Author: Annette Coffey

When I was 45 I had a massive stroke and lost the ability to speak for seven years. Damage from the stroke has made it difficult to understand me and hard to pronounce some words. So I do not speak much, but that is why I started writing books and my blog. I have so much I want to share and tell with people.

Plugged In

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

As Christians we need to stay plugged in to our source of power so we can do everything God wants us to and live an abundant and successful life. We need to be full of God like cars need to be full of gas. Time spent in fellowship with our savior and King to be just like Him. Just look at yourself like an electric vehicle. You need to be charged with electricity to run your best. Just like my power chair and my iPad they need to be fully and properly charged to run everyday when I need them. Jesus Himself knew how important it was to stay plugged into the Father. He often times went away to a quiet place to talk to His Father and receive the strength to do what he needed to do. There are many ways we can stay plugged in nowadays. Worship to the one I adore and who adores me in return. We can read God’s word, pray, praise God, attend church, fellowship with believers, give, serve,and the list goes on and on. All things that can help me see His awesomeness and love for me. This is all quality and never wasted or in vain. I can do other things too to have a full life, but they are not as important as time with Him. I feel such joy, peace, and appreciation when I am filled, charged. I can even handle hard or rough times with so much grace. I don’t focus on the trouble, I focus on where my help comes from. Everything He does is for my good. Everything that happens to me, whether good or bad He works together for my good. All He does whether I like it or not He is using for my good. I can rest in His love for me and fear not because the worst that can happen to me is that I die and then I’ll be in Heaven with Him. In John 16:7 He says,
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”
Not only did we receive forgiveness for our sins, but eternal life. The Father God and Jesus Christ are in Heaven waiting for the great returning, but the Holy Spirit lives inside us 24/7 if we are Christians. He is there to give us the strength we need for every day. In John 15:4 He says,
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit; unless you remain in me.” 
We need to be plugged in to be able to live full and abundant lives as God has planned for us. In John 16:1-2 He says
“ I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will bear more fruit.”
Pruning may be hard and painful but rejoice it brings more fruit. We should be one with Him, spending so much time with Him that, we are like Him wanting what He wants love. Love for Him, love for others (deserving or not) doing all we can to make this world like Heaven. Thinking more highly of others. In John 14:11-14 says
“ Believe when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I am doing, and they will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Did He say a few things? No! He said everything. And God does not lie or change His mind. He can always give you more than you ask, but not less. Let that sink in for a minute. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave, calmed the angry seas, healed many people. Now that’s power. Whatever you do or think that spirit is in you. Sin brings death but being plugged in brings eternal life. David is a perfect example of someone who knew this. He was far from perfect but He always got right with God. That’s why God called Him a man after God’s own heart. Do you want Him to say that about you? No one is perfect, no not one. So stay plugged in for full power.

 

Losing Someone Dear

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

Losing a family member or close friend is hard. Knowing they are a Christian and destined for Heaven should be a real blessing. But it is still hard and devastating. That person was in your life, you could see them, touch them, see them smile and laugh. That takes a lot of time to deal with. And you never forget the love you shared. All they ment to you.


Last March I lost my three year old grandson to a horrible disease called ‘Tay-Sachs’. He was born a beautiful happy baby boy with no sign of problems. Around his first Birthday he started showing signs of diminished activity. He never learned to crawl, walk or other things for his age. My daughter took him to be tested and we learned the dreadful news that he had this disease and would barely make it to four years old.


This is a very debilitating disease and very few have it. The parents are both carriers and what are the odds of that. But it happened. God made him just the way he was for a reason we will never know. He touched our lives so greatly. He was the happiest, loving baby. He barely learned to say mama but he showed love in his special way.

