Carmela Snelbaker

Author of "Thank You For Your Service, Sheep!"
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  • Tag: God

    • Different

      Posted at 10:37 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Dec 10th

      “I want to be different, I want to be changed” these words come from a song written by Micah Tyler. I encourage you to search YouTube for the interviews where he talks about being inspired to write this song. As with many songs written or stories told, the words and meaning often echo the feeling of those who have found themselves experiencing similar emotional thoughts and circumstances.

      I understand that My words and beliefs relay a very personal story that has developed over a lifetime of experiences and interactions with others. My story and experiences can never be exactly like that of others. Every individual on the earth has a story that is unique.

      Although we may share similar experiences and interactions the emotional feelings that transpire and the individual interactions and experienced will always be “uniquely our own” even within family experiences this is true.

      ” Today you are you, that is truer then true, there is no one alive who is youer than you”. Dr. Seuss

      Religions, Spirituality, cultural and moral beliefs are another area that are deeply influenced by our upbringing and personal experiences in life. Humans and experiences within humanity will cause individuals to have uniquely specific understanding or comprehension for what is moral and right. I completely understand that the opinions and words that I am expressing here are influenced by my life events, experiences, research as a human being, as well as my willingness to be open to belief in Divine as well as my level of Devotion and Acceptance to being Led by Divine Guidance.

      Understanding this and having respect for all humans and following the belief that each person is uniquely created by God and is individually accountable to Him, highlights the importance of individual identity, However in saying that I also strongly feel that as unique individuals we should always be aware that in God’s eye’s we are all equal and we as humans (and collective religious entities) should never cast judgment or attempt to force our human beliefs onto others in the pursuit of Dominant control over others………. desiring not just leadership, but absolute, unchallengeable authority over others is never admirable or righteous.

      When we are put in the position of being lead by or have chosen to give power to those who are in the pursuit of Dominance might we also have chosen Human Dominance over Divine Will.

      There are often times in life when we feel inadequate, so confused by events unfolding around us and genuinely lost. When going through devastating events we often pray for strength to keep going and relief from the fear and uncertainty.

      In our human minds we often believe that if the events around us causing us confusion could simply be changed “all would be well” …… when the devastating differences seem too massive to change hopelessness sets in.

      There are times when news reports, statements, plans and actions from those in charge of nations weigh heavy and feel hopeless.

      In full awareness of my very limited personal abilities to inspire change, I pray the small footprint I leave on society illuminates and inspires others to Pray and open their hearts to Divine Guidance.

      May many prayers hold great Hope of the Unlimited Power of Divine to make the difference our world so needs.

      With Respect,Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged bible, faith, God, religion, Spirituality
    • Recalculating………..Return to the Route

      Posted at 10:24 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      May 5th

      What if one day you woke up and everything that once was, is now completely different?

      I know for sure that life is not easy. But I also know for sure that no matter how bad it is, it could always be worse. There will always be something to be grateful for when you have Faith.

      To this day I can still hear my mom and dads voices from heaven reminding me how they supported me through a struggle. It often makes me smile the quirky phrases or references they often used.

      “Now wait now…….you just have to be smarter than the chair you are working on” dad would say. My dad was a woodworker. I was the upholsterer. Lol 

      I loved to sew and upholstered many pieces. The fragile antique wood items challenged me. Dad came to my rescue on many occasions. 

      I know it is much harder to instruct someone and watch them struggle while learning the solution to the problem, then it is to take over do it for them. 

      I am glad dad chose the hard way and took the time to teach me how to solve problems and contemplate answers rather then taking over and doing it for me. 

      Being ‘Level Headed” “Humble” and “Wise” were all admirable traits of a good person in my dad’s book. Being open to new ideas and various opinions, were also good traits, but the utmost importance was having courage and confidence in our Inner Spirit.

      My 11 year old grandson taught me that true courage comes from God. “I’ll be brave” he would say when being faced with yet another medical procedure or difficult challenge. When he was particularly fearful he would fold his hands a pray. “Dear God, Please take the scary stuff away.” Prayer is powerful when faith is deep.

