As we approach the end of Summer, allow me to reminisce just a little …
My husband, Dusty, and I enjoyed our time at Cedar Creek Horse Camp at the beginning of August. While it was nearing 100 degrees when we left home, it was very refreshing to find 70 degree weather welcoming us as we reached the camp.
We stayed in Camper 10 and highly recommend it as it was furnished with everything we needed (bathroom included – ha! Laugh if you will, but not ALL camp sites had these facilities. There was a big “bath house” for use, but we wanted our very own!).
Our horses enjoyed lush green pastures and taking breaks under the wooden shelter. One of our horses, Sugar, is an escape artist, and she made her way through the three strands of wire into the larger, greener pasture just outside of where she was residing that weekend! Yes, this was a “freak out moment” when we discovered she had gotten out, but thankfully it was just inside to another pasture and not like she was out running loose visiting the neighbors. Thankfully, the outside fencing had three wooden boards, so she didn’t try anything in that direction.
Shortly after checking things out at camp Friday, we tacked up our horses and headed out to find a trail with waterfalls nearby! With hoof boots on the horses, we were well prepared for what we would encounter on certain parts of the trails. We started off at Lake Imaging and made our way around the mountain, through the covered bridge, and on to High Point Falls. Two hikers were walking by about the same time we were admiring the falls, and they were gracious enough to take a few pictures of us on horseback with the beautiful flowing waterfall behind us. I — the Picture Queen — was not about to let this moment in time pass me by without a picture of us living our dream!
Saturday we were up early and on Gunion trail. We encountered a creek where one of our horses, Arizona, went through just fine. Sugar, on the other hand, thought she had to jump off of the rock and over the creek to get to the other side with me on her back! Seeing as how I have not had ANY prior jumping experience, it was exhilarating yet scary all at the same time. Hey, I managed to stay on, so that has to account for something! Thankfully I pay attention when I watch others jump! What’s funny to me is that she’s been through water before, but for some reason, she had it in her mind that she needed to jump this time. This silly horse makes me laugh but also provides lots of love and is good therapy back home!
We took a midday break but were back on the trails going to Hooker Falls Saturday afternoon. The horses were a big hit on this trail with all of the people around. It was as if they were celebrities as people gathered to pet and take pictures of our horses.
After their time in the limelight, we took our horses back to the pasture and secured them for the night. My husband and I went up the mountain at dusk to Pretty Place, which is the chapel at the YMCA camp. We have been there before with others enjoying the view, and it was breathtakingly beautiful then. This time, though, it was as if we were alone with God on the top of that mountain looking at the cross. I took that opportunity to kneel down to pray to our Lord and Savior and thank Him for all of the many blessings in my life. It was such a moving experience being there just as the sun set and the darkness was upon us standing under the lights at the foot of the cross.
Sunday we decided to hit the trails one last time before heading home. This time, we went to a trail off of Reasonover Road. We went up, up, and away … around the mountainside near steep slopes and encountered bare rock on this ride. Thankfully, once we reached Bridal Veil Falls, we were able to circle around a different direction and ride where it wasn’t quite so challenging. We enjoyed seeing the old barn and then on to the airstrip on the mountain before making our way around the lake and back to the parking lot to head out.
We thank God for His hand of protection over us and for allowing us to have bonding time with our horses that weekend.
And thank you, Dear Readers, for traveling along with us as we reminisced about the fun we had this summer!
Have you ever just opened your eyes in the morning and had this overwhelming need and desire to get away for a little while? With July 4th upon us, we had that very feeling Saturday morning. Thinking that trail riding with our horses would “scratch that itch,” we loaded up the horse trailer and spent several hours being one with nature. While that helped, I still felt a strong pull toward something greater that evening.
With my newly graduated daughter starting her “big girl” job at the bank on Monday, I had a desire to throw a few things in a bag and head to the ocean for a celebratory trip for her landing that job! So, we did! Our little getaway was a spur of the moment decision to go where we find joy. I do find the greatest joy in being with my family!
After hours of trail riding fun Saturday, I turned to my husband who was in the driver seat and said, “Let’s go to St. Augustine!” I’m sure he thought I was nuts, but he did not hesitate. I called my daughters and asked them to pack their bags, and we would be home to get them. They were EXCITED, and that thrilled my heart completely. My 10 year old always wants to go on outings with us, but some times our 18 year old would rather not. This time, though, she was rearing to go, having herself and her sister ready, as well as having both of their bags packed when we entered the house.
And away we went as a white and black striped lighthouse with a red top was calling my name. It was none other than the St. Augustine Lighthouse in St. Augustine, Florida. Ah, yes, I find joy in family time, lighthouses, and beautiful scenery!
I have been following their page on Facebook for a while now, even sharing some of their pictures and quotes from their page. I actually saw where they “followed” the shared post over to my Light Love Hope Facebook page and “liked” it, too! I felt a special thrill when I saw that. Yes, it is the little things that make me happy!
Seeing the newly renovated pictures, I was, indeed, drawn to this beauty.
We knew we would not have long in St. Augustine on this spur of the moment, spontaneous trip. Yet, we packed as much fun as we could into the time we did have. I wrote on my Facebook status a few of my favorite things, which are my family, lighthouses, and waking up in St. Augustine to see their lighthouse, and that IS how we began the next morning.
Shortly after the lighthouse opened, we were there to get our tickets for the tour. There were 219 steps that would take you all the way to the top of the lighthouse, and I walked every single step with great determination. While the others were panting, taking breaks, and slightly complaining, I was on a mission to get to the top. I took every step with great pride as I thought of the lighthouse keeper that would carry oil to the very top. While others complained, the keeper had an important job to do. There was no time for complaining for him! I was mindful of this as I made my way to the top.
I’ve heard that this particular lighthouse is haunted. There have been several deaths at the lighthouse through the years, and after hour tours are held where you will hear several of those stories.
This lighthouse is just intriguing to me. It is still a working lighthouse today and has the original lens from 1874.
While we did not encounter any ghosts on our trip, we did enjoy the breathtaking view at the top. You can see for 25 miles from there, and after hiking up steps equal to that of a 14 story building, the welcomed breeze as we stepped out onto the deck at the top felt marvelous. One tip, though. If you are afraid of heights, this would not be a good idea for you to try! Honestly. If you just want to say that you did it, just don’t look down when you’re up there. Look around … look left, right, and out in front of you. But, do NOT look down!