My daughter quit her job to be with him always. He was such a joy. But he had many problems. Not being able to move, or stretch without help. He was unable to regulate his temperature and had fans and cooling cloths to help keep him cool. His lungs soon began filling with fluid and had to be suctioned out. She was not only mom but his caregiver. She learned to do many things at one time. Having an older brother who loved him and would help out as much as he could helped but it was still mom who did everything. Her husband helped a lot and they did so much as a family. They were determined to give him the best life possible. To show him so much of our country. Let him taste and see all he could in just four years. My daughter never wanted to be away from him.

Then came that awful day, my daughter picked up her older son from school and took him to the lake with grandpa for some quality one-on-one time. Dad got to stay with him while his therapist worked with him. He loved being alone with him but mom was always there. It was going real well until he had a seizure. Then he was gone. One minute thriving the next Jesus took him home. It was such a shock to everyone.

I had to be strong for my daughter. He was with Jesus, with a whole body running around heaven with all his Tay-Sachs friends that had died before him. He was just where he needed to be.
But there was a whole. I tried to be strong and show all the reasons to be glad for him. We had a lovely funeral and memorial. Time moved on and Jesus filled us with peace, but thinking of him still brought tears. My kids got real involved in raising funds for Tay-Sachs research. They are so close to a cure.

While I was at camp this last week a good friend of mine read a poem about her disabled son who had died one year earlier. It was all about her beautiful baby boy that was born deformed and mentally disabled. He meant everything to her and they shared many special times. He loved to be at camp too. All of a sudden I broke. The poem reminded me of my grandson. I began to cry uncontrollably. People all around me were holding me tightly. I didn’t even know some of them. We are all brothers and sisters though.


I will never stop missing him and little things remind me of him. Like sunflowers, we gave sunflower seeds to all at his memorial in memory of him. Now. When I see a sunflower I can think of his smile. I love you Brennan!

He Knows Your Name

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

I just got back from another awesome week at the Young Life camp at Lost Canyon with my church. This a camp for people with all kinds of disabilities. Some are in wheelchairs with a wide range of handicaps. There are also those with intellectual disabilities who seem perfectly fine but suffer from some sort of brain difficulty. These are wonderful people from fifteen to eighty years old looking to experience new and exciting activities and more time with God. It is a lovely camp with everything you could dream of.  

The camp is more like a resort with lots of rooms apartment style that sleep up to fourteen people per room either male or female. So when you get there you may or may not know your roommates. There is a caregiver that is assigned to you for everything you need for the whole week. They are with you throughout the week.

They take care of all your physical and emotional needs while at camp.
There is a pool and hot tub they also have two awesome super slides to enjoy, whether you walk or not, you can enjoy them. There is a room full of pool tables, a snack bar, coffee shop, store for souvenirs, a gymnasium full of fun, basketball, frisbee, and beautifully landscaped grounds with grass, trees, streams, plants, and even a lake.

At the lake they have a zip line from up the mountain down to the lake. More slides and a huge blob to jump on. Everything is handicap assessable for everyone to enjoy.

A few days into the week God showed me that I was judging people. Something I never would have done intentionally but I was seeing these people with my imperfect eyes. If they weren’t just like me or acting just like I thought they should, I wasn’t trying to get to know them. They might have been older or younger, dressed different, walked different, had tattoos or piercings, were heavier than me, acted different than I.

God has made so many people that are all just perfect in his eyes. He loves them so very much and has wonderful plans for their lives. I don’t know all they have gone through in their lives or the pain they live with every day. Sure we all have disabilities whether you can see them or not. We are all made differently. That’s what’s so great about our world. God knows just why he made you how you are. Everyone has a purpose. He knows exactly what He is doing in each life. God never makes anyone wrong. We are all perfect.

Oh I wish I had glasses that I could put on to help me see everyone through His eyes. When I get to know their story I fall in love with the person and am so glad for a new friend. We sang a great song that says it all.

          I have a maker

          He formed my heart

          Before even time began

          My life was in his hand
          He knows my name

          He knows my every thought

          He sees each tear that falls

          And hears me when I call.

There is more but that just blessed me. He made every one of us just how we are with all our little quirks. We are his craftsmanship made to his design specs. We are perfect! From now on I am going to try to see people through his eyes and get to know them. One can always use new friends.

