Beyond the Frozen Forest!

My long awaited labor of love is born! Beyond the Frozen Forest is in print and I am overjoyed to be able to announce its arrival! Here's where you can catch a preview: http://tinyurl.com/csfrqym

The birth of this baby has also resulted in the creation of a brand new nursery (site) for the blog--so please join me there from now on--and invite your friends if you'd be so kind. The address is: www.sandybroome.com

I am grateful to every friend, family member and "yet to be met" friend who has visited this blog, prayed for my project, and/or taken time from your life to read anything I'd write.

You are the apple of God's eye and a blessing to me.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Sandy~

Fear Not!

"Fear not!" Two words repeatedly uttered in the pages of the Holy Scriptures by a God well acquainted with every reason we have to be afraid.

He planned for us to be fearless. He planned to provide and protect, love and direct, but we didn't listen to the one requirement that would have guaranteed our permanent place under his sheltering umbrella. And so we fear.

With good reason. There is evil lurking. It kills children and lovers of children. It brings wars, pestilence, famine and disease. It offers us thousands of reasons to be afraid, very afraid.

But He wouldn't leave us this way--this God who still longed to protect and defend, love and relate--was not pleased to leave us desperate for hope and courage.

So he said it again, those incredible words, "fear not!" as he introduced the only remedy that exists for fears that can cripple.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 10-11

What greater gift is there than a Savior who redeems us from the hopeless place of faithless fear by offering us a path of return to the shelter of the Most High?

That's the gift of Christmas. Through Christ Jesus, God makes it possible for us to be fearless even when we walk through the valley of death's shadow.

When the evils of this world seem too much to bear, the message of Christmas's solace is a resounding "fear not," echoing peace to an earthbound heart so heavy with the weight of sin's sorrows.

Well acquainted with our grief and far too familiar with the results of our sin sickness, the baby of Christmas (Jesus Christ) has given us this gift:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 

Priceless and treasured, his promise is peace when everything screams panic, faith when reason screams fear. This is the gift of Christmas, and I can't quite find an adequate way to say thank you.

a HIGH way!

~Chronological Study, Isaiah 35 through 38 reflections~

Two years ago tomorrow my Dad left earth for his forever home in heaven.  This morning as I reflect on life, loss and legacies, the passages from my Bible study bring glimpses of a future hope that is peace giving and precious.

Just before turning out the lights on another day last night, I read the headlines. The leading stories included sad details about a thirteen year old local boy whose life seemed full of promise being shot--and killed--by his best friend. That was followed by several other tragic reports.  Every day's news is full of discouraging tales of a bad economy, unrest in the Middle East, political gaffes and attacks, and heaping helpings of other negativity heavy enough to weigh down the strongest shoulders.

God's children endured their own distressing reports as described in Isaiah 34, but in Isaiah 35 a page is turned that brings comforting reminders of a future day of peace and protection in the form of what is called the Highway of Holiness.

We've probably all imagined the streets of gold that are depicted in scripture, but this highway and its description is set apart. It's a route created by God for a specific group of people that will be revealed when he restores through Christ what the enemy has stolen.  I read these verses aloud and had chills:

And a great road will go through that once deserted land.  It will be named the Highway of Holiness.  Evil-minded people will never travel on it.  It will be only for those who walk in God's ways; fools will never walk there.  Lions will not lurk along its course, nor any other ferocious beasts.  There will be no other dangers.  Only the redeemed will walk on it.  Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return.  They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy.  Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness. Isaiah 35:8-10

Can you picture it?  Not just a path, a highway crafted specifically for those who have been ransomed and redeemed.  And my Dad was.  Far from perfect (and the first one to admit that) Dad surrendered his heart to Jesus Christ as forgiver and leader and never looked back. 

Because I have done the same, someday after I've seen Jesus face to face my redeemer will reunite me with Daddy (and all who've gone before me who placed their trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sin).  On that day, having left the bad news of this present world behind, we'll walk hand in hand on the Highway of Holiness--laughing, celebrating and experiencing real life the way it was meant to be before sin messed up God's beautiful plan.  

Recently, I heard someone say something that I think about every day:

For the follower of Christ, your very worst day on earth is as bad as things will EVER be!  Unbeliever, your very best day on earth is as good as you can ever hope for!

