Keep the Faith is a collection of poems, this book will provide inspiration, encouragement, and comfort for every season and event in life. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, a wedding, or a graduation, you will find a poem suited to your exact occasion. When you need a little encouragement during moments of disappointment or loss, when you want to say "thank you," "I'm grateful," or "I love you," or when you need a reminder of God's grace, you will find what you need in this inspiring collection. Written with wit, sensitivity, passion, and wisdom, The Poems and Prayers of Stacey Chillemi is a treasure that belongs in every household. It is a collection to dip into repeatedly to benefit from Stacey’s constant words of faith, hope, and love.

Chillemi's Book is a Must for Those Who Feel Powerless, February 15, 2007 Reviewer: Ted L. Glines - See all my reviews "Keep the Faith: To Live and Be Heard from the Heavens Above" is a fresh vision of the primary importance of faith in our lives, especially for those who feel powerless as strangers in a chaotic land. Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of five, Stacey Chillemi was gifted with the need to find tools to help her cope with active life in a world which did not understand. Now, as a wife and a mother of three, Stacey reaches out to help others in need of such tools. Her own story is one of struggle, valor, and victory, with faith as her anchor amidst the storms of survival. Stacey Chillemi's book is well written, easy to read and understand, and will be helpful to all readers.

Editorial Review
11:55 AM PDT, August 10, 2006

A poetic and inspirational book by a prominent author, which uses hertalent in writing and (often inspiring and motivational) anecdotes to show us why we're so lousy at predicting what will make us happy - and what we can do about it.

Most of us spend our lives steering ourselves toward the best of all possible futures, only to find that tomorrow rarely turns out as we had expected. Why? When people try to imagine what the future will hold, they make some basic and consistent mistakes. Just as memory plays tricks on us when we try to look backward in time, so does imagination play tricks when we try to look forward.

Using the magic of poetry, much of it original, Chillemi shakes, cajoles, persuades, motivates and inspiries us into accepting the fact that happiness is not really what or where we thought it was. Among the unexpected questions she poses: Why are conjoined twins no less happy than the general population? When you go out to eat, is it better to order your favorite dish every time, or to try something new? If Ingrid Bergman hadn't gotten on the plane at the end of Casablanca, would she and Bogey have been better off?

Smart, witty, accessible and unique, this poetry book brilliantly describes all that poetry has to tell us about the uniquely human ability to envision the future, and how likely we are to enjoy it when we get there.

How do we know Christ loves us? How do we know when the love of God shines the room with his love and floors us with his presence?



My Lord I love you
What can I give you my lord?
You have given the world
You have floored me with your presence.
How?
By surrounding me with wonderful people who care for me
Love me
How do I know you watch over me?
I know because your love shines my room each morning with your presence
You have blessed my life with the gifts you have given me
What gifts?
The gift of giving
To share my love with others
The ability to share myself with the world around me.
To share the words of Christ that lay in my heart
Through my actions that lie in my spirit.




Why are lockets shaped as hearts?


Hearts are lockets,
Each person has a heart filled with love
However, not everyone knows how to love themselves or others
Ask Christ for key
He will come into your soul and unlock your heart
Love will flow like a river
Running throughout your body
The love will change you
And Touch the lives around you.















Who is by our side through our highs and lows?
Who guides us to safety when we are lost?
Who will save you when you are in trouble?






The Fear of what others think carries inside within all of us,
The worries of what others think,
The concern of acceptance
Is it necessary to worry about what others think?
On the other hand, should we be concerned about what Christ thinks?
Is society forgiving?
Christ is,
Does society love you for who you are?
Christ does,
Does society love you and all your flaws?
Christ does,
When you fall and cannot get up who will save you
Christ will






What is the true meaning of love? What does it mean for two people to truly love each other?




It is easy to express verbally that you love him or her.

The words I love you are quick and easy to say,

But there is another side to the words I love you

A side that is not so short and simple

It is through one's action

When you love someone, those actions should appear naturally

You should not have to wonder how the right way to love someone is

There is no right or wrong way

Loving someone comes within

It shows through the person's eyes, their tough

The magic of love is when two people love each other

Those two are bond together as one

When those two share intimate emotions in the heat of passion

Their souls (the spirit within the soul) endure together as one

Two bodies within the same mind body and soul

For as long as eternity ruled by God will let them share their love

A love that will be with us forever

So when I say I love you its not three simple words

It is what my heart feels and my actions show

It is a special commitment

A commitment shared from the moment we said, I do

1. Epilepsy You're Not Alone
2. Eternal Love: Romantic Poetry Straight from the Heart
3. My Mommy Has Epilepsy (Children's Book)
4. Keep the Faith: To Live and Be Heard from the Heavens Above (poetry book)
5. Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy
6. Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Women Should Know
Co-authored by Dr. Blanca Vasques.

