A Little Man with a Big Smile

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

He jumped into the truck and grabbed me by the collar of my shirt, pulling me to the ground.  I could see the veins popping out of his neck as he screamed, “What do you think you’re doin’?!”

—————–

Today was a bittersweet moment.  Willard Keane, one of my family’s dearest friends passed away at 99 ½ years old this past week.  As I rolled towards his casket, I could see a man full of life and a big smile that went from ear to ear.  Willard was a hard-working farmer who did things right.  I must say, he was a miser, at times, because all of his equipment seemed to need an overhaul.  The one thing to note is that he lived a productive life, touching many lives and left a legacy for the family and friends who survived him.

Our history began when my father became friends with Willard’s late wife, Doris.  She taught a Bible study in the small Methodist church that we attended.  It was because of her Bible knowledge and the ability to answer my dad’s questions that he turned his party life over to God.  This changed the course of our family’s lives.  My dad was completely changed and as a result, my mom and the three of us children dedicated our lives to the Lord.

The summer that I turned 16, Willard offered me a farm job.  I was excited and looked forward to my first real paycheck.  One day, however, Doris and Willard had an argument about how to operate a particular piece of farm equipment.  Doris was bigger and louder, so it appeared to me that she had won the argument.

A few hours later, I was kicked back relaxed in the seed truck waiting for the combines, as Mrs. Keane instructed.  The truck door flew open and I shot upright, startled and confused.   Willard jumped into the cab and grabbed me by the collar of my shirt, pulling me to the ground outside.  I could see the veins popping out of his neck as he screamed, “What do you think you’re doin’?!  I want the combines emptied on the go!”  I threw down my hat and yelled back, “I don’t know what you want me to do!  You and your wife keep telling me different things!”  He responded, “You work for ME!”  I told him that I quit, picked up my hat, and began the long walk home.

I later regretted walking away from my first job, but thanks to my foreman, Don, I was able to reconcile with Willard and continued to work through the summer.  Although they never said it, I’m sure they regretted their decision because I wrecked a lot of equipment.  I guess you could have called me “fast and furious.”

In memory of Willard, I want to say that I’m grateful for him giving me an opportunity to learn, work, and become responsible.  It also afforded me a job reference.  My thoughts of Willard are pleasant and I never saw him angry since that day in the field.

To all those employers out there, I say “thank you” for giving us a chance.  May we continue to work hard and advance our skills.  If you haven’t already, go show your employer some appreciation; it may go a long way.  May we celebrate life and make it a good day.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvfES4saxTY&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvfES4saxTY&feature=youtu.be</a>

To your inspiration,

Ron

Ticked off by Telephones

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I turned to my caregiver and said, “That guy had some real nerve.  That was a really unprofessional thing to do…”

My kids have been telling me that I need to get a new phone for some time now.  Is there something wrong with my phone?  Of course not, but it’s not “with the times,” as they say.  “What times are you talking about?”  That was just their point—I needed a new phone.  I began to look for my new phone and soon realized there are simply too many choices.  I felt like I was drowning in cell phone opportunity.  First stop was Verizon where I received good information and could actually preview the phones on display.  However, I thought I’d shop around and headed to Walmart.  The phones were certainly cheaper, but I sat waiting for 15 minutes until the one-and-only sales rep showed up.  He wasn’t able to provide much insight, so my search continued.  Best Buy was next and like Walmart, I couldn’t preview any of the phones.

The difference with Best Buy was that the sales representative seemed to have all the answers to my questions.  I was beginning to feel better about making a phone purchase now.  All of a sudden, another gentleman walked up to me and asked, point-blank, “Will you be buying a phone today?”  I felt put-off as I was still in the process of asking questions.  I responded by saying, “Yes, it’s possible.”  He then walked away and I continued my conversation with the sales rep.  About two minutes later, the man was back and asked the representative who was helping me to go assist another customer.  They both walked away, leaving me to sort through the phones myself.  I was dumbfounded.  I felt disrespected and unvalued.  I was there to buy a phone, but wasn’t looking to be pressured into it.  I proceeded to find the man who had called the rep away from me.  What he had done was unprofessional and frankly, pretty rude.  As someone who runs their own business, I know that it was not right.  I asked for his manager and repeated to him my feelings.  He apologized and I accepted the apology, but left with a feeling of being unimportant.  I’m a customer, and I’m entitled to it…

