This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Some of you might remember me talking about my daughter, Roni, who happens to be turning 14 this month. She is a beautiful, talented, and fun-loving young lady. I truly enjoy my time with her.

The day before New Years, Roni became ill. It was about 9 that evening when she got up in a hurry and ran to the bathroom. She began throwing up, and for several hours she continued to make trips to the bathroom. I really felt for her, what a difficult way to start the New Year. Your heart aches when your child is miserable and there is nothing that you can do to help. For me, I can’t even reach out to comfort her, but I am very capable of sitting with her and gently talking. I prayed for her, asking God to grant her peace and comfort.

As a father, it was then that I realized something: my child was out of my hands (no pun intended). It can be very stressful having children even if they are grown and out of the house. We think we have control, but in reality we don’t. We may have influence, but ultimately we unable to take away their paint or make decisions for them.

I have found that the most peaceful moments come when I do what I can and leave the rest to the good Lord. I feel that there might be a lot of you who have experienced stress, worry, pain, heartache and sorrow in regard to your children. I challenge you to join me this New Year in saying a little prayer, “Lord, give me the knowledge to make wise decisions, the strength to do what I can and the willingness to leave the rest in your hands. Protect our children from the negativity and instill a positive attitude.”

If you have a child who is struggling with a chronic illness, my heart and thoughts go out to you. I would like to make myself available this New Year if you ever need encouragement or someone to talk to. I may not be able to lend a hand, but I can lend an ear. In fact, there are a number of you out there that I haven’t heard from in a long time, so please drop me a line at heagyoffice@gmail.com and let’s catch up! Also, if you haven’t visited my Facebook page for my gallery, please do at www.facebook.com/ronheagymouthpaintedart and make sure to “like” it! I have a lot more time to speak in Oregon, so if you know of anywhere my speech would be of benefit, please contact me.

By the way, Roni is back to being her spunky old self.

To your inspiration,

Ron

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

This last week, my youngest daughter, Gracie, wanted to pick out a special birthday gift for her mother—one that would not be a “Christmas Combo.”  If you were born in December, you can probably empathize with the frustration of getting your birthday mixed in with Christmas.  I took Gracie to a store two doors down from my gallery called Downtown Shabby so she could find the perfect gift.  We looked at various items until finally Gracie stopped and said, “I want to get THIS one!”

It was a cute little candle holder decorated with snowmen.  It was a very thoughtful choice on Gracie’s behalf.  The kind lady at the counter wrapped the items nicely and we left to look for the perfect card to match the perfect gift.  She indeed found a card that said everything that she wanted to tell her mother.  We tucked the gifts away in the back of my van.  For three days, Gracie would wait in anticipation of her mother’s reaction when she opened the carefully chosen presents.

When the birthday came, I sent a caregiver to retrieve the items out of the van only to find that they were missing!  I immediately panicked and began making calls to see if any of my helpers had moved them.  No one knew where they could be, only that they had seen them in the trunk.  In my mind, I tried to retrace my steps from the previous days.  I finally came to the conclusion that they must have been stolen from my van while it was parked outside of the mall the night before.  “How could someone do something like that?” I wondered.

Believing that the gifts were gone forever, I returned to the same shop in hopes of finding a duplicate of the candle holder that Gracie had chosen.  Unfortunately, there was nothing similar.  I left the shop with new gifts, but couldn’t help feeling that it just wasn’t the same.  They were nice items, but they weren’t handpicked by Gracie.  I felt discouraged for letting Gracie down, and also felt violated for having something stolen from my van.  However, things are not always what they appear to be.  Little did I know where the gifts had actually ended up…

They had already been delivered!  Gracie must have thought I would have forgotten them in the trunk, so she took them out that morning and gave them to her mother.  What a welcome twist to a situation that seemed so unfixable.

This story is funny now, but it wasn’t so funny when I was under the stress and frustration of being, in my mind, “ripped off.”  Sometimes we jump to conclusions really quickly even though we don’t have all of the information.  I pray that during the holiday season with all the pressure of gift buying, fellowshipping with friends and family, that we don’t feel “ripped off.”  As my story illustrates, it’s easy to jump to conclusions and begin to accuse others of wrongdoing.