My websites:
http://www.inspirationallivingonline.com
http://www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi

I am an H.O.P.E. Mentor, for the Epilepsy Foundation. I have spoken at different events for schools, organizations, political events, I spoke in front of Congress in Washington and anywhere my help is needed to educate people about epilepsy. I was on four talk shows. The interviews focused on the importance of understanding what epilepsy is, how to help someone having a seizure and giving people with epilepsy encouragement and hope for the future.

I have been on radio stations discussing epilepsy and I have appeared in many newspapers all over New Jersey such as, The Leader, Belleville Post and the Star Ledger. In addition, on June 26, 2002, I was honored an award by the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey for Outstanding Volunteer Award.


I have received awards in my achievements and certificates in recognition for outstanding efforts in trying to improve society. I have been an active participant in organizations and activities. I have been a role model to many individuals.


I have written many published articles. I have appeared three times on News 12 on the talk show New Jersey Women and has had articles written about her efforts to help people with epilepsy. I have contributed time in helping people with epilepsy and making society more aware of the disorder.

I have a Associate Degree in business, a BA in marketing and a minor in advertising. I have worked for NBC, Dateline, Channel 4 News, and other large companies.
And I have always had a strong background in Business and Marketing and I have a strong business background. Womans World Magazine just interviewed me for an article on all my accomplishments.

I have written speeches/proposals for other people speaking in front of congress. I have also spoke in front of Congress for employment discrimination. You can check my profolio to see one of my speeches.

Keep the Faith consists of beautiful, inspirational poetry that will inspire your life forever. As you read this poetry, you will see a completely new meaning of life.

A reviewer, someone who loves poetry, April 18, 2005,
Excellent Collection of Poetry
Keep the Faith:To Live and Be Heard from the Heavens Above The book is a collection of religious,inspirational and motivational poems. The book's attitude was very refreshing and motivational. Excellent Poetry Book! Very Unique!

A person does not survive by bread alone. Life requires other things, and Faith and Love are amongst them. For many, perhaps for all, they are the only important things we have that keep us going each morning as we awake and each night as the sunsets. "Keep the Faith," brings inspiration to people’s lives and a direction to follow. This poetry will show you that there is a reason to follow the words of Christ. Love yourself as Christ loves you. Life is meaningless unless you can love, be happy and bring your happiness to others. As you read this poetry, you will see a completely new meaning of life. Faith will once again be apart of your life.

I bought this book three weeks ago and was immediately blown away with the inspirational poetry in this inexpensive book. The poetry gives you hope, direction, a new look on life and inspires you to follow your goal and achieve your dreams, where as dreams do come true. The book is wonderful to read and one you pick it up you can't put it down. I hope this author writes more books in the future because I will definitely buy them. Overall, I'd recommend the book to anyone who loves poetry. What a great book!

Stacey has a different attitude about life. No longer, shy about divulging her medical history. She is now hard at work on a book about her condition, hoping to dispel some of the unfortunate myths that have made it difficult for epileptics to keep jobs and friends.

Stacey was on their talk show New Jersey women sharing her experiences concerning epilepsy and her book.

Chillemi is the author of epilepsy you're not alone, an inspirational book written for people living with epilepsy. inspired by her own battles with epilepsy, Chillemi wrote a book to give those coping with the disorder greater self esteem, hope and motivation to continue living normal life's.

Written By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor of Epilepsy.com

Living life with epilepsy can be a colossal struggle. But, if you are Stacey Chillemi, it is a challenge and an opportunity to help others.

Stacey Chillemi is 32 years old, a mother of three, a wife and writer. Her journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in her children's eyes and the people with epilepsy she has helped through her writing. "Through this experience with epilepsy I have learned to accept my limitations and to change the way I look at things. Through my writing I am able to help others and just knowing I've helped is enough of a reward," said Chillemi.

How it Began
At five years of age, Chillemi contracted encephalitis from what doctors surmise began as an ear infection. For four days she lay in a coma and doctors were unsure of whether she would suffer from paralysis as well as the extent of the brain damage. Fortunately, she recovered from her bout with encephalitis with no paralysis. However, she was left with epilepsy. Since her diagnosis, 27 years ago, Chillemi has had seizures ranging in severity from mild seizures in her sleep to tonic-clonic seizures.

