Light, Love, Hope

Caged No More

Shirley We Care Wednesdays, Women's Health 2

When I saw the movie Caged No More, I had no way of knowing the serious content this movie would bring to light. While I knew the movie was brought to us by the co-producers of God’s Not Dead and knew it would be moving, it wasn’t until the plot began to unfold that I realized this wasn’t just a movie. No, it happens every day – whether we like to think of the possibility of it or not. It’s out there; sex-trafficking.

I have two precious daughters that, due to their age and limited exposure to the world, think everyone is honest, true, and would not harm a hair on their head. That couldn’t be further from the truth in this cruel world. I’ve talked with them about how just because we’re good people does not mean that everyone around us is nor do they always have the best of intentions toward us. I’m honestly not trying to scare them or make them leery of everyone they come in contact with, but they need to know the dangers that are lurking in the dark shadows of this cold world. They are so innocent at this point in their lives, yet some where someone is seeking to harm young girls just like my daughters. This movie hit so close to home because I DO have two beautiful daughters who are my heart and soul, and I try with all my might to shelter and protect them.

In this movie, two young girls are taken and sold into sex-trafficking. The thought of it is purely sickening, yet the reality is this is someone’s life! How horrible to think of what they are enduring in dingy living spaces, dimly lit with hands of strangers touching their bodies violating them. Oh, dear God! Their innocence – stolen!

Several of my blogging friends have mentioned sex-trafficking on their blogs, in their Facebook messages, etc. in an effort to bring this topic that is only whispered about out into board daylight. It isn’t someone else’s problem. It’s OUR problem as a whole. We shouldn’t rest until every person that was forced into this form of slavery is freed!

Help us break the silence!

Please …

There are innocent victims that need you to be their voice. Help free them. You may think it doesn’t matter, you may not feel you have a big following to make this plea to, but every one that gets to talking HELPS bring light to this often avoided topic of conversation. We need your help, and we need you to be their voice.

If you haven’t seen the movie, I encourage you to stop into your local Family Christian and pick up a copy. Don’t let that be the only thing that you do, though. Remember, it isn’t “just” a movie. It is someone’s life!

If you suspect or know of someone that is involved in sex trafficking, please visit the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. You can report a tip, and you can even request services.

Help spread the word. Someone out there NEEDS your help!

Women are not objects to be lusted after, groped on, raped, beaten, used, abused, etc. We are not here for anyone’s pleasure, certainly not against our wishes!

Speak up and speak out about this!

While I did receive a copy of this movie in exchange for a review, I feel passionately about this. I hope you will see the urgency in this as well and vow to help do something about it!

Shame Game

Shirley A New Year - A New You!, Inspiration, My Story, Women's Health 0

One of my friends posted a bikini picture on Facebook today. It isn’t your ordinary picture, either. You see, she posted this picture because she’s struggled with her weight after having her son almost five years ago. A lot of men don’t understand what the problem is and why women can’t return to their pre-pregnancy weight, but women know the struggle. Your body truly changes when you carry another human being for nine months. It’s worth it and more though, but the struggle is real.

Along with her picture, my friend posted a very liberating status. She’s been working out, but she realized that she will never be skinny. She posted the picture anyway because she’s proud of the results she’s seen thus far and plans to stick with her workout routine to be the strongest, healthiest version of herself.

I can completely relate to her!

The below is what I commented back after seeing her post:

I’m actually glad you posted this – picture and your words. Why? Because we are all so critical and hard on ourselves. This past weekend when we were in Florida, I wore a two piece bathing suit – something I have not done in many years. I have never felt comfortable in one, even being “petite” as some people have called me. I worried over my stomach, although I do not have stretch marks from having my babies. It just wasn’t a six pack no matter how much I tried working out. I worried over my inner thighs. Believe me, I have done squats, jumping jacks, etc etc etc to try to trim them down. Finally I said you know what, I’ll be 45 this year, why NOT wear that two piece? Why be so critical of myself and shy away from form fitting clothing or two piece suits … so I wore it. I posted pictures, too, although I’m pretty sure others judged me because you’re not supposed to reveal so much skin and are to be modest. I was with my husband and my daughters, and I wanted to send a message to them, too. Love your bodies and stop shaming yourselves! Do the best that you can, work hard, and hold your head up high! I’m glad you’ve done the same.

She was so kind when she responded back and complimented me on my appearance in the bikini and showed so much support.

What if we all stopped playing the shame game?

What happens when we start shaming ourselves? We feel just awful about ourselves. Do you think God wants this for you? No, He doesn’t! Instead, what if we started all appreciating the bodies that God gave us? Our bodies are His temples, and it is our job to take good care of them.

If you’re working hard, giving it your all trying to get in shape, then I applaud you! Keep up the good work!

If you’re just getting started working on the healthier version of yourself, I have faith that you CAN do this!

Where ever you are, even if you are just thinking you need a change and might be examining your eating habits and considering implementing a workout routine – do it!

It’s not too late. You’re not too old. You’re not too out of shape for it to help. You aren’t any negative thing that could possibly come into your mind.

You can do anything you set your mind to!

This is me from this past weekend – the one in the middle with the hair tossed around, thrown up in a bun in the back, with the pink bikini top and black bikini bottoms. Me. The one that will be 45 years old in September. Me. The one that struggled to feel comfortable in her own skin for years even though people complimented me in the past on my figure. Me. The one that had a muffin top over her favorite jeans last year when getting together with one out-of-state friend and another out-of-country friend. Me. The one that decided to make a change in 2016! Me. The one that is embracing herself!

Today I can say that I love the skin I’m in!

Weeki Wachee

Is my body perfect? Heck no! It’s far from it, actually. I know I’ll never be a stick figure super model, and that’s okay! I can be the best version of myself, though, and I can continue to work hard to encourage my children so they will stop doing the self shaming that we’ve ALL become too good at!

God formed you and I … and He does not make mistakes. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. That’s in a bible verse. I like to also say that we’re beautifully and wonderfully made. I truly believe that!

What have I done differently so I could proudly wear my bathing suits in Florida this past weekend?

First off, I started working out. I joined this free program, and I did really well working out six days a week … up until the third week. I started falling off the wagon. BUT, I was seeing results, so although I wasn’t necessarily doing “their” workouts, I started finding opportunities to incorporate some exercise into my day. Squats became my friend, and you could find me doing squats while cooking dinner, waiting on the final spin cycle on my washing machine, etc. Also, I love weights! While I am not one that lifts hundreds of pounds, I do enjoy hand weights while exercising. I started with three pound weights, then went up to five pound weights, and now I am proud to say that I am using eight pound weights without struggling! I can do lots of reps with these eight pound weights, and it feels GOOD! As I progress, I’ll increase the weights a little more. For now, though, I’m loving right where I am! I am stronger than when I first started, and I love the definition I’m beginning to see in my arms. I’m also swimming and using the pool for more workout opportunities – like doing jumping jacks, knee lifts, and running in place in the water so it’s low impact on my knees and other joints. I also go to the pool steps, turn around, and work my triceps by going up and down in the water lifting my body with my arms, hands planted firmly on the steps. Any opportunity I find, I use it!