What better reason to trust Jesus could there be? My prayer is that one day every person who reads this will travel that highway. It's only promised to those who have a token for the toll at its entrance but the token, though priceless, is free. It was paid for in full by the precious blood of the Savior who died so that you and I (and my Dad) might live forever in a place where there is no bad news.  See you there? 



   

Going for Gold!

Olympic mania is upon us.  Some of my friends have stayed up so late watching their favorite events they could barely drag themselves out of bed this week.  This got me thinking about us watchers versus competitors.

I am athletically challenged.   I was on a swim team as a kid (you didn't have to qualify, you only had to show up and sign up) and I participated in a water ballet group as a preteen (yes, it's true and it was a beautiful thing--I could tread water for 30 minutes without making a ripple). Other than that, my only athletic endeavors of note included winning a blue (paper) ribbon (the same as a gold medal mind you) in an Accuracy Pitch competition (beating out everyone at Paw Creek Elementary including boys). Alas, we didn't have a girl's softball team back then, so I will never know if I was destined to be one of the sport's greats. Sigh.

This season that is so dripping wet with athletic intensity and displays of physical stamina, endurance and prowess has brought to mind recollections of some of my favorite Olympians in years gone by.  I remember images of a red, white and blue swimsuit donning, gold medal wearing Mark Spitz just before my tonsillectomy at age 13.  I clearly recall telling my doctor that his office would be less ugly if he replaced the posters of ear canals and sinuses with a framed print of America's best swimmer. He did not laugh.

Through the years, quotes from some of the best Olympic athletes have resonated with me.  Here are a few favorites:

"The first thing is to love your sport. Never do it to please someone else. It has to be yours." figure skater Miss Peggy Fleming, 1968

 "When anyone tells me I can't do anything, I'm just not listening anymore." 1988 gold medalist, 1988 and 1984 silver medalist Florence Griffith-Joyner

"I am building a fire, and everyday I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match." Mia Hamm, 2004 gold medalist 

This sort of intensity and passion has to be present in order to get Olympic gold, which got me thinking,  what if there could be a "Christian Olympics"?  Not an athletic competition for Christians, but something that was just between us and God--where He was the giver of gold and we were the ones in training--each and every day doing what was necessary to be the best possible servant of His in the entire world?

I can only imagine the kind of world we'd live in if every time we were tempted to throw in the towel, or get mad at the coach, or blame somebody or something other than ourselves for missed training time, we did't succumb to temptation and instead focused like flint (Isaiah 50:7) on pursuing the gold for God's honor and glory.  What if I treated this journey with Jesus as seriously as an Olympic competitor treats his sport?  I am guessing my life would look and be quite different.

This morning, I'm just thinking about these things and praying that God will give me the kind of intensity, drive, determination and motivation needed to pursue spiritual gold.  In 1984, tiny Mary Lou Retton won gold, silver and bronze medals in gymnastics.  Here were her words: "Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something.  It's our goal in life to find it and keep it lit."  I've found my fire, have you?  Let's keep it lit living for Jesus!

Love Matters~

If every word I speak or write is seasoned with such gracious goodness that even the angels can't compete with my eloquence--but my heart and actions are unloving-- I may as well have remained silent for I offer nothing more than noise that mirrors that of this dying world. (1 Cor. 13:1; my interpretation)

Reborn~

Like living fireworks, God's magnificent spring display mirrors the picture of resurrection. Twigs flower, bulbs bloom, He lives!

A Mighty Fortress...

Recently, my daughter and I have had fun remembering some of the old songs we sang at church many years ago--several silly children's songs with not-so-silly messages ("Lord's Army" anyone) and some packed with powerful  principle ("A Mighty Fortress") but a little challenging to interpret. 

What began as the creation of a "let's teach these forgotten oldies-but-goodies to her little ones," list, turned into a trip down melody memory lane that in some ways has felt reminiscent of an, "I'm going down to the creek just to stick my toes in the water," day, that ended with the discovery of gold in the stream!

I'd love to hear about special songs you remember or plan to teach your children or grandchildren, particularly if you'd be willing to share why the song is important to you.

