| What this page is about....... |
| STORY #2 from Dorthea Suess Dorthea is a friend of my family. She sent this story to my grandma "Nanny" that sent it to me. After reading this one you'll never underestimate the power of a child's song... |
| STORY #3 from Garth Owens (my "Great Uncle" from Texas sent this one to me) This story is a great reminder to pay attention to what God may be telling you... "Are You Listenin'?" |
| I can post your story here. Just email me your inspiring story that would encourage another. |
| STORY #4 from Jobi Rosen She did it again!!!!! That Kleenex box is running low. This one is a MUST READ!!!! |
| I can post your story here. Just email me your inspiring story that would encourage another. |
| "YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE" Posted February 2005 Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her. The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen. In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required? Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee. The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. I want to sing to her, he kept saying. Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over. Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not. If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU, looking like a walking laundry basket. The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed." The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line. "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister" she stated. Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray." Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. "You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away." As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr. "Keep on singing, sweetheart." "The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms." Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her. "Keep on singing, Michael." Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away..." The next, day...the very next day...the little girl was well enough to go home. Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother's Song. The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love. NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL. Life is good. Have a Wonderful Day! |
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| I receive countless email's from people that have shared great inspiring stories. It seems they are so touching at the time but are soon forgotten. I created this page to post any stories to encourage you and keep them handy to look back on. It's a collection of stories that are sweet, some are heart felt, and there may even be one or two from actual experience. If you would like me to post your story, click on the link below to email it to me and let me know you want it posted. |
| STORY #1 from Jobi Rosen This first story gave me this idea & prompted me to add this page. It was just sent to me by Bryan's mom, Jobi Rosen, from Scottsdale Arizona. Get out your kleenex.... it's a tear jerker..... |
| “T-bone Steak, Red Roses, & Friends!!!” Posted on February 6, 2005 I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories. He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three red roses in his hands. He knew I loved red roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on. Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak. Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket, hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and then once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T- bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know." I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. "My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the Steaks. And cherish every moment you have together." She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood; trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A quart, I finally decided, and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. "These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed red roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel. Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are. This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, share this with your friends. Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf. Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind. Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden. Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely. Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry. Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job. Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life. Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right? A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone to treasure. For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy, and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and Happier Place. YOU ARE MY FRIEND! |
| Thank you, Jobi, for sharing this story. I had to get out my Kleenex again.... |
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"THE BRICK"
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too
fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and
slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared.
Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed
the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.
The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up
against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what are you
doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did
you do it?" The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't
know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..."
With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a
parked car. "It's my brother, "he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair
and I can't lift him up."
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him
back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He
hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen
handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything
was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the
stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his
wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver
never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this
message:
"Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to
get your attention!"
God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to
listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too
fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and
slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared.
Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed
the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.
The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up
against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what are you
doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did
you do it?" The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't
know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..."
With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a
parked car. "It's my brother, "he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair
and I can't lift him up."
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him
back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He
hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen
handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything
was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the
stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his
wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver
never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this
message:
"Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to
get your attention!"
God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to
listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.
| "RUN THROUGH THE RAIN" A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old,this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let's run through the rain!" She repeated. "No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied. This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain," "We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said. "No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet? "Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!" The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith. "Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Take the time to live!!! Keep in touch with your friends, you never know when you'll need each other -- and don't forget to run in the rain! |
| Okay, I know you've all seen the movie "Rudy" (if you haven't, you should). It always inspires us to go for our dreams. But today, I watched it and saw that there was something Rudy did that we loose sight of when we're going for our goals in life....be ready when your time comes. Rudy was focused on one thing. He wanted to play football for Norte Dame University. Even if he didn't play in the games he just wanted to be on the team. He went for this goal with everyone telling him he'd never make it and didn't have what it takes. At first glance, he didn't. By the end of the movie I began to wonder if he would ever see his dream become a reality. His dream was just to be a part of the team. He finally made the practice team but wouldn't get to wear a uniform or play in the games. When his family didn't believe he made the team the only way he could prove it was to come out of the tunnel with the players dressed in uniform. But he was never picked to "dress". For several weeks he checked to see if he was on the list to "Dress" for the game. Time and time again his name was left out. Then several teammates went to the coach and compelled him to let Rudy "Dress" for the game. All that meant is that he could put on a uniform, run through the tunnel, then sit on the sidelines. This was enough for him. He would have accomplished his goal and everyone could see he made it. So, Rudy Dressed To Play......#45. He stood on the sidelines with great satisfaction that he was "on the team" (some would wonder what's the point in getting all dressed to do nothing but watch from the sidelines). In the final scene the teammates began chanting his name and the crowd joined in. The coach saw it wouldn't hurt to give the kid the thrill, so with the pressure of the chanting crowd, he let him in the game but only with only a few seconds on the clock. Everyone cheered and chanted his name for two whole plays then he was carried off the field in glory. He didn't make any touchdowns or score changing runs. But he played. He played in the game!!!! It looked like he wouldn't get that chance, but he did. Tears ran down my face at the end of the movie as the team carried him off the field while his parents, friends, and fans cheered for him. I realized one thing.... He dressed to play. He was ready. He had no promise that he would do anything but sit on the sidelines. Actually, he would have been okay with that. But with the right attitude and tenacity his teammates saw that he was ready. If he hadn't gotten ready he wouldn't have got the opportunity. Dressed in his uniform, #45 went out there like it was the play of a lifetime, and it was. He gave it all he had. Like many people, I have had dreams my entire life that have not completely come to pass. I have felt like the older I get the further away they become. I have wondered why I should even keep trying. I made a decision that I'm gonna be ready for whatever opportunities come. I'm not going to loose heart, I'll be ready. If I sit on the sidelines as my team wins that would be okay. But if they call me onto the field, I'll be ready, dressed to play, and will give it all I've got!!!! Get ready!!!! Get DRESSED TO PLAY!! Keep the right attitude, you never know when your time is NOW!!!!!! |
| Inspired by the movie "Rudy" GET READY for good things to come!!! |
| Bryan took this picture down the street from where I live. Can you see the double rainbow? It's like a "double reminder" that God always keeps His promises!! And they are still true even though we're going through the rain. |