After our morning at the top of the lighthouse, we wanted to see the view of the historic city from the water! We set out in search of a cruise but did not have to go far as the marina was maybe 15 minutes away. We chose the one hour and 15 minute cruise, and we were delighted as we took in all the sights as the tour guide told all about this beautiful city. We even got to see the draw bridge open up to allow an extremely tall sailboat to go through. My 10 year old was fascinated by this!
We stopped for lunch and to browse a few shops along the way. Then we found the oldest house and the oldest schoolhouse, too!
We ended our time in St. Augustine at their wax museum. We saw famous people like Elvis Presley, Britney Spears, characters from Seinfield, and even Maleficent, too. They had people from history, also, like former Presidents and First Ladies, as well as members of Congress from many, many years ago. I was very impressed with this exhibit!
Initially, I wasn’t sure how my children would like the wax museum, but they said they loved it! Score one for Mom!
After playing around and posing like the statues, a huge thunderstorm rolled in … and we made our way to the car to roll out. We began our journey back home having enjoyed the holiday weekend together as a family doing things that bring us the greatest joy!
Ah, St. Augustine … with all of your history and beauty, we will see you again soon!
Red, white, and blue flags are flying high with Lee Greenwood’s song ringing in my ears. Oh yes, I AM proud to be an American! Right now we are free, and I pray that we will stay that way. With the recent happenings in our state and the attention being drawn to another flag, the Confederate Flag, we hope that our freedom won’t be taken away much like there is talk of them taking down that particular flag. Heritage, not hate, is what that flag stands for, but so many view it differently. It is a source of pain for them. A reminder of a time when their ancestors didn’t have freedom. But thank God, we’re all free today!
Freedom. So many take that for granted. We have so many privileges here in the United States, so many opportunities. Let us not forget that we have our freedom due to young men and women who fought and who are currently fighting hard for our great Country. Take time to remember them today as the vast majority are not able to be home to celebrate Independence Day with their family.
Make memories. Lots of them! My daughter’s boyfriend is on his way to the beach tomorrow morning to kick off his 4th of July celebrations. They will laugh, soak up the sun, and get sand between their toes. They will come back refreshed, with sun kissed skin, and lots of memories that will carry them through the rest of their lives They will look back on this Summer and smile. Precious memories will be made this week with their family, and maybe they’ll remember to take a picture or two along the way to share. That’s what it’s all about, though. Make memories with your family this 4th of July!
Hold your loved ones close. My coworker is off this week as well to share time in the mountains with her two adult sons. This time will be different, though, than vacations in the past. She’s spoken to me about how this will be a lavish trip. She will make sure that she spares no expense as she hasn’t been with her sons on vacation in about ten years. About two years ago, she was told she has Lymphoma. She went through chemo that made her physically sick and weak. She suffered through the treatments, lost her hair, and struggled to find her sense of normal again. After her hair started to grow back, she felt she had a new lease on life. She was told she needed maintenance chemo, but this would not be the type that she had before. Thankfully, it wouldn’t make her as sick, and she wouldn’t lose her precious locks this time around. The treatments are so expensive, though, that she said she is no longer able to continue with them. In 2016, she has realized that she will not have the money for her maintenance chemo, so she is splurging on this vacation with her sons and is making those memories while she still can. Hearing this brought tears to my eyes. The thought that she’s having this extravagant vacation with them because she fears it will be their last. So, she’s going all out while she can. I gently reminded her to take those pictures. She isn’t one for pictures, unlike myself. I snap pictures all the time, every where, and LOVE it. But now is the time she truly needs to take the camera out, dust it off, and snap those memories so that her sons will have something to hold in their hands to remember the great time they had together. I wish that for them all. That this will be a beautiful time of bonding for Mother and Sons.
What about you? What will you do this 4th of July to celebrate our freedom? Whatever you do, make it count. Don’t let the day go by unnoticed. Whether you deck all out in your finest American attire showing your American pride, or you kick back at the lake to enjoy the beautiful array of colors that light up the sky, make every second count. You won’t get a “do over.” You will not be able to get this day back. Enjoy it to the fullest. Do an act of kindness for someone. Share your smile. And love. Show your love for your fellow man. That might be the only bit of God that some people see is through you. Shine your light proudly, and if given the chance … when someone notices your happiness and wants to know how they can find that happiness, too … lead them to Jesus.
Last year we were anxiously awaiting the date to arrive when friends from all over the United States would meet up IN PERSON for the very first time. Having met online 17 years ago, we never dreamed that we would actually get the chance to meet in person, yet finally we did. Sadly, it was due to one vital member of our little online community being struck with breast cancer. We wanted to rally around her and offer our support, love, and prayers … in person.
One of our Lifetime friends from New Zealand tried desperately to make it before our dear friend, Debbie, passed away in November of 2014. In the mist of making travel arrangements to go around the world to be at Debbie’s side, she faded away. Our hearts were shattered the day we lost our precious friend.
Feeling this great loss, we tried to pick up the pieces and go on, yet everything was a reminder of Debbie. Then, one day, our Kiwi friend, as Debbie so affectionately referred to him, announced that he was coming to see us after all. He had a great desire to go to Debbie’s final resting place to speak his heart, and after much planning and preparing, the time has come for us to meet Vaughan at last! Ah, yes, our little Kiwi has landed after traveling literally all week to get here. He is resting up in a hotel and will be bombarded with giggly women come Friday afternoon when Sylvia and I will hunt him down to give him a hug of a Lifetime!!
Vaughan as kept us informed of all of the details of his flights. He would “check in” at every hotel and update his status so we’d know exactly where he was and when we would need to run for the nearest hill. Just kidding. We are all anxiously awaiting our meeting Friday afternoon, and you KNOW I’ll be back to share all about it. I can’t wait to hear his accent in person, too!
This post is entitled Trip of A Lifetime, as that is what Vaughan has been calling it. We are BLESSED to have the Kiwi among us, in our online community as well as now, life and in person! We are thankful that he sacrificed so much to make this dream a reality, and soon … very, very soon, we will be meeting in person! God is so good to have allowed us to meet! Who would have ever thought that he, all the way over in New Zealand, would be coming here to meet us?! Ah yes, a Trip of A Lifetime – for Friends of A Lifetime!
We are blessed and so grateful.