      “When I found that I knew not only that there was God but that I was a child of God, when I understood that, When I comprehended that, more than that, when I internalized that, ingested that, I became courageous.” Dr. Maya Angelou

      I find myself hesitating as I write this. The need to use the right words to communicate clearly is Huge! Although my Faith and understanding has never been stronger I worry that the very problem itself is Not the Words that are written, or what we are reading once it is written ….. The real problem lies in the Level of Faith the reader has in what is True.

      If your faith is shallow what you read will be understood at the limited level your human understanding will allow. Without Faith in a Higher Power we are limited in our understanding of what is Right and what is True.

      It is impossible to communicate the Truth if the reader or the writer has little Faith in what is True.

      Without Truth there is nothing. Without Faith there IS no Truth.

      In a world of many people, many languages and many levels of Faith, it is wrong for a person, Political Party, or Religious Right group to attempt to be the enforcers of God’s word. The very thought a Church or Political Group would even WANT to make laws and force others to follow those laws is a HUGE example of their Faulty level of faith!

      When you feel the need to take over and do things yourself so that your level of understanding is enforced, you are showing how truly WEAK your faith really is…….. HAVE YOU NOT MISSED THE POINT OF PRAYER AND THE POWER OF YOUR GOD?

      WHEN YOU FEEL THE NEED TO BLOCK SOMEONE BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE THE OTHER HUMAN WILL FAIL TO SEE IT AT “FACE VALUE” ……. YOU ARE SHOWING WHAT LITTLE FAITH YOU HAVE IN GOD!

      IS IT NOT WISER TO PRAY TO THE HIGHER POWER?

      IS IT NOT WISER TO ASK FOR GOD’S WISDOM AND GUIDANCE DURING LIFE’S DIFFICULT MOMENTS?

      IS IT NOT WISER TO PRAY FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED OF GUIDENCE?

      DIDN’T JESUS TEACH HIS DISCIPLES HOW TO PRAY?

      Re-evaluate your level of Faith………. Let go of human arrogance……..let go of the need to control the outcome of your prayers……… Let God be in control……..Pray for the courage to allow his will to be done as Jesus taught us………..

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #GodIsGreaterThanLife'sUpsAndDowns, baptist church, Carmela Snelbaker, Catholic church, Choice, Christianity, church of god, faith, God, God's will, gratitude, have faith in prayer, hope, inspiration, Jesus, joy, kindness, let go let God, love, lutheran church, methodist church, peace, place God first, positivity, Power of prayer, Prayer, presbyterian church, put God first, Religion and Spirituality, respect, Trust, Truth
    • The Right Road, Really?

      Posted at 2:15 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Apr 9th

      During a cross country trip traveling with my daughter, we sat in a roadside restaurant somewhere in South Dakota. Our attention was directed to a little girl about 3 or 4 years old, I am not sure what she did to get our attention but I remember commenting to her father about how cute she was. “Well, she is definitely a leader” her father commented, and with a chuckle he continues to tell us “I said to my wife, we better make sure she goes down the right road, because if we don’t she will be taking a lot of people down the wrong road with her”.

      That quick encounter happened 19 years ago. I have recalled that moment many times since, the memory always brings a smile and a chuckle, and makes me wonder where and what that sweet child is doing now.

      In that moment while my daughter and I sat admiring a child who couldn’t contain the Joy the day was bringing her, each one of us were unaware of the events that will be yet to unfold in each of our futures.

      Recently during caregiving, the wife of a person I was taking care of stated to me, “if I knew before hand the death and illness my family would have to face, I would never even have gotten married.”

      Time is irreplaceable. Life doesn’t allow for “do overs”. It requires us to dive into unforeseen adventures.

      Is there really such a thing as “the right road” or is that “road” forever changing and relative only to each precious moment in time?