What is Fear

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

“Fear the Lord your God and serve Him.” Deuteronomy 10:20. NIV
The only thing we should fear is the Lord our God. Fear and respect.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6. NIV
God wants us to trust Him.
Fear is a lack of trust in God. If we trust Him completely we will understand that He is always in control. Our lives are not left up to chance. He orchestrates every detail of our lives for our good. He promises that in His word. If you have read very much of His word you know His character. He never lies. He always does what he says. With God all things are possible. So trudge forward and dream big. Ask God for what He wants to do in your life. Ask Him what you can do for Him. You will be amazed to find out all He thinks you can do. God has more faith in you than you do. He knows just how great your life can be if you just seek Him. So live big. Realize God always has your back.
“You need not fear when destruction comes.” Job 5:21. NIV
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; i will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. NIV
We are not to be afraid of God, some I have known misunderstand what the fear of God means. We aren’t afraid of God but highly respect and esteem him. He is the wisest most awesome and loving EVER. He is so awesome, omnipotent, omnipresent. Nothing is impossible with God.
What is the worst fear you have? If it’s death, just realize where you will be when you open your eyes. If you do trust in God and believe in his son Jesus Christ you will open your eyes to the most perfect place ever. No pain, no tears, completely perfect.
Maybe you fear pain of a tragic accident. That was a big fear of mine prior to my stroke. It was a very serious stroke but I was in and out for most of it. When I came to I was surprised but knew God could handle it so why should I worry, just relax. I knew he would give me the strength I needed day to day and He did.

It’s not like God is ever surprised about how our life pans out.  He doesn’t say: ‘Gee I didn’t known that would happen.’  He knows every minute of our life before we were ever born.  He doesn’t make mistakes. He knows the exact minute you will die.  You can not die till it’s time.  Nothing you do can change that it is predestined. Everyone dies at the moment He has planned for us to die, not before. So trust Him.

Having A Great Day

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

Having a really great day full of joy and success. Accomplishing great things for the Lord. Controlling your tongue and mind. These are all things we desire but they don’t just happen. We all are imperfect people doing our best. We all have the same twenty four hours to work with. It takes real persistence and focus to make it spectacular.
It starts before we ever get up. The first thoughts in my head. Positive or negative thoughts can make a drastic difference in how the day plays out. Let’s leave yesterday behind, it’s gone anyway. Today is a great day to have a great day. God has given you a brand new day to spend with Him. Give the day over to Him from the beginning. He has already planned this day out for you and He knows how it will go. Good or bad is for your best. He’s got your back.
Starting the day talking to God is an awesome way to begin. This is the day the Lord has made and I will choose to be glad and rejoice in it. I personally always start with the Lord’s Prayer. Saying it helps me focus on Him and how awesome He is. It’s all about Him and not me anyway. I want the best day He has for me and I need His help.
My Father who art in heaven…. think of Him ruling and reigning from His throne, in all His glory.

Hallowed be your name… think how powerful and mighty he is

Your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven… think how everything he wants can happen in heaven, we should want that for our lives here on earth. Full and abundant lives.

Give me this day my daily bread… He knows just what I need and wants that for me.

And forgive me my debts as I forgive my debtors…. do you have bad feelings for anyone? Let them go. Start with a clean slate. Look on everyone with Christ’s eyes full of love and compassion.

Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil…. give me wisdom and help me see the enemy coming and help me resist.

These are all things He wishes to give me. I spend time talking with Him about everything of importance to me. Thanking Him for all He does for me every day. Just think of all the generations past, present and future He is involved with.
Talk to Him ask Him to help you. What things do you need to accomplish this day. He always puts things in my head. Today is a present to be unwrapped together.
The first real task of my day is always to spend time in His word. It really isn’t the amount of time or how much we read. It’s focusing on what He has to say and applying it to our lives. We need to do the right thing on purpose even if we don’t really want to. God will enable us to do His will. It will help us be happier better people.
I then feel free to do what I choose to. Keeping in mind all the things that I really need to get done and making sure I have time to get them done. Sometimes it’s better to just get them over with for peace of mind. Throughout the day I am always asking God to help me do things his way all the way.
When the day is done I can slip into bed knowing I have done my best. This helps me to feel good. I always sleep better when I know i’ve done my best.