I believe the secret to a joyful New Year will be facing the challenges in our lives with patience and understanding.  I invite you to join me in looking at the big picture and trying to take the high road.  Being quick to listen and slow to respond.  Forgiving yourself and others, realizing that life is fleeting.  May our hearts be filled with God’s love for all of those we encounter.  We are all created for a special purpose; you are unique and can truly make a difference in this world.  Happy New Year!

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Some of my fondest memories as a child were “Snow Days.”  I remember in particular when I was eight years old and had just moved from Wisconsin to Oregon.  There was two feet of snow, which was almost unheard of in the valley.  My family thought nothing of it, though.  Wisconsin sometimes would see eight to ten feet of snow!

I felt like the King of the Winter Wonderland showing all of my new friends how to survive in the snow.  As a kid, we did not realize how trapped we were.  The stores were closed and no one could drive through the two feet of powder.  It reminds me of life and how quickly things change.  Circumstances and situations can leave you trapped like a blanket of snow.  The secret is: be prepared.  God tells us to fear not because we spiritually know he is in control.  Physically, it’s important to have resources, food, clothing, and tools.  Emotionally, it is good to maintain relationships with friends and family.  Teamwork is much more effective than isolation.  Maybe you can stop for a moment and formulate a plan for how you would make it through life’s crippling circumstances.  During these holidays I recommend spending time counting your blessings and being grateful for family, friends and community.

Please enjoy this video that Gracie and I made:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCpaAggAXKo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCpaAggAXKo</a>

To your inspiration,

Ron

Hello, Friends,

This is Ron, wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope that you have a wonderful weekend, and to those of you travelling: stay safe!  I appreciate you and all that you do.

Please enjoy the following video:

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Monday was Veteran’s day, and along with you I celebrated how grateful I am to those who have given their all for this country.  Gracie and I attended a Veteran’s Day parade here in our little hometown of Albany.  Gracie enjoyed seeing the various marching bands and festivities honoring our brave service men and women.

However, I was not enjoying my time as well as I could have.  I was freezing.  It was so cold and I wasn’t properly dressed for the weather that morning.  I didn’t complain much about it but my discomfort was showing.  As the parade marched on my 8 year old girl took her coat off and wrapped it around my frigid neck.  I told her that it was not necessary as I was sure she was cold, too.  She flipped the hood up and insisted that I was the one who needed it more.  “What a sacrifice that is, Gracie.  Why don’t you move my chin control away from me and you can snuggle up on my tray.  We’ll share the coat.”  That was the best feeling of all; having her close to me, making her laugh by blowing puffs of air into her hair.

I was so moved by Gracie, I couldn’t stop thinking about her actions.  I decided to buy her a small gift to honor her graciousness.  What a kind heart she has and what a prime example of selflessness she gave.  As her father, I should be the one to give up my coat.  Yet, allowing her to give from her heart without being told to, tells me that we are doing something right.

Every day should be considered Veteran’s Day.  If it was not for our veteran’s, there would be no freedom to enjoy the holidays—a freedom that we so easily take for granted.  And, with these holidays approaching quickly, look for selflessness and honor it–do something when you see it.   My heart is still blessed by Gracie’s actions.  I would like to invite you to recite a little prayer that she and I say together:  “Let my heart be filled with love and joy, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness and self –control.”  Make it a blessed day.

To your inspiration,

-Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

This may be difficult to believe, but my Grandma Ruth is turning 95 years young this weekend.  My grandmother is a wonderful woman.  She grew up in Illinois and moved to Wisconsin where she and my grandfather raised three tough boys.  Not an easy task for anyone, but my 5’2” grandmother wasn’t afraid of anything.  She could tell you stories that would make your stomach turn.  I thought that maybe you’d enjoy hearing a few.