      I have learned that life teaches by experiences. We can try to prepare ourselves and do our absolute best at living “right” and staying on the “right road” but in reality, each moment of the day we are called to improvise and navigate through the encounters life brings to us in that very moment.

      The maturity of our faith can change with every new event we experience; new person we encounter or conversation we share.

      22 years ago my mother who was nearing death was attempting to prepare me for navigating through my life without her. What she was telling me wasn’t making sense in that moment. It appeared as if she was hallucinating or deeply confused. It wasn’t until after her passing when events began to unfold and the memories of those moments began to become clear.

      For months afterward I searched every memory for a deeper meaning, trying desperately to understand the hidden messages she was attempting to place before me. I never felt so alone and unprepared for what was next to come. I prayed desperately for understanding, wisdom and strength to continue on and know what to do next. I searched each word that was spoken to me for a deeper meaning. I ran each sentence over and over in my mind trying to decipher its intended message. Finally, at the point of exhaustion I lay down in a field one night crying hysterically asking God “please just come and be me, because I don’t know how to be me anymore”.

      Deep in my heart I knew mothers can’t give up. Responsibilities loom and love reaches out beyond all limitations. It wasn’t until that night laying in the field under the stars when I ask God to take over and help me be me, that I wholeheartedly understood that He doesn’t want us to be doing this alone. He is more than a Prayer; He is our inner strength. He is the very breath we inhale, the Blood that keeps our body alive. He is our Soul. The heartbeat in our earthly body that keeps us alive and carries us through difficult experiences.

      My life from this point on has not been easy it has included devastating sorrow with the loss of our 11-year-old grandson but also great appreciation for the Blessing of his presence with us for those beautiful and precious 11 years.

      The Holy Spirit within continues to keep me strong and resilient, fills me with understanding, empathy and respect for others, but most of all fills me with Joy every time I am able to share in the daily Miracles and Blessing that continue to prove God’s Love for us.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela

       

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #DivineGuidance, #FindingHope, #GodIsGreaterThanLife'sUpsAndDowns, #Life, #lifechallenges, #OvercomingSorrow, #TheRightRoad, believe, blogging, Christian, Christianity, faith, family, God, Grief, grieving, hope, inspiration, love, Mental health, positive energy, positive outlook, positivity, Truth
    • “The Luckiest People In The World”

      Posted at 10:10 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Apr 15th

      Somewhere along our Journey on earth there is a moment in time that significance of being becomes a realization like it never was before. From that moment on, every moment going forward and every moment in the past will hold a different level of understanding.

      Life is like a mosaic piece of artwork. The finished piece is beautiful and we appreciate its beauty at a quick glance, however the true beauty is in the ability of the artist to place many fragmented pieces, otherwise unremarkable on their own, into a completed masterpiece.

      Much like Prayer and Meditation when a major life change forces us to stop and dwell in the moment it is then that we start to realize that each ugly fragment in our life is a very important part of a beautiful completed masterpiece.

      My thoughts, memories and conversations were drawn several times this week to amazing ways Divine enlightenment finds us through the connection of spiritual souls.

      I am forever amazed at how many times God has introduced a new person into my life who holds a tiny piece of wisdom that was the puzzle piece I needed to comfort a worry I was experiencing.

      When we stop trying to control our lives and the people around us, and we stop, pray, listen for, and follow God’s direction He will introduce us to spiritual beings who hold Wisdom that we need to continue on our journey. The Mosaic of a Spiritual Soul’s Journey on Earth contains many beautiful fragmented encounters with other Spiritual teachers. Every spiritual teacher is also a continual student as well.

      Divine Wisdom flows through each spiritual being who allows their heart light to shine. 

      The song People Who Need People kept coming to mind this week. “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world” How fortunate we are that God sends his infinite Wisdom through our hearts and lives and connects us all with Spiritual encounters of Divine Love.

      Always keep your heart and mind open for Divine Wisdom. The message we are searching for will arrive possibly from a passing encounter with a stranger or a well know friend, we can never be sure.