Our friends truly have become our family. We have claimed them a long time ago. We have shared so many things through these past 17 years. The great and wonderful things that have happened in our lives, as well as the heartache and pain. None of us had to go through any of our troubles or trials alone for we had each other through it all.
My heart is overjoyed, and I wait in great anticipation!
Hold your friends close to your heart and let them know every day how much they mean to you. Life is too short. Make your dreams come true, just as Vaughan has for himself as well as for Sylvia and I, too!
Blessings to you and all of your online friendships!
The lights, the music, the Christian superstars … they all fill the stage for a night of powerful, moving, and Christ-honoring music! Are you ready for Winter Jam 2015?
My family and I first attended Winter Jam with our church a few years ago. We all piled into the big church bus and made our way an hour to Columbia with excitement building the entire way there. Although we arrived early, the line was wrapped around the building! People came from several cities away to hear and see all that Winter Jam had to offer.
I remember seeing Francesca Battistelli for the very first time live on stage that night. What is especially cool is that years later, I came to know Francesca’s mother on a personal level as we co-lead an (In)Courage group together. Awesome, right? I used to love hearing stories about “Franny,” as her mom often referred to her, and the grandchildren.
That night we also saw Tenth Avenue North live on stage. My daughter and I were a part of an interpretive movement group at our church, and we ministered through several of their songs. By Your Side is one of my favorite songs by them, and although many years have passed since we performed sign art to this song, I still remember the movements and go right along with the song whenever it comes on the radio.
We were also introduced to Toby Mac that night and were amazed by his Christian – sometimes rap style – music. Later, our church performed a few hip-hop numbers to his songs. He is still one of our favorite Christian artists today.
Ah, what fond memories!
We are looking forward to Winter Jam again this year as Francesca Battistelli is back! She will be bringing her powerful voice to the stage along with other artists in the line up such as: Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Building 429, Family Force 5, Newsong, For King & Country, Blanca, About A Mile, and Veridia, with speaker Tony Nolan. What’s better than all of these artists in one night on the stage? You get all of these Christian artists, the powerful, Christ-honoring and glorifying music and stage show, all for the price of $10!
Unbelievable, right?
But, It’s true!
This is the best concertaround, and you just can’t beat the price!
Yesterday, I told of how we rode our horses in the parades this past weekend. Since the horses did so well with the crowd of people, all of the noise, and the traffic on the roads, we thought we would take them to the beach for a nice ride this past Sunday.
Our horses have never been to the beach before, so this was going to be a new experience for them and for us, too. While we have ridden horses on the beach before, we have never ridden our horses so it makes a difference! We would always go horseback riding on vacation, and the first and only time we had ridden on the beach was two years ago when we went to Myrtle Beach. It was a nice experience, and we had a really good time. We took lots of pictures on the beach, but there is just something about taking your own horse to the beach!
The excitement was building as we made our way a little over two hours from our home to the beach. In our area, you can ride on the beach from December 1st through February 1st. You have to obtain a permit at the park, but you can go back as many times as you’d like during that time frame with that one permit.
My husband is a bit nervous when it comes to new experiences with our horses. I had full faith and confidence in them, though.
We arrived at the beach and began tacking up our horses for the ride. My horse, Sugar, has proven that she is the type of horse that will go any where and do any thing. She is a really calm and laid back type of horse. She prefers to walk slowly, but she can get on it if you ask her to do so. I prefer long, leisurely strolls, too, so we are a perfect fit together. On occasion, though, I do like to feel the wind in my face with my hair flying behind me as we gallop and play.
When we first stepped onto the beach, the horses started looking around like they really were not sure what this white stuff was (sand) or why the water was coming at their hooves. They extended their long necks out even further and looked around. The seagulls were flying overhead singing their little tune, and they would land by the water’s edge looking out at the water.
My husband had to walk his horse for a while to get her used to the beach, but I managed to stay on my horse the entire time from start to finish. This little girl really likes the sense of adventure, too!
We encountered several people along the beach yesterday, and they would stop to speak to us and ask to pet our horses. The most memorable for me was the couple that approached me asking if their autistic son could pet my horse, Sugar. I did not hesitant one bit as I said, “Absolutely!”
She called her son over and told him to pet the horse. She told me that she felt he needed this because horses soothe him.
He walked slowly over to the horse and raised his hand at first as if he might swat at her. I was a tad nervous at this point as I did not want him to hurt my horse, but I had positioned my hand on the reins so that if he did go to swat, I could turn her head away hopefully in time before he made contact. Thankfully, though, that was not even an issue as he raised his hand but slowly allowed it to rest on Sugar’s nose. He smiled and made a sound to let us know that he was filled with delight as he continued to pet Sugar with slow, steady movements of his hand. I smiled as I watched the exchange between them. It really was a sweet moment and one that will live on in my memory for all times. The mother thanked me as she and her son turned to walk away.
I have heard of several places that offer horse therapy because it is good for children with disabilities to be able to be near and with the horses. I never knew that beach trip would allow a form of healing to take place that day, but God knew. Before we ever set out on our trip, God knew that these precious people would be walking that very same beach that day. I believe he orchestrated this event knowing that this little boy needed some healing that Sugar may offer or some calm for his soul that she may be able to provide like no other could that day. I believe that we were meant to come into contact with them that day for him to be soothed by my beloved horse.
The beach is always a soothing and calming place for me, but it was even more so yesterday when I was riding on the beach with my best friend and partner; my horse, Sugar.
My husband did get to ride his horse, Debbie, after she got used to the sights and sounds of the beach. She spooked one time and actually jumped at her own shadow on the ground. It was funny watching her do that, but I’m sure it wasn’t funny for my husband as it was happening. Sugar was a trooper the entire time and even allowed me to ride her closer to the water’s edge.
We encountered another couple at the end of our trip as we approached the lighthouse. They had their phones out and were taking pictures and snapped a few of us on our horses. I took that opportunity to ask if they would take some pictures of us with our phones and camera, too. All day we were snapping pictures of each other but never had an opportunity for a picture together, until now! The couple was more than happy to do this for us, and they began snapping away. We were so appreciative of them and made sure to thank them several times for this gift that they gave to us that day. They even remarked that the pictures were so good that they were Christmas card worthy.
The sun was starting to set, so we decided to make our way back to our horse trailer to load up and head back home. We had a fabulous day together under the vast sky soaking in the beauty of the ocean before us, watching the seagulls playing on the beach, and enjoying being one with nature and God above.