I caught myself later after reading from the book of Proverbs.  The passage said to be humble and not place yourself in a position where you would put others down.  I asked myself, “Why is it in life that we feel so entitled?”  Is it just America, where we have so much stuff that we ‘need’ to buy that we expect sales reps to treat us we’re kings and queens?  Maybe that’s why we’re so materialistic.  When we purchase items, generally, we’re treated like royalty because someone is being paid to do so.  Do we have a false sense of reality?  Don’t get me wrong, I think we should respect each other, but I’m not so sure about demanding respect.  I’m working on humility (which I stink at) and would like to invite you to pray with me that we all can have an attitude of gratitude and that we will build up one another with our words.

To your inspiration,

Ron

Oh, by the way, I went to Costco and the phone was cheaper than all of those stores and the guy that helped me was awesome. 🙂

Down in the Mouth-Painting

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

After three days of painting for hours on end, my jaw was tired, my neck muscles were sore, my hind end was hurting, and the summer heat was getting to me…

I had committed myself to an exhibitor booth at the county fair in my hometown of Albany, OR.  I was sitting at one end of my table, paintbrush in my mouth and an old wooden easel supporting my canvas.  Folks would stream by, both children and adults, stopping to watch in amazement.  Chances are these people passing by had never seen something like this before.  My painting in and of themselves are nothing to drool over, but because of the technique employed, most spectators stood in awe.

It was nice to see old friends and meet new faces, but the greatest thrill for me was to see my daughters, Roni and Gracie, sell their handmade bracelets and “God’s Eyes.”  They were delighted when I told them that they could sell their crafts at my fair booth this year.   Admittedly, I was a little jealous that they sold more of their art than I did mine!

On the third day without many sales, I was feeling worn out and discouraged.  I began to think, “Who cares, anyways?” “Am I really making a difference?”  Not paying attention to who was behind me, I slapped paint onto my canvas with a bad attitude.  As I did so, out of nowhere I heard a small voice from a five year old girl.  “Look, Mommy, he paints with his teeth!”  A little girl with a head of red ringlets watched every move that I made, gazing intently for at least five minutes.  Finally her mother said, “Honey, we have to go now.”  The little girl did not want to leave.  I could feel my heart soften.

The little princess stood behind me for what seemed like an hour, when her mother then asked if she would rather watch me paint or go on the carnival rides.  Her reply surprised me, “I want to see the man paint, Mommy.”  I lost it; tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to say to her, “Oh, how I love you!  Could I give you one of my prints?  I’ll sign it for you.”  In the end, the little girl was so grateful and I was so changed.  I left feeling much better about what I was doing, knowing that anyone can make a difference, no matter how big, small, different, or disabled.

I’m confident there is a little girl out there waiting to encourage you.

Sometimes the road seems hard; there are bumps, curves, wind, rain, and the sun beating down on you.  We are all human, the emotions come, the emotions go.  Don’t give up, you’re nearly there, count your blessings–it’s your life we care to share.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjJ8oLa9-OU&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjJ8oLa9-OU&feature=youtu.be</a>

To your inspiration,

Ron

A Cool Victory

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Have you ever anticipated something that would happen in your life and in the process ask yourself: is it worth suffering through the trials necessary to get there?

My thirteen year old daughter, Roni, and I sat in the cold wind for nearly two hours patiently (and painfully) waiting for the fireworks on the waterfront to begin.  It had been hot that day so we didn’t think to wear heavier clothing.  The cold air that blew off the river that evening was beginning to get to us and we almost went home.  Our commitment paid off when that anticipated moment came; to top it off, we had the perfect seats for the show.  The rockets burst with brilliant colors and the sound was thunderous as the sky lit up.  The discomfort from the cold dissipated and I must say, the finale was the grandest one that we had ever seen.

Following the show, heading towards the van we couldn’t contain our excitement.  Roni blurted out things like, “That was so cool!” “Spectacular!” “Wasn’t it great when…?”  My daughter and I were excited and despite braving the frigid cold and the temptation to go home we were filled with the feeling of triumph and victory.

