For those who don't know me well, I lead the children's worship for my church 3 or 4 weeks a month (plus a bunch of other stuff for KidStuf). It's a little scary sometimes how apropos this can be for my life - specifically the virtues we focus on.
March was 'COURAGE' and boy did I need that to survive this month. No, there was nothing overly nasty in my days, other than a broken booty. In fact, I'd have to say my month ended on a relatively high note as compared to my friend Amanda (sorry sweetie - I honestly think we switched luck at the end of the month but I would have gladly sent all the good and happy luck to you for your special day if I'd known what would happen). Breaking my booty was definitely the lowest point but it's not anything I couldn't get over!
For April the virtue is 'JOY' and I am SO ready for this month! We have great songs picked out (I can say this, cuz I set up the schedule and set list!) - very high energy and all about the joy that can be found in any situation and in Christ. Plus, I just love the sound of the word 'JOY' - it's a great word and gives an instant happy jolt when you say it. Really. Say it out loud right now. A few times. See - you smiled didn't you? (seriously - did you say it? wow - you're funny!)
Going back to Amanda, I think she already understands this 'finding joy in any situation' better than most people. Less than 24-hours after posting about her crazy wedding (and less than 48 hours from the actual EVENT), she posted this follow-up - full of the joy of her marriage and being with the right man. She is thoroughly amazing to me and I know that I will take a lot to heart from both posts to see how God can give you a crazy moment (OK - a really BAD moment) at one point but you can find joy and happiness in it if you just look. Many brides would be fuming for YEARS over one little thing gone wrong and she's already sensing that she'll be laughing about it eventually (not quite yet, but she'll get there!).
Seeing the silver lining in things - that's been really hard for me to do lately, but I know it can been done. All things happen for a reason - it's not just a platitude or cliche - it's TRUE! God has a reason!
It's funny, I can usually tell other people to look on the bright side of things and tell them all the amazing things about THEM - but I refuse to do this for myself. Maybe for April one of my goals should be to say one positive thing about myself each day (and not just the "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me!" diatribe either). I'll keep you posted. :)
Showing posts with label everyday heroes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label everyday heroes. Show all posts
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Russell Girl - Mom insights
CAUTION: Spoilers may lie within. Read at your own risk...
The hubby and I watched the newest Hallmark Hall of Fame movie tonight, The Russell Girl, starring Amber Tamblyn. Now, as a quick aside, I'm really surprised he stayed up for it, and about 3/4 of the way in I told him as much (I thought it would be a lilttle too "touchy-feely/chick-flicky for him). His simple reply - "I wanted to see it, too.". Ok. News to me, but very cool. And no elaboration was forthcoming, so I took it as face value. He's a surprising guy sometimes!
On to the movie...
In many of my Biblee-stufy classes, it usually comes out that God sometimes puts you through things so that you may be an example or a comfort to others going through the same thing. This movie was a shining example of that!
Essentially, Sarah Russell (Tamblyn) did something as a teenager that haunted her well into her 20s. It also subjected her neighbors to emotional turmoil and no one ever really talked about it in either family. The neighbor mother essentially fell to pieces - both in the past and when Sarah came home. But, she eventually found her footing again - just in time to help Sarah's family with their new troubles.
It was, at times, as if everything was happening just in time to move the story along and was of course very Hallmark-y, feel good, all's well the ends well sort of thing. But, the point was still made. The neighbor mother got through the trouble just in time to explain and help Sarah's mother.
Sometimes it seems like a platitude, but God really DOES have a reason for putting you through bad times. Sometimes it might be just so you can understand the good times better. Or, it might be so you can be an example to other of what NOT to do (I personally feel this is where I usually fall!). And even more so, it's so you can help someone else move positively through the same situation.
At this point, I have to bring up my mom (and hopefully don't embarass her too much. Sorry mom - you are a great example here).
Many years ago, she and I were in a car accident. That was followed by another one 6 months later just with her. Same van, same road, almsot the same type of accident and she broke the same foot/ankle. There was a LONG healing process (and many hours of her and me watching Ice Castles but that's another story!). Eventually, the troubles she had with that leg ended with a below-knee amputation.
This amputation meant learning to drive left-footed (thankfully she's already right-brained with being left-handed so this may not as been as hard as it could have). It also meant years of limping and additional surgeries, troubles with broken legs (the prosthetics) and less-than-helpful orthopods. But, that doesn't stop her. She drives everywhere (although I haven't convinced her to drive cross-country yet!), she works full-time, she sings in the church choir, volunteers, goes on LONG shopping trips with yours truly, etc. She's great!
