Hey there, Java friend!  

Today is an important day for me. Tonight begins a Fresh Grounded Faith in Springfield, Missouri - my home town. The women here are fabulous! They sold this thing out! I know we will see God move and I can't wait to see it!  

The other reason this is an important day for me is because I am heading to a cemetery this morning to honor an incredibly important person in my life who relocated to Heaven last week. Bill Carnagey was my computer trainer. He passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly. Ten years ago, I didn't even know how to type! He taught me how to use talking software, navigate the web (which if you're blind is a lot more challenging than you may think), and he taught me pretty much every key command ever created! (If your mouse goes out, I'm your girl!)

His death hit me so hard because I'm not sure anyone can really grasp how he opened up my world and brought so much light into my blindness. He gave me independence, confidence, and an ability to connect with the world that, without him, I wouldn't be able to. I wouldn't be typing this to you right now without his mentoring. I could go on and on, but I will just say this one last thing. Last month, we finished up a training stint and before he left he said, "I want to check out all your technology to make sure everything is working well since I probably won't see you for a while." Oh man, he was right! I won't see him for a while, not until Heaven. But, because of him, I may as well be able to see.  

He empowered me to see the world through assistive technology and, 9 books later, what he gave to me enabled me to give to others. I'm so thankful I told him how much I appreciated him. I just wanted to tell you too.  

Bill used to always say, "We're all More Able in Christ" and he worked hard to make that a reality for me and hundreds of disabled folks here in Missouri. He took seriously being the Hands of Jesus and his heart reached all the way to the precious people of Nairobi. To honor him, I want to point you to MoreAbleInc.org. This was the ministry he poured his life into and, perhaps, God will lead you to become involved or pray for them. By the way, there's a link on their website to a Jerusalem Gift Shop. A portion of every purchase there supports Able in Christ.

So... anyway... I actually have a special blog for you, especially if you write to-do lists. It includes a list of the songs I play to prepare my heart for writing each day. I hope you'll find it helpful. And, Ann Voskamp sent me a Christmas gift I wanted to show you - yes, Christmas is in 47 days!

So, pour yourself something warm and join me for Java. If you think of it, pray for the 2,200 women in Springfield who will be drinking in some Fresh Grounded Faith tonight and breathe a prayer for Bill's family too.  

Bless you dear friend,