Stand in the Light!

My son Lee called the other day and told me to look up this music video by Jordan Smith. The song is called Stand in the Light
Funny that he would send that to me this week, as I am trying hard to get ready for this first paid LynnMade video, and for a presentation that I am going to give at a Quilt Guild on Monday.
I am excited for this new venture... but I'm still a bit unsure of myself. I want it to work, because I love to people and teaching others how to create and feel good about themselves. I love that my family believes in me and so ...
I am going to stand in the light and be seen as I am!
Wish me luck!
Good Night dear friends!

Listen and watch the video here:

Didn't I tell you I hear what you say
Never look back as you're walking away
Carry the music the memories and keep them ins
You laugh everyday
Don't stop those tears from falling down

This is who I am inside
This is who I am I'm not gonna hide
Cause the greatest risk we'll ever take is by far
To stand in the light and be seen as we are
So stand in the light and be seen as we are

With courage and kindness hold on to your faith
You get what you give and it's never to late
To reach for the branch and climb up leaving sadness behind
You fight hard for love
We can never give enough

This is who I am inside
This is who I am I'm not gonna hide
Cause the greatest risk we'll ever take is by far
To stand in the light and be seen as we are
So stand in the light and be seen as we are

Riding the storms that come raging toward us we dive
Holding our breathe as we break through the surface
With arms open wide, with arms open wide

This is who I am inside
This is who I am I'm not gonna hide
Cause the greatest risk we'll ever take is by far
To stand in the light and be seen as we are
So stand in the light and be seen as we are

Cause the greatest risk we'll ever take is by far
To stand in the light and be seen as we are
So stand in the light and be seen as we are

So stand in the light and be seen as we are

Hourglass

I heard this song the other day when I dropped off Brad, Krystal and my Kai boy at the airport. I couldn't help but cry, I miss them already and especially Kai! He is my blode hair, dark eyes, sweet and funny little boy. This trip we probably got closer to him than we ever had. I am sure it is because we had 2 weeks here with him, but nevertheless ...it was a Memory that I am so grateful for!

                                                  "Hourglass" Mindy Gledhill

Little boy, when you speak
I can’t help but kiss your cheeks
I love the way you grab my hands
And tell me all about your plans

Rocket high, comets fly
You and I could take a ride
And fly away to Neverland
And give our best to Peter Pan

When you reach for the stars
Don’t forget who you are
And please don’t turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life’s an hourglass
Life’s an hourglass

Story’s read, prayer is said
Close your eyes sleepyhead
While angels linger in your dreams
And hold you in their feathered wings
Just like you, I was small
Not that long ago at all
I wish you all the happiness
That God gives freely if you ask

[Chorus]

Then I couldn't help but remember another sweet blonde hair but blue eyes, fun and happy boy of ours... Bradley. We just celebrated his birthday when he was here. How grateful we are for him in our lives.
Where did the time go? Now he is a Dad and we are watching the next generation grow up. How blessed I feel to be able to watch my grandchildren grow up, and teach me more and more about LIFE!

Lemonade....anyone?

I don't remember if I ever did a lemonade stand as a child, but we probably did. We moved to the country when I was 10, so it had to be while I lived in the city if I did. But I surely remember my kids doing them and that was a happy memory.

 Today Poppa and I stopped what we were doing and helped the girls do a lemonade stand for a couple of hours. We started off in the sun, but after 5 mins we realized our chocolate chip cookies were melting and so were we. So we moved over underneath our tree in the front and set  up shop there. Not a ton of people in the neighborhood today but the ones who came were very nice and sweet to the girls. I made this lemonade stand a year ago for my work. It was fun to finally use it. Still they have used it for other things at home, puppet theater, movie  and popcorn sells... lots of fun ideas if you have an imagination!

 Even in the heat...they were having fun, and learning lots about business in the sales world!

Fun day, we will do it a few more times before Summer is over hopefully! 

Speaking of the happiest things, listen to this song  that you can find HERE:

It should bring a smile to your face for sure!

Good night dear friends!

"One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think , to have a happy childhood. "   ~ Agatha Christie

"Children can see magic...because they look for it! "   ~ Christopher Moore

When Life gives you Lemons!

My cute niece and her husband, tagged me on this sweet you tube video about WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS...

Watch this uplifting video HERE:


As we get ready for Lauren's wedding, I think to myself... what is some of the greatest advice I could give to her and Nik? It would be to do just this...when life gives you lemons ( and it will ) make lemonade ( find the purpose of the struggle and become better and stronger because of it ). Such a much better way to live and go through life instead of feeling cheated and bitter. 
Yes, this mindset really works...I know because I have had a few lemons given to me throughout my life! :)
Good night dear friends!

It's Date Night... so enjoy this story called Decades of Love

This was the perfect Date Night Story. Just watch this 96 year old man, talk about his wife of  73 years...she had just passed away only a month ago.
Good night dear friends!