But, beyond dealing with her own troubles, she does more than that. With her new husband, she helps direct the Ohio Wheelchair Games. She's willing to discuss her situation with anyone who shows interest - she doesn't scorn them for being curious about something so many people don't have a clue about, but discusses it with frankness and a highh sense of humor. She's had a good laugh over "scaring" a lady at a swimming pool where she had left her leg in her jeans on a lounge chair while she took a dip (I still love that story!). She's had good cries with anyone who has difficult times or troubles and never "one ups" them on it (would never think of making such statements as 'you think that's bad? I lost my leg!'). I was even told a story by my grandmother where a minister talked with mom for quite a while after running into her at a mall and just being so touched by her and her story and who she is. She hasn't let something that is obviously, in-your-face, debilitating stop her from enjoying life or helping other.
Now, take a minute to think about your life. What negative situation have you overcome? What sadness have you turned into happiness? What door closed and subsequent window opened? And think of how you can channel that into helping others. How can you articulate that into a positive story of hurt and help?
The hubby and I watched the newest Hallmark Hall of Fame movie tonight, The Russell Girl, starring Amber Tamblyn. Now, as a quick aside, I'm really surprised he stayed up for it, and about 3/4 of the way in I told him as much (I thought it would be a lilttle too "touchy-feely/chick-flicky for him). His simple reply - "I wanted to see it, too.". Ok. News to me, but very cool. And no elaboration was forthcoming, so I took it as face value. He's a surprising guy sometimes!
On to the movie...
In many of my Biblee-stufy classes, it usually comes out that God sometimes puts you through things so that you may be an example or a comfort to others going through the same thing. This movie was a shining example of that!
Essentially, Sarah Russell (Tamblyn) did something as a teenager that haunted her well into her 20s. It also subjected her neighbors to emotional turmoil and no one ever really talked about it in either family. The neighbor mother essentially fell to pieces - both in the past and when Sarah came home. But, she eventually found her footing again - just in time to help Sarah's family with their new troubles.
It was, at times, as if everything was happening just in time to move the story along and was of course very Hallmark-y, feel good, all's well the ends well sort of thing. But, the point was still made. The neighbor mother got through the trouble just in time to explain and help Sarah's mother.
Sometimes it seems like a platitude, but God really DOES have a reason for putting you through bad times. Sometimes it might be just so you can understand the good times better. Or, it might be so you can be an example to other of what NOT to do (I personally feel this is where I usually fall!). And even more so, it's so you can help someone else move positively through the same situation.
At this point, I have to bring up my mom (and hopefully don't embarass her too much. Sorry mom - you are a great example here).
Many years ago, she and I were in a car accident. That was followed by another one 6 months later just with her. Same van, same road, almsot the same type of accident and she broke the same foot/ankle. There was a LONG healing process (and many hours of her and me watching Ice Castles but that's another story!). Eventually, the troubles she had with that leg ended with a below-knee amputation.
This amputation meant learning to drive left-footed (thankfully she's already right-brained with being left-handed so this may not as been as hard as it could have). It also meant years of limping and additional surgeries, troubles with broken legs (the prosthetics) and less-than-helpful orthopods. But, that doesn't stop her. She drives everywhere (although I haven't convinced her to drive cross-country yet!), she works full-time, she sings in the church choir, volunteers, goes on LONG shopping trips with yours truly, etc. She's great!
But, beyond dealing with her own troubles, she does more than that. With her new husband, she helps direct the Ohio Wheelchair Games. She's willing to discuss her situation with anyone who shows interest - she doesn't scorn them for being curious about something so many people don't have a clue about, but discusses it with frankness and a highh sense of humor. She's had a good laugh over "scaring" a lady at a swimming pool where she had left her leg in her jeans on a lounge chair while she took a dip (I still love that story!). She's had good cries with anyone who has difficult times or troubles and never "one ups" them on it (would never think of making such statements as 'you think that's bad? I lost my leg!'). I was even told a story by my grandmother where a minister talked with mom for quite a while after running into her at a mall and just being so touched by her and her story and who she is. She hasn't let something that is obviously, in-your-face, debilitating stop her from enjoying life or helping other.
Now, take a minute to think about your life. What negative situation have you overcome? What sadness have you turned into happiness? What door closed and subsequent window opened? And think of how you can channel that into helping others. How can you articulate that into a positive story of hurt and help?
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Angelina & Brad - An Unbeatable Duo
Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt have donated $1 million towards the humanitarian effort assisting millions of people affected by the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR ) has announced...
"The donation from the Jolie-Pitt Foundation will go to three agencies playing key roles in Darfur and neighbouring Chad: the UN refugee agency; the International Rescue Committee and the international non-governmental organization, SOS Children's Villages," UNHCR said in a press release issued on Thursday."
Read the full story: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/content/view/2032/118/
"The donation from the Jolie-Pitt Foundation will go to three agencies playing key roles in Darfur and neighbouring Chad: the UN refugee agency; the International Rescue Committee and the international non-governmental organization, SOS Children's Villages," UNHCR said in a press release issued on Thursday."