Secondly, I changed the way I was eating. I used to think that as long as I was working out and getting some form of exercise that I could eat whatever I wanted. This is soooo not the case! I tried Weight Watchers, as I had great success with them many years ago even when I only wanted to lose 10 pounds. I was able to do so at that time. When you get a little older, your metabolism starts to change making it harder to lose weight! I thought for sure that I’d lose weight on Weight Watchers this time, too. However, they have changed their program, and it did not work that great for me this time around. I have since switched up and went back to the Adkins way with protein and vegetables. I have seen more results this way. I’m not advocating for either Weight Watchers nor Adkins, though. You do what is best for you and what works for your body! Once you start experimenting, it won’t take long for you to know what works and what doesn’t. I’ve learned recently that it’s actually 80 percent what you eat and 20 percent about exercise. Now isn’t that interesting! And we all know that our bodies need water – we’re supposed to drink half our body weight in ounces each day. It sounds like a lot, but it is something you can incorporate into your day. I have a jug that I fill up in the mornings and sip on throughout the day. I’ve been picked on about my jug, but it insures that I get my water in!

I had people approach me on diet supplements – pills and even drops. I decided not to go that route, though. There’s just something about it that I did not like.

But today, I can slip into a two piece bathing suit without cringing and feeling as if everyone around me – including myself – will judge me!

The third thing that I’ve changed is my attitude!! I’m no longer shaming myself. Even if I have a weak moment and give in to pimento cheese dip and corn chips, I will redeem myself by making better food choices the next time I reach for something! I will no longer play the shame game, and I will not allow anyone else to force their opinions upon me either. I love the body that God has given me and my petite frame! I will appreciate that God still has me on this earth and has blessed me with another day with my family. My girls are my entire life, and I thank God for every moment that He allows me to have with them. And, I will strive to lead by example – so they will no longer shame themselves either. All it takes is one person in a sea of thousands to say one negative thing about us, and it’s embedded in our minds and stings our hearts forever. We need to take back the power that these negative people have had over us all this time and realize that those lies these people have told us have come straight from the devil.

Kick the habit of downing yourself and allowing others to take you down with their hateful or snide remarks also.

Show yourself some love!

This is me – loving the skin I’m in and being proud of the body God gave me! Proud

The shame game ends right here, right now!

Let’s Go RVing

Shirley Traveling 0

“Let’s go camping!” my husband exclaimed as he showed me the typical camping gear involving tents and the like. My response was something along the lines of, “Ah, no! My idea of camping is the Holiday Inn!”

Fast forward many years later, add five horses, and we are now officially campers! Happy campers at that!

My husband just said over the weekend that he never would have imagined me … camping. Well, I had to have a purpose. While I enjoy sitting by a fire at night, my idea of fun is not going to sit in a tent in all different types of weather being miserable. I camped in my late teens at the beach – in a tent – in 100 degree weather. This was something I was talked into, and boy was I ever miserable. My earlier memories from my childhood camping experiences involved raccoons that got into our trash overnight in the mountains as we knew nothing about “bear bags” at that point in time. Then, when we tried “camping” at home in our backyard, my dad’s bull dogs got out and decided to fight right outside of our tent! Imagine four 10 year old girls getting woken up in the middle of the night by growling and snarling with dogs pushing themselves up against your tent, then causing it to collapse on you! Yes, this happened, and we screamed bloody murder until my dad woke up and ran outside to see what was going on. We all ended up okay, but the horror of that event lingered on!

So no, tent camping was out!

Then the tables turned as we started venturing out into the horse world. People camp with their horses all the time. Some have tents, some have living quarters in their trailers, and some take a stock trailer and make it to where they can sleep in it overnight. We considered this option, but with three of us, I knew that would not be comfortable. The living quarters in the trailers are really tight spaces. We looked into buying a new living quarters trailer at the beginning of the year. They were nice, but they were also super expensive. You had all the space in the world for your horses, it seemed, but what a tiny living area when you have two adults and a child camping with you! We knew that option just was not going to work. As one salesperson put it, “You have to REALLY love each other to be in that close quarters for any period of time.” We laughed when he said it, until we saw what he was talking about.

When I said earlier that the tables turned, they did because about two years ago, I stumbled upon a good deal on a used RV! My husband was so hesitant about this ole “fixer-upper.” I almost had to drag him kicking and screaming to look at it. We drove a little over two hours to look at this 1985 Georgie Boy RV. While we knew that it wasn’t the grandest of RVs, it was perfect for what we wanted to do – camp with our horses! I remember when we arrived how my husband reacted. He hesitantly got out of the vehicle just to wrinkle his nose. I asked him to just look at it and keep an open mind. He walked into the RV, looked around, and then let me know that he was not impressed at all. That is until the guy mentioned the 454 big block engine! My husband’s eyes widened, and he said, “Hey, we can always take this motor out and put it in my 69 Camaro.” We ended up buying this older model RV for little of nothing. Then we put a little bit of money into it to make us feel better about using it. After a while, we were ready for our first camping trip in it.

The results?

We found out that we absolutely LOVE camping with our horses!!

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We enjoyed it so much, in fact, that we decided to explore other options of possibly getting a newer RV. When it was mentioned, I told my husband that if we did get another RV, I wanted one that we would be confident in taking on road trips even without the horses. My goal was to have a RV that we could travel the world with, if we so desired!

And so began our search!

We looked at so many different used RVs. From dealers to individuals selling their RVs themselves, we were just overwhelmed at the RVs and their prices! Yikes! To get a decent one, you had to spend a bunch of money, or you’d be stuck with a fixer-upper like we already had! Even those were outrageously priced! Finally we came upon an older couple that was looking to get out of camping. The couple was in their 70s, and the man had begun to have some health issues to where he did not feel he could continue with the RV lifestyle. His wife was emotional as she showed us the RV, spent time telling us all about it and demonstrating how the different controls worked within the RV itself, and the stories she told of their family trips together. They had an RV as long as they could remember and took their kids on many trips, and then they started taking their grandchildren on trips as well. The newest RV had provided lots of memories, and it was hard for her to part with it, I could tell. But, she and her husband gave us a really sweet deal on the RV, we sold our “fixer-upper” actually making a profit off of it, and paid cash for the new-to-us RV to begin our RVing lifestyle!