One time, my uncle, Dave, thought he could get away from her, but just before he got out of the door, Grandma threw a fork, puncturing the fatty part of his arm and dangling there.  You didn’t mess with Grandma Ruth!

As the firstborn grandson, I spent a lot of time with Grandma growing up.  Although I had a good heart, I sure got into mischief frequently.  I remember Grandma scolding me and a couple of times, dragging me by the ear and planting me on the couch.

When I was 15, we got a call from Grandma.  Grandpa had cancer and wasn’t doing well.  So, all the families made a trip to Wisconsin to visit them.  When we arrived, the grandkids were excited to find that a fair amount of snow had fallen a few days before.  While the younger children were playing, I built a snow cave and told my brother to wait inside.  My plan was to give him a signal to jump out of the cave and scare the younger grandkids.  I went into the house while Mike waited.  During this time the cave began to give way and came crashing down on him, trapping him beneath the heavy snow.  Moments after the cave-in, I walked out with my family and saw his arm protruding from the mound of snow, flailing back and forth.  I dug as fast as I could to get to his face.  He was blue and his mouth was full of snow.  I had to clear it out with my fingers.  He gasped loudly and screamed at the top of his lungs, the color returning to his face.

My mom took me down to the basement, Grandma following close behind her.  Grandma grabbed me, shaking me and yelling, “What are you doing?!  Your grandpa is dying and here you are trying to kill your brother!”  She was upset and rightfully so.  I couldn’t believe how strong she was.  After giving me a tongue lashing, I was passed along to the “executioner,” my father.  I chuckle about it now, but at the time, I wasn’t sure if I’d make it out alive!

Grandma wasn’t always tough.  I’ll never forget the time that I stayed the night at my mom and dad’s.  It was getting late and I asked if I could lie down.  My parents lived in a two-story house and because I was wheelchair-bound, I slept downstairs on the fold-out couch.  As Mom prepared the bed, I recognized that there was a problem—no one was there who could help her lift my body from the chair to the bed.  That is, no one except for Grandma who was nearing 80, at the time.  Grandma overheard our conversation and said, “I can help!  What do I have to do?”  I replied, “If Mom gets under my arms, then you could get under my knees and lift.” “Okay, everybody on the count of three.”  Grandma braced herself, one my knees on either side of her hips like she was carrying a wheelbarrow.  When I said “three” Mom pulled my upper body out of the chair, which lifted my hind end and shifted the remaining weight to Grandma.  The load proved a bit much and we heard a “toot, toot, toot.”  “Oh, my,” Grandma said, but the toots kept coming.  We were in mid-lift, yet my mom and I couldn’t help but laugh.  Mom was laughing so hard that she was beginning to lost strength.  We were all laughing now, and so hard that we collapsed in a pile on the bed.  We laid there laughing hysterically for at least 10 minutes.  I told Grandma that she and her “motorboat” did a fine job.  Grandma never offered to lift after that, but we still find it hilarious every time the subject is brought up.

Grandma Ruth is the reason why I pursued my art.  She would say, “Ronnie, you could make some money selling your art.”  In fact, she held the only piece of art that I had painted with my hands.  When I was six years old, I painted a crying clown and gave it to my grandma.  When she asked me why the clown was crying, I explained to her it was because he had to move away from his grandma.  45 years later, unbeknownst to me, Grandma returned that precious piece of art, which is now hanging prominently in my living room.  It is one of my greatest possessions.

Grandma had encouraged me, inspired me, and believed in me all of my life.  I’m so grateful that I’ve had her influence for the past 52 years.  May you have many more years of impact on the lives of others.  Grandma Heagy, you rock!…and toot. 🙂

Please follow this link to view the crying clown: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5pooaik2e37k9rw/clown%20011.JPG

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron Heagy with your Motivational Message:

Fear is the father of failure, so if failure is not your goal, then replace your fears with faith, courage, and belief.  I say this not because I’ve mastered it.  Out of nowhere, fear will attack my heart.  It is then that I ask God to give me faith and strength necessary to overcome my personal fear.  It’s not as easy as I might make it look and at times I lack faith.  Click here to see my latest mouthpainting and hear a short story about my father.   I hope that it inspires you.

