Sunshine's Garden
Hi, I'm so glad you stopped by!
Come on in, look around and stay awhile!
I hope you'll enjoy your visit here with me today.
My Story
My name is Simone and I was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica. At a very early age I was diagnosed as having Spinal Muscular Atrophy. This is a genetic disorder which causes severe muscle deterioration and has confined me to a wheelchair. Many children with my particular form of MD never live beyond 8 or 9 years old but I celebrated my 33rd birthday in September! People often tell me that I am a very lucky girl, but I know that it is my faith in God that has sustained me. I am currently a homemaker, which allows me to indulge in my love of cross-stitch. I do quite a few projects and also cross-stitch for a charity called the Angel Quilt Project. We cross-stitch panels for the Neo-natal ICU and also burn units, these panels are then turned into preemie quilts. They are cherished by the parents because sometimes these quilts are the only thing they take home. If you are interested or would like more information feel free to email me.
Happenings!
Last summer I went on my very first mission trip, it was with a group called World Changers. It was the most awesome experience of my life, I learned a lot about myself and about how God uses very humble tasks for His glory. I know many would wonder why I would decide to go on a mission trip that does physical labor when I wouldn’t be able to partcipate in that aspect, but the truth is, I did not decide, God wanted me there. On quite a few occasions I even had cold feet, and I have to admit that I was unsure about doing it, just because it wasn’t something that I would normally do. But as the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns says “Oh what I would do to have, the kind of faith it takes, to climb out of this boat I'm in,on to the crashing waves, to step out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is, and He's holding out His hand….” So, that’s what I did, I left my comfort zone and I grabbed Jesus’ hand and He has blessed me so much. He also taught me that I don’t need a miracle or an awesome testimony to be a witness to anyone. I can be a living testimony, people were and are blessed by just knowing me, God uses me in this way to reach others. Needless to say, by the end of our trip, I had completely surrendered my life, every aspect to God. I knew he had a plan for me, I didn’t know at the beginning of the trip what that was, but at the end God called me to ministry. I now run the church wide Operation Christmas Child mission, am a Sunday School teacher and “big sister” for 7th and 8th grade girls, and I also co-direct the youth ministry at Rice Memorial Baptist Church with my husband, Steve. God is using me in wonderful ways and I am truly blessed to be loved by Him.
"From birth I have relied on
you;
you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you." ~Psalms 71:6
I found the one whom my soul loves."
~Song of Solomon 3:4~
My Love
In September of 2001 I married my very best friend, Steve. He is the answer to my every prayer for a husband. It is as if God has sent him to me from beyond the stars--directly from heaven. He is fun, charming and funny all at the same time! He makes my heart sing and I'm looking forward to spending the rest of forever with him. You can check out our
Wedding Photos here!
"Many waters cannot
quench love, neither can floods drown it."
~Song of Solomon 8:7~
My Family
I am the youngest of three. My brother, Kurt, is an accountant and currently works at our Dad's firm in Jamaica. My sister, Bernadette Todd, also has Muscular Dystrophy. She's an Inspirational Speaker and lives in Florida with her husband Jeff. You can find out more about her at www.bernadettetodd.com We're a close bunch and look forward to our reunions,which are always filled with fun and laughter. Our next one is scheduled for December, so check back after the holidays for photos!
The three of us have truly been blessed with wonderful parents. Together they have been a tower of strength. Over the years they have sacrificed and shown us unconditional love and commitment. It hasn't been easy raising three kids, two of which are disabled, but they've always persevered.
My Closing Thoughts
Life hasn't been easy being disabled,
in fact its quite difficult. Maybe you or someone you know are in a similar situation.
I can assure you that God listens when we pray. Remember that a diamond starts out as a lump of
coal but only under extreme pressure does it become something beautiful.
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can
the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in
everything,
by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
~Philippians 4:6~
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