advocacy

How Access service works

I am a client of Access Service. It is a transportation service for people with disabilities. To use access you must call and ask for an application and set up a phone interview. The phone interview is a new step put into place due to covid.

When you receive your paper application, you will have to answer the following questions

  • What is the nature of your disability?
  • Is it permanent
  • Do you use any assistive equipment? You would then check all of the equipment that you use
  • Do you need to travel with a companion, or can you travel alone?

After you have sent in your application

You will be required to call access 5 to 7 days after mailing back your application to schedule an interview

During the interview

The representative that you are speaking to. Will ask you questions regarding the information you provided, and at the end of the interview, you will be told that your eligibility will be decided within three weeks.

If you become a client of access service.

If you become a client of access service, you will get a welcome packet in the mail. The welcome packet will include a booklet of all the information you need to know about booking a ride. I’ve created a podcast episode with those details.

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Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Personal invitation

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:1‭-‬5

Four ways we judge

  • By appearance – how do I look?
  • By achievement -what have I accomplished
  • By approval – How well am I liked
  • By affluence-How much do I. Own

The greatest changes in our lives take place when we see ourselves the way that God sees us.

How much do I matter to God?


  • No matter how small I feel, Jesus sees me
  • No matter what others say, Jesus values me
  • No matter what I’ve done, Jesus transforms me.
  • No matter how far I’ve gone Jesus seeks me.

How should I respond

So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
Luke 19:6

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19:9

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Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

The Mystery Guest

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:13‭-‬36

What can I learn from this encounter?

  • Jesus can open my eyes
  • Jesus can handle my doubt
  • Jesus can redeem my disappointment

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Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

The party Crasher

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36‭-‬50

How do we activate God’s Forgiveness

  • We have to recognize that we are sinners
  • We have to realize that we are bankrupt
  • We have to rely on Jesus as our only hope.

How much Do you Love God? Rate yourself 1-10

It’s really easy to tell yourself, I’m definitely a ten, but rate yourself after you read the next section.

When you love someone you:

  • Long to be with them
  • You want to please them
  • You want to tell others about them
  • They become the center of your world

How can I grow in my love for Jesus?

  • Ask God to show me how sinful I am
  • Ask God to help me get to know him better

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalms 139:23‭-‬24

The party Crasher

Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Three Keys to greatness

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. 24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles Lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:14‭-‬27

Three Keys to greatness

  • Start by calling sin sin
  • Commit to outserving your friends, family, and others
  • Don’t try to be the greatest you; you can be. Try to be the best Jesus you can be.

1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:1‭-‬17

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13

3 keys to.greatness

inspiration, Uncategorized

Meals with Jesus: Free Lunch

10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. 12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” 13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Luke 9:10‭-‬17

Three Lessons from this free Lunch

  • Jesus has compassion for people in need.
  • Jesus uses people to accomplish his plan. Key phrase: You feed them
  • Where God guides, he provides

Three questions for personal application

1. What do I think is too big for God to handle?

2. What do I think is too little for God to use?

3. What will I do because I believe God will provide?

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33

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Uncategorized

Seeing John Lloyd Young again

John was excellent tonight! There wasn’t a meet and greet like there used to be, but those of us who were at the show were able to stay for the Encore interview; tonight was special because the interview was with John and his entire band.

  It was interesting to learn how each member of the band, including John, got their start. 

Even though I did not get my question answered directly, John did answer the question that I had hoped would be included in the interview. I asked: What is your favorite vocal warm-up?

I learned that some performers have voices so conditioned by their work that your voice placement just zits well. 
I have berm singing since the age of seven, and I still feel like I have the voice of a rookie 

advocacy

Sitting Pretty

Last night I finished this book. It is one woman’s life experience but it reflects the experiences of so many people Hulu live with conditions that can be termed disabilities. If you are someone who wants to know more about what people that need things that seem extra in this world go through on a daily basis read or listen to this book

advocacy

More changing thoughts

It took me forever to want people around me who look like me, but making new friends who work to break the stereotype of the inspirational poster child has been awesome because we are finally living in a time where we can use our voices to provide value.

Thank you for your friendship Krissy and for genuinely. Knowing the frustration and struggle. that sometimes comes with the most basic daily task. It can be incredible sometimes for people who are equipment users to leave someone.in complete shock, but I would challenge anyone who has not lived this life to stop.using the I word, inspiration and thinking that it’s a complement

inspiration

One Minute after you die: The horrors of Hell

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19‭-‬31 NIV

1. Jesus believed in hell, and it played a significant role in his teaching and mission because he does not want us to go there.

2. Hell is a place of agony and torment

3. We get one lifetime to repent and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior. That’s it. When this life is over and we have not received his salvation, we are separated from him.

What we need to be aware of

1. There are eternal consequences for the way we live.

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1

1. We worship what we love most

2. We will worship eternally whatever we love most in life

3. We become like what we worship.

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

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