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A Tribute to Jason Clark: A True Gospel Music Maestro, and a true Servant

  In the world of Gospel music, few names resonate as deeply as Jason Clark's. His extraordinary talent and humble spirit made him a cherished artist and friend. With the ability to write moving songs, produce soulful albums, and arrange spectacular harmonies, Jason set a standard of excellence and devotion that inspired everyone who knew him. One of Jason's most endearing qualities was his humility. Despite his immense talent, he remained approachable and genuine, always finding time to share meaningful conversations at sunset. We often talked on the phone during these peaceful moments, and his love for sunsets was palpable. However, what he loved even more was Christ. His faith was unshakeable, and he set the bar high for serving others with grace and compassion. Jason was the kind of friend you could always count on. Whenever I faced a problem, I knew I could reach out to him, and he would be there with wise words and unwavering support. His faith and kindness left an indeli

Finding Refuge in His Ever-Enduring Mercy

Living with illness often feels like navigating a storm without a map. The unpredictability of each day can be overwhelming, making it easy to lose sight of the simple yet profound truth of God's enduring mercy. But in these moments of struggle, I am reminded of the psalm that dwells in my heart—a song of His everlasting kindness and the call to continually praise His Holy Name. God's mercy is like a river, flowing unceasingly, nourishing our weary souls and providing solace in our times of need. His love remains unchanging, a constant presence guiding us through life's uncertainties. In Lamentations 3:22-23, I find comfort: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." These words remind me that despite my circumstances, His compassion renews my spirit each day. As His children, we are called to lift our voices in praise, even when it's difficult, to sing of

Remembering Amber Nelon Kistler : A Unique Encourager

 When I first met Amber, it was like meeting a bright spark in a world that often felt dim. It was about ten years ago at a concert in Seminole. Amid the music and laughter, our paths crossed, and it didn't take long for our friendly rivalry to surface. I was a staunch Celtics fan, proud of Boston's storied franchise and their legendary players. Amber, on the other hand, was a die-hard Lakers fan, with a special admiration for Kobe Bryant. Our playful debates about which team was superior became a cherished part of our interactions. Despite our differences in basketball loyalties, we shared a mutual respect for each other's passion and dedication. One memorable moment was when I gifted her a limited edition Kobe "Black Mamba" hat. Her eyes lit up with excitement, and I joked that she seemed more thrilled about the hat than about seeing me. But that was Amber—her love for the Lakers and Kobe was infectious, and her enthusiasm was always genuine and uplifting. Amber

Title: A Lasting Melody: Honoring Kelly Nelon's Legacy

 In the world of music and faith, few souls shine as brightly as Kelly Nelon’s did. Her voice was a gift to many, but it was her kindness and unwavering support that left an even deeper imprint on those who had the privilege of knowing her. Today, as I reflect on the profound impact she had on my life, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and admiration for the kind of person she was. When I first learned I had dystonia, the diagnosis came with the chilling forecast that my singing days might be numbered. The thought of losing my voice—a cherished part of who I am—was a heavy blow. In those dark moments, Kelly Nelon stepped into my life, not as a distant star but as a beacon of hope and compassion. When I shared my struggle with Kelly, her response was nothing short of extraordinary. Without hesitation, she volunteered to help me, offering her expertise and coaching so I could sing for as long as possible. And she did all this free of charge, driven solely by the kindness of her he

Living with Dystonia: Embracing the Challenge with Joy

 Life with dystonia is a journey filled with twists and turns, both literally and figuratively. For those of us living with this condition, even the most ordinary activities can feel like monumental tasks. Things many take for granted—like writing, eating, or even walking—can become intricate puzzles to solve each day. Twister is just a game for most people, but for me, it is a way of life. The involuntary twisting and contorting of my muscles is a painful dance that leaves my body exhausted and aching. The internal twisting can feel as if my body is turning against itself, muscles knotting and pulling in directions they’re not supposed to go. The pain can be sharp and unyielding, a relentless reminder of the battle happening within me. This constant struggle makes even the most mundane tasks—such as brushing my teeth or tying my shoes—feel like Herculean feats. Yet, despite these challenges, I’ve discovered the power of perseverance and the importance of a positive attitude. When I ma

Decoding Dystonia: Insights and Experiences

 Dystonia is a complex neurological movement disorder that manifests through involuntary muscle contractions, leading to repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It can affect various parts of the body, presenting a range of challenges for those who live with it. In this post, I aim to shed light on the nuances of dystonia, including my personal experience with generalized dystonia, and explore the different types and treatment options available. What is Dystonia? Dystonia is characterized by persistent muscle contractions that cause involuntary twisting and abnormal postures. This condition varies significantly among individuals, affecting a single muscle in some and multiple regions in others. The severity and areas impacted by dystonia can lead to different experiences, but the underlying struggle is universal. My Journey with Generalized Dystonia In my life, dystonia is genetic, manifesting as generalized dystonia, which means it affects multiple parts of my body. This type of dy

Title: Navigating a Quiet Storm: A Day with Dystonia and Depression

Today was one of those days where I woke up feeling like a stranger in my own body. Dystonia had decided to assert itself more than usual, with muscles twisting and pulling in ways I couldn’t control. It’s a familiar dance of discomfort and unpredictability, but no matter how often it happens, it never gets easier. This physical turbulence was just the beginning, as it ushered in a deeper, more pervasive sense of depression. There’s an unsettling weight that accompanies these moments—a feeling like I’m being scrutinized by invisible eyes or that something ominous is lurking just out of sight. It’s as though a dark cloud has settled over my mind, casting long shadows on my thoughts and actions. I don’t know what’s coming, but the fear of it is enough to keep me constantly on edge. I spent most of the day in a quiet, reserved state, moving through the hours like I was underwater. Words felt heavy, and each sentence was an uphill climb. When someone asked me a question, my mind went blank