We had to pinch ourselves when the couple delivered the RV to our house. After they left, our children rushed into the RV where I fixed dinner and we ate in it the first night we had it! We could not believe this baby was ours!

Since that time, we have gone on numerous trips with and without the horses. I’ve discovered that although “roughing it” is part of camping at times, we do like having the amenities at the RV resorts. We have stayed where there has been full hookups, and we have stayed where we were standalone with our generator and on-board water supply. I do appreciate that we can have the comforts of home now in our RV! And some of the places are extremely nice! I have been impressed! It isn’t a bunch of red necks sitting around a fire chewing tobacco, spitting, and drinking. Not that there is anything wrong with this at all, if that is your thing. We have found such joy in camping in our newer RV that we planned back to back trips not too long after purchasing it! I’m sure some of our friends on Facebook tire of all our pictures that we share, while others have commented that they enjoy our pictures and look forward to them.

Our goal we set is to go on a trip in our RV at least once a month to justify having it. I told my husband when we were considering buying the RV that it would not just sit in the yard unused. And, it hasn’t! We’ve camped with our horses a few times at places like Kings Mountain State Park, Middleton Plantation, etc., but we have also gone to places like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Thomson, Georgia, Sevierville, Tennessee, and now we will soon be embarking on a trip to Crystal River, Florida! We are so excited!

Now we can hardly wait for the other to say, “Let’s go RVing!”

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Life Changing Moment

Shirley Five Minute Fridays, God Is Close To The Broken Hearted 5

We stood in the doorway moments earlier laughing and joking.

As the laughter fades and the silence takes over for a moment, he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his wallet. Standing next to him, I watch as his index finger and thumb fish for a card in the small leather pocket on the inside. As he retrieved the card, he turns it toward me so I can read it.

“South Carolina Oncology Associates.”

There I stood staring down at this business card in between his fingers in this life changing moment.

I felt anger wash over me instantly.

Never glancing up from the card, I blurt out, “What?!”

Silence followed.

Trying to be strong, I looked up as his eyes met mine. Feeling tears welling up inside of me, I could only manage one word, “Who?”

His head tilted to the side as he says, “Me.”

I fall into his strong arms as he hugs me close to him, tears falling like rain.

Feeling as if someone wrapped their fingers around my throat cutting off my air supply, I’m only able to whisper these words:

“I don’t want to lose you.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Please, each and every one that reads this … say a special healing prayer for this gentleman as he begins treatment. God is the Almighty Physician. We are trusting in Him.

19“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask,

it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.

20“For where two or three have gathered together in My name,

I am there in their midst.”

Matthew 18:19-20

Tragedy Struck

Shirley God Is Close To The Broken Hearted 0

While we were away this weekend on a mini horseback riding adventure, my daughter called with such urgency in her voice.

Tragedy struck once again.

First, she informed us of Christina Grimmie’s murder after the concert in Orlando, Florida.

My daughter learned of Christina first from being You Tube famous, then appearing on The Voice. My family and I used to gather around the television on Monday nights to watch the women and men compete. This is such a sad and tragic loss.

The very next day, my daughter called again fed up, frustrated, and scared asking, “What is this world coming to?”

More tragedy struck in Orlando, Florida at a gay club leaving 50 dead and 53 wounded.

A hate crime.

Oh, dear God!

Tonight I shared something on Facebook that said, “If your religion requires you to hate people, then you need another religion!” Immediately two people liked it within seconds of it being shared. It is the TRUTH, though!

I have heard the argument and have seen my share of Christians that have zero tolerance for homosexuals. They take the bible and all but beat people with it, as if THEY, themselves, are without sin. Why condemn people just because they sin differently? Here’s a news flash for you – there is not a single person among us that is without sin. NO ONE can sit on their high horse and honestly say that they don’t have some form of sin in their lives. Whether they lie, cheat, steal, are gay/lesbian, overeat, drink too much, do illegal drugs or abuse prescription drugs, hide in darkness with pornography, gossip, allow jealousy to consume them – the list of sins goes on and on. We just sin differently! Therefore, who are WE to cast stones at others around us?

As Christians, we are to hate the sin but LOVE the sinner. There is far too much hate in this world and too many hate crimes as a result of it! This madness needs to STOP!

Would you turn your back on your son or daughter if they came in one day and announced that they were gay? I would hope that you wouldn’t. This child is STILL YOUR CHILD no matter what they reveal to you. You loved them from the moment you first found out you were pregnant with them, so why would you dare turn your back on them just because they announced they had a different sexual preference than you? You are still called to LOVE them! They are your flesh and blood – they were moments before revealing this to you and they STILL ARE afterwards, too!

Just a few short years ago, my daughter “tested” me on this very subject. She came into the room and said she needed to talk to me. I stopped what I was doing, sat down across from her at the table, and gave her my full attention. She hesitated before going on but proceeded to informed me that she was a lesbian. I looked her straight in the face and replied, “Okay … and? What did you have to tell me?” She looked puzzled, paused and then halfway questioned, “Mom?” I never took my eyes off of her as she asked, “That’s it? You aren’t going to say anything about what I just told you? You’re not mad? You don’t hate me?” I took it all in, but I did not hesitate one second before I responded, “I love you no matter what – my love for you is unconditional. Period!” She stared back at me from across the table in disbelief. Then she said she was only trying to see what my reaction would be – she WASN’T a lesbian after all – she just wanted to see if I would react like her friend’s parents had reacted when they found out about their daughter. From what my daughter said, the parents threatened to disown their daughter. What a truly sad situation! Apparently, though, I passed my daughter’s little “test” with flying colors and left her almost speechless in the process. She came back to this subject matter a little while later, still in disbelief of my response, so I took that opportunity once again to tell her that there is not anything in the world that she can ever do that will cause me to turn away from her or make me love her any less. I am her mother. I may not like some of her choices in life, but regardless, I love her unconditionally. I always have, and I always will.

I had several friends that “came out” to reveal that they are lesbians just a few years ago. They weren’t kidding around or testing the waters, though. One was a massage therapist that I used to go to for quite a few years, actually. She changed locations, and I was trying to save money so I stopped going as frequently as I once had for massages. She feared that I had learned the “truth” about her and that caused me to run in the opposite direction, which couldn’t have been further from the real reason why I hadn’t been in for a massage. She called me one day to ask if anyone had said anything about her to me, but they hadn’t. She took that time to reveal that she was a lesbian and was afraid I stopped coming in for massages for that reason. Honestly, it didn’t surprise me, but it didn’t stop me from going in later for a massage either. As long as she didn’t try anything with me, I was fine with it. It is her life and her choice. It does not affect me whatsoever.

