After the Fire

After the Fire by Amy Grant

After the fire is over
After the ashes cool
After the smoke has blown away
I will be here for you

After the stillness finds you
After the winds of change
All that is good and true between us
This will remain the same

Slowly...slowly
We turn the page of life
Growing...knowing
It comes at quite a price

(Repeat chorus)

After your time of wand'ring
Along this lonely road
There will be many voices calling
Mine will say, "Welcome home"

Slowly...slowly
We turn the page of life
Growing...knowing
It comes at quite a price

(Repeat chorus)

I will be here for you

Another great Amy Grant tune reminding us that God is there for us, always. Last night at church was Advent Adventure. It was a great way for Gavin and Makenna to learn about advent and the celebration of the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. We all made blue deserts and ate hot dogs and mac and cheese. Jen and her 3 boys came with us. We created 4 advent candles using tissue paper and glass votive cups. It was a lot of fun. Today at church Pastor Tricia welcomed our family into the congregation. Everyone was so sweet and so friendly. I cannot believe how many people came up to us and thanked us for being there. We enjoyed coffee hour which followed the service. It was nice to get to meet so many friendly people who embraced us with open hearts and open arms. Jeremy and I are very blessed to have found this awesome church family and to be able to introduce religion to our children.

What I am thankful for today:
That God takes care of everything we need....if we let him.
A great time last night at the church
a wonderful service this morning
new customers who attended my class today and signed up for another one.
Diane
Rachel, thank you for your email today....I love you!
Jen and her boys
Jamie
my peaceful spirit
laughter
my children, I am so thankful for all the compliments they received on their behavior this morning.
my store
my family
my friends
Christmas music
Amy Grant
time alone
kindness
love

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today was a very good day. After getting a great night's sleep and waking up with Makenna by my side, I felt so grateful for so many things in my life.

I am so thankful for the time I got to spend last night with Diane and Rudy's family. Diane and I spent a few hours creating Christmas cards together then Rudy's mom and sister came over. Katie (Rudy's niece)and Makenna had a blast playing together. I believe that Katie and Makenna are very close in age and share the same middle name. It was a nice night.

Diane made us a pumpkin pie in which Jeremy and I took to his moms house today. Of course it was delicious. I had so much fun with Jeremy's family today. Nana was in good health, we got to spend time with Uncle Danny, Aunt Pam and the kids, and had a wonderful dinner. Bob and I had fun doing the dishes together and yelling at Harley, their dog. Every time we turned around that dog was either in the trash or up at the table.

In this past year, I have had many things to be thankful for. I have met some wonderful new people through the Farmer's Market, my store, Makenna's pre-school.....just to name a few. Besides issues with my ovaries, I have been in very good health as well as my kids and Jeremy. I am so thankful for the ablility to live more simply, to be creative, and to stay positive through tough times. I was blessed to meet Linda from the Healing Place in which has helped me tremendously. My therapy has helped me heal so many wounds and stay on track for a better future. I am thankful for all the weight I have lost and have kept off. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who love and support me and my family. I am thankful for Makenna's pre-school and the fact that she loves it so much. I am thankful to have found a church that I love and my family loves. I cannot say enough how thankful I am for my friends.....the ones who have come and gone and the ones who stay. I am thankful for the life lessons I have learned this past year and the new attitude I have. I am thankful that I have allowed God to enter my life again.

Of course I am thankful for food, water, and a roof over my head. I am thankful for my store, my customers and my teachers. I am thankful for healing, forgiveness, open minds, kindness, loyalty and love. I am thankful for the stranger who smiles at me, those who inspire me, those who give me advise and do not get upset if I do not take it. I am grateful for those who love me just as I am and do not judge me. I am so thankful that I have learned that I do not need very much to make me happy. And, I am thankful that every day, I learn more and more how to master unconditional love. I know now how much more satisfying life is when you are surrounded by many who love you than it is to have a bunch of money or material things. I am very blessed when it comes to many positive people being in my life. I have so many friends.....true, honest friends, who continue to stand by my side in my life's journey. God has blessed me so that I would not have to go through life ever feeling alone.

