Light, Love, Hope

We All Need A Reminder

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

Five Minute Fridays – Visit

Shirley Five Minute Fridays 2

Yea! It’s Friday. Are you as excited as I am?

It’s time for Five Minute Fridays. Lisa Jo Baker provides a prompt word, and we write for five minutes of unedited fun! We link up and share our writings with other bloggers around the globe.

Our word today is VISIT.

Ready?

Set!

Go!

Today I had a nice, long visit with my parents. I always enjoy their company, and today was no different. We talked about a variety of things, even reminiscing about things over the years. Our favorite topic of conversation when we visit is, of course, my girls. We talked about how much they have grown and how proud they are of their grandchildren. During today’s visit, my mom talked about memories she has of my girls from when they were toddlers running around the house. She makes me smile as she recaps these moments. My dad smiles and nods as he, too, can remember them at such a young, tender age and can recall everything my mom is referring to. They talked of when my children would visit and how still to this very day it thrills their heart when my children call or come around. Just knowing that they want to spend time with their grandparents means everything to them. They have a bond with their grandparents that has been cemented through the years. I am so happy that they have the type of relationship with my parents that they do have with them as it has been so very important in shaping and molding them into the people that they are today. Oh yes, a wonderful day for a visit with my parents and a walk down memory lane. There’s just nothing like visiting with your parents and spending quality time with them. It’s precious, indeed. I love moments spent with them and treasure them.

STOP!

American Christian Honor Society

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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

Why DO We Judge Others?!

Shirley Food For Thought 2

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

(in)courage – Parenting Teens & Thriving

Shirley (in)courage 1

Wow. What a completely humbling experience to see your picture and name up on the (in)courage website as a co-leader of one of their precious groups for the Winter Session! I knew that all of the pieces were put into place, and the early registrations were starting. I knew that very soon we would begin working within our groups. However, there truly are no words to express the feelings that overwhelmed me when I saw it for the very first time.

I have the honor and privilege of co-leading with Kate Battistelli on (in)courage – Parenting Teens & Thriving! I came to know and love Kate with being involved in the group just as regular members during the last (in)courage session. The ladies in this group blessed my heart and soul. I looked forward to interacting with them every week and some times several times a week! They were just precious souls who love the Lord and their children so much. We shared fun, exciting and heart warming moments. We also shared the difficult days and moments that most definitely made us drop to our knees in prayer.

If you are looking for community, if you’re trying to find your place … please check out all of the wonderful groups over at (in)courage. These ladies are just waiting to love on you and welcome you with open arms. There are groups for chronic illness, empty nesters, etc. There’s bound to be a group for you. Please check them out! You will be so glad you did.

The Winner Is …

Shirley Giveaway, Simplifying Our Lives 0

Thank you to every one that entered the Giveaway for Jacinda Vandenberg’s ebook “Growing Your Blog While Managing Your Home.”

THE WINNER IS: KRISTI BOTHUR

Congratulations, Kristi! We will be in touch with further information on how to claim your prize!

Thank you, again, to everyone that entered, and please stay tuned for more giveaways to come!

The giveaway was first mentioned here along with the review of Jacinda’s book. For those that were interested, there is still an opportunity for you to purchase the book.

Be Imitators of God

Shirley Intentionally Focused 1

I am so excited tonight because the Good Morning Girls will start their new bible study tomorrow on being Intentionally Focused! I have participated in several of their bible studies in the past, but this time I have joined a group for the interaction and accountability aspect. Also, when I review the bible verse and “SOAP” the scripture, I will get a chance to view what others have shared in the group on how they interpret them.

My group leader posted the first scripture tonight to get us all geared up to begin tomorrow. I couldn’t wait to dive right in! My daughters and I read it together, and immediately the first verse reminded us of a time when we participated in a creative ministry at a church we were attending.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:1 NLT

My oldest daughter was maybe ten years old at the time when she joined the church group. They called themselves God’s Copycats. This group of youths would go around to neighboring towns to minister with puppetry, black light productions, hip hop dance, and interpretive movement/sign art. I had the privilege of witnessing my daughter coming out of her shell during each and every opportunity they had to minister with their performance. She was shy, yet on “stage” you would never know it due to how she joined right in, learned the moves, and poured it all out during the “show.” My husband and I helped backstage, which was chaotic at times but worth it all and more! What a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful group of young people letting their lights shine for Jesus!

Thank you, Good Morning Girls, for the trip down memory lane with the very first bible verse in this study! It has been a blessing to my heart already!

Care to join us on this journey? The Good Morning Girls provide the scriptures, you provide the bible. That is all that is necessary to get you started with the bible study that begins Monday, January 20, 2014. While their groups are now closed, you can still do the bible study as they share several times a week on their blog as well as sending information in emails and on Facebook. If you would like to write here about their study, I welcome that also. Feel free to SOAP your verses here or write anything that is on your heart after reading the scriptures.

