My life-long best friend called me today to let me know that her mother lost her battle with cancer last night. My friend seems to be on auto pilot - making all the arrangements and trying to tend to her father.
I had such flash backs of my childhood, primarily because not a day went by that I wasn't invading their home and overstaying my welcome.
She had just retired and the two of them were making big plans. The thing about cancer is that it really doesn't care about your plans.. for this family - cancer changed everything.
My friend's father has to go on - He has to be the survivor!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
White Envelopes
Today, I read about a family who practiced a family tradition of placing white envelopes on their Christmas tree for their children to open on Christmas Eve. These envelopes were gifts to charities given in each of their children's names. Each child would have a donation made by their parents in honor of them to a different charity or need in the community.
What was so cool about this story was the parents said that as their kids got older they would actually be more excited about opening their envelope to see who would be the recipient of the gift that would be given in their name than any of the other gifts under the tree.
Now the two boys are grown and have founded the "White Envelope Project," which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and enabling individuals and organizations to GIVE!
It's obvious how these parents influenced their children by their dedication to serving others. I was thinking during all of the chaos of Christmas shopping over Thanksgiving that maybe I would just wrap up some donations on the behalf of my family and friends
...something to think about.
What was so cool about this story was the parents said that as their kids got older they would actually be more excited about opening their envelope to see who would be the recipient of the gift that would be given in their name than any of the other gifts under the tree.
Now the two boys are grown and have founded the "White Envelope Project," which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and enabling individuals and organizations to GIVE!
It's obvious how these parents influenced their children by their dedication to serving others. I was thinking during all of the chaos of Christmas shopping over Thanksgiving that maybe I would just wrap up some donations on the behalf of my family and friends
...something to think about.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Delayed But Not Denied
Recently, I caught a story on the news about a young girl who was running in her State Cross Country Meet. She misstepped resulting in the breakage of the tibia and fibula. Crumbling to a heap on the ground, she crawls for a bit and then returns to her feet in an attempt to reach the finish line only to collapse again. She then decides to crawl on her hands and knees for the final eight yards to the finish line.
...Delayed, but she refused to be denied!
...Delayed, but she refused to be denied!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Little People Big World
"Little People Big World" is a TLC reality show of an incredible family.
The mother, father and one of the three children are little people and the other two children are average height. They are passionate about one another and the parents never cease to amaze me with their close attention to details concerning their children.
When the show is coming on, the mother explains that they can do the same things that anyone else can do, but they just have to do it in a different way.
The challenges this family faces on a daily bases and their accomplishments are overwhelmingly inspiring.
...Inspire and be Inspired!
The mother, father and one of the three children are little people and the other two children are average height. They are passionate about one another and the parents never cease to amaze me with their close attention to details concerning their children.
When the show is coming on, the mother explains that they can do the same things that anyone else can do, but they just have to do it in a different way.
The challenges this family faces on a daily bases and their accomplishments are overwhelmingly inspiring.
...Inspire and be Inspired!
Monday, October 22, 2007
New York Itinerary
We are planning another visit to New York City in January and my son and I are working on the trip itinerary. During our last visit to NYC, we did so much that I feel like I missed the true "Big Apple" experience. So on the agenda this time is a bike ride in Central Park, hanging out in Greenwich Village to watch a few of the great native New Yorkers play checkers and some shrimp from Bubba Gump's. We plan to revisit the Today Show, check out another great Broadway Show, and do some more "Coach" shopping in China Town.
As I have been thinking about this trip and making the plans, I have been thinking about an itinerary for life.
So many opportunities - Where do we go from here and where do we start? What could help us discover more about ourselves? What doors are waiting to be open and what doors do we need to shut? If we choose to ignore time, what could we accomplish. If we step out on faith, what could we achieve?
An itinerary for life is a challenge with so many choices and no matter what we plan - they are subject to change. Maybe planning is not to our advantage - there is a lot to be said about spontinuity.
I know this - whether New York or Life and whether you plan or not -
As I have been thinking about this trip and making the plans, I have been thinking about an itinerary for life.
So many opportunities - Where do we go from here and where do we start? What could help us discover more about ourselves? What doors are waiting to be open and what doors do we need to shut? If we choose to ignore time, what could we accomplish. If we step out on faith, what could we achieve?
An itinerary for life is a challenge with so many choices and no matter what we plan - they are subject to change. Maybe planning is not to our advantage - there is a lot to be said about spontinuity.
I know this - whether New York or Life and whether you plan or not -
LIFE HAPPENS!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
LIVESTRONG ARMY UPSTATE SC - WANTS YOU!
The Lance Armstrong Foundation has given me a very specific assignment - to form a Livestrong Grassroots Organization in the Upstate. This organization will respectfully carry the title "Livestrong Army Upstate SC". I will be looking for a few good men and women who are dedicated and passionate about declaring war on cancer.