Get out those tissue boxes. This 96-year-old man's love song for his late wife is guaranteed to make you tear up.
Fred Stobaugh, from Peoria, Ill., wrote the lyrics to what he called "Oh Sweet Lorraine" after his 91-year-old wife died last April. The couple met in 1938 and were married for 73 years, according to ABC News.

here:

Blessings!

Heard this song on the radio, so true!!!
Good night dear friends!

"Blessings"

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
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

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
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

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise  ~ Laura Story

 

Light of Christ

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

'Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem' was penned by a priest called Philip Brooks. He was inspired and overwhelmed by his visit to the town of Bethlehem in 1865. He wrote the song three years later for his church. The organist of his church, known as Lewis Redner, composed its music.

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.

“He who gives money gives some, he who gives time gives more, and he who gives of himself gives all."    ― Thomas S. Monson

I have two little hands!

 I love this photo, that Lauren did of a friend of ours that was expecting last year. We had a baby shower for her and we had so much fun. I was looking up the origin of baby showers and here is what I found...

 The origin of baby showers can’t be pointed out exactly, but many people believed this practice dates back to the ancient times. During the Victorian Era, the baby shower was simply a tea party, held in the afternoon. The guests were the closest female friends of the mother-to-be, and they gather together to talk, to wish the new mommy good luck and give small gifts for the child. It was a simple and quaint event
Today, baby showers are considered one of the most important celebrations for parents. Of course, how this party is planned and celebrate has changed over time. Although many old baby shower traditions are still widely seen, new ones have also emerged.

 Tonight we did another baby shower for a friend (haven't had time yet to download the photos). She is having another little boy and so she really didn't need anything, but everyone still wanted to come celebrate with her. Amy and I love to do themes for our parties. We kept trying to think of a fun and new theme for her. Finally, I realized that when she goes to church with  her little boy, she doesn't have a lot of quiet things for him to do and play with. You know a whole bag of tricks that will entertain him and keep him happy and more quiet (everyone should have one of these). Actually he is really good in church, but still they get restless and tired.
So the theme we had was I HAVE TWO LITTLE HANDS, it was actually part of a little song that they teach the kids in Primary. It went well, we just decorated with her favorite colors, red and blue. I sewed a diaper bag/ tote for her ...to put all  the quiet toys in, and then we had finger foods for the refreshments. It was  really nice and she told me more than once, how loved she felt. We were glad, that is exactly why you do showers, to help them feel love and accepted.  I will end with the words of that cute song..

1. I have two little hands, folded snugly and tight.
They are tiny and weak, yet they know what is right.
During all the long hours till daylight is through,
There is plenty indeed for my two hands to do.

2. Kind Father, I thank thee for two little hands
And ask thee to bless them till each understands
That children can only be happy all day
When two little hands have learned how to obey.

Improvise actions as suggested by the words.

Words: Bertha A. Kleinman, 1877–1971
Music: William Frederick Hanson, 1887–1969

Now I am going to take my TWO LITTLE HANDS and head to bed. Good night dear friends!

To Believe!

Since we all just got home today, and my granddaughters are doing a Sleep Over, I have decided to share  a song that my dear friend sent to me. It is amazing and very motivating! What a talented young lady! To listen to it....go Here:
Good night dear friends!

Come back to the heart of Christmas!

Sorry that I missed writing in my blog last night, I wasn’t feeling well at all. It seems like we keep passing this junk, back and forth to each other. Jeff was home sick, and the found out at the DR today that he has bronchitis.
Lauren is heading to the DR tomorrow, fun place around here.

I heard this Christmas song on the radio the other day and really loved the words, thought it would be good to read more than once during this Holiday Season. I hope you are able to really enjoy it too! I am hoping that my health improves so that we can do more as a family, right now we are all just laying around like a bunch of boneless chickens!   Didn’t you just get a visual on that one about the Chickens?

Good night dear friends!

Come back to the heart of Christmas!

I'm gonna make a wish this Christmas
I'm gonna say a little prayer
I'm gonna stop here for a moment
Before the moment disappears

The world's in a hurry this December
City streets and shopping malls
I wish we could slow down and remember
The meaning of it all

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don't miss it, the heart of Christmas

Let's make it feel the way it used to
Let's find that wonder of a child
You can see the magic all around you
Come on, and open up your eyes

You can find it in the warm embrace of your family
Or calling up a long lost friend
You can even find it in the eyes of stranger
When you reach out a helping hand

Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don't miss it, the heart of Christmas

In the shadow of a steeple
In a star that lights the way
You will find Him in a manger
The heart of Christmas has a name

I'm gonna make a wish this Christmas
I'm gonna say a little prayer
Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas

Live while you can and cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas

Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don't miss it, the heart of Christmas

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricenter.com/e56540-matthew_west~the_heart_of_christmas_lyrics.html ]

“The best Christmas gift of all is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another.”

“Let's approach Christmas with an expectant hush,
rather than a last-minute rush.”

“It is not the gift, but the thought that counts.”     ~Van Dyke

Grateful

Heard another beautiful song this week…the words are amazing, and soooooooooooooo true.

