetheless. On behalf of Kyle, let me just say once again THANK YOU....From both of us!

Love you guys!

"Front of the Class"

Last night I watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "Front of the Class" which tells the true story of Brad Cohen and his life with Tourette's Syndrome. It left me beyond inspired!

Tourette's Syndrome is a disability that causes involuntary movements and ticks. While my disability is VERY different from TS, I could relate to the story in SO many ways.

From the teachers and people that told him he couldn't do something because of his disability, to the people that pushed him to keep believing in himself and reach for the stars.

One of the main things thins that bother me about my Cerebral Palsy is that it causes me to startle easily. I jump at EVERYTHING. I remember being SO embarrassed so many times in college when someone would simply sneeze and I would jump out of my skin. Making matters worse was the fact that I usually sat in the front of the class (because it was closest to the door) so that meant everyone behind me noticed, which caused more than a few people to chuckle. Then I would get tense about it and would then jump at every little thing until class was over and I could roll out and breathe a sigh of relief. It is probably the thing I am most self conscious about physically.

When I saw how Brad's classmates reacted to his ticks and outbursts that he couldn't help, my hear went out to him. Although, I know my struggle pales in comparison to his, I truly knew how he felt during those moments. But he didn't allow it to hold him back.

I can now laugh about my jumpiness with my friends and family. They know it's part of the CP and it doesn't phase them. When I get in a social situation where people DON'T know that fact however, it can be rough and I struggle not to let it bother me.

This movie is a MUST SEE for EVERYONE but especially teachers....Of ANY subject or age! I encourage you to go to Brad Cohen's website to learn more about his incredible story! You can also learn more about the movie, and even buy a copy of the movie and book if you wish! Check it out....You'll be be so glad you did!

Scott and Melissa Reeves: Big Inspirations!

I went out to dinner last night with some friends and once I got home checked in on Facebook and saw that Scott Reeves and his wife Melissa were having a live chat. I thought I had missed, but it turns out, I was right on time! I've been a fan of both Scott's and Melissa for years. Melissa was on Days of Our Lives for years when I was watching, and Scott was Ryan on Y&R several years ago. He just joined General Hospital this past week and it's so awesome to see him back on television!

I knew Scott and Melissa were Christians. I've read in interviews recently how Scott and Melissa never say never and they stay open to whatever God leads. I went to the chat last night and was blessed beyond words!

Melissa and Scott answered questions from us, and spoke openly about their love for the Lord and how they devote their lives to Him each day. Several people wrote in asking about their faith and Scott and Melissa were eager and happy to discuss anything and everything. One person even told them they (a chatter) was not a believer but that they enjoyed hearing people discuss their faith in Christ. It was awesome because we all started telling her we'd be praying for her. Melissa shared how she came to know Christ after meeting Scott. Their kids, Emily and Larry even came in and answered some questions! Steve Burton even called Scott while it was going on! LOL! They discussed their favorite musical artists (Scott has an AMAZING voice) and I said something about Michael W. Smith and shortly after Melissa said, "Oh look, somebody likes Michael W. Smith and they both said they were big MWS fans! I was of course, smiling from ear to ear!

I really didn't talk a lot during the chat, I just simply listened as they shared their lives and stories. I actually found myself tearing up more than once as they shared. And when the chat was over, I simply could not get Scott and Melissa off my mind.

As a believer, it is SO awesome to see two people within the entertainment industry living lives that reflect Jesus so clearly! The way they talked to each other, the easy banter between them, the way they interacted with each other as a family, the way they interacted with US...I can't speak for anyone else, but I know for me it felt as if I was in their living room listening as they shared with us. The chat was over entirely too soon and I could have sat there for hours talking about my faith and swapping stories back and forth.

I can't begin to tell you how much they have encouraged me and inspired me. It's so encouraging to know that they are there being a Light for Christ in a place and industry SO in need of Him! And it's not that they talk constantly about it, but they live the kind of life that CLEARLY reflects Him. Knowing that Scott, Jonathan Jackson, Steve Burton, and Rebecca Herbst (and more, I'm sure) are all on the GH set shining for Christ just makes me smile!

I pray that is how I live my life. That when people look at me, they see Him in all that I do. God's timing is perfect, because had I not gotten on Facebook when I did, I would have missed the chat and what that time did for me was a total God thing!

Please keep Scott, Melissa, Emily, and Larry in your prayers. They are in the process of moving into an apartment in L.A. since Scott is now on GH. They were in Nashville and still have animals and such there. Please just pray that the move goes well and that every need is taken care of. God is truly at work through them...I know, because I was touched by them last night!

To the Reeves family if you happen to read this: Thank you for your incredible story and for allowing God to work through you like He is. I can't begin tell you how much I appreciate the chat last night and how much it blessed and spoke to my heart. Thank you. Please know I am praying for you and I know that God will continue to be glorified through you. Love you guys! God bless!

Be Inspired.....

Stop the music at the bottom of the blog to watch this INCREDIBLE story!

A Two Year Old Miracle

He is not a blood relative. In fact, he is of no relation to me in any way in this physical world. We've never even met. But, I adore this little boy, he is incredibly special to me. Like me, he was born premature (earlier than me) and like me, he beat the odds....And survived.

Kyle Sherrill is two years old today! He grabbed a part of my heart on the day I heard of his birth at just 23 weeks, and my love for him seemed to grow as I prayed and begged God for Kyle to survive as his Mom blogged almost daily about his progress.

Any time I need a reminder that God heals, that He listens to (and answers) our prayers, and that He performs miracles....All I have to do is think of Kyle. He is a LIVING example of all of that!

CLICK HERE TO SEE HIS STORY

Happy Birthday, Kyle! You are loved!