Shortly after this, I had another friend reveal to me that they, too, were a lesbian. They chose to tell me in an email. I read it, and then responded back to them like I normally would have. This did not cause me to treat them any differently. Their sexual preference is just that – their own. As long as they are not hitting on me and as long as they respect ME, I do not have a problem with them.

You see, in all of the above situations where people “revealed” things to me, I did not get all homophobic and start condemning people. It isn’t my place. While their preferences aren’t that of my own, I can still respect them as individuals. We were friends before, and we are still friends after! They trusted me enough to come to me and share with me. What type of person would I be if I started acting hateful toward them and shunning them? I can hate the sin but still love the sinner, and that is exactly what I have displayed for my daughter, her friends, and my own friends that came out about their sexual preferences.

I realize that everyone is different and no two people will have the same exact reaction. What I don’t get is people purposely setting out to HURT other people just because they are different!

While we’re not sure of a motive in Christina Grimmie’s case, it is quite clear why the shooter went into that gay nightclub. He hated homosexuals, and he wanted to do away with them. There they were having a night out on the town laughing, dancing, and just enjoying life. In walks the gunman and starts claiming lives left and right. Shots were fired, people were held hostage from what I’m hearing on the news, and people texted their loved ones that they were going to die. I just read this a few minutes ago, and it hurts my heart so much. I remember seeing a mother on the news, crying … almost begging for her son to come forth as she hadn’t heard from him. He was her only child, I remember her saying through her tears.

Why?

WHY must these types of things continue to happen?

Why are innocent lives being taken?

I do not understand why human lives are NOT valued in this day and age!

This young man deserved to LIVE just like all the others in the nightclub! No matter what their sexual preferences are – THEY DESERVED TO LIVE!

We need to get down on our knees and pray for this nation as a whole. Black – White – Hispanic – Straight – Gay/Lesbian – Transgender – Baptist – Methodist – Catholic – Non-Denominational – You get the idea! It doesn’t matter WHAT or WHO you are – EVERY SINGLE LIFE is important and should be valued!

We are all different – YES – but we all deserve to LIVE!

When will it end? The senseless shootings? The lives that are lost?

Each person on this planet has worth and value. They deserve to live! They need love, compassion, and kindness!

Each and every one!

Heart’s Desire

Shirley Choose Joy!, Five Minute Fridays 1

This little prayer sits in my kitchen window propped up against a stained glass lighthouse. Immediately to the right of the lighthouse are a few small plants that fit perfectly in that space. I purposely positioned them there to bring joy when I wash my hands at the kitchen sink. They are also there to greet me as I gaze out that window at the hummingbirds visiting my feeder. Tucked inside one of the green plants is a small mauve, white, and green hummingbird just in case I don’t see one fluttering around outside. While these things lining my window seal aren’t much, they bring a smile to my face and lighten my mood every time I see them.

Dear God

While I didn’t write this prayer, it spoke to my heart when I first read it. I’m actually not sure where it originated from, but for some reason I seem to recall it possibly being tucked in the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital envelope. We try to donate to them every year. They are so kind to send little surprises such as address labels, note pads, and it just seems like it would “fit” that this little prayer was included. They also send personal stories of children that have been receiving treatment. Their stories break my heart as I recall a time when a sixth grade girl in my daughter’s class was diagnosed with cancer. My daughter was so overcome with sadness when she heard the news, and it was her heart’s desire to help her friend. We set out, along with Greg Johnson who handles all things behind the scenes with Light Love Hope, to do just that. Our efforts were successful and helped provide for her mother while she took off time from work to care for her child. Her story has a happy ending, as she just graduated from high school last weekend. Her treatment set her back a year on her school work, so she graduated a year behind my daughter. She has been in remission for several years now. This young lady is a walking miracle and a prime example of God’s healing power!

Ah, but back to where this prayer possibly originated from.

Perhaps it was included in literature that our neighbor, Ms. Betty, passed along to us. She likes to recycle things that she receives in the mail. Her heart is in the right place as she shares Journey magazines, calendars, and sometimes even books. The latest little booklets she placed in a yellow envelope inside my mailbox were about how to get to know Jesus. One book in particular asks on the cover, “Do You Know Jesus?” Yes! We do!

No matter where this little prayer came from, it echoes my heart’s desire.

How often do we stop to thank God for our many blessings? Oh, how wonderful it would be if we only stop for a moment, in between the muttering and complaining that we get in a habit of doing, and consider all that He has done for us. He has provided for our every need, and He will not fail. No matter what, God is an ever present force in our lives longing for a relationship with us. He cares for the tiniest sparrow. His love and care for us is even greater.

What if we were to strive daily to have a positive outlook? No one will want what we have if we’re negative and down in the dumps all the time. We want people to see the Jesus in us so that they will long for what we have and begin to ask questions. Then it will open up the conversation for us to share about our Lord and Savior! I think of the lady’s video that went viral recently — the mom wearing the Chewbacca mask and how she just laughed and laughed over how she looked in the mirror. She was so joyful that everyone was watching and sharing her video all around the globe. When asked about her joyfulness, she took that opportunity to share in her “15 minutes of fame” that her joy comes from the Lord. Oh, what a wonderful opportunity to share about our Jesus, and she did just that! That is what I’m talking about – to be so filled that people ask what is the source of your joy … and our reply should be, “Jesus Christ!”

Let every single thing that we say and do bring honor, praise, and glory to Jesus.

Indeed.

May this be your heart’s desire as well.

Followed

Shirley Bullying Is NOT Okay!, My Story 2

My daughter was followed tonight on her way home from work. It was late, and she was scared.

This has always been a fear of mine since she was a tiny baby; someone would try to harm her in some way, threaten her, or attempt to kidnap her. Although I know I should not live in fear, every time the phone rings when she is not in my line of vision, my entire body tightens up. I can feel the stress in every muscle as anxiety takes over until I hear in her voice that she is okay. Then and only then do I sigh a huge sigh of relief.

Earlier tonight she texted as she usually does before pulling away from her place of employment. She had to work late and help close. I texted back for her to be careful, as it was raining, and that I love her.

A few minutes later, my phone rang. I knew immediately something was wrong.

“Mama, I think I’m being followed?”

“Are you sure?”

“No, but I think so because every move I make, the person is right there on my tail. I speed up, they speed up. They won’t stop following me!”

“Do NOT come home. Drive around until I get where you are. I’m coming …” I grabbed my purse and headed out the door with my husband and youngest daughter in tow.