      Open your heart to both Receiving and Giving Divine Love to all people. Realization of significance of being brings both Peace and Joy to each moment in life.

      People who need people are the luckiest people in the world……..

      Somewhere, somehow we will find a new way of living, We’ll find a way of forgiving. Someway, Somehow, Someday……….

      With Respect Hope Joy and Love,  Carmela

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #Life, Carmela Snelbaker, Christianity, contentment, divine guidance, Divine Love, Earth, faith, finding purpose, God, hope, inspiration, inspiring, joy, Living in Love, living in peace, living in the moment, love, Mental health, mystic, respect, seeker, self help, spiritual being, Truth
    • Be That Someone Who Makes Someone Else Look Forward To Tomorrow :)

      Posted at 5:00 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 12th

      There is nothing more enjoyable then being with someone who is just simply fun to be with. Someone who refuses to be pulled down by the negatives of the world. Someone who takes on the challenge of lifting the spirits of a group of people who are heavyhearted.

      Like the photo above, they simply seem to be filled with a natural Joy and they cannot contain the positive energy. With the lightheartedness of a hummingbird they seem to buzz, zoom, zing and zip around with an urgency that is mesmerizing and can’t help but bring a smile of admiration to others.

      Some days we are not able to escapes dealing with challenging moments during a lifetime. I like to believe God introduces us to people who we need to help us get through life’s journey. When our spirits are low and  a person who has overflowing energy and joy enters into our path, perhaps it is not simply a random joyful encounter but quite possibly an intentional Divine Blessing placed along the path of a difficult day.

      Enjoy each smile that enters your day. Be grateful for each encounter of overflowing Joy, and return the favor to others on days when your Joy cannot be contained.

      See

      Miracles

      In

      Life

      Everyday

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

      via Daily Prompt: Zing!

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, B4Peace, beauty, Carmela Snelbaker, Child, children, courage, daily post challenge, divine guidance, Divine Love, DPchallenge, family, fun, God, gratitude, hope, inspiration, kindness, Mental health, peace, pets, positivity, Prayer, respect, Unconditional love
    • Genuine Human Elegance Is A Heart Shining From Within Filled With Divine Love

      Posted at 12:38 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Sep 8th

      My heart hurts today. There are children living each precious day of this life with challenges that they bear with so much grace, elegance and strength that is nothing short of miraculous!

      Thank Goodness for the Innocence of a child that shines through with a Light that is so profound and filled with the Infinite Wisdom Of Divine Love,  Being Sent To Them Directly From Heaven.

      As adults we can learn from their examples of limitless strength and innocent wisdom.

      be-happy-for-no-reason-like-a-child1     dove

      We are born with a heart of Innocence and Love.  Somewhere along the way growing up we are taught or begin to question and develop fear.

      When we fail to trust and look outside our limited human self for wisdom, we begin to live a life of selfish limitations. We become negative, we criticize and set ourselves apart from others. We see only through eyes of fear. Once we fail to trust Divine Guidance we begin to fret and become selfish.

      When we attempt to survive on human wisdom alone, we invite in fear and limitations. A person living in fear and survival mindset will always have a “what about me” mantra, and an animal like response to survive.

      When we surrender to Divine Guidance our lives gain clarity. We begin to recognize how much we need each other to survive. Our hearts develop Genuine Love for other humans and recognize our likenesses instead of our differences.

      Genuine Human Elegance is a Heart shining from within filled with Divine Love.

           ~ as Luciano De Crescenzo stated……. ~ We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another. ~    

      fret-about-future

      For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.       II Tim. 1:7

      It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32

      Angels shine from without because their spirits are lit from within by the light of God. ~Quoted in The Angels’ Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

      Never give into to fear. Always remain hopeful and invite the Holy Spirit to take the lead and learn to trust with your whole heart.

      Learn to be happy for no reason, like a child.

