What Stirs You?

What stirs you? A song? A dance? Artwork? A passage from the Bible or a book? A giggle from a baby? What is it that gives the goosebumps or "holy-bumps"?

I have found several things stir me. One of which is movement.

I was flipping through TV channels the other night and came across America's Got Talent. I'm a sucker for a good story and a contestant and his mom were being interviewed. Watch the video below to find out his story and his talent. Before I watched his talent, I thought dancing was the only movement form which stirred me. But I do believe I found other form (below). It was extremely relaxing. It could be due to the song he used along with his talent or maybe it was just the movement. Whatever it was, it stirred me.

See for yourself and let me know if you were stirred.

Amazing Grace

The Dancer

Smile, Laugh and Enjoy

Never underestimate the power of a smile and a hearty laugh!





(I wish these guys were still together!)

Yipee!!!

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you'll know my family and I have been going through something. (you may read about it here and here)

This afternoon, something wonderful happened. We finally had an answer. AND finally, I believe, have this issue resolved. Woohooo!!!!

I was outside when I heard the news and I do believe the entire neighborhood heard my celebration and my "Praise the Lord!" statements.

Thank you to all who have prayed for me and my family during this time! God Bless!!!!

Teen Summer Bible Study~~The High Tech Way

Just a quick note to all those who are teen girls or know a teen girl.

Check out author Shannon Primicerio's blog/vlog. It just started yesterday so you'll have time to catch up. It sounds like fun.

Shout it from the roof tops and tell all your friends!!

Too bad I'm not a teen anymore...oh WAIT, I totally take that back. ☺

Hope

Life is pretty much up in the air right now. Which really stinks. I like my little, cute ducks all in a row so I know where I'm headed....or in this case, where someone I love deeply is headed.

What really stinks is this entire thing is out of my hands. I've done the best I could for this person I love. There is still a chance it will work out how we hope but there is always that gloomy cloud hanging over our heads until it is all cleared up.

I don't understand why we are going through this. I don't understand the big deal that is being made out of this particular issue. I don't understand why others are dictating the way it should be. I don't understand why no one really knows what is going on.

In the midst of me crying-my-way-through sharing this not fair situation with a dear friend, I truely believe God spoke to me through her. It is okay if I don't understand a lot of what is going on. It is okay if maybe the person I love's future goes in a different direction than this person and us thought. God is still here. He is still in our lives. He knows the plans for us. He gives us a future and a hope.  And even though I would love a neon sign saying to go this way or that way or to tell us what we should do, if God did that it wouldn't require a ton of faith on my part.

So, (insert huge sigh) even though I am NOT enjoying this trip one bit (I can say that out loud because God already knows it...yeah, I kind of told Him...oops!), I will choose to ride this ride with the person I love. And, hello.  He is God. He does know what He is doing and doesn't need me telling Him any different. (trust me, I've already tried that approach....doesn't work out the greatest!!) Kind of requires just a wee bit of faith and trust...hmmm....

What about you?

Let the Waters Rise by Mikeschair


***Update: things are looking up. Heard something positive this afternoon concerning the situation. I am happy but cautious. I'll let ya'll know when I'm doing cartwheels!!! ☺

And this video is "just because"! Yep, you are welcome!
Better Than A Hallelujah" by Amy Grant

Sing Me A Love Song

Dancer Daughter had her first ever ballet recital. She attends a family-based, Christian-based studio. The song for the performance was Sing Me A Love Song by Barlow Girl.

So proud of her.

Check out her new adventure here.

Worthy Blogs

I may be bias, but here are three fabulous blogs worth checking out.

I've mentioned both of the following before....it is Writer Daughter's blog and one she shares with two other girls. Her writing blog is no longer getting up dated on regular intervals but keep checking back!! She is getting ready for college plus has decided to work on her book and not devote so much time to her writing blog...for now. (Oh and check out her latest post for realteenfaith.com)

This one is brand spankin' new. It is Dancer Daughter's blog. She is just getting started...so stop and say "hey!". She is a budding photographer and has lots of pictures to share. Keep checking back as she begins this journey. Here is just a sneak peek before you travel on over to her blog...

And here are a few other blogs I really enjoy:

Annieblogs She is funny. She is human. She is real.

Debra Weiss  Wisdom from a young one.

Jenny B Jones She. Is. A. Hoot.

Shannon Primicerio She writes for girls but it also applies to us big girls!

Holy Experience Simply beautiful...the pictures, the written words...beautiful. And make sure the speakers are on because the first song that plays is very, very calming.

(In)Courage and She Seeks  Great places to get refreshed.

Lysa TerKeurst She the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is real...real funny and real life. Plus I'm thinking she is around my age so she automatically scores some major points! She makes reference to 80's music...I can relate. She also has written a book I'm reading at the moment called "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl". It. Is. Good.

Okay, I'm sure I'm missing someone but that is all my little brain can pull up right now. Have fun browsing the blogs! And if you're reading this saying, "Hey! What about my blog!!" Just give me a shout in the comments and I'll write a blog devoted to you!! ☺

Hey, Jude

Have you read Jude lately? Hint, it is in the Bible. Another hint, it is a small little book with only one short chapter. And, its location is before Revelation. I know, because I had to ask.

Jude the chosen one in our adult Sunday School class. And like any bad student, I waited until we were ready to step out the door for church Sunday morning to even look at the lesson help. Like a mad woman, I perused my Bible's table of contents. I couldn't find poor Jude. It was beginning to feel like a "Where's Waldo" book. I had to ask a daughter of its location....sheesh, for a minute there, I thought my Bible didn't have Jude! Panic adverted....Jude was lost but now he is found (sounds like that would make a catchy song!).

I would definitely encourage you to read little, old Jude. It is quite interesting and one can learn a lot in just a page. Go ahead, jump over to Jude and read...I'll wait.

Did you read it?

Isn't that little book of the Bible somethin' else. Seems to me it has everything in it. It has an urgency at the beginning that makes one want to read faster. Then it launches in to the past. History. And, what happened when they didn't follow God's path. History...do we ever really learn from it? When I was in high school, my history teacher was extremely boring. Seriously. I'm not sure I learned a thing. Though, I could tell you how his shirts were strangely tucked in and how he stood....but that would be mean and for another post! ☺ I think the only thing I learned in his class was when a fellow student asked why learning all this history was important. His response is still with me today. He said, "We need to learn about history so we can learn from their mistakes." Now, to me, we still have a long, long way to go in learning from past mistakes. But, it does make sense. Especially when you read verse 5-7.

There is even some rebuking, "woe-ing" and grumbling going on. You know you're in trouble with that combo! Verse 13 (about the waves foaming up their shame) really gave me a visual. I had watched the news that morning and saw the waves bringing oil to shore (from the Gulf Coast oil disaster). Waves (our life) can be beautiful, but when there is dirt (sin) being washed ashore, yuck!

But the writer saved the best for last. After he tries to warn them, the encouragement breaks forth.

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

What a great way to end a letter, don't you think? I love the word picture in this...to HIM who is able to keep you from FALLING..... Close your eyes and imagine that! Ought to put a huge smile on your face. ☺