Lets take the fight to the disease that is responsible for another 911 every other day.
I will be posting more information soon on where and how you will be able to unite with other brave men and women who are willing to join forces so that together we can and will defeat this enemy.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Sea of Pink
The Race for the Cure was unbelievable on Saturday - there were thousands. A sea of pink - it was pretty amazing.
During the survivor walk, I met a lady who is going on her fourth year of survival and she cried the entire time. She told me she was walking for all of the young girls who were just beginning life's journey - hoping that together we can make the road easier and less painful for them by ending breast cancer. She also shared with me that last year when she reached the end of the survivor walk that her daughter and granddaughter were standing there waiting for her and how that made her feel. Her granddaughter is a down syndrome baby and she explained how this baby has blessed their life and their home. In my ventures out in these cancer arenas, I have truly met some HEROES. People like this lady who look beyond set backs, allowing the set backs to become there set ups for blessings. Taking what is sometimes the best life can give you and allowing God to mold you something beautiful. As I walked on Saturday I looked over this crowd of determined people and I saw many heroes. This lady and I did not get to talk for long, but with little words she touched my life in a big way. Out of this sea of pink only a small percentage were actual survivors - most were people honoring those who they love and then there were those who just wanted to walk and take a stand against this horrific disease.
As a survivor of stage 4 breast cancer, I am thankful to all of these heroes (including my husband and son) who became a sea of pink.
More photos to come...........
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Built to Survive
My husband and I took my son to see "Walking with Dinosaurs."
Amazing! The dinosaurs were incredibly "Life-like." They were truly unbelievable. I never thought about the dinosaur in this manner. Actually, I've not really given dinosaurs any thought at all but each one of these fascinating creatures were uniquely and specifically designed for their own survival. The narrator would introduce the dinosaurs one at a time while explaining their diet, their habits, their capabilities or lack of, their unique design for survival and their instinctive character.
It is incredible to me that every living, breathing thing has been given a distinctive instinct of survival. It doesn't seem like a gigantic reptile would give living or dying a thought of any kind.
We have those same survival instincts, but what separates us from, the average or not so average, reptile is our need to do more than just survive. We have "thriving" instincts - a need to be needed, to be heard, to reach our goals, accomplish our hopes and dreams, to learn from our failures, and most of all to love and be loved.
We are a product of God's image not His imagination.
We were not made to merely survive but to thrive!
We are a product of God's image not His imagination.
We were not made to merely survive but to thrive!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Conference "Living with and Beyond Cancer"
On March 14th & 15th, 2008, the South Carolina Cancer Alliance (SCCA) will be hosting the first annual survivorship conference - "Living With & Beyond Cancer," at the Columbia Marriott Hotel.
The two - day event is for South Carolinians who have been affected by cancer from survivors to non-profit organizations to medical professionals.
As a member of the committee, I am seeking sponsors. If you have a business or organization and would be interested, please email me directly. I will be blogging and emailing details in the near future.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Remembering 9/11 -
This year, I had the opportunity to visit both New York City and Washington, DC.
While in New York City, I had the opportunity to visit Ground Zero. I will never forget the over - whelming grief that I felt. As I looked over the sight where the Twin Towers had once stood, I remembered back to that morning at what I had witnessed as I was watching the morning news. While in Washington, DC, though you could not get close to the Pentagon, I looked on from a distance and it just seemed surreal.
Hate took the lives of many on that day and America was seriously wounded.
But, hated or not, I love America and I am thankful everyday of my life that I have been blessed to live in this country.
God has truly blessed our nation!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Today is My Birthday
Today is my birthday, so my husband took me on a little day trip - we had a really good time.
Sometimes on my birthday, I just feel like sticking my tongue out and shouting, "YEAH CANCER, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY."
Another birthday of many more birthdays to come!
Sometimes on my birthday, I just feel like sticking my tongue out and shouting, "YEAH CANCER, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY."
Another birthday of many more birthdays to come!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
"No Retreat, No Surrender"
My husband loves the movie 300. He loves it so much that he purchased the DVD, which is something we do not normally do. He had already watched it several times before I finally made the decision to bite the bloody bullet and join him in the viewing. Actually, the truth is, I was comfortably sitting in the family room with my laptop and had no desire to give up my cozy seat when he was determined to watch it for the 300th time.
The movie grew bloodier and bloodier ever moment but the tenacity of these 300 men caught my attention and made it impossible for me to turn away.
The 300 men were determined, brave, loyal, and committed. And what really caught my interest was that fearless, courageous king, who didn't send his men out, but instead, led them out. The tenacious king remained front and center in every engagement with every enemy.
The 300 soldiers that were chosen by the King knew they were going on an impossible mission against an uncountable army of evil. But neither the size of their opponent nor their unmerciful reputation discouraged the 300 from the battle they were to face.