      There is no amount of elegance as sweet as the beauty, innocence and precious wisdom of a child.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,  Carmela

      via Daily Prompt: Elegant

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, #innerstrength, #LearnToTrust, #thrive, B4Peace, Carmela Snelbaker, Christianity, compassion, courage, daily post challenge, dignity, divine guidance, DPchallenge, Elegant, God, Grace, gratitude, Healing, hope, inspiration, joy, kindness, love, Mental health, peace, positivity, Prayer, respect, Strength, Unconditional love, wisdom
    • It Is How We Tackle Managing Our Load That Makes All The Difference…..Daily Prompt: Carry

      Posted at 11:51 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Aug 16th

      via Daily Prompt: Carry

      Everyone on earth will encounter some sort of burden to carry. Weather it is a difficulty we were born with or one that has met us somewhere along the way on our journey in life, either is no worse than the other.

      It is how we tackle managing the load that makes all of the difference in the world. As humans we often look through eyes of comparison. When we loose focus on our own journey and purpose we cause ourselves troubles.

      If we cannot see, we learn to survive with the senses that we have. If we cannot hear we can learn to thrive as well with the senses we do have. We cannot compare our life with no site with that of a person who has site.

      We must be grateful for the gifts we are given. Learn to use them to the best of our abilities and support others and their God given gifts as well. It is in showing this level of respect for others that we honor our own selves and learn to thrive in the contentment that life is meant to bring us. 

      When we give thanks for the gifts that are present and learn to honor and respect the gifts of our peers it is then that any burden we are asked to carry is lighted for both. In sharing and supporting we find peace and contentment.

      When attempting to disguise our difficulties and compete with others our struggles will only increase. We can only shine in honesty and truth. God Loves us exactly the way we are, and we need to learn to loves ourselves that way as well.

      Never try to be a person that you were not meant to be. Simply be you. Be truthful. Be kind. Be loving.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #carry, animals, B4Peace, beauty, Carmela Snelbaker, challenges, Christianity, compassion, daily post challenge, daily prompt, Dalai Lama, dignity, divine guidance, Divine Love, DPchallenge, emotions, family, God, gratitude, hope, inspiration, joy, kindness, love, peace, pets, positivity, Prayer, Unconditional love, wisdom
    • When You Don’t Have a Pool And It’s Hot You Simply Make Due With What You’ve Got :)

      Posted at 2:35 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Aug 15th

      Life is not easy…….But it doesn’t have to be so confusing

      Focus on what is important

      Always view your glass (or bucket) as half FULL and not half empty

      Think Positive

      Find solutions that are available to you

      Pray for wisdom and positive loving solutions and act on what you feel is right

      This post was inspired from the daily prompt challenge confused

       

      dogpool

      ONE COOL DOG

      When you don’t have a pool and it’s hot

      You make due with what you’ve got

      Two front paws are cool, while the back one’s will dual

      For equal time at a shot

      I cannot dive in, and immerse myself

      Like those with lakes or ponds

      The flip side of this, that I should not dismiss

      is of fish and mud, I’m not fond

      This day in review, is a blessing, it’s true

      for I’m safe and cannot drown

      So I keep my chin up, and tell those who snicker

      I choose to only see the blessings in life that abound

      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       

      https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/confused/

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,   Carmela

       

       

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #hot, beauty, Carmela Snelbaker, children's literature, compassion, courage, dignity, divine guidance, DPchallenge, emotions, family, fun, fun poems, God, gratitude, hope, inspiration, joy, kindness, love, Mental health, peace, pets, poetry, positivity, respect, siily pets, summer, Unconditional love, wisdom
    • In The Truest Beauty Of Sharing Of Self You Each Will Get Something More Beautiful Than Words…The Warmest Blanket Of Love and Contentment :)

      Posted at 9:52 AM by carmelasnelbaker
      Aug 14th

      Because I am attempting to share my home with exchange students from other countries, I was asked to put together a home and family profile. In putting words to and explaining the home I live in I found it was impossible to separate the description of the house from the beauty and depth of my parents Love for each other as well as my sister and I.