If you find yourself consumed with different things in life that might be weighing you down, find some time to slip away to a beach near you. If you don’t have a beach within driving distance, a pond, lake or any body of water will work as it is soothing just being near the water. If that isn’t your thing, then slip off to the quiet stillness of the woods. There’s nothing better than strolling through nature sorting through your thoughts or just deciding not to think on anything that day but, instead, to thank God for all of His many blessings in life as you enjoy His creations.
Life is good. It truly is! And it’s even better on the back of a horse!
September 12, 2014 was a day that will live on in my memory forever. It is the day that I got to meet my internet friends of 17 years. These precious ladies entered the Lifetime Lounge all of those years ago, just as I did, not knowing what to expect. Our curiosity turned into frequent visits to relieve the stress in our lives, and the result was something that none of us expected yet all of us are eternally grateful for.
This post is a recap of that weekend of a lifetime! I will post details of our trip along with pictures of us all together (patience, please, as the pictures will start about halfway through the post … some are with smartphones at the beginning, while the rest are with a regular camera so the quality of the picture will be better on those).
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that people enter your life for a reason, season, or lifetime. We all came together for a specific reason, and certainly we were not sure if it would last beyond a season. However, we are all proud to say that our friendship will last a lifetime. We are not confident and sure of a lot of things, but of this we ARE sure. Our friendship has seen us through some of the hardest things we’ve had to face in the past 17 years, and we are holding on tightly because of how much we all mean to each other.
I play that day over in my head because I do not want to forget one little detail.
We talked of getting together before now, but this meeting was prompted by one of our dear friends receiving news that greatly concerned us all. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. This lady had just recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Upon hearing this, our friend that lived further away than all of us started putting plans into place to travel the distance to see her. When she told me of her plans, I did not hesitant at all and immediately started planning to join her. When we asked our friend what she thought about a visit, she grew excited, and then our other friend said she wouldn’t miss this for the world so she, too, was planning on joining us! Words cannot express the excitement we felt when we realized that we were all in!
The weeks began to drag by after our plans were put into place. We all had our GPS systems programmed, hotel reservations confirmed, and then we waited for the day to arrive. I doubt any of us got much sleep the night before as we looked forward to meeting our friends of a lifetime the very next day!
My daughters and I set out that Friday morning, but our friend, Betty, started her journey on Thursday since she was driving all the way from Oklahoma. This would be a 13 hour stretch for her! It was only four hours for us, and then our friend, Sylvia, was coming in from Alabama so it was about a five hour drive for her. We were all coming in to surround our dear friend, Debbie, with so much love and to be able to give her the biggest hug EVER in person!
We all were sure to “check in” with Facebook so everyone would know where we were in our travels along the way. We posted “selfies” of us in the car with our children as the excitement was building!
That was what was so amazing on this trip is that not only were we all meeting, but our children wanted to come along as well as they grew up in pictures together over the past 17 years. Our families knew each other, and it was so special when the children said they wanted to go, too!
My oldest daughter was only six months old when I met these precious ladies in the Lifetime Lounge. Sylvia’s son was only four months old at the time, and Betty’s daughter was three years old. Wow! While we all have other children, these babies grew up in pictures and “knew” each other through us. My daughter, Nicole, is now 17 years old as is Sylvia’s son, Andrew. Betty’s daughter, Haylie, is 20 years old. Debbie was going through the teen years with her children at the time that we met, so she used the Lifetime Lounge as a way to escape the teen drama. (Boy, can I relate to that now!) Now her children are all grown up with families of their own! How in the world did THAT happen?! Our babies seemed to grow up almost overnight! It wasn’t supposed to go THAT fast!
Back to the trip. We had every detail planned out except for what time we would all be arriving and where we would meet up. I assumed we would meet at the hotel, but that was not what Betty had in mind. When we arrived at 3 p.m., we checked into the hotel and then headed over to the grocery store to get a few items for our room while we waited for the others to arrive. Little did we know, but Betty had already arrived and had been visiting with Debbie at her house since 1:45 that afternoon!
It didn’t take long before Betty called us and asked, “What are you doing?” Quickly followed by, “Get your butt over here!” *lol* And so, we did!
As we drove to Debbie’s house, my daughter, Nicole, got the camera ready. She started taking pictures the moment I put the vehicle in park and raced out the door down Debbie’s driveway. I had my arms up in the air preparing for that hug long before I ever reached her door. A string of “Oh my gosh … oh my gosh …” followed with lots of squeals and laughter as I reached my dear friend and could put my arms gently around her for the very first time in 17 years of friendship! I LOVE her facial expression in this picture!
As we entered the house, my dear friend, Betty, was immediately on my right! It was like a dream come true. While all of these ladies are special to me, this young lady is my sister of the heart!
Our daughters were over there having a giggle fest!
The three amigos together at last!
And then we waited … and waited … and waited … on Sylvia and Andrew to arrive. They got a later start, but we filled the time with LOTS of laughter until they finally arrived! Sylvia shared with us later that she was getting ready to leave and asked to borrow Andrew’s GPS when he asked where she was going. She reminded him that this was the weekend she was meeting all of us, and immediately, Andrew’s face lit up as he asked if he could go, too! That made our whole day when we heard that Andrew WANTED to come along! What a brave soul … the only male in with all of these women! Oh, he was in for a real treat that weekend!
When Sylvia and Andrew were near, we went back to the hotel to wait on them. I remember that we were all sitting in the lobby of the hotel when Betty so calmly said, “There’s Sylvia.” And … I took off running to her, too! While this caught us off guard and we did not get pictures of this, I will never forget the look on Sylvia’s face as I rushed toward her. Then, as we hugged, she pulled back for a minute to ask if this was real and to say that she could not believe that after 17 years she was actually touching me in person! Ah, but they had touched my soul long before over the course of all of these years of friendship! The lady at the front desk of the hotel asked if this was a family reunion, to which Debbie responded, “In a way … yes!” Because we ARE family!
We took off to a local restaurant where we were probably the loudest table in there, but we did not care one little bit!
After dinner, we went back to the hotel where we talked until close to 1 a.m. I thought for sure that Debbie’s husband, Ray, was going to have my head when I drove her home at that hour. 🙂
The next morning we set out to explore a gem mine. We started at the petting zoo and made our way through the old homestead. Since I am the self proclaimed “Picture Queen,” we just HAD to stop for a few Kodak moments!