Here are a few I've rediscovered, but I'm still mining-- so if you have ideas, do share them:

God is so Good

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Nothing but the Blood

Have Thine Own Way Lord

O How He Loves You and Me

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Jesus Loves the Little Children

I Surrender All

Wherever He Leads I'll Go

Blessed Assurance

Lord I Want to Be a Christian

The Joy of the Lord (will be my strength)

Savior, Like a Shepherd

The purpose of this post isn't to begin a dialog or start a debate on the merits or necessity of singing old hymns in modern church services, it's merely to point out that since we don't typically sing them, we have a great opportunity to introduce the children in our lives to melodies with messages that are timeless even if the style is no longer considered current.  Hopefully, when they are old(er) like their Nana~ these truths, like gleaming nuggets of gold, will serve to remind them of a faithful Father, who, "like a shepherd leads" all who place their trust in Him alone for salvation.  so...Praise Him, praise Him...all ye little children...

Relentless for Eli

One day not all that long ago, a young family that I attend church with had their world rocked when their little boy, Eli, was diagnosed with Leukemia.  In the days that have followed, I've grown to admire the Rowe family not just for their unshakeable faith, but for their determination to allow God to turn what has been such a difficult situation into an opportunity to educate and advocate in support of other families who are enduring similar trials.

I have the blessing and privilege of mentoring one of Eli's mom's best friends--Johnna Watson.  Truth be told, Johnna is often more of a mentor to me than I will ever be to her.  She has the deepest desire to serve and give of just about anyone I've met, and she doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk.  So when Eli got sick, Johnna got busy.

Today, Johnna is a candidate for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society's Woman of the Year.  This means she is working really hard to raise money for life-saving research that will eventually lead to a cure for blood cancers, but the campaign time frame is very short--she only has until May 4th! 

May I ask you to do something huge for Johnna and for Eli and his family? Will you watch this short video, pray for Eli and others who are battling these diseases (and their families) and support Johnna's campaign? Eli's Journey, Johnna's Challenge--Video

I cannot imagine a better way to spend a few minutes of your day-- and there are few more worthy ways to invest a dollar than by giving to a cause that may potentially save a life.  Even if you can only contribute the amount you'd spend on a latte at Starbucks your gift will be priceless to the mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, sister, brother, loved-one of a cancer patient.  Thank you.

Campaign Information

Join Team Eli on Facebook

With deepest gratitude and love,
~Sandy

Happy New Year and Happy News!

I have been very slack about updating the blog, but it's not because I haven't been writing.  In fact, I am in the process of working to publish my first CHILDREN'S book! 

The story behind the project is lengthy but I will summarize it by explaining that last year while trying to find a short story that I could adapt into a melodrama for a children's ministry at Easter, I was unsuccessful.  Searching for an allegorical account of the story of God's redemption of mankind that could be presented in ten minutes or less proved futile. 

I found a few stories that attempted the feat, but nothing that worked for us--so I started to pray about it and eventually had an idea for a story that became this little book project.  What I discovered after much research and investigation however, was that almost no publishing houses are looking for new, Christian-themed children's illustrated book material.  It's costly to publish and too risky for them in this uncertain market. 

For that reason, I crafted a "home made" edition of the book, had a few copies printed, and in the process I've been blessed with the opportunity to get it published professionally after I find the right illustrator! 

Anyone who is familiar with the gospel account of God's plan to redeem his children (us) recognizes that this is not an easy story to tell--and it's not necessarily appropriate for the youngest audience in spite of the fact that it will be an illustrated story.  Still, I hope this book provides a clear and convicting picture of the tremendous sacrifice that Christ made for all who will follow Him. 

If I can be so bold to ask, will you pray for me as I interview illustrators and work to get this project into the hands of the publisher?  Thank you in advance-- and may God's biggest blessings be yours in this New Year!

           

         Christmas time is here!
Are you looking for an inspirational gift for someone you love?  Nichole's CD's are on sale AND she is offering 20% off if you buy two or more!  The reviewers are raving about this compilation of original songs that candidly chronicle her journey with God as she battles fear and anxiety.  You can learn more or order the CD here ... and...
I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Thank You!