Within seconds, she calls back but to my husband’s phone. My husband answers this time reassuring her that we are on the way. She tells him of what she is experiencing with the driver, and I know without a doubt as this information is related that she is, indeed, being followed by someone that is up to no good.

“Call the police!” I say to my husband.

He continues talking to her.

I grab my phone and shove it in his general direction as I look forward, both hands on the wheel trying not to exceed the speed limit, but anxious to get to my daughter.

“CALL 9-1-1 NOW!”

He hesitated again, always wanting to see the best in people, uncertain at this point if she is really and truly being followed. My gut instinct tells me that she is not paranoid. This person IS really following her! It’s late at night, and I can ONLY imagine that this person has ill intentions toward my daughter!

Within minutes, I reach the area where she is, and I can see it with my own two eyes! YES, she is, indeed, being followed! I witnessed the car tailgating her and going every where she went. She had previously turned off at a gas station, drove through it and then went back on the main road. Then she turned around on the highway and went back the opposite direction. They, apparently, thought she was going back to the same gas station, so they went straight to it – she turned off when the road split, though. I was right there on their tail at this point and got what looked like 185 3GA as their license plate number. It was dark and raining, and when I pulled in behind them, they sped off. It was a black car with tinted windows, although I could not tell the make, but it was small like a Camry or something similar.

Finally, I hear my husband dialing 9-1-1 and speaking to the dispatcher as we proceeded to follow the car. My daughter managed to escape from the stalker and was now safe in another location.

The car went at a high rate of speed when they realized we were now following them giving them a taste of their own medicine. They finally drove out of sight as I refused to exceed the speed limit. It was RAINING, and I was afraid to drive too fast for conditions. Before the black car went out of sight, I witnessed them swerve in the road. I did not want to get into an accident and endanger our lives chasing some one that was up to no good in the first place. Thankfully, God helped me maintain my composure and the ability to think clearly. We notified our county police who then notified two other counties around us. That was about all we could do at this point. We saw a cop car waiting on the side of the road a few miles after the black car went out of sight. We anticipated they would be going in that direction not realizing there was a side road they could take. Apparently, when they sped out of sight, they went that direction down the side road instead of straight where this cop would have gotten them. We stopped to tell the police, and they went en route again looking for the black car.

It was all out of our hands. We notified the authorities, and all we can do is hope the police department ran the license plate and will speak to the registered owner of the vehicle if they were not able to locate or stop this vehicle tonight.

We returned home where my daughter had just arrived as well. I immediately went to her and hugged her, thanking God for her safety and for His protection.

She attempted to eat, but she was feeling nauseated at this point so she went to lay down in her room instead. Within minutes, she comes back into the living room where I am sitting and says that a guy she met on an online forum messaged her when he hasn’t talked to her in weeks. She said he asked what was going on and she told him she was followed tonight. He responded by saying, “Yea, it was me.” Whether this guy was joking or not, neither of us were sure, but this is NOT something to make light of. I told her to call him to see if this truly was him tonight. She didn’t have his number in her phone any longer, but I did from when she went off with him once before. I immediately started dialing his number. He answered but did not say a word. I called his name, and finally he said, “Yes …” I informed him of who I was and what happened earlier tonight. I asked if it really was him that followed her, and he stuttered as he said, “No … ma’am … I was … only … joking.” I took that opportunity to inform him of how scared my daughter was and that this was NOT a time for jokes. I told him that IF it was him, the police now have a description of his car AND the license plate number because *I* followed the vehicle and made sure to get this information to turn in to the police. He stumbled over his words once more as he apologized and said he never should have joked with her about it as he did not realize how upset she truly was. After we hung up, my daughter and I just stood there looking at each other.

She informed me of two individuals that came into her place of employment tonight when she was working. One asked to date her, but she declined. The other kept staring her down, which made her feel uncomfortable.

We’ve wracked our brains trying to figure out WHO this could be that followed her. Was it the person that jokingly said it was him … was it the individual that asked to date her … was it the suspicious guy looking her up and down … or was it someone that picked her out of a crowd and decided tonight was a good night to scare her?!

We’ve had trouble with immature people in the past harassing my daughter at work, asking her co-workers for her work schedule so they could be sure to come up there to bother her, no doubt. Honestly, we thought we were done with all of that drama since we cut an individual out of our lives that will no longer be allowed to return. We gave this individual an undeserved second chance. Why do I say undeserved? Because we realized after he showed his true colors again that nothing had changed about this individual. When they came back begging forgiveness, saying how they changed and would work hard to prove it, instead, all we saw was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. This individual attempted to pull the wool over our eyes. He came back proclaiming to be something he was NOT; therefore, this individual has no place in our lives any longer. Now we sit and wonder if this person – or his friends – might be behind this just as they were the last time people were bothering my daughter a few short months ago.

Yes, everyone is a suspect at this point, and everything seems suspicious. We aren’t paranoid. We’re very much concerned for my daughter’s safety, and trust me — you would be, TOO, if this happened to YOUR child!

As sleep has closed everyone’s eyes in this house, except for mine, I sit still shaken by what took place tonight. While she and I do not know who is behind this, GOD KNOWS! Rest assured, HE will have the final say, and the person or persons with ill intent will NOT get away with it. God will see to it! Evil will NOT prevail!

My husband regrets that he wasn’t the one behind the wheel tonight. While I would not go at a high rate of speed and chance endangering my husband’s life or the life of our youngest child, he said he would have gone just as fast as them to make sure they didn’t get out of his sight. I knew that was not a smart move, especially on wet roads with as much rain as we have gotten AND with us being on back country roads with deer known to be in the area. He said he wishes he had a chance to go up to their vehicle to confront them at the gas station before they sped off, but I told him that in this day and age we are living in, we have no way of knowing if someone would pull a gun on him when he approached. My daughter actually said she was fearful when the vehicle pulled up right beside her on the highway flashing their lights. She said she leaned way back in her seat so if they did shoot, she wouldn’t be in the line of fire.

Oh, dear GOD! What a world we are living in when my daughter has to be afraid she’s going to get SHOT at!!

People, this is serious when you have someone following a 19 year old late at night flashing lights, getting up beside her car, etc. They followed her doing this for 30 minutes or more. There was NO doubt what was going on when I saw it happening with my own two eyes. This also happened to me when I was around her age, and I called the police as well. I instructed her that if she wouldn’t have been able to get me on the phone tonight that she was to call 9-1-1 if it happened again and go straight to the police station requesting an officer meet her out front.

She did the right thing by NOT taking these people to her house and NOT stopping to see what they wanted. I will be AT her place of employment when she gets off work when I am in town from now on, and I will escort her home. If I’m not in town, I’ll have someone there to make sure she is SAFE!

