Helping Hands

I read an article from the Associated Press last night that broke my heart.(I know it is shocking to think that I started crying while reading yet another news piece.) But this really got me. It was about Haiti and that 6 months post-earthquake you still have thousands upon thousands of people who are homeless, hungry, and hopeless.

Here is the article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38184951/ns/world_news-americas

The immediate feeling of my heart is that I want to get on a plane and go help these people. And then the thought comes to me, that there are people all around me in my own community, in my own state, that are in need as well.

It is more than my mind can process to think that this is going on in the world. The suffering...The lacking...The need...

The headlines are covered with the latest NBA news of who is signing with what team and for what astronomical dollar amount. Frankly, it is disgusting. It sickens me to think that we are paying guys tens of millions of dollars a season to bounce a basketball. It is no different in any other sport. Millions of dollars are tossed around and used to purchase fancy sports cars and palatial homes and unnecessary odds and ends like $500 thousand dollar jewelry.

It just doesn't seem right to me. It doesn't seem right that this kind of money and spending can go on and there are homeless shelters and food pantries and schools that are all having to close their doors because there just isn't enough funding.

There is need all around us. There are countless opportunities to give and serve and bless lives. And no, we all don't have large amounts of money to donate, but we can donate our time. Time to causes like Habitat For Humanity. www.habitat.org Or to the local Food Bank.

So no, we might not be able to help everyone, but we can help someone. Start in your own community. I love the saying, "Think global, act local." As we act locally, we make this world a bit better one community at a time, which in turn makes this world a better place.

You can make a difference, all you have to do is act...

A Gem Is On The Way...

All I am going to say is that I received a most wonderful gift from my G-Ma and G-Pa today, so be on the look out for a gem of a post to be coming your way in the near future as I put this magnificent gift to use...
And I will say that the gift will put the prize I won at Bunko to some good use! (Thanks again Sisterr Hansen for such a fun and delightful evening...)

Jolly Good Day

Today was an unbelievably delightful day...

A wonderful morning with Kris...

A superb lunch at Applebees with the best of company...


And to top the night of with Bunko...
(And yes, there were more than four of us at Bunko,
but the rest of the ladies refused to be blogged...)
So thank you Danielle, DeVille and Nitram
for being photographed and adding to the
documenting of my life, blog style.

Hooray for Howard!

Today we had a celebration at Sizzler...My friend Kim passed a test that is required for teaching. From what I hear, it is a beast of a test. She took it and passed...and there is no better place to celebrate an accomplishment like that, than at the Siz. (which makes me think of the 'Sev' which makes me want a Slurpee and a chocolate donut...) Anyway, it was a lovely little get together with lovely company and super lovely Malibu Chicken...
And so I say to you Howard...I am so very proud of you and so happy for you! Hip Hip Hooray!

There Is A God

This morning I read an article that brought me to tears. It was about an elderly woman who had the cops called on her, because she had her husband's and sister's corpses stored in her home. Now before you flip out, listen to the reasoning...

This sweet 90 year old woman had the remains of her loved ones stored in her home because she fears that death just might be the end. She isn't sure that there is a God, and fears that this life is all there is.

I can't express how this broke my heart. It saddened me thinking of this dear old woman who has lost her two best friends, and couldn't bear to say goodbye. It is my presumption, but I am guessing that she is alone in this world, and that maybe by having them near her it eased some of that loneliness.

I know what it is like to lose someone you love dearly. That separation is agonizing. But I have something that this sweet woman doesn't...I have faith and hope that there is something more. I have faith and hope that there is a loving God who is the Father of us all, who sent us here for a purpose. I have faith and hope that this life is not the end and that there is something glorious that awaits us when we leave this frail existence.

As I read the article, it made me realize once again how blessed my life is because of my beliefs. They haven't made my life bliss or a road on easy street, but they have definitely made it much more manageable. Nothing completely takes the sting of death away for those that are left behind. But I must say that belief in God and His promises, makes that temporary goodbye, a bit more bearable. It gives hope to life, that after we have lived our own lives, there will be a glorious reunion with those who have gone on before...

And so I say to Jean and all other of you who doubt God...I pray with my whole soul that you will come to know as I do, that yes there is a God. A God who is the loving Father of us all. And that He does have a plan for each of us. This life is not the end. Glorious things await us. We will be reunited with our loved ones who preceded us in death. Of that I am sure, for it is this belief that gives purpose to each day of my life. I know I will see my dad again as well as the loving face of my Father. I will go on living and loving that God who I know lives and loves me, and when the time comes for me to leave mortality I am sure of the fact that I will return to that place which we all came from and there will be loving arms to greet me.

Seek Him, and you will surely find Him...

Happy Independence Day

To get you in the spirit of the 4th of July...