If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nURNpLSfjbI

To your inspiration,

-Ron

Hello, Friends,
As most of you know, I’m a quadriplegic who is paralyzed from the neck
down, and as a result, meeting financial obligations is a difficult task.

Unfortunately, in 2009, Social Security determined that I was no longer
disabled because I was capable of earning income.  They discontinued my
payments at that time.  This resulted in a serious strain on my family’s
finances, particularly with high medical costs.

However, many of you stepped up and gave gifts that helped us.  I’m
extremely grateful for your prayers and support.  The good news is,
recently my benefits were returned to me which will aid in offsetting the
cost of my caregivers.

Although times are still challenging for me and my family, I truly
appreciate my friends. May we continue to pray for each other. Please let
me know if there is anything that I can do to encourage you.

Thank you again,

-Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

“That thing is huge!” was our response to one of the dahlias we picked from our flower bed.  Gracie and I love flowers and as she stood, holding the dahlia, a memory flooded the chambers of my mind.

Kelli and I had only been married six months when she suddenly became ill.  At first, we thought it was the flu, but she continued throwing up for weeks.  I was fearful that something was seriously wrong, so I asked her to make an appointment with her doctor.

A few days later, in tears, she informed me that she knew what was wrong.  I expected the worst. “What’s the matter?” I frankly asked.  Glancing around the room and then looking back at me she calmly said, “I’ll tell you later when we’re alone.”  “Tell me now, I need to know.”  She stuck with her answer and so I waited and worried all day that something terrible was wrong with my wife.

Later that day, my van pulled up and I rolled into my office.  There on my desk was a bouquet of flowers.  This scene freaked me out.  Why would my wife who is sick buy ME flowers?  I should be the one who buys flowers for HER.  I nudged my chin control around to take a sniff of the flowers and noticed a card with a strange-looking gadget that, to me, looked like a thermometer.

The moment was well-timed.  Kelli walked in the door; “What is going on?” I asked.  “You’re the one who is sick, so what’s up with the flowers?”  She replied, “Did you see it?”  “See what?” “Look again.”  As soon as I did, it dawned on me.  That was no thermometer; it was a pregnancy test.  “Are you pregnant?”  She just smiled.  “Uhh, how did you do that?” I inquired.  “What do you mean?  WE did it.  We’re going to have a baby!” she exclaimed.  Right then I broke down and cried.  “But I was told by doctors for 25 years that I don’t have any ‘swimmers’!”  “Well, you must’ve had one because I’m pregnant!  That’s why I’ve been so sick.”  I asked her if she would take another test just to make sure.  She obliged and ended up taking two more tests to satisfy my doubt.

The next nine months proved to be an amazing experience.  To watch Gracie be born was one of the greatest moments in my life.  What a miraculous and fond memory this big, yellow flower Gracie was holding, who is now eight, created.

How easy it is to forget those mega moments in time.  The meaningful experiences we all have faced in the past, the events we are most inspired by, the times that make us kick back and say, “Amazing.”  If your mind begins to wander, go ahead and reflect on it all.  The sights, the sounds, the smells, and the way you felt will bring a smile to your face.  Would you agree with me, one of the incredible thing about human memory is that you can enjoy it at any time?

Is there something beautiful you can reflect on: a memory that will bring peace to your pain and happiness to your heart? You’ll be amazed at how it works.  I would like to hear from you; what makes you smile?  Share it with me and others, because we all need to be inspired.  Thought: go make a memory today, for you may need it tomorrow.

Please click here to see the dahlia and my little flower, Gracie: https://www.dropbox.com/sc/u47bgqytzczokfx/WXu4TDkljl

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Today is a somber day for many Americans as we reflect back over the events of 9/11, 2001.  Most of us do remember where we were and what we were doing when the tragedy occurred.  Many of our loved ones lost their lives and the ramifications of that senseless act still affect our nation today.  I thank God for the men and women who bravely protect our country.  We must continue to pray for those who lost their family, friends, and colleagues.  Their lives will reflect purpose, peace, and change.

