Joy in the Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:51:00 +0000

DRAFT

BRAIN INJURY

SUPPORT GROUP CHARTER

(As of 12/13/2007)

I. Name: Our name will be: Charles County Brain Injury Support Group.

II. Mission: The Charles County Brain Injury Support Group will focus on PEOPLE recovering from brain injury and their caregivers, family, and friends who must live with the consequences of traumatic or acquired brain injury. Our mission is to provide an effective forum for peer-to-peer support tailored to meet the special needs of the brain injured who reside in Southern Maryland.

We believe that members of our group have a unique understanding of brain injury and can share the “lessons learned” and other valuable information with each other through peer-to-peer group interaction.

We also believe social activities and having fun are an important part of the recovery process.

III. Objectives: Our main objectives are to:

Establish a well-run and supportive forum for meaningful exchange of ideas and have fun while doing it.
Assist survivors and caregivers in the recovery process to overcome all barriers to full participation in society.
Encourage self-help and empowerment through brain injury advocacy, prevention, education, awareness, and self-determination.
Provide peer support by people who have experienced a brain injury and by caregivers and professionals who have a first hand knowledge of the medical and/or rehabilitation processes involved. The goal is to help others in a similar situation to more effectively identify, access, and use the existing medical and/or rehabilitation service delivery systems that available at the federal, state, and local level.
Recognize and encourage leadership and other talents within the group.

IV. Benefits and Outcomes:

Regular attendance at support group meetings should:

Increase your knowledge and awareness of the consequences of brain injury.
Encourage you to share your knowledge, “lessons learned”, and “best practices” in overcoming or compensating for the effects of brain injury.
Help other parents, caregivers, friends, and people who have experienced brain injury in their recovery process.
Receive assistance and/or assist others in identifying and locating important resources and best services available for recovery.
Meet people who share an understanding of the consequences of brain injury.
Keep abreast of various cutting edge techniques and therapies as they are being developed.
Stay informed on important issues related to brain injury
Develop and improve social skills, increase social activities, and prevent isolation and depression associated with the brain injured and caregivers.
Become a voice for those who have experienced brain injury.
Join the effort to overcome the stigma and barriers experienced by the brain injured and their family.

V. Membership:

Any traumatic or acquired brain injury survivor, caregiver, family member, friend doctors, nurses, therapist, social workers, or other impacted by brain injury are invited to attend meetings and become a regular member. Even though this group primarily serves Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, our membership is not restricted to residents of Southern Maryland. Anyone may attend a support group meeting. Membership is obtained by simply asking to be added to the membership list.
We will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender, disability status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, or veteran status.
Only members may be officers and/or voting members.
Regular attendance at meetings and group functions is encouraged but not mandatory to retain membership.

VI. Organizational Structure:

The group organization will consist of the following elected officers

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Meeting Coordinator
Hospitality Coordinator
Publicity/Information Coordinator
IT/Resource Coordinator

VI. Duties of Elected Members

President:

Create meeting agenda,
Lead group meetings and keep meetings on track,
Communicate information to group.

Vice – President:

Perform the duties of President when President is absent or unavailable.
Assist President to insure that meeting priorities are met.

Secretary:

Record and maintain minutes of meetings
Record and track action items assigned along with their due dates
Record and maintain meeting attendance
Record and maintain membership information including name, address, phone number, and email address.

Treasurer:

Collect and account for donations made at meetings, fund raisers, or other gifts as necessary
Maintain accurate financial records,
Report financial status at each meeting,
Coordinate and document purchases and bill payment,
Follow Spring Dell financial procedures.

Meeting Coordinator

Contact group members about time and location of meetings.
Sets up meetings.
Handle refreshments.
Insure that clean up is done after the meeting.

Hospitality Coordinator

Greet attendees as they arrive
Welcome visitors, guest speakers, or new members

Publicity/Information Coordinator:
- Gather Relevant Information
- Prepare and send “Thank You” card to guest speakers
- Coordinate guest speakers

IT/Resource Coordinator:

Maintain Support Group information website at: www.ccbrain.wordpress.com,
Make IT related improvements as recommended by support group members.
Organize and maintain important brain injury resource information on the website.

VII. Eligibility of Members who hold Elected Positions

President: Must be a survivor

VIII. Election of Officers:

All elected positions will be chosen by the group membership by majority vote. Election of Officers will be conducted no later than the March meeting each year. Election of officers will be by secret ballot of the members present at the meeting. A majority vote of those members present is required. In the event of a tie, the election shall be decided by the flip of a coin. In no case will proxy voting be allowed. Only members in good standing may nominate, be nominated, and vote.