People have said before that I’m too involved in her life. TOO INVOLVED???? (Note: The main ones saying this are the ones that were attempting to harass, stalk, and bully her a few months ago and some so-called-friends that have agreed with them after the fact.) Well, FYI … She is MY CHILD, and it is MY JOB to PROTECT HER if I can. While there is still breath in my body, REST ASSURED, I WILL DO ALL I CAN FOR HER!

I contacted a friend tonight that works with the highway patrol to ask their opinion and to see if we can do anything further to pursue this with the license plate number.

As I close, here is a little bit of advice. Hold your children close – no matter their age and no matter WHO tries to get in your business and tell you that you’re “too involved.” At least my daughter knows she is LOVED and I will ALWAYS have her back! As long as God allows me to be on this earth with her, she can ALWAYS depend on ME!

Parents, talk to your children and let them know what to do if THEY feel they are being followed. You can not be too safe here when your children are involved. It’s a sad world we’re living in when this type of conversation is needed with our children, but PLEASE … talk to them. Instruct them on what to do to ensure they are safe! It is a conversation you need to have in this day and age.

Never miss an opportunity to tell your children how much they mean to you, how much you love them, and ALWAYS hold them close to your heart no matter how old they get. They will always be your children, and they always need your love.

And finally, pray … without ceasing … PRAY for your children!!

God is with them. God is for them. God is in them.

Oh, Father God, protect our children. Each and every one!

Casting Stones

Shirley Food For Thought 1

There sure has been a lot of casting stones this weekend over the situation with the four year old little boy and the gorilla. I’ll admit when I first saw the video footage from the media, it did appear that the gorilla was being gentle with the little boy. That is until I saw what the news media edited out on their video! It wasn’t until another news station out of the UK posted footage of the gorilla dragging the little boy through the water that changed all of that.

I know everyone is up in arms about the mother being at the zoo with other children and taking her eyes off of this little one. We all know what resulted after the boy made his way into the enclosure, fell into the moat, as bystanders watched in horror of what was unfolding right before their eyes.

What angers me is that the news media only posts what they want you to see. They aren’t giving you the full story, and yet they expect you to base your opinions on what they report. Having not seen the extended video until much later, I was outraged that they would kill this “protective” gorilla. When I saw the gorilla in the unedited video yanking the child like a rag doll, my opinion quickly changed.

I am an animal lover through and through. It pains me to think that we just celebrated this gorilla’s 17th birthday a few days before this happened, and now, he is dead as a result of this tragic event.

The mother was heard in the video saying, “Mommy’s here.” “Stay calm.” “Mommy loves you.”

I honestly believe she was frightened for her little boy’s safety, yet she was trying to keep him calm so he did not agitate the gorilla.

The question a lot of people are asking is where was “Mommy” minutes before the little boy made his way through the enclosure? In their minds, she was negligent by not watching the boy who just expressed an interest in going to play in the moat. I’m sure she never in her widest dreams would have imagined him gaining access to the enclosure to do just that. Yet, he did.

Then the next question others are asking is WHY wasn’t the enclosure secure enough to prevent ANY one from getting inside in the first place?

I imagine the mother feels just awful about this, and I’m certain the zoo feels awful about it as well.

Why aren’t we extending grace to BOTH instead of being outraged and casting stones?

It is a very sad and unfortunate situation that ended in the tragic loss of a 17 year old gorilla. I loved seeing pictures of this beautiful Silverback, yet I realize his size and strength! The four year old boy was no match for this gorilla, and I’m just thankful that the little boy’s life was spared.

There is argument as to WHY they didn’t use a tranquilizer gun on the gorilla. Why was it necessary to KILL the gorilla? I once questioned this myself until I realized that no one knows what effect the tranquilizer would have had on the gorilla. Furthermore, the tranquilizer would not have worked immediately on a gorilla that size! I think of the times we’ve had our donkey and horses sedated for procedures that were being done on them. When the donkey was castrated last year, none of us knew what this donkey was going to do. Everyone stood way back as the vet and his technicians administered the sedation. Even then, they made sure to stay clear of him until they could see how it was going to affect the donkey. The same was done when the vet and the techs sedated our horses so they could float their teeth at the beginning of the year. You just never know how an animal will react, and it is best to stay out of their way until you do! Further, just as I saw with the donkey and horses, these animals weigh over a thousand pounds, so it is going to take longer for the sedation to work. It did not happen instantaneously with the donkey and horses, and it would NOT have been instant with the gorilla either.

I feel the zoo officials did what they had to do in order to spare the little boy’s life.

There is argument now that the mother should be charged due to the death of the gorilla. We hold animals in captivity for our viewing pleasure. We pay good money to go into zoos around the nation to look at these wild and often times extinct animals. If the mother is going to be charged and have to pay for the death of this gorilla, what about the suicidal man that jumped into the lion exhibit a few weeks ago?

I know for me, I try to keep an eye on my children at all times, especially when we are out in public! For whatever reason, this mother took her eyes off of her adventurous child, or maybe he scrambled from her sight so fast that she was unable to grab him before he went through the enclosure and fell into the moat.

It is beyond frustrating that people seemingly act irresponsible and innocent people, or animals in this case, are hurt or even killed! The gorilla was going about his day being on display as others around took pictures, talked to him, etc., and then a foreign object falls near him. I’m sure the gorilla was curious, yet also wishing to protect his habitat. The next we saw unfold in the edited and unedited versions of the video. I’m certain the little boy was in danger or else the zoo officials would not have taken the action that they did. Yet, we’re still left frustrated over it! However, if this was your child, I am certain you would want the zoo officials to do just what they did in this case to spare your child’s life. I wish both of their lives would have been spared, but sadly, this was not possible.

Should the mother have been watching her child? YES! Should the enclosure have been where no human could have gained access? YES! There is fault on BOTH sides, but pointing fingers will NOT bring this 17 year old gorilla back to life nor will it erase the injuries the boy sustained from the fall and being dragged through the water by the gorilla. Hopefully, it will teach the mother to keep a better watch over her children. I can only hope that this will leave a lasting impression on the CHILD also so that he will obey in the future! And lastly, I hope that zoos every where will look at ALL of their enclosures to ensure that no one can gain access after these two incidents within weeks of each other where humans were able to get inside with the wild animals.

At a time like this, let’s stop casting stones. Instead, mourn the loss of a gorilla that entertained so many people in the 17 years he was alive, AND whisper thanks to God for sparing the life of this four year old little boy who has so much living left to do.