      I am truly grateful for their Love for us and the manner in which they shared there immense wisdom of Life and Love. Love and Life can be so overwhelmingly complicated that it may take us years to actually completely understand and absorb the gifts it places before us.

      I live in the home that my father built before getting married to my mother. They were married in front of the fireplace within the home and lived here their entire lives.

      This is the home I grew up in. I treasure the many beautiful memories my family built here and the fact that I can continue sharing life’s journey and build more positive memories and wisdom with my children, grandchildren and others as well.

      My father was a custom home builder as well as a furniture maker. Many items within the home were made by my father’s hands. My mother also used her talents and love to make beautiful things that filled the home with details, beauty and proof of her longing to provide not only a loving environment but a place filled with the warmth of Love.

      Like a warm blanket that someone wraps you in when you are cold and afraid, this is what my parents have built and left for me. I long to continue to share that level of Love with others as I continue to live here and share their home with my grown children, grandchildren and with others.

      who you get to share it with

      Our family has a very deep understanding of how precious each day of life is. Our family has lived through the most difficult challenge anyone should ever have to endure. My beautiful Grandson Wyatt was diagnosed with Mitochondrial disease and lived with and died from the disease in 2013.

      He was 11 years old when he joined Jesus in Heaven. He taught us great beauty that is impossible to put words to. He continues each day to send us wisdom from heaven that we share with others by keeping his story and life active in our hearts daily.

      Love for a grandchild does not stop when they become an Angel in Heaven, it multiplies by a thousand and we actively use it by extending his Love to others. By doing this we feel him with us each day and God wraps us in that warm blanket of Love to help us continue our journey on life without him.

      Inspirational_Quote

      I warms my heart knowing that our Angels in Heaven were able to share such great Wisdom and Love with us while we were graced with the beauty of their presence here on earth with us.

      Today I read a beautiful post from a fellow blogger who gracefully shared her son Jacobs story and journey. Each time we share our loved ones story is another chance their soul has to touch the earth with their wisdom.  I am truly grateful for the wisdom of each treasured soul I meet.

      Below is a portion of a poem from the Wieckling Blog that I felt the need to share. You can read Jacob’s families post as well as the complete poem by clicking on the link above.

      “I fancied that I heard them say, “Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
      For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we run.
      We’ll shelter him with tenderness, we’ll love him while we may,
      And for the happiness we’ve known, forever grateful stay;
      But should the angels call for him much sooner than we’ve planned,
      We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!”

      Thank you Mom, Dad, Wyatt and Jacob for continuing to share your wisdom with others here on earth.

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,  Carmela

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, #complicated, B4Peace, beauty, Carmela Snelbaker, children, Christianity, courage, daily post challenge, daily prompt, divine guidance, Divine Love, DPchallenge, emotions, family, God, grandchildren, gratitude, hope, inspiration, joy, kindness, love, Mental health, peace, positivity, Prayer, respect, wisdom
    • Have You Ever Met An Iceberg? Is It Possible To Find Emotion Within A Personality That Appears to Keep It Frozen Deep Within?

      Posted at 1:53 PM by carmelasnelbaker
      Aug 13th

      Many years ago I heard someone speak saying “people are like icebergs, only 1/8 of an iceberg can be seen above the surface. The remainder lies beneath the surface and cannot be seen.”

      Many people often keep the majority of their feelings and thoughts deep beneath the surface where no one else can see. The reason why this may be so may vary greatly with individuals.

      I have met many people who appear to be trapped within a frozen existence. Their natural internal reactions seem to continue to rise back to the surface and repeat themselves even when it may seem progress and improvement has been made.

      I learned from a very special individual that I met and worked with that through attempting different ways of approaching and reaching out, those who sometimes are believed unreachable and often exhibit somewhat mechanical responses can be reached and an emotional connection is possible even when it appeared to be impossible for a number of years.