Living with Limitations
As a mother of three and a woman with epilepsy, Chillemi is realistic about her limitations, "Having epilepsy and being a mom is difficult at times because I worry that if I have a seizure and I am unable to recover fast enough, that my kids will suffer," said Chillemi. In fact, the entire time Chillemi has been a mother she has had only one tonic-clonic seizure resulting in serious injury. According to Chillemi, she was walking the dog with her children when she felt a seizure coming on. She immediately instructed the children to go inside and wait downstairs for her. Following the seizure, Chillemi realized she had suffered a head injury and reached out to a neighbor for help. After the tonic-clonic seizure Chillemi decided to write a childrens book, called "My Mommy Has Epilepsy". Her goal was to help children understand epilepsy in an age appropriate way as well as to help dispel some of the fear she had witnessed her own children experience. "I dont want my children to get nervous or to worry about my seizures and the tonic- clonic seizure really motivated me to write a children's book to help them and other kids cope and understand epilepsy."

She admits she is also limited by not being able to drive, but attributes her ability to ask for help when she needs it as one more lesson learned. "At first it was difficult to rely on other people to drive the children and me places. I felt bad asking family and friends. But, now Ive accepted my limitations and accepted who I am."

Wisdom for Women
Chillemi cautions women with epilepsy to monitor their stress level. "Dont try to accomplish too much. Do as much as you can and remember to set realistic goals and to reward yourself each day." She also believes that in order to live with epilepsy and maintain a positive attitude it is important to focus on ones self. " Dont look at what other people can do, only focus on yourself and your abilities because if you constantly compare, then you are adding to your stress level, which leads to being more physically drained and ultimately leaves you open to experience more seizures." She advises women with epilepsy to educate themselves about their epilepsy and believes knowledge helps alleviate stress as well, "Women need to consult with their doctor, but not rely on their doctor for all of their information. In order to really feel empowered it is essential to take the initiative to learn all you can about epilepsy."

Chillemi is in the process of publishing several books including, "Epilepsy and Pregnancy",which she coauthored with Dr. Blanca Vazquez, "My Mommy Has Epilepsy" and "Love of a Lifetime". She has also published "Epilepsy Youre Not Alone". For more information regarding Chillemis work please visit : www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi

Author Stacey Chillemi
www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi
About Stacey:
Taking Care of my children has been one of the most wonderful and fulfilling experiences of my life. But as I was home I felt that I was missing something. I was devoting all my time to my children and my family and I slowly was neglecting myself.
I felt that I needed to achieve my own personal accomplishments. I needed to do something else. Something was missing from my life.
In college, I began writing a book called, “Epilepsy You’re Not Alone.” Between finishing college, getting married, having children and starting my own family my writing was put on the back burner and I was never able to finish it or any other writings.
Finally, My husband noticed my need to accomplish more in my life and he suggested that I take some time out for myself, finish writing my book and begin to write again. So I did!
I am 33 years-old, a mother of three, a wife and now a professional writer. My journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in my children’s eyes and the people I have helped through my writing. “Through this experience with epilepsy I have learned to accept my limitations and to change the way I look at things. Through my writing I am able to help others and just knowing I’ve helped is enough of a reward.
At five-years-old, I contracted encephalitis from what doctors’ surmise began as an ear infection. For four days I lay in a coma and doctors were unsure of whether I would suffer from paralysis as well as the extent of the brain damage. Fortunately, I recovered from my fight with encephalitis with no paralysis. However, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Since my diagnosis, 28 years ago, I had seizures ranging in severity from mild seizures in her sleep to tonic-clonic seizures.
As a mother of three and a woman with epilepsy, I am realistic about my limitations, “Having epilepsy and being a mom is difficult at times because I worry that if I have a seizure and I am unable to recover fast enough, that my kids will suffer,”. In fact, the entire time I have been a mother I have experienced only one tonic-clonic seizure resulting in serious injury. I was walking the dog with her children when she felt a seizure coming on. I immediately instructed the children to go inside and wait downstairs for her. Following the seizure, I realized I had suffered a head injury and reached out to a neighbor for help. After the tonic-clonic seizure I decided to write a children’s book, called “My Mommy Has Epilepsy”. My goal was to help children understand epilepsy in an age appropriate way as well as to help dispel some of the fear I had witnessed her own children experience. “I don’t want my children to get nervous or to worry about my seizures and the tonic- clonic seizure really motivated me to write a children’s book to help them and other kids cope and understand epilepsy.”
I am limited by not being able to drive due to my epilepsy, but it has helped me to become a stronger person I’ve accepted my limitations and accepted who I am.”
Visit www.authorsden.com/staceydchillemi


Nominated By:
Jill
http://www.cwahm.com/wah/motm.htm

Great work!