We went for a little hike, and then we saw a wedding party taking pictures. I thought, “Hey, that would make a great picture …” so away we went when the wedding party was finished to get a picture of our own! Thanks, wedding people! We love our awesome picture! Betty jokingly asked if this meant we were getting married. I replied, “We are forever committed to each other!” Absolutely! In friendship and love! They are my family of choice!
We went on a little train ride around the mountain, too, and that was a lot of fun!
Then we got serious and went panning to see what treasures we could find! The majority of our group decided to go gem mining while Andrew and Sylvia wanted to pan for gold! There’s gold in them there hills, you know! And … there was! After sifting through and sifting through some more, finally Andrew & Sylvia struck it rich! They were able to take their flakes of gold home in a jar about the size of a thimble. Sylvia said she was so rich that lunch was on her! We got a good laugh out of that.
We left the gem mine and went to get a little bite to eat. Once again, we were the loudest table in there, but I can guarantee you there was never a dull moment for our waitress!
We spent the entire day together with Debbie showing us around her town and just soaking in all of the laughter! We truly had a great time together.
After we ate, we went back to the hotel to continue our conversations and to let my little one go swimming. Haylie watched Haven swim and played with the water guns with her while Debbie and Betty talked up in Betty’s room. Sylvia, Nicole, and I decided to go get manicures and pedicures! Andrew was brave enough to escort us there! That was the most relaxing manicure and pedicure I think I have ever had. It was a lot of fun sitting there next to Sylvia listening to her tell the Chinese women all about her adult children, two of which are now married! She was gushing with excitement as she spoke of all four of her children. She may have thought I was snoozing in the massage chair, but I heard every single word!
We knew that Andrew and Sylvia would need to leave after we returned to the hotel as Sylvia is a pianist at her church and needed to be there the next morning to play for the service. We could feel our good times and laughter now being replaced with sadness as we were about to part ways. These ladies were just as they had seemed all of these years, only better in person! I am so thankful and grateful for the time we shared together. We made precious memories that weekend!
We held off as long as we could, but the moment had arrived for Sylvia and Andrew to leave. Before they did, though, I asked if we could all gather around Debbie. It was my desire for us all to lay hands on Debbie and pray for her. We do not know what the future holds for our dear friend, but we know Who holds the future … and we know Who holds Debbie in the palm of His hand!
As we gathered around Debbie in that hotel room that evening, something powerful happened. We were gathered in love and friendship in prayer for this precious lady. We huddled around her as prayer was lifted up to Heaven from our hearts to God’s as we pleaded with Him on her behalf. Tears began to stream down our faces as the power of prayer filled that hotel room. We believe in the bible verse that speaks of where two or three are gathered in His name … and we came together that night believing in the power of prayer and in the healing power of our Great Physician. We know that Debbie needs a miracle, and we asked that He provide that for her. If it’s not in His will, though, we asked for the ability to handle what is to come. We do not know why something like this had to happen to this sweet lady, but we are all going to love her through this. No matter what comes our way, we are all in this together joined by our heart strings.
It was hard for us to say our goodbyes after all of these years and finally getting to spend this time together. But, it was precious time spent with people that have touched my heart and life in ways they truly cannot imagine. There are no words to express how much these people mean to me and how they truly are a part of my family. I love each and every one so much, and I hope to see them all again soon.
I am thankful for my family of choice … and for friends that weren’t just for a reason or a season … but for a lifetime!
Dear readers, please help lift our precious friend, Debbie, up in prayer. Thank you from my heart!
Today I am going to skip my usual participation in the Five Minute Friday linkup. What’s that, you might ask, if you’re just joining us? Well, a prompt word is provided to get the writer’s juices flowing, and everyone is encouraged to write for five whole minutes without worrying about getting it just right. However, today of all days, that is not necessary as I know EXACTLY what I would like to write about, and it will be perfect … because of the subject!
Friends For A Lifetime!
That’s right!
Seventeen years ago, I ventured onto a website that would change my life forever. I had seen the television network on my satellite and had started watching it. One day an advertisement was on for the Lifetime Lounge. I thought, “What in the world …” Curiosity got the best of me, and so it wasn’t long before I was going to my computer to enter that website to find out exactly what this place was all about. Little did I realize at the time that my entire life would be changed by going into that website that very day.
At first I was shy and just sat back to read the exchanges. When I felt brave enough, I jumped in with the conversation. Feeling as if I never quite fit in when I was in school, I was not even sure anyone would respond to my posts in there. I was easily ignored and looked over in real life, so I did not expect it to be any different in a “virtual world.” Much to my surprise, though, not only did people respond, but at one point I seemed to be one of the most popular people in there. I was surprised when later one of the ladies told me that she was feeling so good about herself because I ~the popular one in her eyes~ acknowledged her, too. Wow. We were both feeling this in our personal lives – ignored, overlooked, of little value and worth, unpopular, neglected, and unloved~ and here, in our virtual world, we mattered! A lot! We were accepted, we were loved, we were valued!
We started having deep conversations about some really important matters in our lives. Over time, we began to share more about our lives, our struggles, and before you know it, we took our conversations from a very public forum into private emails to share the depths of our hearts and minds with each other.
The day I ventured into that virtual world changed my life forever … in the absolute most positive way! Little did I know that by clicking on this website I would make friends for a lifetime IN the Lifetime Lounge, no less. 🙂 It’s true, though. It happened. We are forever cemented to each other after all that we shared!
Although the website was primarily for women, there were a few brave men that ventured into the site as well out of curiosity. They saw the craziness of these womenfolk and decided to stay.
Oh the conversations were serious, but there was also some very silly times in there as well. It was the MOST FUN, too!!!
We laughed … we cried … we bonded. We became sisters and brothers of the heart. Nothing is stronger than the bond you have with individuals that have come alongside of you through the good, bad, and ugly times in your lives. That is exactly what happened, too, and 17 years later, these wonderful people are still by my side.