When the enemy charged towards the 300, the King would exclaim to his men in a loud bold confident voice,"No Retreat, No Surrender!"
Wounded and out-numbered, the 300 followed the example of their king and neither retreating nor surrendering would be considered as an option.
Whatever or whoever your enemy may be today, as King Leonidas would say
"No Retreat, No Surrender!"
The movie grew bloodier and bloodier ever moment but the tenacity of these 300 men caught my attention and made it impossible for me to turn away.
The 300 men were determined, brave, loyal, and committed. And what really caught my interest was that fearless, courageous king, who didn't send his men out, but instead, led them out. The tenacious king remained front and center in every engagement with every enemy.
The 300 soldiers that were chosen by the King knew they were going on an impossible mission against an uncountable army of evil. But neither the size of their opponent nor their unmerciful reputation discouraged the 300 from the battle they were to face.
When the enemy charged towards the 300, the King would exclaim to his men in a loud bold confident voice,"No Retreat, No Surrender!"
Wounded and out-numbered, the 300 followed the example of their king and neither retreating nor surrendering would be considered as an option.
Whatever or whoever your enemy may be today, as King Leonidas would say
"No Retreat, No Surrender!"
Friday, August 24, 2007
Letter from Lance Armstrong
Dear Angela,
Four years ago cancer was not mentioned during the presidential election campaign. Today, the LIVESTRONG Army has made fighting cancer part of the national dialogue. For the next five days leading media, presidential candidates and citizens across the country will discuss how to stop the number one killer of all Americans under the age of 85.
Next Monday, August 27, and Tuesday, August 28, I will walk onto the stage at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to ask the presidential hopefuls to share their ideas and strategies on how to fight cancer in the first- LiveSTRONG Cancer Forum ever: http://www.ambassadorsevents.com/livestrong/
This historic event will be discussed on NBC's Meet the Press with Tim Russert, webcast live on MSNBC.com and featured on Hardball with Chris Matthews.
As a member of the LIVESTRONG Army, I need your help to make sure Americans across the country are tuned in, asking questions and demanding answers from the presidential candidates.
Watch Meet the Press with Tim Russert. I will be a guest on NBC's Meet The Press: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/?tr=y&auid=2937930 on Sunday, August 26, talking about the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum.
Check local listings for times and channels: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/?tr=y&auid=2937931
Watch the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum. MSNBC will webcast the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum live at 10:00 am CT on August 27 and 28. MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews will be broadcast live from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, each night.
>> Click this link on Monday, August 27, and Tuesday, August 28, to load MSNBC.com's video player to watch the Forum.>> Check MSNBC's local listings: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3096434/ for times and channels to view Hardball with Chris Matthews on MSNBC on Monday and Tuesday evening.
Download and post: http://www.livestrong.org/atf/cf/%7BD0794917-422C-499C-9C48-9ED3DDC42947%7D/FORUM_POSTER2.PDF?msource=EML0823ARMY5&tr=y&auid=2937938 Download the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum posters and post them in offices, gyms, coffee shops and other places with high traffic.
The LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum: http://www.ambassadorsevents.com/livestrong/ puts critical questions about fighting cancer on a national platform. Please join me in making history by raising awareness for the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum: http://www.ambassadorsevents.com/livestrong/
LIVESTRONG,
Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG Army
Four years ago cancer was not mentioned during the presidential election campaign. Today, the LIVESTRONG Army has made fighting cancer part of the national dialogue. For the next five days leading media, presidential candidates and citizens across the country will discuss how to stop the number one killer of all Americans under the age of 85.
Next Monday, August 27, and Tuesday, August 28, I will walk onto the stage at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to ask the presidential hopefuls to share their ideas and strategies on how to fight cancer in the first- LiveSTRONG Cancer Forum ever: http://www.ambassadorsevents.com/livestrong/
This historic event will be discussed on NBC's Meet the Press with Tim Russert, webcast live on MSNBC.com and featured on Hardball with Chris Matthews.
As a member of the LIVESTRONG Army, I need your help to make sure Americans across the country are tuned in, asking questions and demanding answers from the presidential candidates.
Watch Meet the Press with Tim Russert. I will be a guest on NBC's Meet The Press: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/?tr=y&auid=2937930 on Sunday, August 26, talking about the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum.
Check local listings for times and channels: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/?tr=y&auid=2937931
Watch the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum. MSNBC will webcast the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum live at 10:00 am CT on August 27 and 28. MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews will be broadcast live from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, each night.
>> Click this link on Monday, August 27, and Tuesday, August 28, to load MSNBC.com's video player to watch the Forum.>> Check MSNBC's local listings: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3096434/ for times and channels to view Hardball with Chris Matthews on MSNBC on Monday and Tuesday evening.