If it’s getting cold in life and we fear pressing on any longer, if we’re tempted to give up and the victory seems far away, I want to encourage you to press on.  It may hurt, your muscles might be burning, and your teeth may be chattering, but don’t give up.  Victory is ahead, you know it is coming.  Do not lose your anticipation, fight the good fight–keep the faith!

When you finally accomplish your goal and you walk away (or maybe roll) you will say “That was so cool!  Thank you Lord, it was worth it all.”

To your inspiration,

Ron

My Thoughts

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I was sitting at my easel with my paintbrush in my teeth, when all of a sudden, through my open sliding glass door two swallows swooped in, flew around my head, and then hit a window at the opposite end of my office. Both birds dropped to the floor and I could see that they were dazed, confused, and possibly injured.  They fluttered their wings frantically, repeatedly beating themselves against the window in an attempt to make it to the outside world.  They obviously couldn’t figure out that glass stood between them and the freedom to fly again.

I found myself attempting to communicate to them that the open door was in the other direction.  I tried to encourage them away from the window in vain.  I even moved myself in their direction with my wheelchair.  This only made matters worse as they soared around my office, gaining speed, hitting the window and crashing to the floor.  “How could I help these birds find their way?” I thought.  It seems so obvious to me, and yet my ways were not their ways, my thoughts were not their thoughts.  In fact, my presence created fear.

During this moment of chaos, a thought echoed through the chambers of my mind.  These birds represent us in the eyes of God.  He can see our struggle, and He knows the way.  Like me watching the little birds, the only way to communicate would be to become one of them, and yet remain a human, so that I could still see the way.  As strange as it seems, that is why the Bible says that God sent Jesus Christ to earth as a man.  It was God’s means of showing us the way out through the open door.  Christ must have been a part of God in order to know this way.

Well, because I’m not God, I couldn’t turn myself into a bird still remain a man in order to show these swallows the way out of my office.  I did, however, wait patiently and through a little coaxing, they finally found their way to freedom.  It was an unbelievable feeling to watch them fly free rather than to hopelessly pound themselves to death against the window pane.

You may find yourself struggling, beat up, dazed and confused, or lonely.  I encourage you to consider turning to the Great Artist (no, not me) of all creation and His son.  For further information on what I’ve found to be true, grab a Bible and read the book of John.  Just a suggestion, but it may help you, too.

Thank God there is a bigger picture than our struggles.  I pray, that like the swallows that flew free, you will find God’s reassurance and peace to help you on your journey today.

To your inspiration,

Ron

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What We Do with Our Lives

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I must say that I’ve missed blogging to you the past couple of weeks.  It seems like time escapes us.  You wonder where it went and what actually managed to get accomplished.

I was recently reminded how limited our time can be.  Not far from my home, a young man, looking for a thrill, was driving much too fast with his friends in the car. At 90 miles per hour, he lost control of the vehicle.  His friends were seriously injured and he lost his life.  This story saddened me, but made me think.  We have a choice in what we do with our short time here.

My buddy, Kevin, and his mother made good use of their time.  Some of you know his story; he was born paralyzed from his nose down.  Kevin is the hero who changed my life, along with the lives of many others.  I met him on a “poor me” day when I decided to give up motivational speaking and go make some “real” money.  Following my “last speech,” I wheeled over to say “hi,” but he could not reply.  Kevin’s nurse, Allen, had to communicate for him.  He was thirteen at the time, and couldn’t speak or even eat.  Kevin told me through his nurse that I was his hero and he wanted to become a speaker like me.   That day, my attitude quickly changed and I’m still speaking today.  I had the opportunity to meet Kevin’s angel of a mother, Susan, not much later.  After visiting with them for several hours I found out that one of Kevin’s greatest wishes was to have the ability to smile.  I was floored by the statement and immediately realized how much I took for granted.

One day, I received a call from Kevin’s mother.  Susan excitedly told me that they found a computer Kevin could operate by simply moving his eyes.  She was putting together a fundraiser and was hoping that I would help them raise the money.  I quickly agreed and asked how much was needed.  She replied, “$25,000.”  I hadn’t expected it would be that much and yet, how completely awesome it would be for Kevin to speak, write, and play games?  Who knows, I thought, he could possibly even get a job.  We began to sell plush smiley faces (http://www.rollonron.com/shop-rollonron-smileys.php) to raise funds.