God Can and Will

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, accordingly to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20.  
God is an awesome God. He is omnipotent- all-powerful. He can do anything He wants and does in His timing which is so unique. His ways are not like ours but look for a minute on his side. God knew each person before they were born and already had their life planned. Everything they are supposed to be, who their family will be, who their friends and acquaintances will be. We’re starting to get complicated here because not only does He know the plans that are planned for me, and for everyone, they have to meld together like an intricately woven web. We are each a part of His large plan. So everything has to work when He wants. How do you think you could meet the person you were supposed to marry if they didn’t pop into your life at the exact moment you were there.
It sounds kind of like we’re just puppets in His play. No this is the wisest deity ever. He loves us all the same without partiality. He knows the personality in our souls and what would truly make us happy beyond our wildest Imaginations. He wants to shower us with blessings. He has given us His plan for a perfect life in His 

Holy Word-The Bible. If we are following that plan and seeking after Him then it makes His job easier. But, we like to do things our way and in our own timing .

“I can run my own life,” When will we realize we don’t have the map He does . Our ideas sound great but His are better.
We can get off track and cause more harm than good. Sin , unwise choices can get us temporarily off the main road and on an access road. We can cause our own turmoil but God is always pursuing us to get back on the main road. Full of brand new blessings.
We also will have trials in our lives that may make us angry with God such as a death of a loved one. We need to draw closer to God and lean on the peace he gives. My stoke and almost dying was my biggest trial but I leaned on God. I sought after Him to learn about His ways. I was not real strong in the Lord at the time. Now God and I are so close and yes the best thing that ever happened to me was the stroke.
First thing you have to realize is that nobody loves you better than Him. He wants to give you more blessings than anybody else ever will. Several years back while working on my second book I had an encounter with God, I was typing as fast as I could and it felt like He was dictating to me and I was reading it for the first time with Him as He dictated. I was being so blessed by what I was typing. I took a break and sitting there I heard “I love you as much as my son David. You know I love everyone the same.” This hit my heart like a ton if bricks and I started crying. David was far from perfect but God calls him a man after His heart. Are you after God’s heart ? I want to be.
Even if I have to give up my desires and my timing I am going to trust Him. He has proved to me that He does know better than me what will make me happy. I’m giving Him the keys and He is taking me on the ride of my life. I can’t imagine what’s next.

Something Great is Going to Happen

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

We all go through trying times of stress, things that weigh us down and take away our joy. As christians we know that God promised us trials of many kinds. Look at all Jesus went through. Its not that God is mad or upset with us. If we are seeking all we can of our savior he is purifying us as in the fire so we come out as gold, righteous. 
It really comes down to our outlook. How are we handling the fire. First thing to do when down is pray for strength. God says don’t worry but pray about everything instead. He cares for us and wants us to have a great life. He is going to give us His very best, He has promised. Trust Him, He has never failed yet. Tell yourself positive things.
I know my Jesus loves me, Gods got my back, good or bad He works all for good, his plans are good for me . I talk to myself throughout the day. I’m my best cheerleader. But I’m also listening for Him. He knows I will do anything he asks me. One Saturday morning in my nursing home we were waiting for breakfast and God told me to get everyone water, so l did. They loved it.
Back to trials- I had a massive brain stem bleed and almost died. They even asked me if I chose to live or not. They did not give much hope. I could move nothing. And I could not speak or even open my mouth. But I lived and came through the fire. I’m happier now than ever.
Four years ago I started having leg spasms continually after a couple years I found some relief but they came back harder than ever. You saw my health update after surgery they are gone, Amen.
 “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice.” Phillipians 4:4. ASV
We are to rejoice in the Lord always even in trials . My cramps were so bad that at times it was ridiculous and I would start laughing. I got tired of crying. I would tease God and say boy you must be up to something awesome. Knowing he always comes through. The worse the pain the greater the reward.
Something good always comes after the trials so 

just press on graduation is coming with new blessings. Remember God never fails.   