In 2006, I wrote s "thankful" note. Since then, I read and make changes as needed each year around Thanksgiving time, and as usual there were important additions and updates needed. So, without further rambling, here goes:

I Am Thankful...

for a personal God who knows me and loves me anyway. ~1 Cor. 8:3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. NLT

for my security in Christ. ~Psalm 98:2 The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. ~ Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing... NLT

for my husband~No, I don't understand my husband's theory of relativity, but I know my husband, and I know he can be trusted. ~ Elsa Einstein. Thanks Elsa, for eloquently conveying that trust is a most critical component of marriage--or any relationship.  I am blessed to be your wife, Mr. Broome.

for my daughter~ as a woman, you embody the essence of Proverbs 31 better than I ever could have aspired to, and I admire you as much as I love you.

for my son-in-law~ who knew I would gain another son when Leslie married you? I am grateful for the relationship we have--you make me laugh and I especially love to listen to you when you're on a roll sharing your heart of passion for God, your family or your music. You bless me.

for Ava Grace~ you light up the rooms you enter with a personality ten times your physical size!  As John Mayer would say: you're "bigger than your body gives you credit for!". I pray that you never stop loving me the way you do now--it makes me understand the delight God must feel when we express genuine adoration for Him.

for Lilia Carolyn~ you are a serious, hilarious dichotomy of pink princess preciousness.  You make me smile, you make me laugh and I am smitten by you.

for Steven PATE~ we can already tell that you are going to fill the big shoes of your namesake (Tiffany Pate) who had a heart the size of Mt. Rushmore and enough faith to fill the seas seven times over. You are my dear little "Pate-Pate," and my cup runneth over with love for you!

for my son~ few joys in life will ever compare to seeing you be a wonderful father to two of my precious grandchildren. I can only pray that your children bless you half as much as you bless me. If they do, you will be a wealthy man.

for my daughter-in-law~you are so much more than an "in-law"--I am proud of you and your accomplishments as if you were my own flesh and blood. You're a wonderful mother and precious gift to our family, and I cherish our relationship.

for Cadi Lou~ you radiate sweetness and you are a love magnet! I can't wait to see the special plans God has for your life unfold--you are unique and adorable.

for Anderson Glenn~ wow, how can one child be so good natured?  Contentment and joyfulness define you as a baby and you captured my heart the day your were born.

for my mom~ you are such a pillar of faith and strength and I hope to be half the woman you are if ever faced with the trials you've endured for the past year.  You are a precious blessing to our family.

for my dad~ not a day passes that I don't recall something he said to me that has challenged, inspired or made me a better person and as much as I miss him, I know he's where he longed to be and I'll see him later, but I will always be thankful for his impact on my life.

for my sisters~both of you are special blessings to me and are uniquely treasured as unmatched, undeserved gifts to my life.

for my family~ "call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."  Jane Howard. I need AND love all of you.

for special friends~ you challenge me, you inspire me, you correct me, you forgive me.  what more could ANYONE ask for in a friend?  To Melanie, Sherry, Wanda, Sara, Heather, Sarah, Kristina, Jennifer, Johnna, Kim, Julie, Alli, Brittany, Kathy, Teresa, Kelly, Christa, Lindy, Laurie, Lindsay, Mardelle, Rosa, Trena, Susan, Linda, Elaine, Ellen, Rachel, and Jess: each of you in particular have said or done something this past year that has blessed me. I love you and I am grateful.

for my work~ I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. ~Helen Keller

for life~ Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death. ~Anais Nin

for blog readers~ i am grateful for each of you and I am humbled that you would consider reading anything I write worthy of your time.  May this season be one of special blessings and precious celebrations for you and the people you treasure!

Now, as in '06, I will again assert that there are still areas of my life that need lots of work.  Do not mistake my "thankful list" to be an insinuation that everyone and everything surrounding me (including me) is perfect--Whoa! to that crazy notion! But you know what?  I'm grateful for all of the messes, mishaps and imperfection.  I do not live in "fantasy land," and I'm glad.  Why? Because this world should never be too good or seem too much like home because that might lead me to take the beautiful blessings of life for granted.  God forbid!

So...Lord, thank you for your patience with me. Family, bless you for your tolerance of me. Friends, keep me in your prayers for I fail daily. But remember this, I am grateful for each of you from the bottom of my heart--at Thanksgiving and every day.

Love,
Sandy

Haunted...

Today's confession:  It's Halloween and I am haunted.  But not by a ghost or goblin, by the very real awareness that there are so many ways that I haven't lived up to the potential to make a difference in the world for Christ that I've been given.  So on a day that celebrates the supernatural, I'm asking the God of all creation (natural and otherwise) to give me the wisdom to do what I can, while I can, with whatever is needed in the moment, so that I won't die with any regrets regarding the coulda's, shoulda's and woulda's that are potentially the most haunting of all realities. 

Halloween is traditionally a day for thinking about life after the grave, dead stuff and roaming spirits, so ponder these compelling words from scripture with me: "And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment..." Hebrews 9:27.