We have seen each other through some of the hardest things to have to endure in life. From my divorce, to life as a now-single-mom and all the struggles that went with it, to my sister’s suicide and the horrible aftermath that survivors face, to my parent’s both being diagnosed with different types of cancers, to their treatment and recovery, to my remarrying, to my ruptured ectopic pregnancy that almost claimed my life, to the infertility issues and treatments I endured to conceive after losing one of my tubes, to the absolute best celebration this side of Heaven when my miracle baby was finally placed into my arms for the first time, to watching my babies grow up in pictures on the screen, to the struggles of having a teenage driver in the house, to being bullied on the job, to my grandmother’s two year struggle to stay alive and ultimately to her taking her final breath, to getting thrown from a horse and recovering from fractures, and from yet another broken heart … these precious people have been by my side the ENTIRE time encouraging me, supporting me, loving me, inspiring me, holding me up on many occasions when I felt as if I could not go on … they lifted me up and carried me right along with God. Picture God cradling me in His arms as He is carrying me with many extra hands holding me right alongside of Him as these angels here on earth helped me through each and every hardship I have had to face in the past 17 years.
We have shared some good times in there. Please know it was not all bad. Not at all. And I supported them as well, although I do not feel it right to share the struggles they have faced. It is not my place, but I will speak freely about those of my own.
Today … ah, today, I will be traveling to meet these precious ladies that have been my lifeline through the years. Yes, we are meeting for the very first time in 17 years of friendship. These friends for a lifetime have no idea what they are in for today when we see each other face-to-face for the very first time. Lots of hugs, lots of tears, and lots of laughter … that is what is in store this weekend.
It seems like all of a sudden Summer has come to a screeching halt. It was fun while it lasted, but the days of sleeping in until noon for my girls will soon be over.
I sit here thinking of all the fun we had this summer and am ever so thankful that I was able to have this time with my daughters. They have grown up way too fast, and it is so hard to believe that my oldest daughter is a Senior this year while my youngest daughter is a Fourth Grader! Now is when we say:
“Where has the time gone?”
We blink, and they grow up on us!
You’ll probably laugh at this, but the other night when I was having one of my moments, my oldest daughter allowed me to cradle her in my arms just as I did when she was a teeny tiny baby. That was hilarious as she certainly doesn’t fit into my arms quite like she used to, but it was fun to take my emotional moment and turn it into one filled with laughter. The entire family burst into laughter as I held her in my arms, rocking back and forth like I used to do while singing “You Are My Sunshine” and “Jesus Loves Me.”
I am thankful for those memories. I am thankful for the ones we made that night in all of our silliness.
That is what life is all about. It is the special moments spent with those that you love doing sweet, caring, thoughtful things right down to the silliest and funniest of things. You’re living life and enjoying it with those that you love with all of your heart. Memory making at it’s finest!
Each of us are leaving behind a legacy. We may not think about that as we go about our days, but we are! It is hard to imagine that one day we all will be just a memory for someone else. We’d better make sure that it’s a good one!
I want my daughters to look back on the days of Summer that we spent together and remember all of the good times that we shared. I want them to remember the trips we took but so much more than that. I want them to remember the time we spent together. I want them to remember how close we always were and how I would do anything in my power for them. The nights that we stayed up talking until after midnight because they had something on their minds and hearts that needed to freely flow, and so we bonded in those wee morning hours together just talking it all out. That is more important to me than any trip we could eve take for it is precious bonding time with my babies.
We did have some fun this summer, though. From getting our ranch all settled in and bringing in a few more horses to add to our herd, to trail rides and time spent grooming our horses …
To taking my oldest daughter to an all day concert where she could hang out with all of her friends while my youngest daughter, husband, and I went to the United States Whitewater Center for a day of whitewater rafting, rock wall climbing, and mountain biking …
To the thrilling rides at Carowinds where my youngest daughter was ever so excited to finally be able to ride the BIG rides! She was finally tall enough to ride all but two rides in the entire park. She was so happy!
Right on down to the house we rented for our stay on Lake Wylie, which included a canoe for our enjoyment:
Ah yes, we had some good times this summer, even letting my oldest daughter experiment with her hair color … from teal
To changing her mind and hair color, too, to purple
Don’t worry, the color has all washed out now … just in time for school to start Monday!
We sure did have fun this summer and made memories that will last a lifetime.
As to the silliest we spoke of earlier, here’s a little glimpse
Take the time to make memories with your loved ones. Leave a trail of happy moments, lots of laughter, and time spent together. Chores can wait. Work can wait. They don’t stay little long. You blink, and they’re all grown up!
And so it ends … Goodbye Summer … Hello New School Year … Bring On Fall!
Today is National Lighthouse Day! I bet you didn’t even know there was such a thing, did you? It’s true as the United States Senate passed an unanimous resolution which declares August 7th as National Lighthouse and Lighthouse Preservation Day. To read more about this, please see this article at the Lighthouse Digest.
As you might have gathered from the pictures that you see on our site, we LOVE lighthouses! When I see a lighthouse, my mind drifts back for a moment on what it must have been like for the sailors in the mist of a storm brewing. I am sure they were afraid at times and wondered how they would make it safely through the storm. If it was a particularly foggy morning, I imagine they were filled with anxiety due to being unable to see through it. I imagine how they might have been scrambling around on board preparing “just in case” when what did they see flash before them? A beacon of light from the mighty tower that stood in the distance. This light would guide them to safety! I imagine that cheers from the crew could be heard a mile away!
I just recently told one of my friends that I would like to visit every single remaining lighthouse in the United States! While I don’t like to call it this, this is an item on my “bucket list.” In the meantime, though, I will settle with visiting the ones in South Carolina that I have had the pleasure of seeing in person.
One of my favorite lighthouses in South Carolina is the Morris Island Lighthouse, which is the picture that comes up on our posts on our Facebook page when we haven’t included a picture in the post for that day. There should also be pictures in our gallery on this site which include this beautiful structure. Since I love this lighthouse so much, I won’t make you look far. I’ll gladly share them with you here!
My family and I like to go to the very end of Folly Beach, as far as you can drive, and then park our car to set out on a little hike. At the very end of this path, you will see the beauty that is the Morris Island Lighthouse.
Once we took a boat ride over to the island to get a closer look at the lighthouse. It is surrounded by water, so it is not possible to walk right up to the lighthouse.
It was fun taking pictures of it where it looked like we were either holding the lighthouse in our hands or hugging the lighthouse. Good times! The shells on the island were beautiful as not too many people go there, so you don’t have to worry about shells getting trampled on. If you like hunting for treasures (shells), then going over to this island is a “must.”
When a friend of the family visited in April of this year, I took him over to Hunting Island to see the massive black and white lighthouse near the Beaufort area.
While the structure has been moved inland, you can climb to the very top of this lighthouse and look through the telescope which will have a mark to show you where the lighthouse originally stood on the shore. While it was quite a hike to get to the top of the lighthouse, the view was absolutely gorgeous up there!