Download and post: http://www.livestrong.org/atf/cf/%7BD0794917-422C-499C-9C48-9ED3DDC42947%7D/FORUM_POSTER2.PDF?msource=EML0823ARMY5&tr=y&auid=2937938 Download the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum posters and post them in offices, gyms, coffee shops and other places with high traffic.
The LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum: http://www.ambassadorsevents.com/livestrong/ puts critical questions about fighting cancer on a national platform. Please join me in making history by raising awareness for the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum: http://www.ambassadorsevents.com/livestrong/
LIVESTRONG,
Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG Army
Thursday, August 23, 2007
South Carolina - still not on board!
Look for our Lance Armstrong Foundation (LiveSTRONG Army) Events coming soon.............
We are going to kick off a letter writing campaign in South Carolina - beginning with the Upstate counties of South Carolina. We will have an event each month in a different county leading up to a big blowout LiveSTRONG event in the Spring just before LiveSTRONG Day in May, when we return to Washington, DC, to once again speak with our Congress members concerning the legislation introduced May 16, 2007, that would make cancer a National Priority.
I will keep you posted -
we need everyone to come out and "ENLIST" in the LiveSTRONG Army. These letters will be your stories of how cancer has affected your life or a friend or family member and they will make an explosive impact when we deliver them to our members of Congress.
The update is 70+ from the House and Senate on board -
NONE WHICH ARE SOUTH CAROLINA! We have to demand them to step up!
Note: To all of my LAF Co-Delegates from the States around the country whose reps have signed on - We (Upstate SC Delegates) met yesterday and decided that a letter writing campaign would benefit our cause greater at this point, here in SC. If you have any suggestions/advice for us (Upstate SC Delegates) - please email me or leave comments or post message on LAF message board.
We are going to kick off a letter writing campaign in South Carolina - beginning with the Upstate counties of South Carolina. We will have an event each month in a different county leading up to a big blowout LiveSTRONG event in the Spring just before LiveSTRONG Day in May, when we return to Washington, DC, to once again speak with our Congress members concerning the legislation introduced May 16, 2007, that would make cancer a National Priority.
I will keep you posted -
we need everyone to come out and "ENLIST" in the LiveSTRONG Army. These letters will be your stories of how cancer has affected your life or a friend or family member and they will make an explosive impact when we deliver them to our members of Congress.
The update is 70+ from the House and Senate on board -
NONE WHICH ARE SOUTH CAROLINA! We have to demand them to step up!
Note: To all of my LAF Co-Delegates from the States around the country whose reps have signed on - We (Upstate SC Delegates) met yesterday and decided that a letter writing campaign would benefit our cause greater at this point, here in SC. If you have any suggestions/advice for us (Upstate SC Delegates) - please email me or leave comments or post message on LAF message board.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Get Your Q's In
Got a video question for Republican and Democratic candidates? They just might use it for the upcoming Livestrong Presidential Cancer Forum, the first forum that will allow candidates to detail how their administration would work to fight cancer.
Livestrong Presidential Cancer Forum will be on August 27 and 28 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and will be live streamed on MSNBC.com. “Hardball with Chris Matthews" will telecast live from the site. You can submit questions - text or video - on livestrong.org.
Livestrong Presidential Cancer Forum will be on August 27 and 28 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and will be live streamed on MSNBC.com. “Hardball with Chris Matthews" will telecast live from the site. You can submit questions - text or video - on livestrong.org.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Stardust
The other day, my son and I went to see the movie Stardust. It was a "Fantasy Movie"about a star, which was a beautiful girl, that fell from the sky. She was being chased by a witch, who needed her heart so she could return to her youth; a conniving prince, who needed the jewel that she wore around her neck in order to become King forever; and a country - shop boy who needed to take the star back to the girl he thought he loved - who promised him that she would marry him if he brought her the star. It was known about these stars that their hearts were more valuable to the witches when they were happy. Also, the happier the star became the more she would glow. Realizing that she would begin to glow brightly when she was close to the country boy, she knew she had fallen in love with him. She told him that until now, she had only experienced love by watching humanity from the sky. She said as she looked down on earth at all the wars and confusion among people that the love she saw in mankind was the only way she could tolerate it.
Which got me to thinking... What would we see if we were able to look down on earth for a day? If we were suspended over the world and looking down on humanity - what would we see? Would our hearts be full and happy or would our hearts break?
Is it getting harder for the stars to tolerate it?
Which got me to thinking... What would we see if we were able to look down on earth for a day? If we were suspended over the world and looking down on humanity - what would we see? Would our hearts be full and happy or would our hearts break?
Is it getting harder for the stars to tolerate it?
Friday, August 10, 2007
Another Great Poem - Time to Adore
And when I die
I hope my soul ascends
slowly, so that I
may watch the earth receding
out of sight,
its vastness growing smaller as I rise,
savoring its recession with delight.
Anticipating joy is itself a joy.