I am thankful for the time I get to spend with my children. Knowing they are only little once, I do not want to miss one moment with them. I have been able to put a lot of the things I enjoy on hold because I know that spending time with my children is more important than anything right now. I am fulfilled on the inside with love and gratitude, more than I ever have felt before.

I need to thank everyone for being a part of my life. Thank you for teaching me life lessons. Thank you for accepting me for who I am and loving me as much as you do. I thank God every single day for you.

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and have thought about all the things you have to be thankful for. I could go on forever since I feel like the gratitude is pouring out of me right now but I will close. Again,Happy Thanksgiving. I am truly blessed having you all in my life. Thank you.

Lead Me On

Lead Me On by Amy Grant

Shoulder to the wheel
For someone else's selfish gain
Here there is no choosing
Working the clay
Wearing their anger like a ball and chain.

Fire in the field
Underneath a blazing sun
But soon the sun was faded
And freedom was a song
I heard them singing when the day was done
Singing to the holy One.

Lead me on
Lead me on
To a place where the river runs
Into your keeping, oh.

Lead me on
Lead me on
The awaited deliverance
Comforts the seeking...lead on.

Waiting for the train
Labelled with a golden star
Heavy hearted boarding
Whispers in the dark
"Where are we going--is it very far?"

Bitter cold terrain
Echoes of a slamming door
In chambers made for sleeping, forever
Voices like thunder in a mighty roar
Cry to the Lord.

Lead me on
Lead me on
To a place where the river runs
Into your keeping, oh.

Lead me on
Lead me on
The awaited deliverance
Comforts the seeking...lead on.

Man hurts man
Time and time, time again
And we drown in the wake of our power
Somebody tell me why.

Lead me on
Lead me on
To a place where the river runs
Into your keeping, oh.

Lead me on
Lead me on
The awaited deliverance
Comforts the seeking...lead on.

Lead me on
Lead me on
To a place where the river runs
Into your keeping, oh.

Lead me on
Lead me on
The awaited deliverance
Comforts the seeking...lead on.

I have loved this song since I was a teenager. I think it is awesome that one musician can inspire people the way Amy does. She has inspired me since I was 14 years old. Sitting here listening to Amy as I type this, I remember the darker days of my teenage years. Remembering that her music was one of the things that seemed to lighten and uplift my heavy heart. I could have turned to drugs, I could have started smoking or drinking. Instead I locked myself in my room and put on one of Amy's CD's. It was something my youth group listened to all the time when we were together. I miss those days....sometimes. However, I would not change where I am at this point in my life. Amy will continue to uplift me with her lyrics and her soothing voice. Her reminder that we will all be in a better place someday and that God is always with us, keeps me going. I am so eternally grateful for her and her music.

Today I am thankful for:
Amy Grant
her music
a wonderful church service on Sunday
Makenna behaving so well in church
Jen R.
Diane
Melinda
Jamie
Rachel
Heather
Wendi
Sally
Jeremy
Rudy
Shawn
my children
my pets
the positive changes in my life
laughter
The Secret
everlasting friendships.....I am so blessed.
the simple things in life
the health and happiness of all those in my life
kindness
loyalty
unconditional love

Do Dead People Watch You Shower?

I am reading this book that was given to me by one of my favorite customers/teachers from my store. It is called Do Dead People Watch You Shower? It is written by a woman named Concetta Bertoldi who is a Medium.

When Wendi learned that I LOVE learning about life after death, ghosts, and so on...she said that I have got to read this book. I started it two days ago and am already half way through it. I think I am on page 115 to be exact. I cannot put this book down. You can click on the title of this blog entry and see Concetta's website for yourself.