I too am grateful!  Good night dear friends!

lyrics to the song Grateful :

(John Bucchino)
I've got a roof over my head
I've got a warm place to sleep
Some nights I lie awake counting gifts
Instead of counting sheep
I've got a heart that can hold love
I've got a mind that can think
There may be times when I lose the light
And let my spirits sink
But I can't stay depressed
When I remember how I'm blessed
Grateful, grateful
Truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful
Truly blessed And duly grateful
In a city of strangers
I got a family of friends
No matter what rocks and brambles fill the way
I know that they will stay until the end
I feel a hand holding my hand
It's not a hand you can see
But on the road to the promised land
This hand will shepherd me
Through delight and despair
Holding tight and always there
Grateful, grateful
Truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful
Truly blessed And duly grateful
It's not that I don't want a lot
Or hope for more, or dream of more
But giving thanks for what I've got
Makes me happier than keeping score
In a world that can bring pain
I will still take each chance
For I believe that whatever the terrain
Our feet can learn to dance
Whatever stone life may sling
We can moan or we can sing
Grateful, grateful
Truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful
Truly blessed And duly grateful
Truly blessed And duly grateful

“You can always tell when something is going wrong in someone's life cause they stop being grateful for what they do have”  ~ Unknown

“Never let a day pass without looking for the good, feeling the good within you, praising, appreciating, blessing and being grateful.”  ~ Unknown

Singing your song

Last night I taught a class at church, on the importance of having Family Night. I loved preparing for it, because once again it reminded me that we can not take our family's for granted. We need to provide a home that is safe and that has a sure foundation. Taking one day a week to devote to being together as a family is important. We have always had Family Night with our kids, and they actually looked forward to it. It is a special time and a time to reinforce our love for each other, and also our values and beliefs. Yes, I believe it made all the difference in the world.
Now don't get me wrong, there were times when our Family Nights didn't turn out too successful. Attitudes were bad or someone didn't want to participate. But all in all, I am grateful we did it, week after week. I found this story and I loved it. What a powerful message it was about helping each of us remember who we are, and that we are loved. Read it and see what you think?

They're Singing Your Song 

When a woman in a certain African tribe knows
she is pregnant, she goes out into the wilderness
with a few friends and together they pray and
meditate until they hear the song of the child.
They recognize that every soul has its own vibration
that expresses its unique flavor and purpose. When
the women attune to the song, they sing it out loud. 
Then they return to the tribe and teach it to everyone
else.

When the child is born, the community gathers and sings the child's song to him or her. Later, when the child enters education, the village gathers and chants the child's song. When the child passes through the initiation to adulthood, the people again come
together and sing. At the time of marriage, the person hears his or her song.
Finally, when the soul is about to pass from this world, the family and friends gather at the person's bed, just as they did at their birth, and they sing the person to the next life.
To the African tribe there is one other occasion upon which the villagers sing to the child. If at any time during his or her life, the person commits a crime or aberrant social act, the individual is called to the center of the village and the people in the community
form a circle around them. Then they sing their song to them.
The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior is not punishment; it is love and the remembrance of identity. When you recognize your own song, you have no desire or need to do anything that would hurt another.
A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when you have forgotten it. Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.
You may not have grown up in an African tribe that sings your song to you at crucial life transitions, but life is always reminding you when you are in tune with yourself and when you are not. When you feel good, what you are doing matches your song, and when you feel awful, it doesn't. In the end, we shall all recognize our song and sing it well.
You may feel a little unsteady at the moment, but so have all the great singers. Just keep singing and you'll find your way home.

http://www.inspirationpeak.com/shortstories/singingyoursong.html

"It's surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves, and if you're not comfortable within yourself, you can't be comfortable with others."  ~ Sidney J. Harris

"The hardest challenge is to be yourself in a world where everyone is trying to make you be somebody else."
~E. E. Cummings

"You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."  ~Desmond Tutu

Live like you were dying!

I heard this song, and really liked the words. It is so true for those of us, who have faced life threatening situations, diseases or heartaches, we really appreciate life and it's moments more. So all of you that life has been kind to or relatively easy, then be very grateful. But still try to remember those who struggling, your kindness could make all the difference.

Artist: Tim McGraw
Song: Live Like You Were Dying
Lyrics: Craig Wiseman and Tim Nichols

He said I was in my early forties
with a lot of life before me
when a moment came that stopped me on a dime
and I spent most of the next days
looking at the x-rays
Talking bout the options
and talking bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in
that this might really be the real end
how's it hit you when you get that kinda news
man what'd you do

and he said
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

He said I was finally the husband
that most the time I wasn't
and I became a friend a friend would like to have
and all the sudden going fishin
wasn't such an imposition
and I went three times that year I lost my dad
well I finally read the good book
and I took a good long hard look
at what I'd do if I could do it all again

and then
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about
what'd you do with it what did you do with it
what did I do with it
what would I do with it'

Sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu
and then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I watched an eagle as it was flying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

"You are not the momentary whim of a careless creator experimenting in the laboratory of life. . . You were made with a purpose."   Og Mandino

"There's three choices
In life.
Give up. Give in. Or give it all you've got."