And joy unspeakable
and full of glory needs more
than "in the twinkling of an eye,"
more than "in a moment."
Lord, who am I to disagree?
It's only we have much to leave behind;
so much...Before.
These moments of transition
will, for me,
be time to adore. - Ruth Bell Graham
Ruth Graham went home to heaven on June 14th, 2007, and I wonder if she did get to look on the life she was leaving and take the time to adore it. She was married to Billy Graham for 64 years and I imagine that her eyes were on him as she stepped into eternity. What a love - what a life. I saw a magazine that said her life was "A Life Well Lived." I can't think of two greater people that the Grahams. I believe when she got to heaven that God showed her all the lives that were changed by their life. The Bible talks about loving your neighbor and these two really did. How many of us can say that we live our lives to make life better for others. Ruth was 87 - she lived out God's promise. Her daughter said "Her happiness and fulfillment did not depend on her circumstances. She was a lovely, beautiful and wise woman because early in life she made Christ her home, her purpose, her center, her confidant, and her vision." Wow, this lady was CLASS. I hope that when I have lived out my promised years and leave this earth that my son will say "My mom did not let her circumstances determine her attitude for life." I want him to say that I was full of joy, hope, and love. I want to live my life with confidence. The Bible tells us not to cast away our confidence and I have decided that I wont!
I hope my soul ascends
slowly, so that I
may watch the earth receding
out of sight,
its vastness growing smaller as I rise,
savoring its recession with delight.
Anticipating joy is itself a joy.
And joy unspeakable
and full of glory needs more
than "in the twinkling of an eye,"
more than "in a moment."
Lord, who am I to disagree?
It's only we have much to leave behind;
so much...Before.
These moments of transition
will, for me,
be time to adore. - Ruth Bell Graham
Ruth Graham went home to heaven on June 14th, 2007, and I wonder if she did get to look on the life she was leaving and take the time to adore it. She was married to Billy Graham for 64 years and I imagine that her eyes were on him as she stepped into eternity. What a love - what a life. I saw a magazine that said her life was "A Life Well Lived." I can't think of two greater people that the Grahams. I believe when she got to heaven that God showed her all the lives that were changed by their life. The Bible talks about loving your neighbor and these two really did. How many of us can say that we live our lives to make life better for others. Ruth was 87 - she lived out God's promise. Her daughter said "Her happiness and fulfillment did not depend on her circumstances. She was a lovely, beautiful and wise woman because early in life she made Christ her home, her purpose, her center, her confidant, and her vision." Wow, this lady was CLASS. I hope that when I have lived out my promised years and leave this earth that my son will say "My mom did not let her circumstances determine her attitude for life." I want him to say that I was full of joy, hope, and love. I want to live my life with confidence. The Bible tells us not to cast away our confidence and I have decided that I wont!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Forum News
As of this week, Democratic candidates Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator John Edwards and Governor Bill Richardson have confirmed their participation for the Democratic LIVESTRONG Presidential Candidate Forum on August 27. Republican candidates Senator Sam Brownback, Governor Mike Huckabee and Governor Tommy Thompson have confirmed their participation in the Republican LIVESTRONG Presidential Candidate Forum on August 28.
Ask friends and colleagues to sign the LIVESTRONG Army petition to make it clear that our next President must be prepared to answer the cancer question.
Ask friends and colleagues to sign the LIVESTRONG Army petition to make it clear that our next President must be prepared to answer the cancer question.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
My Favorite Poem
Our Greatest Fear -
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Marianne Williamson
That pretty much says it all!!!
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. -Marianne Williamson
That pretty much says it all!!!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Awesome!!!
This is a quote from my Pastor's blog Sunday.
Sunday Night Reflections–One “Hell” Of A Sunday!?!?!?
We saw over 110 people receive Christ!!! THIS NEVER GETS OLD!!! YEAH GOD!!!
You really need to see this service to believe it! - log on and watch Sunday, August 5th, it was awesome. http://www.newspring.cc
I would say that Perry Noble (Pastor of NewSpring Community Church in Anderson, SC) knows how to LiveSTRONG! He is right, we cannot livestrong and be in fear of anything, including death, which is the greatest fear for most of us. There really is only one way to have this kind of certainty about death and that is faith in Christ.
Sunday Night Reflections–One “Hell” Of A Sunday!?!?!?
We saw over 110 people receive Christ!!! THIS NEVER GETS OLD!!! YEAH GOD!!!