IX. Meetings

Regular Meetings: Held on the 2nd Thursday of each month.

Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Place: Spring Dell Center at Spring Dell Center, 6040 Radio Station Road, La Plata, MD 20646

Special Meetings: May be held at the request of the group President or majority vote of the membership.

Order of Meeting: The general order of meetings should be as follows:

Call to Order by President
Welcome visitors, guests, and new members
Reading of Minutes of Last Meeting
Treasurer Report
Agenda set depending on the type of meeting described below
Closure (Meeting must adjourn no later than 7:30 p.m. to allow the Spring Dell Clean up crew to go home)

Meeting Types: Monthly Group Meetings will normally be one or combination of the following types:

Business (Elections and other business)
Guest Speaker (Invited guest speakers)
Discussion(Group discussion of important topics)
Entertainment (i.e. Games, Videos, etc.)
Party (i.e. Christmas)

X. Amendments

This Charter may be amended at any regular meeting by a majority vote of the members present and by approval of the Spring Dell Advisor provided the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing at least one meeting prior to the amendment voted on.

XI. By-Laws

With the approval of the advisor the by-laws are necessary for the work and development of the support group in harmony with the spirit and purpose of this Charter may be adopted.

Guest speakers and events must be approved by the Spring Dell Advisor at least two (2) weeks prior to the event. This is to insure availability for the facility for such an event.

XII. Spring Dell Advisor Responsibilities

Advisors must be appointed by Spring Dell and be a Spring Dell employee.
Advisors must attend all meetings, activities and events of the support group to ensure observation of Spring Dell’s policies and regulations.
Assist and Advise membership in planning, executing, and evaluating the support groups programs and projects.
Ensure that the proper required forms are filed out and returned in a timely manner to the proper Spring Dell department or office.
Approve and sign budget and requisition forms when appropriate.
Recommend and evaluate guest speakers for club/organization meeting, activity or event.
Approve all publicity and correspondence written on behalf of the group.
Notify and obtain approval of the Spring Dell if radio, television, or other media is expected to cover a meeting or event.
Notify the President or Vice-President when the Advisor will be absent and arrange for a substitute to attend and oversee the meeting, activity or event.

I have read, understand and hereby agree to comply with the above responsibilities and information stated in the Brain Injury Support Group Charter.

President Signature/Date

Spring Dell Advisor Signature/Date

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:16:00 +0000

Be Thou My Vision

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 14:47:00 +0000

A Traditional Celtic Hymn To Hear Music CLICK HERE as arranged by Eric Herron and recorded by Unkept Band.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart
Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day, or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence -my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, O Lord of my heart
I ever with Thee and Thou with me,
Lord Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I -- with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and thou only, first in my heart
High King of heaven, my Treasure - Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler – of all.

Jesus, My King

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:11:00 +0000

This message by Dr. S.M. Lockridge is the most powerful 3 minute message you will ever hear.

Give Me Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 01:44:00 +0000

Where is God?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:09:00 +0000

Where is God when we need Him? Precisely where He always has been—in His heaven taking complete charge of everything that happens in His world (Ps. 103:19). We don’t have to understand God’s plan, for it often may not make sense to our limited, finite, human logic. In tragedy, our response to the omnipotent King of heaven must echo the attitude of those brave young men in the Book of Daniel: our God is able to deliver us from any suffering. But even if He chooses not to, we will still serve Him.

Sanctuary of Suffering

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 21:16:00 +0000

The following is taken from an article written by Mark Bailey.

All believers enter the “sanctuary of suffering” during our lives here on earth. That we can experience deep joy in the midst of our suffering defies human logic. Yet such joy is possible. Why? Because we have hope. We anticipate a future of eternal fellowship, of worship instead of suffering, and of a great sanctuary filled with singing and with no hint of lament.“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever” (Rev. 22:5). - by Mark Bailey

Father, thank you for your gift of worship - even when it hurts.

Changing Direction

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:52:00 +0000

When I started this blog, one of my purposes was to be a source of relevant information for the Charles County Brain Injury Group. I also wanted to work with my son Mike to assist him to reach out and touch his world with the gospel. Jesus said to "Go." It should be the rare exception if we "stay."

To purify the focus of this blog and to make sure that the Brain Injury Group has a dedicated site that can focus on their unique needs, I am separating the two sites. This blog will be named "Joy in the Journey." I got this from the title of one mine and Mike's favorite songs. It was written by Michael Card. One of the lines in that song is "...hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind." This is the purpose of this blog.

I am creating another blog specifically to meet the needs of the Brain Injury Support Group. This site will be hosted at http://www.ccbrain.wordpress.com. This site is new and still in development but come over and take a look.