Here is a little video I made with a song I really enjoy, entitled
"We Are America" by my dear friends Heartbound.
I hope you enjoy...

As for me and my plans this lovely 4th of July, I am sitting here enjoying my day, lovin' the Lord and the Land of the Free...

For your viewing pleasure, here is a little pic of me and Mr.MeatBall enjoying Independence Day. Nothing says America like hot dogs (it is his Halloween costume that I bought him, and unfortunately he isn't too fond of it, yet in this picture it looks like he is smiling and loving it...). Even though you can't see it, I am sporting my red, white, and navy blue Atlanta Braves jersey (it is the home of the Brave, right?!)

Happy Independence Day
~~~
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Happy Birthday Lorrie!

Happy Birthday Lorrie Lorrie Lorrie! Thank you for teaching me 'how to be like Jesus.' You inspire me with the unconditional love you give to everyone and with your eternally positive attitude. Thank you for being my friend and for showing me how to enjoy the simple things in life...

I chose this picture of her with Jo Dee Messina, because it
was very possibly one of the most humorous nights of my life.
We took her to Wendover to see the concert. She loved
every minute of it. But the over-the-top, could barely contain her
excitement was when Jo Dee sang "I Be Alright",
which is a Heartbound song!
(Now yes, I know the actual title is "I'm Alright" and Jo Dee is
the original artist on the song.
But there was NO, I repeat NO convincing her of that fact.)
To her, it was a Heartbound song,
and she proceeded to tell me after the concert,
"Yeah, Jo Dee, her did a good job,
but I like the way that Heartbound sing it better."
Oh how I love this girl!

Chunky Brewster

It all started on an elevator a couple of weeks ago...
I got on and once I was standing inside, it began to beep. The beep that states 'Help! I've got too much weight on me and there is no way I can take you fatties up even one floor, someones gotta get off!" Yep, that kind of beep. Luckily it was just a false alarm, and some man's hand being in the door was to blame. (Don't worry, his hand wasn't shut in the door, he was just holding it open...)

Fast forward a few days. I am on another elevator with my G~Pa (who was with me during the first beeping experience). I get on, and what happens?...you guessed it, more bloody beeping! My G~Pa looks at me, laughs and tells me that I might have to get off and take the stairs.

So I believe that it is all a sign. A giant, beeping, super-sized sign that it is time for me to trade in my cupcakes for cardio... What?! That is just crazy talk right there.What am I saying?!? Forget all that treadmill talk... I am going to hold onto my cupcakes for dear life. (In fact I will clutch one in each hand as to make it a well balanced diet.) And I'll just take my chances at another beepin' elevator!

"Arise" and get this cd!...

Heartbound consists of some of the most incredible women I have ever had the chance to meet. True story. No doubt about it. Just being in their presence makes you want to do and be better, in hopes that you might become a bit more like them. Their music is...well there just aren't words to describe the way their powerful testimonies fill the lyrics and melodies. Their songs are full of faith and hope, and are sure to touch your soul.

So, they have a new cd! This thrills me beyond belief! And so I say to you, go out and get your copy TODAY. There is a special pre-sale offer good from now until July 15th. What does this mean for you, you might ask...well I will tell you...it means that you will get a cd that promises to be fabulous, autographed and delivered to your door, for only $11.95! That's right, $11.95! I will stop the typing now so you can go order your copy...

heartboundmusic.com

(I learned an awesome little trick called, 'hyperlinking.' That is what the little gem above this is. Just click on the heartboundmusic.com link above, and it will magically take you to the place where with one click you can get your cd ordered! Amazing I know...)

Oh Canada!

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, that is what today is in case you didn't know...

Anyway, I didn't know until I looked at the calendar that today and I also had no clue what it was. I Googled it, and to be honest I still don't know exactly what the holiday is. From what I think I gathered, Canada got jealous of Ireland having a day like St Patrick's Day and so they invented Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. So all I know is that it happens in Canada, and it is a paid holiday...Sounds good to me!

I love Canada. They are responsible for some of my favorite things. Like All-Dressed-Chips. Celine Dion (which reminds me, I am going to be throwing a baby shower for her and then all of the goods will be donated to the local women's shelter. It's gonna be good. Stay tuned for details.) They also have mounted police officers who ride their horses all across town,which I think is awesome!

So here is to you, our lovely neighbor to the North...I wish you the happiest of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Days!

Faith vs Fear

I have been thinking a lot about fear and faith...

Something I heard quite some time ago was this: "Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real".

Fear prevents us from doing a lot of things in life. It can be paralyzing. It can be so intense and so real, that it keeps us from progressing or succeeding or reaching for and obtaining our goals and dreams. Fear is like a rapid growing weed that can quickly put a choke-hold on our faith.

There are so many examples of people throughout time that acted first with faith. Sure there might have been some fear and apprehension in their soul, but their faith was stronger, and they acted first with that.