You really need to see this service to believe it! - log on and watch Sunday, August 5th, it was awesome. http://www.newspring.cc
I would say that Perry Noble (Pastor of NewSpring Community Church in Anderson, SC) knows how to LiveSTRONG! He is right, we cannot livestrong and be in fear of anything, including death, which is the greatest fear for most of us. There really is only one way to have this kind of certainty about death and that is faith in Christ.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
More on the Forum
SECAUCUS, NJ – July 25, 2007 – Chris Matthews, MSNBC's election anchor and host of "Hardball with Chris Matthews," will serve as co-moderator along with seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong for the first-ever Livestrong® Presidential Cancer Forum. Presidential hopefuls from both parties will gather in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on August 27 and 28 to discuss how best to fight cancer. The Democratic forum will be held on Monday, August 27 and the Republican forum on August 28. Both forums will be held in the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (ET).Viewers can submit questions prior to the forum in one of several ways: by sending their own videos to www.hardball.msnbc.com, by sending a question to the Lance Armstrong Foundation at www.Livestrong.org, and by sending a question to MSNBC.com's politics page, http://politics.msnbc.com, where viewers will also be able to watch live video streams of the two-day forum. MSNBC.com's interactive features also allow viewers to learn more about where candidates stand on important issues, vote on the candidates' performances, and post their thoughts on the message boards.
As announced on July 16 by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Livestrong Presidential Cancer Forum will serve as the first forum that will allow candidates to detail how their administration would work to fight cancer, a disease that kills more than half a million Americans ever year. The forum stems from a commitment by Armstrong and his foundation to unite citizens, government officials and cancer organizations across the country to make cancer a national priority.
"I am tremendously honored to be chosen to co-moderate this event with Lance Armstrong," said Matthews. "Working on a cure for cancer should be a national priority and I look forward to working with Lance to bring more attention to this cause."
"Hardball with Chris Matthews" will telecast live from the site of the presidential forum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on August 27 and 28 with a live audience. "Hardball with Chris Matthews" telecasts Monday through Friday at 5:00 and 7:00 pm (ET). Tammy Haddad is Executive Producer and Vice President, Washington for MSNBC. Bill Wolff is Vice President of primetime programming and Dan Abrams is General Manager.
07/25 04:35 PM
As announced on July 16 by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Livestrong Presidential Cancer Forum will serve as the first forum that will allow candidates to detail how their administration would work to fight cancer, a disease that kills more than half a million Americans ever year. The forum stems from a commitment by Armstrong and his foundation to unite citizens, government officials and cancer organizations across the country to make cancer a national priority.
"I am tremendously honored to be chosen to co-moderate this event with Lance Armstrong," said Matthews. "Working on a cure for cancer should be a national priority and I look forward to working with Lance to bring more attention to this cause."
"Hardball with Chris Matthews" will telecast live from the site of the presidential forum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on August 27 and 28 with a live audience. "Hardball with Chris Matthews" telecasts Monday through Friday at 5:00 and 7:00 pm (ET). Tammy Haddad is Executive Producer and Vice President, Washington for MSNBC. Bill Wolff is Vice President of primetime programming and Dan Abrams is General Manager.
07/25 04:35 PM
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Home
I just arrived home from Jekyll and St. Simon's Island. Though we had a great time, it's good to be home.
While there, we decided to take a ferry to Cumberland Island to hike through the ruins of the Carnegie family estates, also known as Dungeness, built in the mid 1880's. Before you board the boat to go to Cumberland Island (which is larger than Manhattan), you are required to sit through a brief orientation to familiarize you with the rules of the island and the wildlife you may encounter while there. As soon as we arrived on the island and stepped off the boat, we were thrilled to spot a manatee playing in the water by the dock and a large group of wild horses grazing just off the beach. We were fortunate to spot many of the wild horses, a creepy little armadillo playing under some bush, and a long necked wild turkey. However, we were thankful we did not have the misfortune of crossing any of those venomous snakes everyone was warning us about.
The ruins of the mansions that are still on the island are incredible and it's obvious that the Carnegie family lived the 'finer' life. There was a little church standing that seated about 18 people located on the same property. Back then a minister would come over by boat once a month to hold services.
I found it interesting that John Kennedy Jr. was married at this homestead on the island and think I remember pictures from that wedding.
The Carnegie family called this island home for so many years and now all that is left is just the remains - evidence, if you will, of their existence on this beautiful island. I gazed at these remains in wonder and imagined what it must have been like in those days - even tried to imagine myself walking down the steps of the back entrance out to the meticulous gardens.
The story of this family were all but the perfect picture I had so carefully painted in my mind.
There lives would be described as being filled with discovery, challenges, tragedy, despair, loneliness, joy, and excitement. I guess this could be said about all of our lives whether we live in a mansion on an island or a mid-size home in the Carolinas. And we are leaving remnants everywhere of a 'life lived.' Lucy Carnegie faced many trials. One of which was when her husband died in 1886 leaving her to raise 9 children alone. But, somehow she would always manage to start over again.
We all have a story, we all have trials. It is what we do with the ruins from the trials that will make the difference. Maybe one day someone will be looking over the ruins of your life - what will they see? Lucy ended up owning 90% of the island after her husband's death. She added on to the Dungeness Mansion and built four additional mansions for her children.