      I met this person in an adult day care environment. He was considered a difficult person to work with. Had very unusual habits. He had a diagnosis of Autism.

      When you would first approach him or entered into a room where he was located, a very booming and aggressive voice would shout out “What’s your first name? “What’s your middle name?” “What’s you last name?” After he heard all three of your names, he would then state your full name using only the middle initial.

      He did this to everyone who entered. For many years after he was known to remember people who he met and upon seeing them years later he would point at them with his finger and state their full name using only the middle initial. He would follow the statement of your name with a very “cheesy grin” and a giggle.

      I found him to be a very pleasant mix of a Teddy bear like happy soul and the Tasmanian devil character that had the ability to trash a room in a matter of minutes if someone simply said the wrong words. He was a challenge and I love a challenge.

      For some reason I found myself drawn to the people who others often attempted to avoid and dreaded having contact with.

      This person when something or someone bothered him often destroyed things, ran out of the room slamming the door and disappeared often exhibiting self abusive behavior as well.

      He had a very threatening size as well and very loud and mechanical type speech. He could write and read. He also had numerous unusual habits or “tic” like movements. He was self abusive by hitting himself in the head and face, stomped his foot, but the most offensive of his behaviors was his urge to spit when he became agitated (he always turned his face away from you and spit onto the wall, floor or on objects)

      One of his undesirable habits was to tear up or destroy furniture, and one of my hobbies was doing furniture upholstery 🙂 ! A match straight from heaven… maybe?

      My Life’s journey always seems to provide me with both a chuckle and a challenge!

      I began to learn, simply by trial and error, how to best communicate with him and avoid an outburst of self abusive behavior and property destruction.

      If I would be working on a project next to him in a room, I would notice that he watched very closely to what I was doing. I made attempts at asking him to help me however, communicating with words and attempting instruction would set off unwanted behavior.

      I then decided as I was working and he was watching me…. I would simply explain to myself how to complete the job using absolutely no eye contact with him. It worked!!! I could then hand him the tools for the project and he would complete it without problems.

      This lead to me being able to instruct him through written notes tacked in place, or working side by side telling only myself needed instructions. He would work next to me and break out into a giggle periodically 🙂

      He was able to complete the job that a “tear down” person in an upholstery shop would do ….with the support of my non-interactive play by play self talk 🙂

      We had success on other projects as well. Later he became employed by a company that made picture frames. He was asked to do a one step job applying glue to the joint that the next person would then use a machine to join together.

      He had the ability to complete the job however, the challenge was he was not able to change his “ways of processing instruction and communicating with people”.

      I supported him for a while at his job location. My thoughts and instructions for his co-workers was not to ask him to conform to their ways of working but to request them to adjust their way of communicating to and with him.

      The job in the community worked out for awhile. However, on a very hot day…. He became very hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. He left the post in the work area to visit the bathroom….. Somewhere off the bathroom was a shower……He seen the shower….. He was hot…… He undressed and happily showered…….. When it was noticed that his work was piling up, someone was sent to investigate what was taking him so long in the bathroom 😦 ………..Not sure about any further details other than the fact that he no longer is working there.

      Although I was very sad that he lost his job….. I knew that there was nothing that I could have done, even if I was there. There is a limit to what we can do for a person. There is a point when you cannot be a persons shadow and assist them by giving yourself play by play instruction on proper work etiquette.

      Maybe the lesson in this story is that what may sometimes appear as a positive breakthrough may end in only being short lived fleeting moments of success 😦

      I love the man no less and I am a better person from the experience of meeting him!

      Always make an attempt to reach past the surface of every individual you meet to try to better understand them. We all live with a heart that longs to be appreciated. In understanding each other we improve ourselves as well!

      With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love,  Carmela

       

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      Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, autism, beauty, challenges, Child, compassion, dignity, Divine Love, family, God, gratitude, hope, inspiration, joy, kindness, love, Mental health, peace, positivity, respect, supported jobs for autism, Unconditional love, wisdom
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Carmela Snelbaker
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