Are you handicapped?

Annette Coffey1 Comment

I had a massive stroke and am confined to a wheelchair because I can no longer walk. After being mute for seven years I am slowly getting my voice back but for some I appear to be talking in a foreign language. People can see my disability right up front. My mind though is very sharp nothing is missing there. I have the same mind that I always had throughout my life. I have done many things in my life and have a lot to offer.
I have written and published books that have been well received by my peers as quite helpful. There are many things I am unable to do but, l keep pushing forward and love helping people. Some people are physically able to do anything but their mind is very limited. On the outside you can not tell they would not have difficulty with anything. They appear to be just one in the crowd of millions of normal people. Everyone has a handicap of one sort or other.
Many people have learned to overcome all the handicaps in their life and live a very happy and productive life. Others gripped by fear or depression can not cope and thereby lead a very unproductive and difficult life. Never doing much of anything. It’s all in the mind. I know a man born with no arms or legs who learned to overcome all the challenges and go on to have a very happy successful life. A family-wife, kids, work, travel, and everything life has to offer. I have also met people that go through life grumbling, complaining, and never accomplishing much of anything. Just living day to day.
It’s always just someone’s fault not theirs that they never accomplish much. Now life is what you make it. If you are determined to be a success, have dreams, don’t give up when knocked down but keep persevering. Like many famous men and women that refused to give up. You can make something of your life. Look at Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, and Helen Keller. They overcame great odds to become something and I bet they wouldn’t change a thing. Life does not always give us roses but sometimes we get thorns. Bloom where you are planted.
Do not let struggles get you down. Keep reaching ahead for what you want with passion. There are so many cases of people that have tragic accidents in their life that handicap them but they don’t give up. They keep their eye on the goal and don’t give up till they get there. Nothing is impossible if you keep that in your mind and believe it.
The surfer that lost an arm to a great white shark, but came back to world class surfing with one arm and a great big heart. A stunt cyclist that survived a terrible accident totally severing their spinal cord, who one year later was doing stunts on their motorcycle just like before. Athletes that loose legs to accidents continuing to ski, swim, and run on prosthetics. Just like before.
Its all attitude you can make a big difference if you get a little altitude in your attitude. Reach for the stars.

Update on my health

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment

After surgery in May the spasms are completely gone, no more pain. I went for my first refill of baclafin and were amazed to find out I was doing so well. Most people need the dose turned up more to get rid of pain. But I am doing awesome with the minimum dose. I will be able to go six months between refills. The relief is so sweet because the pain was so intense. Gods ways are best. The several years that I had constant spasms whenever I was moved, the countless tears I cried waiting for a cure were all worth it because victory is so sweet in hindsight.

Young Life camp at Lost Canyon

Every summer without fail I get away for a week in the pines with friends. This is a camp for special needs folks of all ages and disabilities. Run by our good friends the D’Amico’s. Our church takes several people each year.

Annette CoffeyLeave a comment
Every summer without fail I get away for a week in the pines with friends. This is a camp by Special Touch for special needs held at Young Life Camp at Lost Canyon for folks of all ages and disabilities. It is run by my good friends the D’Amico’s. Our church takes several people each year. It is directed by my teachers Cherie and Jerry Tinsman. Everyone in every area of the camp loves it and keeps coming back year after year.
This is my Bible study group.
Me just before my exciting turn on the zip line. Video of my ride follows.  It was an awesome few seconds.  The year before our theme was be strong and courageous so I decided to do something I feared and said I would never try.  I was being courageous and have awesome memories I will never regret.