If you are wondering what the answer to that question 'Do dead people watch you shower' is.....the answer is yes. You are all thinking...oh my GOD! Why would they embarrass us this way? Well, there are many answers to this question. One thing you need to know is that when we cross over we are One with God, all of the same energy. So, if God is with us all the time (even in the shower) so are your loved ones who have crossed over. The good news is that when we cross over, we do not judge. We could care less if the one in the shower has a big butt, picks their nose, wears silly clothes, uses shampoo, punched a wall, were gay and so on. What they care about is our emotions and our state of being. When we cross over, we are surrounded by and fulilled with love, forgiveness and happiness, not anger, loss, or sorrow. We will not pick sides of an argument, or 'roll in our grave' as some would say during a awkward or bad situation that is going on down here. Like God, we will love unconditionally in heaven even if we didn't learn it while we were here on earth.

One of the reasons why I love this book is because I have had personal expreriences with loved ones who have passed on. I know already who I will see when I step into that light. It gives me peace.

One of the statements I read that made me laugh was: Are there different levels of heaven for different religions? Her answer was no. God not only made different races but different religions so that we could come together as One with God. God wanted us to have choicesand be different. What made me laugh is that she made the statement that you do not go into the light and ask, "Where to the Catholics go?" And you do not get an answer like, "Catholics to the left, Jews to the right, and Prodestants down the hall." When we are one with God, we are One. It doesn't matter what race, sex, or religion we were here on earth. Which means it doesn't matter what we believe in as far as religion as long as we believe in God.

Before I close, I need a lot of prayers for multiple people in my life. One is my friend Jen who lost her grandfather yesterday. Jamie lost a friend of hers to a motorcycle accident two nights ago. My cousin Randy's mom is in the hospital. My sister-in-laws grandmother is ill. Melinda's Nan is still hanging after weeks of not doing well. And we need some prayers for Tricia. May they all find the comfort and the peace they need to get through each passing day.

What I am thankful for today:
Wendi sharing this book with me
the awesome abilities that Mediums have
my children
an awesome walk and time at the park this morning with Diego and Makenna
another beautiful day
knowing that our loved ones who have passed are always with us
creativity
sunsets
nature
quality time with my kids
quality time with my friends
the power of prayer
my store
my customers
my teachers
happiness
laughter
time with Jen today
Jeremy for taking me to the doctor yesterday
hot chocolate
everyone who loves and supports me unconditionally

John 12:27

Let not your heart be troubled.:
John 14:27

Jesus said, "My peace I give to you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Underline the words "Let not." You can't control what goes on around you, but Jesus said you can control what goes on inside you. How? By doing two things:
1.) Filling your mind with God's Word. Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Rearrange your priorities and take time to read God's Word each day. Process it, apply it to each circumstance, and stand on it in times of difficulty. You'll be amazed at the results!
2.) Praying about the situation, then leaving it confidently in God's hands. Here's a prayer to help you do that: "Lord, everything seems to be falling apart around me. Everybody wants a piece of me. There's far too much to do and never enough time to do it. My head is clogged with all kinds of junk and my heart is ready to break. Lord, where are You? I feel like the disciples in the storm, the waves are too big for me. My cry is the same as theirs, 'Somebody go and get Jesus- I'm about to drown out here!' Prince of Peace I need you. Father, who never slumbers nor sleeps, take charge. Let me find in You a quiet place, a place where I can pillow my head on Your breast, hear Your loving heartbeat and feel secure knowing You'll work things out for me. This I pray, believing, in Jesus' name, amen."

Today I went to church, it is Makenna's pre-school. She was singing in the service today with her class. For months...well actually years now, I have been praying for the opportunity to arrise where I could feel 100% comfortable in a church family. Well, I love Makenna's teachers and I always feel welcome when I go there. Today in church, I had this feeling of such contentment. It was very comfortable for me. The sermon was about unconditional love which, I had recently blogged about. Of course that peaked my interest. It was so laid back. I honoestly felt like I belonged there today. In the next couple of weeks, I am considering going back to see if my feelings continue to stay so positive. If they do I am highly considering becoming a member. Right now in my life I feel the need to be surrounded by a church family. A positive place in which I can go and feel welcome and content. Most of you know that I firmly believe that we are all in the right place at the right time....whether or not it always feels that way. I feel that God was leading me to this church.