Don't Lose Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:52:00 +0000

So we do not lose heart [we don't get discouraged]. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us [right now!] an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison... (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 RSV)

Sometimes, I just wait for God to tell me to do something. But the New Testament never instructs me to do that. Its message is: God is with you; therefore reach out, risk something, venture, move out, plunge in, try something new that you've never done before and trust God to see you through it. The promised result is a life enriched beyond your wildest dreams.

"Lord, help me to venture out for You today. Help me to get out on a limb where the fruit is."

God's Masterpiece

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 01:17:00 +0000

Whenever you feel unqualified, insecure, defeated, or just plain overwhelmed. Remember what Jesus says about His children - you are His masterpiece!

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10

"The word translated "workmanship" is really the word poem. We are his poem. Or, if you like, perhaps it would be better rendered "we are his masterpiece." God is working out in our lives a tremendous exhibition and demonstration of His wisdom, His power, His love, His life, His character, His peace, and His joy. He is teaching us, training us, bringing us along, applying the paint in exactly the right places, producing a marvelous masterpiece to be put on display. This is to result in good works: kindness, love, mercy, compassion, help to one another, meeting one another's needs." - Ray Stedman

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:56:00 +0000

Involve Me

Tell Me and I Forget

Show Me and I Remember

Involve Me and I Understand

Good advice. One objective in starting this blog was to involve Mike and share his passion for Jesus and compassion for others. I happened across an interesting technology that is getting better all the time. That technology allows Mike to hear the posts and provide input. It allows him to hear your comments and the emails you send. This text-to-speech capability is not too bad. It helps us proof-read information before we publish it. I downloaded the free software at NaturalReaders.com. They also have a good demo available. The free version is not too bad. The voice is a little rough but usable. You highlight the text you want to read, hit CTRL F9, and it reads what you select. However, the free version is limited in the amount of text it will read. I have since upgraded to a higher quality voice. The download size of the voice was over 500 Mb. I used a program called Flashget to speed the download. Next, Mike and I will research speech-to-text capability. With speech-to-text, Mike will be able to share his thoughts directly. We are also looking at podcasting and video. Too much to do and so little time but ain't technology great!

More On Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 13:40:00 +0000

"Fear looks around, but faith looks up."

"Don't have great faith in God, but have faith in a great God."

"Faith is born in the storm and conceived in the incubator of impossibility-don't panic-don't quit-don't stop short of the prize. Remember: your need is just a miracle in disguise"

"Faith doesn't make sense, but it does make miracles."

"A teapot is in hot water up to its neck and still sings."

And finally, just remember that behind every dark and stormy cloud is a ruined hairstyle and worms on the sidewalk.

Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:26:00 +0000

The other day, we went to a Bible Study where the discussion centered around faith. Afterwards I heard a good definition of faith by Bob Gass (Word for Today).

You go to a doctor whose name you can't pronounce,
Receive a prescription you can't read,
Take it to a pharmacist you don't know,
Get medicine you don't understand, and
Take it with confidence.

Now that's real faith!!

The Answer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:41:00 +0000

I received this comment from Alistar who lives in Brisbane, Australia: "There is a little girl about 12 years old here in Brisbane Australia, confined to the bed or the wheelchair, unable to feed herself or talk. She's been like this since birth? How can God use her?"

Alistair, thank you for your comment. Believe me, I can identify with the pain of the family. Mike can identify with the pain of the little girl. After my son Mike was in the car accident, he was hospitalized for over 18 months. He came out of that coma very slowly. For most of this time, he could not walk, talk, or feed himself. Initially, we fed him by hand--with an eyedropper--drop by drop. As you can imagine, after many months this wore us out and the nursing staff attending him. We had to agree to begin feeding by a tube inserted into his stomach. I constantly asked the question "Why Lord?" and how God could possibly use this situation to work for good. The only answer I can give is found in Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

I have learned that all things are working for "His Good and His Glory" and not what I think is good. My definition of good centers around me and my comfort. "His Good" has an eternal purpose. His purpose and plan for that young girl and her family was developed by a loving God before time began. I don't pretend to think I have all the answers . But through it all, I have come to realize that "He is the answer." I must totally trust Him each day and every step of the way.

I asked Mike what he wanted to say to the young girl. His reply "Ask-keep on asking and you will receive. Seek--and keep on seeking and you will find. Knock--keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. We serve a God who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask, think or even imagine. There is nothing impossible with Him."

Alistair: Mike and I believe in miracles. We are praying that one is heading your way.

The Secret

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:40:00 +0000

Years ago I heard J. Vernon McGee say "He never promised that we would miss the storm, but He did promise that we would make the harbor." That encourages me and gives me hope.