In just a matter of time, I sat with Kevin in front of his new computer and was losing horribly to him at one of his favorite computer games.  A camera monitoring his pupils allowed him to quickly move the cursor around the screen.  He was finally doing what so many kids take for granted.  What a truly amazing day.

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

Kevin became the driving force behind the creation of Camp Attitude.  Like thousands of other children, he was not given the opportunity to go to camp.  The camp was built, and not only was Kevin’s dream realized but mine was, as well.  Kevin made his way up from California every year to attend camp.  He loved the outdoors and was even brave enough to take a hot air balloon ride.  All who met him would never the same.

Sadly, my little buddy passed away years ago and in memory of him I shared his story at a speech in Orlando, Florida in early June.  The audience laughed and cried as I spoke.  While signing one woman’s book, she introduced herself as Mindy, and asked if Kevin’s last name was Morgan.  I was surprised, and said, “Yes, it was.”  She described how she, herself, had met him and had even filmed a video of him working at his new job.  Kevin took attendance for a classroom with his Eye Gaze computer, which no one could have done a more perfect job.  Mindy, happened to be there visiting her brother.  It was amazing to us both that he had touched both of our lives and years later, thousands of miles away we would meet one another.  I had no idea that he had gotten a job and was doing so well for himself—I couldn’t have been happier when she told me she would send me a copy of the film.

Kevin, born paralyzed from his nose down, did not waste his time on earth.  Even though he was never able to eat a candybar or drink a Pepsi, he had an attitude that outshined everyone.  I think that this story speaks for itself, but for me, reflecting back it has made me ask, “what time is it?”

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_DosMjYNwQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_DosMjYNwQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w</a>

To your inspiration,

Ron

LIFE

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I got a big knot in my throat when I learned of the devastation in Oklahoma caused by the massive tornado.  The worst part for me was hearing about the children losing their lives, attending school just as they would any other day only to face a horrific disaster.  I thank God for the heroes that put their lives on the line to rescue others.

In choosing to paint a sunflower, it was brought to my attention that part of the beauty in Oklahoma’s landscape is the sunflower.  After a tornado, what a beautiful sight a bright yellow sunflower against a bright blue sky would be.  I offer a drop of LIFE.  Click here to see me paint my latest work in honor of those affected by this tragedy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azlSfTI2aHg&feature=youtu.be

To your inspiration,

Ron

Tears in his Eyes, but a Smile on his Face

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

For some reason, I felt compelled to offer a 45-minute presentation to local schools free of charge.  So, we began sending out emails to principals in hopes of generating some interest.  To my surprise, we received a phone call within a matter of minutes from a principal who had hosted me at his middle school 14 years earlier.  Since then, he had moved and was now a high school principal in Eugene, OR.  After making arrangements for me to speak at his school, he assured me that my presentation at the middle school had a great impact on the students and that he even had a Life is an Attitude hat that he purchased years ago.

When we arrived, I was ushered into a small auditorium where I set up my paintings and books.  The bell rang and kids filed in.  Some were a little rough-around-the-edges, and they didn’t seem all too interested in being there.  However, I noticed a few kids with physical disabilities and could tell they were excited to see that their guest speaker had a physical disability, as well.  I was introduced and during the first five minutes most of the kids wouldn’t even look at me, but then as if they were struck by a magic wand, they became engaged and listened intently.  I spoke about turning tragedies into triumphs, losses into gains, no matter how bad circumstances were in the past.  By working together to reach positive goals, a team can make the dream happen.

Following my speech, a number of students came to meet me and share stories of their own.  They thanked me for giving them hope as they left: “if you can do it, Mr. Heagy, we can do it!”  Their words breathed life into my weary soul.  When all of the kids had gone back to class and we were preparing to leave, a young man slowly walked back into the auditorium.  I could sense a heaviness.  “Mr. Heagy, your…”  His emotions got the best of him and he began to cry.  He turned away a little and I quickly spoke up, telling him, “It’s all right, don’t walk away.  It’s best to talk about these things.”