New Every Morning....

Yesterday was just a crappy day. To start off, these people called AGAIN and it was the first thing right off the bat I had to deal with. They always just make me want to crawl back in bed and sleep for the rest of the day. Thankfully, I was able to get my case CLOSED (unsuccessfully, since I have no paying job) but it IS closed and so they SHOULDN'T call me anymore...*crossing fingers*

Then, after being REALLY excited about this weekend's race, got some bad news that just deflated me even more and that kinda just ruined the rest of the day for me.

I was determined today was GOING to be better! Mom and I got up this morning and went and got our flu shots (yay! It's actually one of the few shots I WANT to get ASAP....I've HAD the flu before, DON'T want it again). They were giving them at Kimberly's work so I got to go there and see her and meet her co-workers. They seem like such a fun group of people to work with...No wonder Kimberly likes her job as much as she does! I also saw a very good friend of mine that knew me when I was in elementary school while I was there and was given one of the best hugs EVER! :)

After our shots, Mom and I headed to Conroe where we had lunch at The Olive Garden. We has one of the BEST waiter's. If you ever go to eat at The Olive Garden in Conroe, asked to be seated in Cass's section...We will DEFINITELY be requesting him next time we go (Kimberly, he reminded me of Dennis...). We sat close to these older ladies and noticed that the manager kept coming over to make pleasant conversation with them. Mom commented to them that they must be pretty special and one of the ladies said, "I just told my friend that something must be hanging out of the wrong place for us to be getting this attention...Something's GOT to be hanging out!" We all cracked up! It was hilarious!

After lunch we went to Starbucks (of course) where the lady that gave me my coffee asked how it was after I took a sip and when I told her "Wonderful!" she said, "Oh good! So glad you like it. Have a great day!" We drove away with Mom commenting on how NICE people were today.

We went to Michael's later and Mom ran into a friend while at the check out. Mom noticed the coupon she was going to use couldn't be used yet so Mom's friend said, "Here. I'm not going to use this and it's about to expire...." So they switched and then Mom noticed that the new coupon she had was for 50 percent off as opposed to the one she had just switched which was for 25 percent off. Mom tried to switch back saying how it wasn't right for her to take the coupon that was worth more, but Mom's friend said she wasn't going to use it and to take it...Isn't that sweet? So Mom ended up getting MORE off than she expected.

Mom and I were talking on the way home about how nice we had been treated and how sad it was that we noticed it in such a huge way, because it seems being kind is NOT the norm now days so when we encounter it, it REALLY stands out. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Shouldn't how we were treated be the norm and the opposite of that be what stands out, but instead, Mom and I were continually shaking our heads today at the kindness we were shown.

It's been such a turnaround from yesterday....Just what my spirit needed and it just proved once again that God's mercies are new EVERY morning!

Thank you Dear Father for the random acts of kindness shown to us today. Thank You for the people You put in our path today to help refresh my spirit and show once more that all it takes is one small act to make things better. Thank You for the simple things Lord! Amen

Stop back by the blog on Tuesday September 22nd as I will be posting about something I'll be doing soon that I want YOU to be a part of! In the meantime...Keep shining your light for Him!

Random Acts of Kindness

Just read this article and thought I'd share! The simplest things can make someone else's day!

Random Acts of Kindness

God's Plan is Perfect!

A big thanks to Donald over at his blog, American Power for sending me this story. After reading it, I had to post it here as well. An incredible story of love, faith, and trust in God's perfect plan....

Today's Wall Street Journal features the story of Parker Carden and his family of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Parker was diagnosed prenatally with a rare genetic abnormality of the kidneys that can kill an infant in the first year ("autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease").

The Parker family was faced with the question on whether to terminate their pregnancy, a decision so traumatic that it nearly cost them their marriage. Advanced prenatal genetic testing, which provided the Parker family with the early diagnosis for their son, "allows parents to take on the role of gene police," according to researcher Evelyne Schuster, who's quoted in the Wall Street Journal article.

In other words, prenatal tests allow families to obtain an abortion and avoid the prospect of bringing into the world a seriously, even catasthropically, ill child.

The Parkers refused to do this, and Jennifer Carden explains her family's decision at her blog, "Our Family Whirlwind":

Things get better everyday and we are blessed that Parker is in our lives. He has taught us more compassion and love than we have ever known. He makes great strides everyday and no one...NO ONE... can put a cap on his potential. Not doctors, idiots commenting on-line about the article, or anybody else. Who are we to question God's plan for us individually, us as a family, or Parker's path. What I know is that our family is full of love and admiration for each other. Parker is such a sweet and loving boy. Thank you God for letting us be his parents. No matter what happens, God gives us the strength to get through our days together. I love my children more than anything in the world. I have four great boys-all special in their own individual way. I have a great husband who supports us and allows me to stay home to raise our children and give more time to Parker.

Parker Carden is now 20 months old. His kidneys function at about 60 percent of normal range. He will be confined to a wheelchair before he can walk. But he has the immortal love of his family, and the protection of God.

This is one powerful story of family commitment and strength, shared in a time when values of life, faith, and family are at risk more than any other time in history.

Kyle's Story

Many of you have heard about baby Kyle Sherrill or at least gotten e-mails from me asking for your prayers on his behalf. Kyle's story touches me on a personal level because of my own story and since I myself was a premature baby. I do not know the family personally, although through keeping up with his story through prayforkyle.com (link is on the right) I do feel as though I have gotten to know them.

And those of you that know me know how important I think it is to share our stories with others whenever the oppurtunity arrises, because you never know how it can help someone else. That is exactly what John and Kelly have done via their blog and now through the hospital's website.

Read Kyle's Story