I checked my email and saw this scripture sent to me which comes about twice a week. I had to post it. For all of you who feel the weight of the world, the lack of support, and unexpected life changes that may seem to be changes for the worse.....this scripture should help. God loves us and is ALWAYS there for us. He is there to carry the burden and remind us that we need to accept the things we cannot change. We need to focus on the positive and the beauty that surrounds us each and every day. When we do this, all things bad will go away. Yes, it can be a task to be grateful in a time we think we lack so much. These scriptures and my beliefnet articles keep me in check and on the right track. May you find the peace you need to get through any struggles you may feel. May you find the faith that you need to let God take care of things for you. Pray.....because he is listening.

What I am thankful for today:
Makenna doing so well this morning
the church experience I had
positive thoughts
the power of prayer
this beautiful day
my friends
Sally for being such a wonderful person
Jeremy
my children
my pets
Magic Jack
my customers
the sunset
I love you's from Jamie
PMS Day...so FUN! Thank you girls for coming!
The Biggest Loser...so inspiring!
having internet at my store again!
Thanksgiving with Jeremy's family this year
laughter
love

So Much Going On but Life is Good

I am coming off of a very busy week. Both kids were sick which put a change of events in the works. However, both are much better now and I stayed healthy!! Whoo hoo!

Melinda's Nan is still hanging on. Like I had said there may be some unfinished business there. Just knowing how ill she was last week has us all stumped. No one knows how long she will be with us and are just enjoying each moment we have with her.

Lots of awesome opportunities arrose at work. I will be starting to teach classes at the Hellertown Library in December. And, shortly after that, I will teaching classes at Saucon Manor right down the street from my home. Business is picking up and my classes are getting much fuller. I have met so many new wonderful people in the last few weeks. It makes me laugh to know that these woman think they are not good at their crafting when in reality they are very very good at it! I have had some beginners. When I say beginners...I mean, all they own is pictures...LOL! Yesterday I enjoyed helping them start their new hobby.

A wonderful customer of mine, Kathryn, will start teaching classes in my store in December. She has been such a wonderful supporter to me and my business. PMS Day is very popular with the ladies and each month seems to get fuller. A woman Michelle who was referred by another one of my awesome customers, will be coming to talk to me about the possibilty of teaching photography classes at my store. Her work is very similar to Sabotta Imagery. Jeff has been extremely busy and unable to teach classes for me. But I am so thrilled that he is as busy as he is doing something he loves.

Life at home is good, life at work is good. I cannot stop thinking about all that I have to be thankful for. I think for the first time in my life, I absolutely love who I am and who I am becoming. (No not in a concieted way....LOL!) That catapillar that once thought she was ugly inside and out is finally evolving into that butterfly she has always wanted to be. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who continues to love and support me. Thank you for being my inspiration, my rocks to lean on, the arms I can run to when in need of a hug, the smiles I need when I am feeling down, and the glue that helps hold me together. Life is good but it is because of you that helps make it and keep it that way.

What I am thankful for today..
my friends
my teachers
my customers
this beautiful day
creativity
nature
my children
my pets
the health of me and my loved ones
the sunshine
pancakes (thank you Jer for making them this morning!)
the time I had with my kids this past week
laughing so hard my stomach hurts
Shawn
Rachel and her sarcasm
Diane for being the best neighbor and friend!
Jamie...thank you for coming over Friday!
All the time I get to spend with Jen
lunch with mom
my store
time alone
new opportunities
appreciation
loyalty
kindness
selflessness
love