This is going to bless so many hearts far and wide. I can feel it! How ever you do it, please join in as we become Intentionally Focused!

Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water

Shirley Food For Thought 2

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

Five Minute Fridays – Word: Encouragement

Shirley Five Minute Fridays, Food For Thought 4

I really enjoy the opportunity to participate in Five Minute Fridays with Lisa Jo Baker. The idea is to write your little heart out for five whole minutes. Do not edit. Do not even be worried one little bit over any errors. That is not what this is about. Today it is about sharing your heart without worrying about all of that. Pour it all out, Sisters!

The word today is: Encouragement

Ready?

Set!

GO!

Who doesn’t need encouragement in the world we live in today? There’s trouble around every corner, and there is always going to be people that you cross paths with in this life that would love nothing more than to tear you down. For some strange reason, they take great pride in launching assaults at you when what they truly should be doing is offering more encouragement, love, and understanding! The world needs more of God and less violence and negativity toward others. A few kind and gentle words go a long way to helping others along the way. It costs absolutely nothing to offer words of encouragement, and yet the rewards are endless. You get the opportunity to provide a smile on someone’s face that would not have been there that day had it not been for your wonderful words of encouragement. Whether it’s cheering someone on that feels depressed and defeated so that they feel empowered now to get up and try again instead of giving up mere moments before your words of encouragement were spoken. Offer those sweet, loving, kind, gentle, compassionate words of understanding and encouragement! They are so desperately needed in this cruel world we are living in. You can make a difference. Yes, YOU! Oh I can hear you now saying that you’re only one person, how can you possibly make a difference. Well, you may only be one person, but to one person you might just be the world! Speak life, speak love, speak encouragement over someone today! Be the change you want to see in the world. Let it begin with you! Right here, right now! Today! Instead of complaining, speak positive, refreshing, uplifting words … if someone is down, offer your words of comfort, wrap them in your love, and offer all of the encouragement you possibly can! Shower them with it, let them bask in it …

STOP!

How Great Thou Art

Shirley Food For Thought 0

I stumbled upon a video this week at Faith Tap of Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill singing/playing How Great Thou Art. Oh my, has it ever blessed my heart and soul. This is one of my all time favorite songs. One year my family and a smaller group from our church did interpretive movement to Elvis Presley’s version of this song. It was so powerful, and you could feel the presence of the Lord! It has always touched my heart, and this time it was no different. I was literally moved to tears. Click here to view the video. Be prepared with tissues nearby because you just might need them! I sure did!

Wordless Wednesdays

Shirley Wordless Wednesdays 2

Now this is a very neat idea! It’s Wordless Wednesdays brought to you by 5 Minutes For Mom

You’re supposed to link up from your blog with just a post containing a picture, thus the term “wordless.” Being that I’m a very wordy person, though, you know it is hard to JUST post a picture without talking about it. Since this is the first time I’m linking up, I just HAD to explain. Wordless. That’s a joke for this girl, right? But, I like it and am glad to join in! Here’s mine:

Okay … Okay … I just could NOT post this without telling you about it.

This is my youngest daughter. She was so excited about her pink boots. Why? Because she is a little cowgirl and has been riding horses at a nearby ranch. This little girl prepares her horse, grooms her which includes brushing her down thoroughly, combing out the mane and tail, and picking/cleaning/painting each hoof carefully. Then she places all of the necessary riding gear on her horse and gets ready to ride all by herself (adults are always present, don’t worry, but she is learning to be responsible and do all of this herself since it is “her” horse). She LOVES each and every minute of it, yes, even the “dirty” work.

So much for my Wordless Wednesday. It ended up not being so wordless. hahahaha

Blessings to you and yours,
~Not so wordless Shirley
Light, Love, Hope

Being In Community With Others

Shirley (in)courage, Food For Thought 10

I posed the question on our Facebook page earlier asking if being in community with others was important – why or why not? I did not have any one immediately respond to the question. While I would like a little more interaction with readers so that we become more like good friends rather than just someone on the outside looking in, I do understand the hesitation to respond. Some times we are more comfortable sitting back looking in at others and what goes on around us. We do not jump into the conversations for fear that we just don’t have anything interesting to share or that others may not like our point of view. We fear rejection based on the times in the past that we have been rejected when we were trying to fellowship with others. We know the sting of being ignored as well. So, rather than putting ourselves out there, we stay in our comfortable place and just observe. It’s “safer” that way, we tell ourselves. Do you wonder some times, though, if we’re really missing out? Do you wonder if maybe, by chance, someone in the group would like to hear what you have to say? Not only that, but do you think that they might actually begin to like you and form a friendship with you?More

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Light, Love, Hope

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