While my friend was in town, we also visited the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse which is in the Charleston area. Sullivan’s Island is a quiet little town with a few restaurants on the main strip as you come into town. We had to ask the locals where this lighthouse was, as we could not figure out how to get to it. They were nice enough to tell us as we chowed down on some good food and talked about the local attractions the area had to offer. Then, we put their directions to good use and set off to find the lighthouse!
It is inland now also with a chain link fence around it, so, much to our disappointment, it was not possible to tour.
My husband and I took a trip recently to Hilton Head, and while we’ve been there before many years ago, I did not remember the lighthouse there. I am not sure how I could have missed it, but there Is a beautiful red and white lighthouse at Harbortown.
We climbed to the top, although there were not as many steps in this one since it is a smaller structure, to take a look at the boats in the marina.
While we were in Hilton Head, we made sure to check out an old lighthouse that is a skeleton structure. It took a bit to get to this lighthouse as it is now in a gated community! We set out on a mission to find it, and thankfully, the guard let us through to view that which we set our sights on that day!
There are several more lighthouses in South Carolina that we have yet to see, but they are on our “to do” list! We hope to make it to those lighthouses by the end of the year! I can hardly wait! Rest assured, I will most certainly have my camera in hand when we visit, too!
Just as I told of how I imagined the sailors at the beginning of this post during the mist of a storm brewing, I’d like to share a bible verse with you and a portion of a song to tie this all together.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.
John 8:12 NLT
And now the song:
There’s a lighthouse on the hillside
That overlooks life’s sea
When I’m tossed it sends out a light
That I might see
And the light that shines in darkness now
Will safely lead us o’er
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
My ship would be no more
(SPOKEN)
It seems that every one about us says,
“Tear that old lighthouse down.
The big ships just don’t pass this way anymore,
so there’s no use in standin’ round.”
Then my mind goes back to that one dark, stormy night,
when just in time I saw the light.
Yes, it was the light from that old lighthouse,
that stands up there on the hill.
And I thank God for the lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I might clearly see
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be
I thank God for the lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown a light around me
That I might clearly see
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be
Happy National Lighthouse Day to you from all of us here at Light Love Hope!
You may have heard people talking this week about how there was going to be a Super Moon on Saturday night. My family and I went in search of the Super Moon on the side of a mountain with a spectacular view. We visited “Pretty Place” Chapel at the YMCA Camp in Greenville, South Carolina.
Our story began a year ago when we took a chance and ventured out on a day trip to the Greenville area. Being the planner that I am, I packed a full day’s worth of sightseeing and picture taking of waterfalls in the area. I read about “Pretty Place,” but I had never seen it for myself so I just “had” to do that while in the area. It was the same night that a Super Moon was to appear last year as well.
We made our way around the mountain last year with visions of what it would look like when we arrived. We hadn’t checked the weather forecast, and even if we had, it was so high up that the weather is so unpredictable at that level. We took a chance anyway. Once we reached the top, there it sat in all of it’s glory; “Pretty Place!”
Once out of the vehicle, and still very much in awe, we walked slowly to the chapel that stood before us. As if showing reverence, we bowed our heads as we entered the structure. There were pews like a regular church, only this was open on the sides, unlike a regular church structure. At the very end stood a magnificent wooden cross.
The weather started to quickly change just as the sun was setting, but we waited still with others who had gathered that evening to catch a glimpse of the Super Moon. As we waited, we met a gentleman and his girlfriend. They were a friendly couple, and we struck up a conversation about our cameras. He shared his camera with me and how it worked, and immediately I fell in love with it and knew I HAD to have one just like it. He provided the name and where to get a good deal, and that very week I set off in search of a camera just like his for my very own!
Disappointment set in as we realized that storms were rolling in. Just at the time we had hoped to see the Super Moon, we saw clouds and fog rising instead. Then the rain started pouring down, and we were forced to vacate “Pretty Place” and make our way down the mountain. We couldn’t be too upset, though, for we spent the evening with some mighty fine people. They lived in the area and had attempted to photograph the Super Moon three times already without any luck. However, they did take some pictures prior to our arrival, and they said they would email those to us since our pictures only captured the rising clouds and fog behind the cross. Sure enough, the next week, our new found friends emailed pictures, and we connected on Facebook! That night, we certainly did make two new and precious friends!
We went to “Pretty Place” expecting to see something spectacular, when what actually happened is that we ended up feeling it instead. We felt the sacredness of the chapel, the strong connection to God at that elevation, and our hearts were humbled.
We made new friends that night, and they weren’t just friends in passing. No, they have proved to be true as THIS year when we heard of the dates of the Super Moon, we sent them a Facebook message asking if they were going to try for the fourth time to capture the Super Moon at “Pretty Place.” Sure enough, they were planning on trying again, and they said, “See you there!” That was all it took, and a road trip was on!
All week long I looked forward to this event, and I made sure to pack my camera with an extra battery “just in case.” My oldest daughter is really getting into photography now, too, so she had her camera ready as well! Then, we set out Saturday for our adventure.
As we arrived, the same feelings enveloped us as we made our way to the chapel. Sure enough, our friends were there waiting with their camera in hand. He, wearing his cowboy hat, with her seated just a little ways from him knitting. These people just make me smile. They are the nicest people, and who would have ever thought a friendship could have been formed like this! It has been, though, and we couldn’t be happier!
They greeted us as they saw us enter the chapel to walk down to take our seats. The gentleman said they almost had given up on us due to how close it was to the time for the moon rise. We explained about our long travel to reach our destination, but we were determined to be there for this Super Moon. He, then, said that pictures would be up to me that night as his batteries were dead. I reached into my bag and produced an extra battery for him to use, since we now have the same camera, and his face lit up! He thanked me for “saving the day!” And within a few minutes, as we waited with our friends and several others that had gathered, the Super Moon made it’s presence known. It was subtle at first, slowly rising faintly in the sky, to which I wanted to squeal with delight when I saw it before our friends did! Then this beautiful moon, in all of it’s brilliant colors, rose higher in the sky and appeared closer as it positioned itself perfectly in the sky. We were in awe! How absolutely marvelous it was to see the Super Moon in all of it’s glory at “Pretty Place” surrounded by our family and friends! How reassuring to know that our Father in Heaven made ALL of this with His strong and mighty hands, and yet gently formed us, every detail of us, even knowing how many hairs we have on our heads … there are no words!