I encouraged him to talk about what was on his mind.  After a couple of moments, he gained his composure and told me that he had gotten into a fight some time ago.  During the fight, he was thrown to the pavement, hitting his head and breaking his neck.  10 hours later he woke up from his coma in a hospital bed.  He expressed that his passion up until that point had been sports, so understandably he was devastated to be told by doctors that he could no longer be an athlete as a result of his neck injury.  If he were to continue, he would be at risk of possible paralysis, living the rest of his life in a wheelchair.  “I pretty much gave up,” he stated.  “I felt that my life was over.  Without sports, I’m a nobody.”

Looking up, the young man told me he was truly grateful to see me because, “Mr. Heagy, you don’t have the use of your hands or feet, yet you didn’t give up and accomplished many things.  I came back to tell you that I’ve changed my attitude.  I’m going to do something with my life.”  I thanked him and on his way out I yelled, “You’ll change the world!  You can do it.”  He left with tears in his eyes, but a smile on his face.

A random act connected us with an old friend who proceeded to pick up my random act and pass it on to the students.  The students were changed and challenged and I’m sure they will figure it out from there.  I just can’t help but believe that this happens everywhere.  I am grateful that the young man is not in a wheelchair, but more importantly, that he is now out of his mental and emotional wheelchair.

To your inspiration,

Ron

A note:  I want to thank everyone that has supported me over the years.  You have had such a huge impact on my life.  Your support allows me to continue doing what I do, and for that, I could not be more grateful.  My office workers/assistants are an important part of my ministry, as they act as my hands, and your support helps to cover the cost of having them.  I ask that you would consider supporting Never Give Up in order to further the mission.  If you would like to become one, please visit: www.rollonron.com/donate-never-give-up.php .  Any amount is incredibly appreciated and needed.  Thank you again!

PMO

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

This past week I was asked some questions by a student that really got me thinking.  The questions were in regards to tragedy and how a positive outlook can affect the way a person responds to said tragedy.  After much thought, I came up with the answers below.

  1. Is a positive outlook on tragedy contagious?

Answer: Yes, I believe that a positive attitude (Positive Mental Outlook, or PMO) not only energizes oneself, but those around him/her.  Visionaries have a following because those with a positive attitude and an enthusiasm for life attract other people.

  1. How is a positive outlook on a tragedy affected by the tragedy itself?

Answer: In my opinion, it is better to experience a tragedy after developing a positive outlook on life.  A PMO prior to a tragic event is simpler to maintain than if you experience the event first.  I believe that if that tragedy eliminates all that you worked so hard for, it becomes even more difficult to change focus.  For example, a professional athlete who loses his ability to play the game he loves would have to learn to refocus his life on something completely new.  Those that suffer a tragedy and are able to continue doing what they enjoyed before have a better shot at maintaining a positive attitude.

  1. What happens to the positive outlook on a tragedy after the tragedy is resolved?

Answer: If the person has a positive attitude going into the event, and they come out no longer feeling the effects of said event, their PMO would be substantiated and life would look even more bright.   If someone with a bad attitude experienced a tragedy and was healed, then contrary to the way they handled things in the past, this person would probably develop an attitude that is more genuinely positive.  It’s also important to note that having people influencing your life who have a PMO, along with faith in a higher power (in my case, my relationship with Christ), will bolster your own PMO during and after a tragic event.

  1. Is it possible for a positive outlook on a tragedy to extend well into the person’s life after the tragedy is resolved?

Answer: Absolutely.  I think that goes without saying, except for in the case of those who are left isolated and are no longer connected to networks of support (i.e., healthcare professionals, family, friends, assistants).  With limited or no access to the public, it would be a challenge to develop or maintain a PMO in most cases.

 

Thank you to student, Y. J. Hwang, for asking me these questions!  So, what would be YOUR answer to each question?  Feel free to let me know by sending me an email.  A positive attitude always makes for a great discussion.  I encourage you to rate your own PMO–1 being a bad attitude, 10 being a great attitude.  I hope you find these questions thought-provoking.