Now, if I have successfully done this "holiday's" duty and scared you by sharing this haunting reminder from Hebrews, do yourself a favor and read the entire 9th chapter for some peace-giving encouragement. Happy Halloween!

Love So Amazing...

~When God fills an empty vessel He doesn't stop at the top--His love fills to the brim and floods over the rim!

Forgiveness...

Christlike is she, who though pierced by the rose's thorn, sees only its beauty.

To Anyone Who Reads My Blog...

I would love to know a little bit about anyone who actually reads my blog posts.  As you might know, this began as a journal of "thoughts" for my grandchildren and has morphed a little since I started this process.

This morning, it occurs to me that as a result of having an online journal, there are people in the world who "know" me (at least a little about the way I think and my own spiritual journey) that I will never meet.  If you are willing, send me a note and tell me how I can pray for you, where you are in your faith walk, and anything else you'd like to share.  You can email: mugsy1959@hotmail.com, or you can leave a comment below.  I am all ears and I am praying for every person who reads my ramblings.

Love,
Sandy

One Foot in Quicksand...

It's time to catch up the study notes for my chronological journey through scripture. Picking up where I left off, today's passages are Isaiah 31-34, a period of time that in so many ways mirrors today's headlines. 

Having forgotten the many reasons for trusting in God alone as their source and strength, Isaiah chastised Judah for trusting in Egypt's numerous chariots and mighty horsemen. The very creator of life and breath who had miraculously delivered them from destruction and doom had practically been forgotten--and instead--these people believed that the strength of human armies merited their trust.

Quick to dispel the notion that there was any credence to this fallacy, Isaiah reminded them of God's might and supernatural power that exceeds the strongest horsemen or sturdiest chariot.  I was reminded here of the contrast with Psalm 20:7 which reads: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Just as then, I see us as a people (myself included) forgetting the source of blessing, protection, provision and power.  We lament the conditions of this world and feel defeated. We decry the lack of logic demonstrated by our leaders, failing to remember that we are trusting in humans rather than Almighty God when we look to them for our deliverance, success or survival. I claim to have set apart Christ as Lord, but do my actions, reactions, words and deeds, always reflect that?

The people of Judah had not abandoned their faith entirely, they simply had their feet planted in two places.  One foot was planted on the rock--God, and one on quicksand--Egypt.  It doesn't take someone with super-intellect to figure out that sinking's going to happen in a case like this, does it? Lord, help us remember that you alone are our firm foundation!

Lord, plant both of my feet on the solid rock, permeate my thoughts with your promises, and keep my heart wholly devoted and undivided so that I do not misplace my trust and sink with the masses into the world's mire.  You alone are the one who delivers and rescues.  Thank you and Amen.

Authentic Pursuit...

Weeks ago I mentioned that Leslie was working on a new format for her blog.  I'm pleased to announce that http://www.authenticpursuit.com/ is now up and running!  If you have preschoolers, you will enjoy her candid posts related to the joys and trials of homeschooling her little ones, and you may even get an idea or three to use with your children even if you are not a homeschool family. 

I will be the first to say that I was not the perfect parent.  I have regrets and a list of "shoulda's" a mile long, but the children God blessed me with (in spite of myself) are another evidence to me of His unending grace and mercy.  I want to encourage all mothers who feel like failures at least once a day  that our God is generous and willing to answer to the fervent pleas of a desperate mom! I asked Him so many times to overcome my parental inadequacies, and it is with humble praise that I acknowledge His goodness and thank Him daily for hearing my prayers and saying yes.

Breast Cancer and Facebook...

This is an unusual post for the blog today. If you aren't a facebook user you will most likely have no idea what I'm writing about, but for those who are, hear me out and if you are a woman of faith, please give this prayerful consideration.

Breast cancer is evil. I HATE it! I hate it for so many reasons. Like the fact that you do not have to have ANY family history of the disease to become a victim. And the fact that it can sometimes spread before it's detected. And what about how it seems to have escalated in frequency during our lifetimes and we all know MORE THAN ONE person who has had it or has it now. TERRIBLE. AWFUL. NO GOOD. HEINOUS!