In the distance you could hear all of the wondrous sounds of nature as if the creatures were celebrating alongside us and praising God by raising their voices as well. We sat quietly listening, allowing it to calm us and speak to our very souls.
Then …
The ranger came to advise us that they needed to shut the gates, so we would all have to vacate the premises. Ah, but it was so very beautiful while it lasted, and our friends were successful on their fourth trip to “Pretty Place” and were able to finally capture the Super Moon! We were thrilled that we were able to do so on our second trip!
We took one more glance, one more picture …
We followed our friends down the side of the mountain, and halfway down, they turned off to a place called Bald Rock. They messaged us, and soon we turned around and joined them. We thought “Pretty Place” was breathtakingly beautiful, and it is … but standing on top of Bald Rock looking out at the vastness of the sky and the depth below us with this giant spotlight of a moon above us … it was absolutely amazing! My youngest daughter was so taken with Bald Rock, she said it was as if she was walking on the moon for the rock had “craters” that you could imagine being like those on the moon. We decided to lay on this massive rock and just “be” … be one with nature, be one under the beautiful sky with our family and friends, be one with God! What a wonderful feeling to just “be” surrounded by such beauty and such love from God.
We had a wonderful evening and could not wait to share “Pretty Place” with you! If you are ever in the Greenville, South Carolina area, whether it’s on a night of the Super Moon or not, please be sure to check this jewel out! Be prepared and forewarned as it will take your breath away! Pictures do not do this place justice!
We have a special contributing writer on the blog today. Please help us welcome Susan Lawrence Choate! I first met Susan in our (in)courage group, Parenting Teens & Thriving. She inspired me with her posts, and I felt a real connection to her from the start. When she talked of her recent trip, I asked if she would share with my readers. Much to my delight, she agreed! I am thrilled to have her with us and hope she will join us again soon to share her beautiful words with the world. She gives God all of the praise, glory, and honor!
Meet Susan!
A beautiful child of God!
The Trip That Was Never Supposed To Happen
“We write to taste life twice … in the moment and in introspection.”
-Anais Nin
We set our mind on things we will and will not do in life … and then life happens.
My husband was recently sent to Europe for a business conference, and I was grateful to go with him; but this was never supposed to happen, because Europe was not on the grid for us. Our life plan or bucket list didn’t call for a European trip. Many other trips, maybe, but not this one.
When we returned, Shirley asked me to write about my adventure; thus, the quote above from Anais Nin. I’d be overjoyed to live this trip again … because it was never supposed to happen.
In Psalm 37:4 we read:
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This trip was a gift from God that I didn’t ask for and my question time and again during my trip was:
“God, what am I supposed to do with this?”
From the moment we boarded the plane, the life lessons began.
Less is more.
I’m not an amateur at flying, but there are just some things an airline should not divulge to their passengers. When traveling at 644 mph at 6.25 miles high, the air temperature becomes -57 degrees F. Upon learning this news from the onboard television, my relationship with our Lord deepened significantly, and I began to nervously eye the emergency exit THAT IS DIRECTLY TO MY RIGHT for the next eight hours. Less is more when it comes to this kind of information.
Really, God, what was I supposed to do with that?
Don’t forget to look back and remember.
Amsterdam Central Station
To my pleasant surprise, my husband’s boss, Naomi, asked me to sightsee with her while the others were beginning their meetings. I was excited about this because I was the only spouse that came along and I knew the rest of the week I would be sightseeing all by myself. As we started out on foot from the majestic Amsterdam Central Station, she startled me as she suddenly stopped, turned around and said:
“Wait! When I’m in a foreign land, I always turn around and look back so that I don’t get lost and I’m reminded from where I came. That way, I’ll always be able to find my way back when I need to.”
Yes, Naomi, some times we just need to look back and remember how far God has brought us, and sometimes we need to backtrack to get on the right footing again. Yes, Lord, thanks for the reminder. I know what to do with that one.
Look for the “i”.
Naomi, being a wealth of information, also told me (as we were in need of information):
“Look for the ‘i’.”
Universally, when traveling and in need of help, you look for the “i” and there should be someone there who can assist you. I likened this to the Word of God. Read the directions. It will save you so much trouble when you seek it out. Yes, Lord, I’m listening and continually looking to the “i”.
Relish every moment and then pay it forward.
As I walked into buildings older than my country, I was in awe at the number of people who may have walked this path before me. At home, I take so much in life for granted; things I think of as mundane or mediocre. I’ll do it tomorrow … I’ll see to it later. On this journey, I knew ‘later’ would not happen, so I relished every moment.
In the Cathedral of Our Lady, which took 169 years to build and was completed in 1521 A.D., I found myself touching the columns and bannisters, wondering who had passed this way before me. How many families had made it their life goal to see this church completed so that I could stand here today? What if the builders had not considered the importance of solid construction of this building (or their faith) to be passed down many generations? We are so very small in this big world. I especially sense this when standing somewhere that generations of families worked together to build and in which people have worshipped for almost 600 years before me. This was a reminder for me to take a deep breath and relish each God-given moment — and then share my faith with the next generation.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10 NIV.
Praise you, Father, that I’m learning to be still in your presence and relish every moment. Give me the building blocks (words and actions) to share Jesus with the generations to come.
Write like Anne.
Anne Frank received a diary for her 13th birthday, and on the first page dated June 12, 1942, she writes:
“I hope I will be able to confide everything to you, as I have never been able to confide in anyone, and I hope you will be a great source of comfort and support.”
Visiting Anne Frank’s House was the highlight of my trip. Unlike most American museums, you could personally touch the walls, doors, and yes, even the book case that hid the secret annex. I cannot fathom why the Holocaust had to happen, but I’m so grateful Anne had the foresight to write about it. I know it helped to keep her sane in an insane world. I have to agree with Anne as she writes on March 15, 1944:
“Yet, what’s nicest of all is that at least I can still write down my thoughts and feelings, otherwise I’d just totally suffocate.”
God gifts us with thoughts, feelings and words. He wants us to share them and to pass them on to generations, whether they be happy, painful or just mediocre.
Yes, Lord, yes! That’s what you want me to do with this!
Standing in front of the original entrance to the Anne Frank House
Oh, Susan! This post was absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, your heart, and God’s love as you re-lived this wonderful trip of a lifetime!
Look for the “i”.