Three Cheers

Shirley Words of Love To My Babies 6

She came home from school one day filled with excitement and nervous energy all rolled into one.

“Mama, I’ve signed up for the Lip Sync Battle at school!” my 11 year old daughter exclaimed.

I congratulated her and made a point to really encourage her on this. I know she gets a little anxiety about putting herself out there like that, but I am so proud of her not letting this hold her back from something she really wants to participate in!

My daughter and two of her very best friends picked a song that they wanted to do; Hoedown Throw Down by Hannah Montana. My daughter asked for my help with the choreograph for the song even though the video had some movements that they could have just copied. I really liked how my daughter wanted to make her own movements, and I thought it added so much more to their performance.

She and her friends practiced at school as much as they could, and I caught glimpses of my daughter practicing at home, in the car, and even at the grocery store. She was so into this and wanted to do a good job. She would get embarrassed when she realized I was watching, and she would stop. I wondered how this would go on the actual day of the Lip Sync Battle. I told her that she was doing a great job and just needed to give it all she’s got. Dance like no one was watching. Just get into it because she had this! She practiced so much that she knew every word to the song and every movement flowed!

I asked her one evening what she and the other girls were going to wear for their performance. She just sat there as if in deep thought, so I suggested that they wear plaid shirts like we wear when we go horseback riding from time to time. Her eyes brightened and grew wider as she almost jumped from her chair as she said, “And we can get cowboy hats, too!” Oh yes, she was all into it now! Having just purchased a cheap cowboy hat for my husband from Party City for a New Year’s Eve party, we knew where to go to get two more for the other girls! Her friends were so excited when she told them the next day at school! The girls didn’t all have plaid shirts, though, so they worried over that until I told them that they could just use my shirts. I had plenty! They literally jumped up and down with excitement when my daughter told them that we had the costumes covered. All they had to do was supply the boots. They said they could handle that part, so their costumes were now complete! That was one less thing for them to worry over.

After much anticipation, the day of the Lip Sync Battle arrived. I walked into the school with my daughter that Monday morning with shirts and hats in hand. My daughter sat nervously at her desk in the classroom as she waited for her friends to arrive. The clock ticked slowly with the hands hardly moving it seemed. I told her it was going to be just fine. Her friends would be there! And sure enough, a few minutes before the bell sounded, her friends walked into the classroom. My daughter melted at her seat for a second before she jumped up and hugged her friends exclaiming, “Thank GOD you’re HERE!”

I began slipping the plaid shirts over what they were wearing, fixing their boots so they could be seen, and placed the black cowboy hats on their heads. They were all set!

Lip Sync Battle

Before they went on, I told the girls that no matter what happens KEEP GOING! If you mess up, don’t make it noticeable at all. Just keep the movements flowing and moving right along. Keep dancing!

AND … they did!

Little did we realize that, as they kicked off the Lip Sync Battle, the music would fail on the sound system! Oh no! The girls were absolutely amazing, though, as they did exactly what I said and THEY KEPT GOING! With barely any sound coming out of the speakers, they danced right along and sang the words enough to get them through the performance. The audience realized what happened with the sound, and although a few laughed at first, they were amazed when the girls just kept going and doing their thing! I was BEAMING with pride as I watched those girls on stage! They worked hard, and this moment in time was not going to be ruined by speakers that failed to work.

As they exited the stage at the end of their performance, everyone began cheering for them. Some even commented that they couldn’t believe they kept going! I was sitting in the very front watching it all unfold, and I believe I may have been one of the loudest when I cheered for them!

My pride and joy strutted her stuff on stage with her friends!

The show went on, and the sound was fixed for the next song. The girls were all worried that they embarrassed themselves, but I assured them that they actually did the opposite! They amazed the audience when they did not give up or stop midway through the performance due to the lack of sound!

After a few songs played and the other students got a chance to perform, one of the teachers came over to us. He apologized for the issue with the sound but said the girls would get a chance to do it again now that the sound was fixed. Woo Hoo!! The three girls held hands and were smiling all over themselves for this opportunity! And sure enough, an announcement was made for the judges to disregard the opening act with the sound issues as they were closing out the Lip Sync Battle with their performance once again!

These three little girls were amazing to watch on stage!

The crowd cheered, and there I was once again beaming with pride!

Decision time was among us, and the judges gathered to tally their votes. Then the elimination started on stage. It came down to my daughter’s team and another team. They huddled together, fingers crossed, and their lips mouthing, “Please … please … please” as they waited in great anticipation for the results. The winner was announced, and by ONE POINT the other team won! Ugh!! Disappointment washed over my daughter and her friends, but I immediately joined them when they returned to their seats. I made a special point to let them all know how hard they worked, how it showed, and how incredibly proud I was of all three of them! They were in second place! That’s not too shabby considering there were at least 10 to 12 acts performing that day!

After they returned to their classroom, I went to get them a little something for their hard work. Coming back into the school with gift bags, their faces lit up once more. They were disappointed for a moment but quickly got over that when they focused on how good they did! It helped when others complimented them as well.

My heart still swells with pride every time I watch the video, and I’d like to share it with you now. Click here for the video I posted on Facebook.

Three cheers for these incredible girls!

2nd place

Marriage Survey

Shirley Intentional Marriage 2

Let’s face it. Marriage is hard work. Honestly, the struggle is real in a LOT of marriages these days. But, take heart. There is hope!

Focus On The Family has been helping families and marriages for many, many years. Now is no different as they have a marriage survey for you to take where it will reveal the strong points in your marriage first. Then, it will reveal the items it feels you are weaker in resulting from your answers to their questions. They go a step further, though, and provide information on how to improve in those areas. There are books recommended as a resource to get you headed in the right direction. The ultimate book is God’s Word, though!

I took the survey just a little bit ago, and I was pleased with the strong points in my marriage such as having a commitment to each other, spending quality time together, and intimacy between us. Where we struggle is, honestly, in the spiritual department and with not surrounding ourselves with couples in our community for a source of support. We lean heavily on each other, and to me, that isn’t a bad thing at all. But, the survey did suggest that we needed more outside support within our community. We did try this a few years ago with a small group at our church. When we were having some issues two years ago, though, it seemed to do more harm than good when we reached out to those around us. The more people that got involved, the worse it was! Opinions from others were flying back and forth on both sides with a great number suggesting that we go against what our hearts wanted: each other! We believed in our marriage even when those on the outside did not, and we did NOT give up on our marriage nor each other!