I was in New York City on that dark day and watched the towers come crashing down.  The following video is a short story of something that I experienced.

If you are reading this today, then you are alive.  There are numerous things to thank God for in the midst of struggle.  I know, like myself, you have experienced problems in your own life.  I think it would be cool if we could think of the positive for a minute and still find a reason to smile for awhile.

Please enjoy my short video.  The paintings on either side of me were painted in memory of those whose lives were tragically cut short.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mofM90scp0U&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mofM90scp0U&feature=youtu.be</a>

If the video does not appear on your browser, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mofM90scp0U&feature=youtu.be

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I had a little alone time in my office the other day and it was quite enjoyable.  The door was open, the sun was shining, but then out of nowhere I heard a loud buzzing as a fly flew around my ear.  I shook my head, which invited him to land on my upper lip.  I nodded my head downward to get him to move, which only shot him up my right nostril.  He buzzed in my nose and then flew back out, landing once again on my lip.  I was grossed out, so I snapped in his direction with my teeth and yelled, “I’m going to conquer this fly!”  He landed on my desk, sitting there as if to wait for me to calm down so he could once more make an attempt at my face. As soon as I let my guard down, he headed directly back to my lip.

This battle went on and even after I found someone with a fly swatter, this persistent fly is still alive.  I can hear him as I speak while he continues to hover around my desk.  This fly won’t die.  I think that most of us would admit flies can be a royal pain.  However, I learned something from the fly that day: the importance of persistence.  Although the fly was persistently bugging me, he did not give up.  He would not back off and would ultimately try again.

I have noticed in the lives of those around me, the actors on TV, the news media, and the world in general, that people, for the most part, lack patience these days.  We want instant gratification and have set aside persistence.

We can’t give up too easily.  When things get tough we need to get back into the fight, roll up our sleeves and carry on.  It does involve chance, creativity and faith, but as the persistent fly made it to his destination, you too, can achieve your dreams.   Don’t give up, succeed in the good fight.  I’m not asking you to be annoying or bothersome like a fly; I’m simply saying to take up a challenge and see it through!

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

In the middle of the Fred Meyer Shopping Center, out of the blue I exclaimed, “Let’s go get some frozen yogurt!”  My little girl started jumping up and down, “Can we? Can we?”  Fortunately, for us, yogurt was just outside.  As we approached the door, we remembered that there was something that we had forgotten to purchase, so the girls went back inside the store.

While they were gone, I decided to tilt my chair back against a pole in hopes of catching a few rays, when I heard, “Hey, Ron Heagy!”  I opened my eyes to a lady with a great big smile.  “Do you remember signing my book at the Portland Airport a few years ago?” she asked.  “I was that crazy woman who sprinted across two lanes of traffic because I had just finished your book the night before!  What a blessing to run into you at the airport!  I passed your book around to many people, and believe it or not, my family and I were just talking about you this week.  The grandkids had been counselors up at the camp you built.”  She went on to tell me things that not only encouraged me, but inspired me to keep on keepin’ on.  I thanked her from the bottom of my heart and we parted ways.

When we got to the front of the yogurt checkout, we were told that it was no charge.  “What?”  I responded.  “Oh, yeah, and here’s a $25.00 gift certificate, as well.”  What a truly kind act that I felt I didn’t deserve.  “Thank you for making our day!”  I hoped I could return the favor.  It felt amazing and reassuring, giving us a feeling of significance, not to mention, the example it set for my daughters, who later asked, “Why would someone do that?”  I responded by saying, “Because her heart told her to do a good thing for another person, and when you listen to your heart you, too, can make a difference.”

Will you go with me today and perform an act of kindness, just out of the blue, pay for a meal for someone else, give a little cash, push a child high on a swing.  I just wanted to tell you how special you are.  I believe in you and together we can make a difference in this world.

To your inspiration,

Ron