Read the full story: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/content/view/2032/118/
See Jane Improve Hollywood
"Gender equity has progressed in many ways, but male characters still dominate television, movies, and other media for young children. Since women and girls make up half of the human race, the presence of a wide variety of female characters in our children's earliest media is essential for both girls' and boys' development."This is the first paragraph from the website SeeJane.org. This organization was founded by Geena Davis and she says "By making it common for our youngest children to see everywhere a balance of active and complex male and female characters, girls and boys will grow up to empathize with and care more about each others' stories."
For this effort, Geena received the 2nd Annual USA Today Hollywood Hero Award on 01 May. The first recipient was actress, dancer and choreographer Zina Bethune, who "made remarkable contributions of time and energy to help those less fortunate."
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
For the love of the game...
As my boys are about to start t-ball next week, I couldn't pass up this story. You'll have to read it to get all the details yourself, but essentially it's all about Miracle Leagues - baseball leagues specifically for children and adults with 'physical challenges'. It's very touching and wonderful - read it here.
To find where Miracle Leagues are being built or to start a league in your community, please contact the national office at (770) 760-1933 or (770) 241-8694 or email them.
More details here as well - http://www.moodymiracleleague.com/MML%20Connection.htm
To find where Miracle Leagues are being built or to start a league in your community, please contact the national office at (770) 760-1933 or (770) 241-8694 or email them.
More details here as well - http://www.moodymiracleleague.com/MML%20Connection.htm
Monday, April 09, 2007
Thief Returns To Apologize
This past Thanksgiving, Lisa and Chris Woodard got off to a rough start. As they were making preparations for their expected guests, Chris strolled into the garage to straighten up things when he noticed something had vanished — his Ducati motorcycle.
About 11 weeks later, the bike was returned through a series of events. In a surprising twist, the Woodards heard a knock on their door one evening after that. "It is someone who wants to apologize for what happened a few months ago," Lisa reported William as saying.
During their discussions Chris found out that William, an 18-year old who had stolen the bike to to pay off a business-related debt he owed from a car-detailing service, was on drugs that night when he stole the bike and has been battling drug addiction for a while.
"Chris was encouraging and counseling the kid," said Lisa. "We are Christians and Chris took it as a miraculous opportunity to share the gospel with this kid and also talk to him from personnel experience since my husband was once a hoodlum. By God's grace Chris turned his life around."
About 11 weeks later, the bike was returned through a series of events. In a surprising twist, the Woodards heard a knock on their door one evening after that. "It is someone who wants to apologize for what happened a few months ago," Lisa reported William as saying.
During their discussions Chris found out that William, an 18-year old who had stolen the bike to to pay off a business-related debt he owed from a car-detailing service, was on drugs that night when he stole the bike and has been battling drug addiction for a while.
"Chris was encouraging and counseling the kid," said Lisa. "We are Christians and Chris took it as a miraculous opportunity to share the gospel with this kid and also talk to him from personnel experience since my husband was once a hoodlum. By God's grace Chris turned his life around."
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Mom Donates Laptops to Wounded Soldiers
Laura Brown, a mother with a son who fought in the Iraq war, is trying to improve conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center - one laptop computer at a time.
The 50-year-old from Cody, Wyo., was chatting on the Internet with the mother of a wounded soldier two years ago when the mother mentioned she had to print out her son's e-mails and take them to him at Walter Reed because there weren't enough laptop computers to go around.
Brown, whose own son had recently returned safely from the war, thought the solution to that problem seemed incredibly easy.
''It just kind of hit me,'' she said. ''If one person needed one, then there's others. ... I mean, my son had e-mail in Iraq. I was really stunned.''
So Brown formed a group, Laptops for the Wounded, to raise money for the cause.
Since its fundraising effort began in November 2005, Brown's organization has donated 27 computers to military hospitals around the country _ 24 of them to Walter Reed.
Ramdass said the laptops are used for more than e-mail. One soldier who worked with a donated laptop couldn't speak, and was able to communicate with his family and his doctors by typing on the computer. Others who have eye injuries use the laptops to watch movies or television up close.
To donate or learn about this cause, visit the website.
Read the article...
The 50-year-old from Cody, Wyo., was chatting on the Internet with the mother of a wounded soldier two years ago when the mother mentioned she had to print out her son's e-mails and take them to him at Walter Reed because there weren't enough laptop computers to go around.
Brown, whose own son had recently returned safely from the war, thought the solution to that problem seemed incredibly easy.
''It just kind of hit me,'' she said. ''If one person needed one, then there's others. ... I mean, my son had e-mail in Iraq. I was really stunned.''
So Brown formed a group, Laptops for the Wounded, to raise money for the cause.
Since its fundraising effort began in November 2005, Brown's organization has donated 27 computers to military hospitals around the country _ 24 of them to Walter Reed.
Ramdass said the laptops are used for more than e-mail. One soldier who worked with a donated laptop couldn't speak, and was able to communicate with his family and his doctors by typing on the computer. Others who have eye injuries use the laptops to watch movies or television up close.
To donate or learn about this cause, visit the website.
Read the article...
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