To your inspiration,

Ron

Mouth and Foot Painters Association

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Over the last several years, following my presentations I have been asked on several occasions, “Have you heard of the Mouth and Foot Painters Association?”  The question left me curious, but never enough to investigate it on my own.  In arrogance, I would reply, “Oh, really?  That’s awesome, I’ll check into it.” I just never felt like I had the extra time to do so, with all of my travelling and speaking engagements.  Besides, my art was available online to view and purchase, so maybe I wasn’t missing out, right?  Wrong.

As most of you know, my speaking schedule slowed down because of health problems and the economy.  With this extra time I decided to invest more energy in my paintings, which led me back to the Mouth and Foot Painters Association.  I must admit, I felt as though I was one of only a handful of individuals who used their mouths to paint, but to my amazement, I found that there are over 800 mouth and foot painters internationally (nearly 50 in the United States, alone!).  The Mouth and Foot Painters Association website was filled with artists like me, and beautiful reproductions of their work in the form of cards, calendars, and
more.  I quickly realized that this was truly a great opportunity for me to learn and excel at a potentially professional level.  Soon I found myself filling out an application for the MFPA, however, things came to a grinding halt when I found out that it was necessary for me to send them six originals.  “I have to submit six original paintings?”  I couldn’t believe it.  “You might as well just ask me for my hands and feet!” I thought.  How could I part with any of my original paintings?  Hoping to become one of their scholars, I reluctantly submitted the six pieces.

Not long after shipping my prized paintings I received news that I had been accepted as a student!  Naturally, I was ecstatic.  Even better, I was now featured on their official website (www.mfpausa.com) as one of their American artists.  Feel free to take some time to visit the site and browse the other artists’ pages—there are some extremely gifted individuals in the MFPA!

I want to thank everyone who encouraged me to look into this great organization.  In particular, Miss Margie, a 78 year old woman, who asked me nearly 20 years ago, “Ron, have you heard of MFPA?”  To think that I didn’t need an organization to help me become a better artist was foolish.  I’m so grateful to be a part of the MFPA and to have their support, along with the support of my friends and family!

So stay tuned!  A new mouthpainting is on its way.  Oh yeah, maybe it’s time for YOU to join an organization that will further your God-given gift or talents.

To your inspiration,

Ron

Our Roni

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Nothing makes a father more proud than to see their children succeed in something that they enjoy.  I’ve been watching Roni, my 13 year old, dance since the age of five and call me a “baby,” but I cry at all of her events.  This last weekend in particular stole the show for me.  That’s because Roni’s dance team competed at the State level!  Her team even won in front of hundreds of people.  Best of all, Roni received the State All-Star Award, which focuses on character, expression and team spirit.

I thank God for the talents we are all given and I have been inspired, encouraged, and made proud.  Good job, Roni!

Roni (left) with two other award winners

I love you,

Daddy

A Surprise Blessing

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Recently, my good friend, Pastor Don, was talking to me about his little 4th grade lunch buddy.  He and his buddy would meet during lunch to encourage each other and discuss life.  Don got an idea during one of their conversations and later asked me, “Hey, would you be interested in speaking to my friend’s class?” he asked.  I immediately responded, “Well, it IS what I do!”  However, inside I was thinking, “I haven’t done too many classroom presentations in awhile.” It’s a bit more of an up-close and personal, in-your-face, no-fooling-these-kids situation.

Before I knew it, the day came and I found myself in front of nearly 30 children.  I shared my life story and told them about DIME (which you can read about in a previous blog).  It was a powerful experience for the children and me.  You could tell that the  children had learned something valuable.  I don’t know why I was so nervous!  The class and teacher’s acceptance truly calmed my nerves.  Good thing my knees don’t knock.  Twenty years later the moment still makes me nervous, but thanks to the teacher and the kids, we all had a great time.

Yesterday evening, the gray in my day turned to sunshine, when Pastor Don brought over a spiral-bound book created by the teacher and her class.  On the front was a picture of the class and inside on every page there was a typed letter with a drawing from each student.  To my amazement, at the bottom of their letters, the children used a pen clenched between their teeth to sign their name.  Every bit of inspiration that I had sent their way was sent back to me ten-fold.  I so appreciated what they had to say that I wanted to share their encouragement with you.  I call this “give and you shall receive, bless and you will be blessed.”  Now go and make it a good day!

A collage of the children's paintings

 

A few letters from the class. Click image to enlarge.

 

To your inspiration,

Ron

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