I think of Peter and Jesus...As Jesus walked across the storm tossed sea toward Peter in the boat, Peter wanted to do what his Master was doing. Jesus bid him come. And with that Peter steps off of the ship and onto the water. This right here shows that he acted first with faith. He had enough faith to take the leap off of the safety and surety of the buoyant boat. Then using more faith, he takes a few steps toward Jesus. Here I would like to insert the words of Howard W Hunter: "While [Peter's] eyes were fixed upon the Lord, the wind might toss his hair and the spray might drench his robes, but all was well. Only when with wavering faith he removed his glance from the Master to look at the furious waves and the black gulf beneath him, only then did he begin to sink." And I quickly add the verse found in the bible that accompanies this story; "And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

There are plenty of things in life that distract us and try to inflict doubt and fear. The adversary uses fear as one of his greatest tools to get us to take our eyes off of the Savior, our source of love and perfect peace. Because that love, casteth out fear (1 John 4:18). It is my own personal feeling that as Jesus reached out and caught Peter, it was with great compassion. He must have been pleased that Peter had enough faith to step off of the boat and take a few steps, but He must have also been a bit saddened that Peter doubted His ability to assist him in continuing to take those steps across the water.

A little bit after this story, we find an acknowledgment of our being mortal: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."(Hebrews 10:31) And then a gentle but necessary command: "Cast not away...your confidence."(Hebrews 10:35)

We know these things are true, and we know that we should trust our Father in Heaven and Savior, but we are mortal, and we doubt and at times are prideful and think we somehow know better. But He always knows better, because He knows all.

So I am making a commitment in my life. I am going to try and act first with faith. Though I might be afraid, I am going to try and do as Peter did...when He calls, when He beckons me come, though the way might be new and unknown and frightening at first, I am going to trust. I am going to take the leap of faith off of the boat and take as many steps as I can across the water. And if I stumble, if I fall, I know that He will be there to immediately catch me, and lovingly pull me up and teach me so that my faith may be strengthened for my next go on the stormy sea of life.

Condiment Criminal...

I read something the other day that struck me funny. Just like my story of the IdahoSmallFalls, this one also comes from the great state of Idaho...
There was a lady who was arrested after she was caught dumping a tub of mayonnaise in the book-drop at the local library. She was taken into custody and is believed to be behind 10 other 'condiment-related crimes.' 10...yes, you read that correctly. And all 10 crimes were committed with some sort of product that you'd find at a 4th of July barbecue, next to the hot dogs and hamburgers. Though once, she did use...(oh wait, innocent until proven guilty) whoever committed the crime, used corn syrup.


And so, I am not quite sure what would possess someone to do this...

Maybe she had a late fee for an over-due book, that she didn't agree with. Now I hate fines and fees as much as the next person, but I don't ever see the 5cent-a-day charge enough to send me over the edge to go dump an economy sized tub of relish that I bought at Costco, into the book-drop. Though she is older, and if she had checked out a book back in grade school, enough time would've passed to have racked up a pretty decent fine.

Then I thought to myself, "Self, maybe she put her name on the waiting list for the first Twilight book when it first came out, and it wasn't until just now that her name came to the top of that list, and was mad because her kids or grankids already ruined it all by telling her about Edward and Bella and the fact that they are vampires." I'm not sure. That was just a guess.

So next time you go to the aforementioned Costco, remember this little story if you have a hard time stocking up on the fixins' for a big bbq...Just like the limit they put on cold medication cause kids were making drugs out of it...now this might spark them to create a limit as to one 45 gallon drum of ketchup or mustard or mayo, per visit, as the local library is afraid you might come make a deposit...

Father's Day

As I have thought about Father's Day this year, the following quote I found the other day keeps coming to mind. It was published years ago in the Guidepost by a man named Jerry Richardson...

When a little girl was frightened in the night, her father consoled her and explained that God is always with us. "I know God is always here," she replied, squeezing his hand. "But sometimes I need his touch with some skin on it."

I can't tell you how many times in my life I could relate to this story, being that both my earthly father and my Heavenly Father, are in Heaven. I lost my dad when I was just eight years old. I can't count the times that I have longed to feel him near me. To talk to him. To hug him and to feel his touch 'with some skin on it.' By God's loving kindness, those longings have been met with people who have been instruments in the hands of God that have been 'that skin' that allows me to feel the love and influence of my dad. For this, and to them, I am eternally grateful.

And so I say to my dad...

Dad, I love and miss you more than than words can say. I hope I'm making you proud with the woman I am becoming. I'm working hard to do all I can to make it back and see you again and make our eternal family, a reality. Keep sending those bright shining stars and pink roses...
All My Love~Your ShayBay