Another lesson I learned, during my storm, is called The Secret. I don't know who wrote this poem but I know that the message is true. I hope you experience the comfort of His Presence before a storm hits. You may not miss the storm but it sure makes the sailing smoother in the middle of it.

Chosen Vessel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 21:24:00 +0000

On the left hand side of the weblog, under Poems, Prayers & Promises, I added another poem that is one of my favorite. It's called "Chosen Vessel." I don't know who the author is but it speaks to me. Lord I identify with that vessel of clay. I have nothing to offer you but my brokeness. If you can use that, then please help me to pour out to others as you pour in to me."

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." -- 1 Peter 2:9

God Can Use Me

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:22:00 +0000

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."" -- 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Here I am Lord--choose me.

Why?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 19:43:00 +0000

I added a new element to this weblog on the left hand side called "Poems, Prayers, & Promises." One of biggest questions I have asked about my accident is "why." One of the best answers is found in a poem written by Dr. Jack Hyles entitled "Why?" -- please check it out.

From time to time I plan to share additional items that touch me and that I hope will encourage you as we walk through this life together--whether we want to or not.

Be Still, Listen & Obey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 18:46:00 +0000

A wise man told me the other day to take it "one day at a time." I agree--the greatest possession we have is the 24 hours directly in front of us. Another wise man reminded me that the first step to wisdom is silence; the second step is to listen. Listening is hard work!

Lord, help me to learn to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and when You speak the good sense to simply say "Yes Lord."

Thanks Craig

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:25:00 +0000

I found a great blog where others in the Brain Injury Support Group will find understanding and encouragement. Craig is the moderator of Second Chance To Live Blog. He sent me the following encouragement. Thanks Craig.

"....I focused on those limitations for a long time and believed that I was like a person all dressed up with no where to go. I believe that God has led me to begin Second Chance to Live so that I can use the gifts he has given me, unencumbered by societal stigma, ignorance or unwillingness to receive what I have to give. There is a time for every thing, David. I would encourage Mike to follow his passions and find an outlet to use them to enhance both his life and people in his World. He is a Gift to that World. Go with what he does have, not what he doesn't posess. I am finding this is where I am most effective, when I use what has been given to me. One day at a time."

Small Steps and Small Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 13:59:00 +0000

I know I can't do much, but I can do something. What seems small to me might be huge to someone else. Who knows. Father, help me to do something today that counts no matter how small it may be.

John Wesley said, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can."

"Do Not Despise These Small Beginnings, For The Lord Rejoices To See The Work Begin." ZECHARIAH 4:10 NLT

Happy Birthday Luke

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:37:00 +0000

Uncle Mike, Grandpa, Grandma and all the cool penguins down at the Club Penguin are singing "HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY TO Luke."

May you continue to grow as Jesus grew - in wisdom, statue and in favor with God and man.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 18:58:00 +0000

Today mom asked me what did I think Dad wanted for Valentine's Day. I told her "a smile on his wife's face." That is my gift to you. Like the song says "just keep on smiling and the whole world will smile with you."

Give and It Shall Be Given

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:13:00 +0000

This story was sent to me today by my brother Larry:
"To tell the story again. Luke received $20 from one of his friends for his b-day. I shared with him about tithing and he took it all in. I told him 10% is the tithe and any extra is alms. I told him expect to receive back 10 fold from God on your tithe and countless back on the alms. I said it may not come back in money, but it may. It may come in happiness, peace etc...He seemed pretty physicked. The next day, Sunday we were going to church, I said how much have you chosen to give. I told him he doesn't have to, but it is his choice. He said he is giving $10 of his $20....Then we were watching The apprentice and they give $10,000 for picking the right guy who gets fired. We both chose Aaron (the local guy from Columbia). Luke said wouldn't it be cool if God gave back 10,000 fold. I thought it would have been pretty cool too. But I guess God has another plan..."

God does have another (read better) plan and His plan is best I think.

Taste and See

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:40:00 +0000

Yesterday, at the church I go to, the pastor gave a good object lesson. He took a cookie out of his pocket and tried to describe to the congregation what it tasted like. That was hard to do. It would have been hard for me too. He asked what we thought was the best way to describe how it tasted. Everone agreed--SHARE! The ushers passed out cookies for everyone to taste. Then when he told us how good the cookie was, I understood. I had experienced that goodness for myself. In the same way, I have experienced the goodness of God but it is hard to explain--just like that cookie. When you have experienced His love and goodness it is easy to communicate and to celebrate His love. I hope that everyone who reads this post will do like the bible says--taste and see that the Lord is good. Then you will understand why I love to share that goodness. Thank you Lord for cookies.

"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalm 34:8