Light, Love, Hope

With all of the school shootings that have been going on around the country, this was a very sad but much needed conversation that I had to have with my children. What a sad world we are living in when the hard topic isn’t “the birds and the bees” any longer but, instead, are shootings that are taking place!

This conversation was prompted by a school shooting that took place over the weekend that was extremely too close for comfort. You always hear of things happening to other people and in places far away, but not here. Now it IS here, and More

I absolutely love interpretive movement and sign art. I first became interested in this in 7th grade when we had the privilege of going into the classroom with the special education students to interact with them. I have such fond memories of socializing with them. They were just regular children that wanted to laugh, play, and have fun just like the rest of us. We did just that, too!

I did not realize it at the time, but the teachers were using this opportunity to have us interact with the students in this way not only as a way to play with them and have fun but as an educational tool, too! We learned sign language and could “talk” with the deaf students. We played “Go Fish” and had lots of laughter with the group, but we did not fully realize the opportunity we were being given to learn and explore a different language all of its own – sign language! Back then it was more fun and games than anything, but it left a lasting impression on me so much so that years later not only did I join an interpretive movement and sign art group at church but I later became the director of this group.

Some people absolutely love watching interpretive movement while others still do not understand it or see the purpose for it. To me, it is a different way of worshiping the Lord. I love to praise and worship with song, just singing my heart out to God. However, I also love the More

We all need a reminder on this subject from time to time.

Today I was having a conversation with a lady as her husband sat nearby. During the conversation, the lady seemed to dwell on negative things either from past situations or those currently going on today in the world. Her husband was quick to chime in and say that this was generally all she knew to talk about. Being that she’s an older lady, it is hard to get someone to change the way they have always operated. However, I attempted to help her today. Her husband said that as they are driving along in the car together that she will sit for miles in silence without sharing with him what is on her mind. The wife said that was because she is thinking all of this negative stuff, and he has already let it be known that he does not want to hear it. The husband said that she acts as if she has never had any good happen to her in her life. He said it was as if it was all doom and gloom through every single one of her days. The lady did not really have a defense. She admitted that she does tend to look at the negative in the situations, but she was not sure why that was.More

Last night I had the honor and privilege of watching my 17 year old daughter being inducted into the American Christian Honor Society of the American Association of Christian Schools! This is the highest and most recognized honor.

The ceremony did not last very long, but it was a truly moving experience. They opened the service with prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, then to the Christian Flag, and finally to the Bible.

The speakers were full of encouragement and praise for all recipients. They poured such love over these young people’s lives as they recognized them for their great achievements.
More

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself exactly why DO we judge others? It is rather common place in this day and age to see someone face to face and actually look them up and down as if we are summing them up right then and there. We are forming opinions about the way they are dressed, about their hair, their make up, and about how they are carrying themselves. We even look over at their companions and begin to judge them.

How about the mother that you see in the store with a wailing child or one throwing an absolute temper tantrum?

Or the child More

I was sitting here tonight thinking back over the day we’ve had. We started out on this cold Winter morning outdoors at a photo shoot with some wonderful lady bloggers in a town near us. Although the wind was ripping right through us, we were laughing and having a good time having our pictures taken. It was so nice to meet these ladies and share some laughter together.

As my family and I walked along the path afterwards, we came across the picture perfect shot of a bridge. I sat here tonight going through the pictures, and the song “Bridge Over Troubled Water” came to mind. I began to play the version by Celtic Women and allowed myself to get lost in the words of the song.

Do you know which song I speak of? If so, have you ever really stopped to consider the words?

I think about how good God is to each of us. My thoughts wander to the times He has comforted me and walked with me.

He is an ever present force whether we acknowledge Him or not. He’s there. When we put on our masks for the rest of the world, He knows how we truly feel inside. When we cry silent tears in the dark, He is there to dry each and every tear that falls from our eyes. He truly is the One and Only Friend that will always be by your side when times are rough.

Be encouraged, dear ones. It is YOUR time to shine. Good things are on their way, friends.

If there are things in this life that are troubling you, won’t you take them to the Lord in prayer? Allow Him to ease your mind today, precious souls. He’s waiting …

Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon And Garfunkel

When you’re weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I’m on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I’ll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind