Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Monday, January 8, 2018

My #OneWord for 2018



I love choosing ONE WORD to narrow my focus for the year. Sheila at BookJourney.net offers a space for us to share our ONE WORDS each year. I chose ONE WORD in 2015 and 2016, but never landed on one for last year. I missed having that focus last year and was determined to find one this year. My previous words were Balance and Begin and I found them to be helpful in keeping me focused on my goals. 

This year is going to be an emotional one for me. Our oldest will be graduating from high school in May and heading off to a yet-to-be-determined college in August. Our second child will start his senior year in August and the cycle will start all over again. It's already been difficult going through several "lasts" with our oldest during his senior year. Watching the boys compete and perform together has been so special for our family and knowing this will be the last time has been tough for me. They are best friends and I know they will miss each other deeply. 


 


I've been trying to find a word that encompasses my emotions and thoughts about this coming year. Then I hugged my son and I knew what my word should be.

The word Embrace has two definitions and both are meaningful to me this year. 




Embrace (verb) - to hold someone closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection.
(noun) - an act of holding someone closely in one's arms.

This photo above is one of my favorites. It's Patrick embracing his good friend Kam after he crowned him Homecoming King. Kam was Homecoming King last year and it was a special moment for Patrick to be crowned by him. 

I have been doing a lot of embracing lately. Not just with our children, but with friends as well. There are a number of moms that I am close to that are sending off their first, last, or middle child this year. As we travel together through the "lasts", it's been comforting to know that we have each other to go through it with. I've also been embracing our children and my husband more lately. I've needed the physical contact of the embrace to center and calm me. Did you know that the minimum time necessary to promote the flow of oxytocin and serotonin during an embrace is six seconds?  In order to encourage those mood-boosting chemicals, hold on to that loved one for at least six seconds. 


Embrace (verb) - to accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically.
(noun) the act of accepting or supporting something willingly and enthusiastically.  

I am embracing the idea that there will be a change in our family, in our home, in our lives. I am enthusiastic about the experience of choosing a college. I look forward to visiting him there and sending him packages after he moves in. I am excited to support him as he competes at the college level for Cross Country and Track and performs in their music program. I'm in awe of all the opportunities ahead for him and can't wait to see what he is going to be.

I'm embracing the idea of only two children in our home (for one more year) and then knowing that it will just be Pat and I and our daughter. I'm embracing the change that is to come from watching our children leave the protection of our home and begin their lives as adults. I'm embracing the idea that sooner rather than later, my focus will be less about our children and their schedule and more about me and what I want to do.

I may be a bit emotional in the next days, weeks, and months. But, I am bursting with pride over all our little family has created and the changes that are ahead for us. In Ecclesiastes 3, it states that there is a time for many things, one of them being a time to embrace. This is my time and I am going to embrace all of it that I can.


Don't fear change - embrace it.
Anthony J. D'Angelo


Life is all about embracing each moment that is given to you.
Evangeline Lilly


It's not complicated to embrace life. 
You just have to make the choice. 
Faith Hill


Thursday, October 27, 2016

Enjoy the Beauty of Your Day

We have been fortunate to have one of our most beautiful Octobers that I can remember in awhile. The weather has been warm and sunny and hardly any rain and cold to speak of until yesterday. 

October is my favorite month of the year. I love watching the changing of the leaves and the crispness in the air.  It's the month that holds my birthday, my husband's birthday, as well as a slew of other family members. I remember growing up that it was a month of celebrating. 

Last week, as our son was preparing to run his last cross country meet of the season, I found myself surrounded by the beauty of nature. The golf course in NE Iowa where the meet was held was full of trees that were in the process of changing over to fall. I was standing by myself and just took that moment to look around and enjoy the beauty of it. It helped calm me as I was extremely nervous for our son. This was his chance to make it to the state cross country meet.  Even though he didn't make it (he finished 20th and they take the top 15), I have looked back on this photo often as a reminder of the beauty in that day.

Wherever you are in the world, I hope that you can take a moment to enjoy the beauty of your day.




A post from today, 5 years ago -  Product Review: Nature's Hand Granola
A post from today, 2 years ago - Fulcrum Gallery Print Review
A post from today, 1 year ago - #52ListsProject - Things that Make Me Feel Peaceful

Monday, August 8, 2016

My Inspiration This Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - Joshua 1:5



Five years ago, I started the Bible in 90 Days Reading Plan, reading with over a thousand others across the world. At that time, I only made it to the Book of Jeremiah, about a month before the finish. I was disappointed in myself but knew I could try it again.

On July 18, 2016, I joined Amy at Moms Toolbox and many others to Read the Bible in 90 Days again. This week while reading I had a crisis come up and it railroaded my reading. I got behind and let other things get in the way. I didn't get all the way through, but I'm doubling up and will catch up this week. I noticed that when I was going through my highlighted verses on my phone, I had highlighted the same verses from my past reading in my Bible. It was comforting that God's words are still ringing true to me five or more years later. But, I did add some new verses to highlight also.

This week the verse that hit me at the perfect time with just the words I needed to hear brought me lots of comfort. When I didn't get time to read a chapter or an entire book, I scrolled back and read this verse and took comfort that God has got my back in this and will find me a way out of this mess.


No one will be able to stand against you
all the days of your life.
As I was with Moses,
so I will be with you.
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua 1:5

Even though this week I felt very alone, I knew someone was watching over me and that was just what I needed.

A post from today, 4 years ago - Book Review: Wicked Wives By Gus Pelagatti
A post from today, 2 years ago - I'm Grateful Today

Monday, August 1, 2016

My Inspiration this Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - Deuteronomy 5:33


Five years ago, I started the Bible in 90 Days Reading Plan, reading with over a thousand others across the world. At that time, I only made it to the Book of Jeremiah, about a month before the finish. I was disappointed in myself but knew I could try it again.

On July 18, 2016, I joined Amy at Moms Toolbox and many others to Read the Bible in 90 Days again. Many of these passages are coming back to me both from reading before as well as during my years of in depth Bible Study during Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)

Last week's reading included Leviticus, Numbers and a good chunk of Deuteronomy. Much of it is tedious to read regarding laws, sacrifices, and family geneology. But, plowing through is important and there is a reason behind these teachings. Just be thankful that every time we sin, we don't have to sacrifice a lamb or bull. Although during my "monthly visit" I wouldn't mind a 7 day sabattacal! ;) All that aside, there were numerous important lessons from last week.  The one I would like to focus on really sums up the week and the reason why I am reading the Bible to begin with.



Walk in obedience 
to all that the Lord your God 
has commanded you,
so that you may live and prosper
 and prolong your days
in the land that you will possess.
Deuteronomy 5:33

By walking in obedience with Him, following His teachings, asking for His forgiveness, trusting His faith, and being thankful for His grace, we are allowed a life with Him forever.


A post from today, 5 years ago - Some Aha Moments
A post from today, 2 years ago - Our Vacation to Michigan

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

My Inspiration This Week from Reading the Bible in 90 Days - Exodus 14:14


Five years ago, I started the Bible in 90 Days Reading Plan, 
reading with over a thousand others across the world. 
At that time, I only made it to the Book of Jeremiah, about a month before the finish. 
I was disappointed in myself but knew I could try it again.



A few weeks ago, I came across my bookmark for the Bible in 90 Days 
and was thinking about starting the reading again on my own, without a scheduled group. 

I decided to pray about it and wait and see if this was really the right time to do it.

Then a week or so after that day, I received an email from one of the bloggers I follow and leader from the last Bible in 90 Days and guess what, she was starting another session that next week.

I felt like her email was meant for me and knew it was just the nudge I needed.
I commented right away, before I could change my mind, and said I would join her.

Amy at Mom's Toolbox is one busy lady. In fact, during the first week of the readings, she was traveling in Europe during most of that week. If she can find time to read, then I certainly can too.

So, last Monday (July 18) we started reading and the reading should be done October 15, 2016. 

Yes, I will have a lot going on in the coming weeks and will make it very tough for me to find the time, but over this last week, I realized it is very doable. During some down time, rather than going on social media, I would open my Bible app and read. 

I'm not pressuring myself like last time to journal and take notes. I'm just reading...mostly from the app on my phone. That makes the Bible available whenever and wherever I want to read it. Whether I have 5 minutes or an hour. I'm highlighting passages I want to remember, but nothing further. I am just reading and soaking it in.  That alone has made the reading so much easier.

I wanted to share one verse that impacted me last week.
 We read Genesis and Exodus last week and my verse comes from Exodus 14:14. 


"The Lord will fight for you;
you need only to be still."
Exodus 14:14

When I'm struggling with something, I am usually very agitated, always searching for answers, and worrying about my next move. 
This was a reminder I needed to just let God do all that. 
I just need to be patient and be still.

I'll try to share something each week from my reading that impacted me.
It isn't too late to join in the Bible in 90 Days reading. I'd love to read along with you. 
Check in HERE and get your daily reading assignments. 


A post from today, 6 years ago - Hummingbirds

Monday, March 28, 2016

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: You're Already Amazing - Life Growth Guide By Holley Gerth

YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING
Life Growth Guide
Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be

By: Holley Gerth

Published: March 1, 2016

Publisher: Revell

Non-Fiction/Christian/Study Guide


Holley Gerth is well-known for her books that ask women to open their eyes to all God made them to be. With her previous books, she reminds women that they can survive the hardships, they can reach their goals, and they can still have those "God-Sized" dreams. Gerth inspires women with her faith in God and her easy-going, girlfriend approach to real-life situations of marriage, motherhood, and getting it all done. In her book, YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING, she empowers women to "be all that God made them to be and pursue the purpose for their lives." With this study guide, she helps you break down each approach so that you can have an even greater experience.

This study guide or interactive workbook can be used as a Bible study in your church or women's group, in an online group, with friends over coffee, or as an individual study. Each chapter or session as it is called in the book covers a topic. For example, Session Five is God's Purpose in Our Lives. Each session builds on the previous session's notes and asks you to continue in the process of embracing who you are. There are personal questions to reflect on, questionnaires to answer, Bible verses to read, and space for you to journal. You can purchase the companion DVD or go online to watch each Session's video.

I think this study guide is a great way for women, who are in a season of change, to take some time to pray for what is ahead for them. This is an opportunity to find out what your personal strengths are, how you handle situations, what is important to you, and maybe what is no longer important. Finding out what truly makes you happy and then making that your purpose can give you a new energy you may have been missing.

Some of these themes in Gerth's workbook are ones I have seen before in other books related to creating balance and finding your purpose. But her approach is laid back and friendly and makes it approachable for women who aren't comfortable in the business world or who want to have meaningful conversations with other women in similar situations. Working through this study guide makes you feel like you are having a conversation with a friend. The pages offer lots of room for reflection and journaling and ask thought-provoking questions to get ideas flowing. Overall, if you are in the beginning stages of a life-change or looking for a new direction, I think Holley Gerth's book and companion workbook would be an excellent place to start.

Holley Gerth - source
Holley Gerth is a bestselling writer, certified life coach, and speaker. She loves connecting with the hearts of women through her popular blog and books like You're Already Amazing,You're Made for a God-Sized DreamOpening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream, andYou're Going to Be Okay. She's also cofounder of (in)courage and a partner with DaySpring. Holley lives with her husband, Mark, in the South. Learn more at www.holleygerth.com. You can also find Holley on Twitter, HERE and Facebook, HERE

To see my review of Holley Gerth's book, WHAT YOUR HEART NEEDS FOR THE HARD DAYS, click HERE


THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!
 THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED! DARCY IS THE WINNER!

Now for the Giveaway details! You can win your own copy of the YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING STUDY GUIDE. Just fill in your information below in the form. You must be a US Resident and have a valid email that you check regularly. It's that easy! 



If you can't wait to purchase these great books and companion materials from Holley Gerth, click the photos below:

YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING Book


YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING LIFEGROWTH GUIDE


YOU'RE ALREADY AMAZING DVD



A post from today, 3 years ago - Book Review: God inside the Fire by Greg Stelley


Thanks to the publisher for sending two copies of this book for a review and giveaway. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Friday, March 25, 2016

Today is a Good Day


My message to you today is..............................................




May this weekend remind you 
of the great miracle of Jesus's resurrection. 
His death on the cross 
was for you and me and everyone who believes 
that by his death, we have been forgiven. 
By his life, we are saved. 
Just believing that He is your Savior is enough. 
You are enough. 
No works, no good deeds, no money exchanged....
just your faith in His grace 
and knowing in your heart 
that he died for YOU...is enough. 
You are enough. 
You are saved by grace through faith in Him.

Take some silent time this weekend 
to acknowledge this amazing gift we have been given. 



A post from today, 7 years ago - Review: Three Cups of Tea By Greg Mortenson
A post from today, 6 years ago - Review: Winter Garden By Kristin Hannah
A post from today, 5 years ago - Things I Love: Trader Joes
A post from today, 3 years ago - Book Review: Rush By Maya Banks
A post from today, 2 years ago - Book Review: Raising John By Jennifer Lesher

Monday, January 18, 2016

My One Word for 2016


Last year, I chose One Word that was my focus for 2015. I wrote it down in places that I would see it every day. When I had decisions to make I reflected on my One Word and whether my decision would affect what I wanted to achieve. Last year's One Word was "Balance". I was completely out of balance in my life and needed to regain control in numerous areas. I really believe that I did so much better "balancing it all" and even though it isn't perfect, I know I am much more balanced than I was in 2014. To see my post from last year, click HERE.


I tossed around several different words for the last few weeks, trying to see if I kept seeing one, kept hearing it in my mind, praying over the words, and waiting for a sign. It didn't come right away like I expected it too.  In fact, I'm half-way through January and I've finally felt like NOW my One Word is clear.



My One Word is..................................... BEGIN


To begin, begin. 
William Wordsworth 

One day last week, I came across this quote and it made me stop. Of course, to begin....you must begin. It was that light-bulb moment.  I had several of them while reading TAMING THE TO-DO LIST a couple months ago. See my post about it HERE. I realized while reading this book, that I have a problem with procrastination and starting projects. I put off the hard ones, constantly moving them to the next list and the next one while crossing off the small, easy tasks so I feel like I am accomplishing something. But, those big tasks are still looming over my head. But, since I've read that book, I have realized that just beginning is the battle. Once I start, I plow through and finish the job. I just need to begin.

Begin to proceed to perform the first or earliest part of some action; commence; start:

This definition sounds optimistic and refreshing. Every day is a new beginning, a fresh start, a do-over. But, for some reason beginning can be difficult for me. Maybe it is that what is ahead is unknown, maybe I'm tired, maybe I don't know how to begin or what my next steps should be. 

I've struggled with beginning a new book because I am worried it won't live up to my expectations.

I have a hard time beginning to write a review because the words aren't coming easily.

I have big projects that seem overwhelming so rather than starting them, I just keep moving them from list to list. But, beginning it, is better than ignoring it and not doing it at all.

I need to workout and if I just begin, it goes by fast, but beginning is the hard part. 

Just beginning doesn't require me to be perfect or to finish the job right away or even without mistakes. I just need to begin it. 

God even spent seven days creating the Earth. He had a huge task in front of him and He knew he couldn't finish it all in one day....so He broke it down into parts....creating darkness and light, waters and land, plants and animals, and humans. He spent six days completing his tasks, but to do that he had to...BEGIN. 

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. ~ Genesis 1:1

Your beginning will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be. ~ Job 8:7

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. ~ Ecclesiastes 7:8

All of these verses inspire me to begin and I'm am hoping that this is the year I begin AND finish all those things hanging over my head.
  • Organizing our mud room
  • Making my heirloom tray
  • Hanging up photos on the wall
  • Starting the boys' t-shirt quilts
  • Repotting my household plants
These are just a few projects that have been on my to-do list for over a year and are just waiting for me to........BEGIN.

What tasks to you need to begin? Are they as small as unloading the dishwasher or starting a load of laundry? Or is it as big as remodeling a room or painting the walls or rekindling a broken relationship? 

I'm am looking forward to starting 2016 with a new beginning.....a new way to.......BEGIN. 

Did you choose a One Word? If so, share it with me! 

Monday, December 28, 2015

A Little Monday Inspiration - Time








Lack of direction,
not lack of time,
is the problem.
We all have 24-hour days.
Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar is a well-known and respected speaker and author. Even though he has been gone for 3 years, his words and knowledge still live on.

I'm spending my time over the next couple weeks focusing on my family and myself. This may sound selfish to some, but this is just what my heart and soul needs. I'm hoping when I return, I'll be ready to dive back into my work, being more organized and refreshed.

I'm wishing all of you a wonderful new year and I'll be back soon with lots of book reviews and other fun posts!



Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Life is Not a Race...





Many of you know that I'm a mom with three active kids. I'm also a devoted wife who likes to take spontaneous lunch dates with her husband. I am also a substitute teacher that recently has been more full-time than part-time. I'm a community volunteer who just finished a huge campaign to purchase new band uniforms for our school. Finally, I'm supposed to be reading books and writing book reviews to share with my audience.

Well, lately, it has been a bit hard to keep up with all of these items as well as the many other hats I've been wearing lately. I'm exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed over my never-ending list of tasks that don't seem to get done.

This weekend I'm making a 7-hour drive to meet my new great-niece and celebrate her sister's 2nd birthday. Then I'll be traveling again for Thanksgiving. The next week, I will again be traveling to visit my dear friend and another niece in Colorado. Amongst all this, I'll be shopping and preparing our family for the Christmas season. Then we will be taking a quick family trip after Christmas. So, needless to say, I have a lot of my plate.

But, I am so thankful to be able to have a full plate. I'm blessed to have family to visit and the time to do so. I'm blessed to have a husband that picks up the slack when I'm overwhelmed. I'm thrilled to be able to get away and spend time with those I care about.

So, I'll be slowing down my posts from now through the end of 2015. I'll be finishing up my commitments and posting a few extras, but for the most part, my family will be my focus during this precious holiday season.

Thank you for supporting me and hanging around, both when I am active and when I am not.

Dr.Wayne Dyer couldn't have said it better when he said,

Life is not a race; it is a journey, 
something to be enjoyed each day. 

I'm enjoying the journey each and every day and I hope that you relish in the moments this holiday season, absorbing the joy of a child, the laughter of a friend, and the hug of a loved one. 


A post from today 2 years ago - Braces in Our House
A post from today 3 years ago - So Thankful Days 17 and 18
A post from today 5 years ago - Blessing #18
A post from today 6 years ago - A Thought for the Day

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Inspiration for Today - 43 is Beautiful



Today I'm celebrating turning 43. 

I'll be spending the morning baking cakes with my daughter for a fundraiser tomorrow. Then my afternoon and evening will be spent cheering on our Marching Bobcats in a marching band competition. It sounds like a perfect day to me!


My daughter and I in Teton Village, Wyoming


I saw this quote a few months ago and knew today was the perfect day to share it with you. 


As they grow older women should be 
celebrated, looked at and 
spoken to as 
vibrant, relevant, and gorgeous.
- Jennifer Aniston


I'm happy, cared for, and loved by many people that are dear to me. My life is hectic and sometimes stressful, but I wouldn't ask for any other life. Most of my days are full of smiles, laughter and joy. I couldn't be happier than I am right now. Life is good! I'm thrilled to be celebrating birthdays and spending the day with those I love most of all! 

Take a moment today to celebrate the women in your life and tell them, 

"I love you." 

"I appreciate you."

"You are beautiful."

Monday, July 13, 2015

A Little Monday Inspiration - Unplug






Everyone needs to unplug

from work, 

from responsibilities,

and from the internet

for a time. 

It's healthy, rejuvenating, and refreshing.  


This is exactly what I will be doing for the next few weeks. 
Unplugging and enjoying life! 
Not that being "plugged in" isn't enjoyable. 
But we all need a break and this is my break.

I'll be spending the next few weeks devoted to my family.

Don't worry, 
I'll also be doing lots of reading. 

I'll be back some time in August (date yet to be determined) 
to tell you all about our family fun and about the great books I read. 

Thank you for always supporting me and understanding 
that this blog is just a small part of my life. 
For understanding that I am always 
first a mom and a wife. 

I hope that you will also take some time out of your summer to... 

unplug


Almost everything will work again 
if you unplug it for a few minutes, 
including you.

Anne Lamott


Monday, June 15, 2015

A Little Monday Inspiration - Create Light

It has been awhile since I shared some inspiration to kick off your week. Last week, this quote stuck with me and I wanted to share it with you.

Today's inspiration comes to your from another blogger whom I admire, Dani DiPirro.  She shares positive quotes and inspiration and creates beautiful ways to do it. Her blog, Positively Present makes me happy and makes me think every week!

I am using her calendar, EVERY DAY MATTERS, daily and you can see my review of it back in January, HERE. Today's quote comes from the month of June, where her word for the month is "nuture". This final sentence from last week struck a cord with me and I thought it might with you too.



Sometimes we get stuck in our rut 
of blaming others, self-pity, and general crankiness.  

We can't sit around 
waiting for someone else 
to make our situation better, 
only we can make that change. 

So, quit pouting and being angry! 

Create some light in your life today!
 I promise you will feel better! 

Thanks Dani DiPirro for this kick in the butt! 

Monday, May 11, 2015

A Little Monday Inspiration - A Mother's Legacy

Yesterday was a wonderfully luxurious day at home with my whole family. I didn't sleep as late as I had hoped, but did lazily lay in bed later than normal.

Pat and Reagan made a huge breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, and waffles. The rest of the day including the required laundry, catching one of my favorite movies on TV (Up Close and Personal), finishing a book, Pat grilling our supper, the whole family playing Michigan Rummy, and ending the day painting my toenails.

We rarely get a day at home like this so it was wonderful. Even if the boys spent part of their day downstairs playing video games, we were all in the house at the same time.



On Saturday, I was able to spend time with my mom and dad since they came to Patrick's soccer game. We went out to eat together and caught up on life.

My mom is an amazing woman and my best qualities come from her. She is so giving and caring and is always making cookies or pie for some group, club, or fundraiser. She picks up her friend a few times a week and they go to Curves together. She is always sewing a quilt or mending some clothes (I did NOT inherit this skill from her). My mom has the most beautiful gardens and knows about every flower and shrub that can be grown in our area. When I saw this poem, I knew this described my mom perfectly:


I am truly blessed with two loving and supportive parents and a family that I can continue to share my legacy, planting seeds of kindness, generosity, and love into the hearts of our children.



Monday, April 27, 2015

A Little Monday Inspiration - Family



With what pleasure do we look upon a family,
through the whole of which
reign mutual love and esteem,
where the parents and the children
are companions for one another,
without any other difference than what is made
by respectful affection on the one side,
and kind indulgence on the other...
Adam Smith



One of my favorite pictures of our family from July 2008. Taken in the Smokey Mountains

As our children have turned into a tween and teenagers right before our eyes, this quote has even more meaning for me.  The conversations we are having, the trust that we are building, and the love and laughter that is shared in our home reminds me of what a family is all about.

These cuties above have turned into strong-willed, intelligent, and funny young adolescents. I am amazed by their talents, their convictions, and their insights.  I have no idea what the future holds for them, but I do know whatever it is they decide to do, it will bring all of us joy!


Reagan, Patrick and Bennett on Easter 2015

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Breathe, Laugh and Relax




I'm taking a few days off. 
I'm traveling to Denver and taking a few days 
to breathe, 
to laugh, 
and to relax. 

I'll be visiting one of my best friends as well as my niece.

I'm looking forward to sipping coffee in the morning and drinking wine at night.

I'm looking forward to catching up on life and sharing laughter.

I'm looking forward to seeing the mountains out the window and breathing the fresh air.

I'm looking forward to a little break from reality.

And when I return, I'll be refreshed and ready to tackle the next project!

Sunday, April 5, 2015

A Sunrise Worthy of Praise

Thanks to an invitation from a friend, we attended a sunrise service this morning at a local park. As we listened to the sermon, I heard birds singing, woodpeckers pecking, and watched geese glide along the lake. While Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus played, the sun began to peek through the clouds. It truly was a beautiful morning and worth getting up extra early for.


May you take comfort in the knowledge that He died and rose for YOU and for ME! We are saved by this miracle. Take joy in this amazing blessing! 

Happy Easter!