Breast cancer robbed me (and many people I love) of one of the best women I have ever known. In her honor and memory, I would love for awareness to be raised and for people to be generous contributors to the cause of finding a cure and supporting those who are currently valiantly fighting the disease.
BUT, I cannot participate in a facebook campaign that requests something to the effect of writing a status that includes your shoe size followed by the word " inches" and then how long it takes you to do your hair. The innuendo is just too obvious and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the mental images this will conjure to anyone who doesn't know why someone is posting this information or what it refers to in reality.

To me, breast cancer is far more serious than this, and I cannot fathom how something like a titillating facebook status that is suggestive of anything other than breast cancer support succeeds at raising awareness or benevolence--but maybe I'm just naive. What I'm not, however, is a person who will intentionally use social media or any other platform to arouse thoughts that may be impure in anyone who might read it. For me--as a believer that all of God's Word is true--I just can't reconcile it.

I know, I know...I'm old. I'm old fashioned. I'm dark ages. I'm also a person who doesn't like to offend anyone by stating controversial opinions about things that don't matter for eternity, which this note has probably done--big time--especially if you have already written a status like the one I'm writing this note about. But I assure you that I am writing this before seeing anybody I know participate and I felt compelled to do this so that my friends who share my convictions might give this some thought and come up with a better, more transparent way to honor those we love and care about who are battling breast cancer.

That's all. I love you--even if you choose (or have chosen) to go along with "the game".

Philippians 4:8
... sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.



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Something Worth Reading...

This morning I had the privilege of reading an objective review of Nichole's project, New Eyes. Reporter/writer Erika Logan masterfully covered the debut concert for Magazine 33.

As her husband's mom, I imagined that writing my opinion about Nichole's music might be perceived as the biased musings of a doting mother-in-law. 

Today, I think I can justify my opinion because of this article--written by a stranger with credentials. I couldn't be happier to share Ms. Logan's interview, and I hope you will pass it along. Enjoy!

http://nc.magazine33.com/issue/september-2011-magazine33-north-carolina/article/broome

Stop by Nichole's new website to hear clips of her songs from the album on the homepage: http://nicholebroome.com/

Freedom, Faith and Family!

Yesterday was July 4th, a day that has always been a time for celebrating freedom, faith and family--which brings me to the reason for posting this entry in my blog (a departure from my usual Bible study notes).

(A&L at the 4th of July Parade, eagerly awaiting the candy that is tossed to them! Leslie made the cute "Patriotic" bandana dresses!)

God blessed me with two children, each unique, each precious. They, in turn, have married people that I adore. My son-in-law and daughter-in-law have given us reason to say, "music married into our family".  David's wife, Nichole, is a gifted singer-song writer, and Leslie's husband, Steven, is a talented worship leader and musician.

For this reason, I decided to shamelessly appeal to anyone who reads my blog to keep a couple of "my" kids' latest endeavors in your prayers.  Nichole Broome is about to release her first album of original songs in August and I couldn't be more excited about this project!

                     (Nichole recording at GAT3 studio--Unleash My Heart)

Her music is fresh and inspiring and it chronicles a very personal spiritual journey that has required her to "cast all her cares upon Him".  Moving ballads that are sung from the heart, Nichole's voice is angelic.  (I think I am being totally objective here in spite of my love for her!)  Please consider praying specifically for Nichole as she prepares for her album debut concert on August 12th by asking God to protect her and her family.

Next, my daughter Leslie Grace will soon debut a new blog (she has been working on its concept and format for a while now) to highlight the benefits of living life in mindful awareness of God's grace and provision.  When I named her after my Grandmother Grace, I could never have imagined how fitting the name would be. Nearly every day I discover a new reason to admire her! There are many who aspire to fulfill the scriptural attributes of the woman described in the 31st chapter of Proverbs, but I personally know very few who rival L.G., and I am challenged by her gentle ways and simple obedience daily.

This picture of Leslie with her girls (taken this weekend) is just one example of her ingenuity and frugality.  It's likely to be an example of some of what you'll find when she debuts her blog offering original ideas for clothing kids (among many other topics) as she did here by altering two inexpensive Walmart dresses. I think they are "boutique and unique" with her added touches!

I hope the Independence Day holiday provided opportunities for you to spend time with people you love and find reasons to be grateful for the freedom to worship Jesus and celebrate our liberties as Americans.  For me, it was just an extra special reminder that God has answered so many prayers--even the ones I prayed years and years ago about the people my children would one day marry--and I would be negligent if I didn't take an opportunity to publicly say, "Thank you, Lord!" for all these blessings!