Spiritually, we have a ways to go. The husband is the head of the house and the leader, and I believe my husband desires to do good in this area. He wasn’t really raised being involved in the church or having a relationship with Christ like we’ve both realized we needed all of this time. He gave his life to the Lord a few years into our marriage, praise the Lord for that! However, I think he feels he isn’t equipped to lead us spiritually. I strongly disagree. While I have heard the saying about being a baby in your spiritual walk still drinking milk, as he grows in his faith he will become more comfortable in that leading role. Once he grows and matures as a Christian, he will walk confidentially as the head of our house and the spiritual leader for our family.

The survey did not really reveal anything earth shattering that we didn’t already know we needed to work on, but it was interesting to participate in the survey. I enjoyed reading the results and seeing the recommendations as far as reading material to help bridge the gap of where we are and where we’d like to be spiritually. I really did appreciate the resources listed and plan to check them out.

If you have five minutes, would you consider taking the survey, answering the questions honestly and then taking action on the areas you may be weak on in your marriage? If so, please click here to take you to the Focus On The Family Marriage Survey.

I’d like to see everyone’s marriages improve so that you’re close in all areas: emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. It can happen!

Marriage isn’t just 50/50 as a lot of people like to say. It takes both of you going above and beyond to make your marriage soar to new heights. You CAN keep the fire burning in your marriage.

Even if there have been issues in your marriage previously where you felt like a wedge was driven between you and your spouse, God can heal your marriage if you turn to Him. We are living proof of it as we are closer now than we have ever been in our entire marriage! Two years ago, honestly, we were not sure that would be possible. We give God all the praise, honor, and glory for this because HE turned the problems we had into stepping stones to a love beyond our wildest dreams. We know for a fact that HE is able, if you trust in Him and turn your lives and marriage over to Him.

So what are you waiting for? Take the marriage survey, discuss the results, and join together to utilize the resources they recommend to improve your marriage. No, I am not receiving any commission or any blogger perks for recommending Focus On The Family, their survey, or the resources offered. I simply love what Focus On The Family is all about and wanted to share with others who may be interested.

Here’s to living, loving, and enjoying life together with your spouse!

Marriage Survey

From Light to Deep Sleep Using Essential Oils

Gregory Johnson Food For Thought 0

I have always been a very light sleeper. Anything that sounds out of the ordinary at night and I wake up. It got to be so bad that I would use something like a fan, soft music or ocean wave sounds to help block out the odd sounds that would wake me up at night. That all changed when I was introduced to essential oils.

I had read about oils several years ago, but I never tried them. Then my wonderful massage therapist, Gina Westlake, mentioned that she was selling oils though Young Living. Since Gina has helped me a lot with my neck and shoulder issues, I trusted her recommendation enough to give them a try. So I signed up and bought a kit and a diffuser. It has been one of the best things I have done lately.

I started out using Frankincense in the diffuser while I meditated. I have been meditating for many years. My usual routine is to meditate with some soft music playing, such as Jim Brickman’s Soothe CD ( #soothe ), right before I go to bed to calm my mind in hopes of sleeping better. I set the diffuser near me and the scent of the Frankincense helps me achieve a deep state of relaxation faster and more often than what I would normally. So I decided to experiment a bit and use the diffuser at night while I sleep. I tried a couple of oils like lavender and I did notice a bit of a difference.

Gina made a post in our Facebook group, “Good morning! There are a LOT of oils that will support a good night’s sleep. This trio (Valor, Lavender & Envision) has been my go-to the last few days (a couple drops of each on my feet before bed) and I have been sleeping GREAT. Seriously like knocked-out-great, which is unusual for me. What oils have worked for you?”

One of the members replied that she used a combination of lavender and lemon. Since I had those two, I decided to give it a try. The lavender and lemon combination works great for me. I still wake up one or two times a night, but I am sleeping deep and feeling more rested than I have in a long time. I wish I would have known about this a long time ago.

If you have ever thought about trying essential oils, we would like to give you a chance to try them out. We have put together a little essential oils starter kit giveaway. Our starter kit includes:

A diffuser
A bottle of Young Living Lavender oil
4 oil samplers: Lemon, Peppermint, Peace & Calming, and Thieves
An Essential Oils pocket guide
A Young Living product guide

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What Are You Expecting?

Shirley Inspiration, Intentionally Focused 2

Try as we may, we all go into different situations with expectations. It is hard as human beings NOT to sit in anticipation of what will happen. Whether we’re expecting a miracle in a situation only God can control such as someone’s health issues, or we’re expecting a raise for all of our hard work, if we’re honest, we’re all sitting in anticipation of something.

For the vast majority of Seniors, they are expecting to walk down the aisle at their graduation ceremony in just a few, short days. They have no idea that all the years they complained about school will actually be the best days of their lives when they look back on things. When all you really have to do is go to school, study, and make good grades all while hanging out with your friends, oh yes, these are the best days of your life. You just haven’t realized it yet. When you get out into the real world, you will, though. Whether you go to college to further your education or you go out into the work force, you will soon realize that the world does not revolve around you and your friends. It can be, and often is, a cruel world out there. I bet of all the things you’re expecting your adulthood to be, you won’t be expecting the harsh reality of those that occupy the planet with you caring very little about your well being and your success. Don’t let people, their actions, or their lack of care and concern make you lose sight of your goals in life. Be the best YOU can be.

There was once a guidance counselor at my husband’s school that discouraged him from going to college. The guidance counselor said such damaging things like, “You clearly are not college material.” That stuck with my husband, and honestly, it discouraged him a great deal. It was, indeed, damaging to hear the guidance counselor, of all people, say this to him when he was looking for … well … guidance … for his future plans. My husband certainly didn’t go into the office that day expecting THAT. Thankfully, though, he has a spirit of determination, and those words were actually the words he needed to hear. He didn’t give up like ones would do under those circumstances being told such things. Instead, he forged ahead, and he went to two technical colleges, and THEN he entered the big university where he graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering!

Don’t EVER discourage someone when they come to you seeking advice. Especially if you’re in a position such as this guidance counselor! Instead, be a great encouragement to them. My husband went in there expecting encouragement from the guidance counselor, but instead that was not what he received. Yet, in the long run, he proved the guidance counselor wrong! He not only went to two technical colleges where he obtained an Associates Degree, he went on to the big university where he obtained his Bachelor Degree! Although he’s never gone back to that guidance counselor to show them just how wrong they were about him, I wonder if the thought has ever crossed his mind.

What are you expecting? Where are you in life and what are you looking forward to, anticipating, or expecting? Are you expecting to go on to bigger and better things? Who is stopping you then? Go for it and live your dream! If there is a way possible for you to embark on the path that will lead you to your destiny, do it!

Live your dream. Reach for the stars! You CAN do it!

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Light, Love, Hope

Light in the Darkness Surrounded by Love with Hope for those in need.