Eventually, the Dungeness estates did come to an end, but while there - what a place to call home! What a life!
While there, we decided to take a ferry to Cumberland Island to hike through the ruins of the Carnegie family estates, also known as Dungeness, built in the mid 1880's. Before you board the boat to go to Cumberland Island (which is larger than Manhattan), you are required to sit through a brief orientation to familiarize you with the rules of the island and the wildlife you may encounter while there. As soon as we arrived on the island and stepped off the boat, we were thrilled to spot a manatee playing in the water by the dock and a large group of wild horses grazing just off the beach. We were fortunate to spot many of the wild horses, a creepy little armadillo playing under some bush, and a long necked wild turkey. However, we were thankful we did not have the misfortune of crossing any of those venomous snakes everyone was warning us about.
The ruins of the mansions that are still on the island are incredible and it's obvious that the Carnegie family lived the 'finer' life. There was a little church standing that seated about 18 people located on the same property. Back then a minister would come over by boat once a month to hold services.
I found it interesting that John Kennedy Jr. was married at this homestead on the island and think I remember pictures from that wedding.
The Carnegie family called this island home for so many years and now all that is left is just the remains - evidence, if you will, of their existence on this beautiful island. I gazed at these remains in wonder and imagined what it must have been like in those days - even tried to imagine myself walking down the steps of the back entrance out to the meticulous gardens.
The story of this family were all but the perfect picture I had so carefully painted in my mind.
There lives would be described as being filled with discovery, challenges, tragedy, despair, loneliness, joy, and excitement. I guess this could be said about all of our lives whether we live in a mansion on an island or a mid-size home in the Carolinas. And we are leaving remnants everywhere of a 'life lived.' Lucy Carnegie faced many trials. One of which was when her husband died in 1886 leaving her to raise 9 children alone. But, somehow she would always manage to start over again.
We all have a story, we all have trials. It is what we do with the ruins from the trials that will make the difference. Maybe one day someone will be looking over the ruins of your life - what will they see? Lucy ended up owning 90% of the island after her husband's death. She added on to the Dungeness Mansion and built four additional mansions for her children.
Eventually, the Dungeness estates did come to an end, but while there - what a place to call home! What a life!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Fear vs Faith
I caught the interview Larry King did withTammy Faye the day before she died when Larry asked her if she was afraid to die.
I began to think about fear. God addresses fear 366 times in the Bible? That equals out to one for everyday of the year plus leap year.
Both are consuming, both require attention, both can dictate how we deal with a trial or a decision in our life. And I believe, no, I know, that both will determine the outcome. Life with fear - well, think about that one. Is there really life where there is fear?
Life with faith - sometimes life can be so incredibly hard that it requires - no demands - faith just to take the next breath.
You have to decide which of the two you are going to walk in.
So, what will it be - Fear or Faith?
I began to think about fear. God addresses fear 366 times in the Bible? That equals out to one for everyday of the year plus leap year.
Both are consuming, both require attention, both can dictate how we deal with a trial or a decision in our life. And I believe, no, I know, that both will determine the outcome. Life with fear - well, think about that one. Is there really life where there is fear?
Life with faith - sometimes life can be so incredibly hard that it requires - no demands - faith just to take the next breath.
You have to decide which of the two you are going to walk in.
So, what will it be - Fear or Faith?
Saturday, July 21, 2007
The Office
I just started watching the hit television series, "The Office," and on one of the episodes that recently aired was the boss, Michael's, birthday. Michael, being a little arrogant, wanted everyone to take part in the planning of his special day. However all of the employees were distracted because one of them was waiting to hear from his doctor as to whether he had skin cancer or not. Michael being irritated at the lack of attention became sarcastic, leading one of the more sassy employees to tell him that no one cares about his birthday because of the situation with the employee waiting to hear from his doctor. Michael immediately pretends to care more about this employee's well being than his own birthday. He decides to make himself a LiveSTRONG bracelet out of yellow card stock and tape. He later raises his fist in support of the distraught employee and calls out "LIVESTRONG!" It turns out it was benign and all was well, and Michael got the birthday he wanted. If you ever get the chance to see this particular episode, I highly recommend it. Hey, It's ok to laugh.... "Laughter does the heart good like a medicine"... Proverbs 11:22
First - Ever LiveSTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum
This is great! - The FIGHT is ON.............FIRST-EVER LIVESTRONG® PRESIDENTIAL CANCER FORUM WILL REVEAL OPINIONS ON CANCER POLICY Lance Armstrong Foundation to unite candidates for discussions in Iowa; Armstrong to facilitate
Austin, Tex. and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (July 16, 2007) - The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) announced today that it will host the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum, a two-day event featuring 2008 presidential hopefuls from the Democratic and Republican parties in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, next month. The forum provides candidates with an opportunity to detail their respective policy plans for fighting cancer, a disease that kills 560,000 Americans a year.
