30.5.11

SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS



I am really excited about this class for adults being offered this summer in the Outer Banks. After doing some research and not finding any classes being offered for adults on sign language, I happened to meet Trish who has a background in ASL and teaching. I don't believe in coincidences. Ladybug knows some signs, but we are hoping to teach her more. She is working on using expressive language, but for now, total communication has been our preferred method.

23.5.11

Worshiping in the midst of pain

Lately, I have been thinking, pondering, and praying for those dealing with painful situations. I have especially been touched by my friends and loved ones dealing with cancer. Of all my life experiences, cancer was one that touched me and took a great hold of my life and spirit. It was my first real and painful battle of depression. It was very difficult for me to live a joyful, passionate, eager to see the next day kind of life. It was a very painful experience. In the midst of the pain, God used music to really speak to my soul. My husband is a worship leader and so the songs he would choose for our church to sing each week, really reached down to the core of me and break me. I have noticed, that some of the top songs and albums of this year's Christian song list, can touch those going through difficult times in so many ways. Their lyrics are very powerful and so are some of the stories behind these song artists.

Blessings by Laura Story: It talks about God's mercies in disguise. The music and lyrics are lovely.

"Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"



I loved reading the stories behind the songs. Here is Laura's personal story about her husband and creating this song.



"What does it look like when I spend years praying for healing for my husband that never comes? I feel like we’ve gotten to a place of having to make a choice- are we going to judge God based on our circumstances that we don’t understand? Or are we going to chose to judge our circumstances based on what we hold to be true of God? I’m learning that every morning when I wake up, to choose to trust God. And that’s what “blessings” is about. It’s just consideringMAYBE THE BLESSING IS ACTUALLY FOUND IN THE ABSENCE OF THE THING THAT I’M PRAYING FOR."


I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin: Another powerful song about crying out to God who is our refuge and strength and who is faithful and full of grace. The pictures used in Tomlin's video for this song are touching. It shows a little boy being treated in the hospital. Wearing a mask, doing a breathing treatment and riding around on his hospital bike. I can really relate to this little guy. As a child, there is so much trust and hope in one's future. As an adult, I can relate to Tomlin's words of just pouring out our hearts to God and allowing Him to hear our cries for mercy. "Let Faith Arise"




Psalm 28:2 "Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. "





Cousins


Happy Birthday to Miss Sarah! Ladybug's cousin Sarah turned one this week. Sarah is a special niece, since I was able to be present last year for her birth. She is the only niece/nephew out of 11 that I was able to be present for almost her entire birth process. She was also named after me which makes her extra special. Plus, she is super cute!



Here is one of Ladybug's Aunties, Rachel and cousin number 12 due and arrived this week. Photo was taken by Terry Kyle Photography.

Ladybug with Cuzbug for the 1st time. He arrived May 22nd at 10:10 p.m. and he is beautiful!



Lastly, Auntie Sarah with Ladybug and cousin Evaine. Aunt Sarah lives in FL and came for the week to spend time with the family. Here she is with her two nieces who she loves very much.


19.5.11

Giddy Up





My good friend Rebecca, whose blog you can check out here asked me what I would like to do this year for my birthday, something that is adventurous. I mentioned horseback riding on the beach. I have lived on the beach now for about 10 years and have always dreamed of horseback riding on the beach but have never looked into it. This week, my dreams came true!


It was a wonderful experience. The 2 1/2 hour ride went through a wooded path right onto the beach. We experienced some rain during our ride, but it seem to make it complete. Once we got onto the beach we were able to run with the horses. My friend Rebecca fell off her horse while it was running, and thankfully was alright. The last part of our ride was amazing. It is an experience I will always remember. Thanks Equine Avdentures!


Update on Earrings and Reese:

Joy will receive the first pair of earrings, and Virginia the second. Thanks for these purchases and helping a little girl going through so much.

To see more earrings available for Reese. Please check out Rebecca's Blog to view the earrings.

16.5.11

Earrings for Reese

Please visit this site to learn more about this beautiful little girl name Reese and her journey.

Reese and her family are such an inspiration to me. A group of my friends and I created homemade jewelry tonight to sell on her behalf to help with the extraordinary medical expenses they are facing.

Please take time to read about sweet Reese and her family.

And consider buying some of my handmade jewelry to go towards a great cause.

Thanks!




This first earring pair is made with purple, silver, and white jewels. I included two purple shells and a "believe" and "wish" jewel. Since I am hoping, praying, believing and wishing the best for Reese. Perhaps, this could be for someone who is also going through a hard time who you believe in.



This second nautical pair is made with brown and blue hues and includes fish and lifeboat jewels. I really like this pair and hope it can go to someone who loves the beach as much as I do.



The earrings are being sold for $10.00 each plus shipping. The first person to respond to this post with their email information can receive their chosen pair for $10.00 plus shipping. I plan to make more in the future.

MnM's: Monday Night Mamas

Lastly, here are some of the ladies I created the jewelry with tonight. They are some of my favorite friends who I meet with once a week. We call ourselves, the Monday Night Mamas.

8.5.11

Friends (Part 2)





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