Moderated by Lance Armstrong, the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum will serve as the first-ever forum that enables candidates to go on record and detail how their administration would work to fight the disease.
"Cancer is non-partisan. It's the number one killer of Americans under 85," said Armstrong, founder and chairman of the LAF. "It's time for all presidential candidates to let us know where they stand on the issue."
The Democratic candidates' forum will be held on Monday, August 27; Republican candidates will convene the following day, August 28. Both discussions will take place at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 10 A.M. until noon CDT.
Tickets for the forum are available, at no cost, at www.livestrong.org/forum.
The LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum stems from a commitment by Armstrong and the foundation that bears his name to build and mobilize a LIVESTRONG Army that unites citizens, government officials and cancer organizations across the country to make cancer a national priority.
"The dream is that we get rid of this disease forever," Armstrong said. "The '08 elections and the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum give all Americans an opportunity to ask the candidates 'What's your plan? And where does cancer fit into your policies?'"Details for the event are as follows:
LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum Hosted by the Lance Armstrong Foundation Democratic Candidate Forum, Monday, August 27, 2007Republican Candidate Forum, Tuesday, August 28, 2007U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
We have to tell cancer "ENOUGH"!!!!!! And South Carolina, we have got to rage war. Our representatives have not signed on with us to co-sponsor the legislation that we introduced on May 16, 2007. If you are in SC, please write your members of Congress and if you are a cancer survivor, tell them your story. We have a right to live our lives without cancer.
Austin, Tex. and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (July 16, 2007) - The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) announced today that it will host the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum, a two-day event featuring 2008 presidential hopefuls from the Democratic and Republican parties in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, next month. The forum provides candidates with an opportunity to detail their respective policy plans for fighting cancer, a disease that kills 560,000 Americans a year.
Moderated by Lance Armstrong, the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum will serve as the first-ever forum that enables candidates to go on record and detail how their administration would work to fight the disease.
"Cancer is non-partisan. It's the number one killer of Americans under 85," said Armstrong, founder and chairman of the LAF. "It's time for all presidential candidates to let us know where they stand on the issue."
The Democratic candidates' forum will be held on Monday, August 27; Republican candidates will convene the following day, August 28. Both discussions will take place at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 10 A.M. until noon CDT.
Tickets for the forum are available, at no cost, at www.livestrong.org/forum.
The LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum stems from a commitment by Armstrong and the foundation that bears his name to build and mobilize a LIVESTRONG Army that unites citizens, government officials and cancer organizations across the country to make cancer a national priority.
"The dream is that we get rid of this disease forever," Armstrong said. "The '08 elections and the LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum give all Americans an opportunity to ask the candidates 'What's your plan? And where does cancer fit into your policies?'"Details for the event are as follows:
LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum Hosted by the Lance Armstrong Foundation Democratic Candidate Forum, Monday, August 27, 2007Republican Candidate Forum, Tuesday, August 28, 2007U.S. Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
We have to tell cancer "ENOUGH"!!!!!! And South Carolina, we have got to rage war. Our representatives have not signed on with us to co-sponsor the legislation that we introduced on May 16, 2007. If you are in SC, please write your members of Congress and if you are a cancer survivor, tell them your story. We have a right to live our lives without cancer.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Got To Get An Early Start
Growing up, there was nothing more exciting than family vacation.
My dad was one of those "Got to get an early start" 'kind of dads.'
My brother and I just wanted to sleep, but once we were all settled in the car, the excitement would build.
While packing for our family vacation next week, I was reminded of that old feeling of excitement.
Reminded me of life - Maybe we're caught up in 'routine' and everyday resembles the day before. Maybe we have a small view of our lives and we just want to 'sleep.'
One thing I've learned through cancer is that "Life is too short to be small."
God wants to see us excited about life and I believe He's one of those "GOT TO GET AN EARLY START" 'kind of dads.'
My dad was one of those "Got to get an early start" 'kind of dads.'
My brother and I just wanted to sleep, but once we were all settled in the car, the excitement would build.
While packing for our family vacation next week, I was reminded of that old feeling of excitement.
Reminded me of life - Maybe we're caught up in 'routine' and everyday resembles the day before. Maybe we have a small view of our lives and we just want to 'sleep.'
One thing I've learned through cancer is that "Life is too short to be small."
God wants to see us excited about life and I believe He's one of those "GOT TO GET AN EARLY START" 'kind of dads.'
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
First Cell Phone
I took my son to purchase his first cell phone today and until now, I didn't know that shopping for a phone could be such an adventure. Everyone dreads their children getting older, but I have found every age with my son to be exciting. Watching my kid grow up has been my greatest adventure!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Reasons to blog
Well, I can't think of a better reason to blog than to talk about LIVING. I learned a lot about living when I was faced with the possibility of dying.
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