Need Hope?
August 4, 2014
I love this song! Maybe you can relate, too.
“I might be down, but I’m not dead….There’s a light, and I still see it….Even after all I see, there’s hope.”
My hope is in God. I will sincerely ask for, gratefully receive and willingly follow His guidance and direction.
Who Are You?
June 15, 2011
Enjoy this new twist on a children’s favorite.
The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph!
April 8, 2011
I am a firm believer in creating positive change. This short film is very powerful.
Exerpts from the short film The Butterfly Circus.
Limbless Man: “Stop it! Why would you say that?”
Showman: “Because you believe it, but if you could only see the beauty that can come from ashes.”
The limbless man is shown some traumatic conditions from which the now happy, talented performers in the Butterfly circus had come.
Limbless Man: But they’re different from me! ”
Showman : “Yes.YOU do have an ADVANTAGE. The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph.”
I encourage you to take the time to view this short film.
http://thebutterflycircus.com/short-film/
Story
At the height of the Great Depression, the showman (Eduardo Verastegui) of a renowned circus leads his troupe through the devastated American landscape, lifting the spirits of audiences along the way. During their travels they discover Will (Nick Vujicic), a man without limbs at a carnival sideshow, but after an intriguing encounter with the showman he becomes driven to hope against everything he has ever believed. (words from http://www.thebutterflycircus.com)
INVITATION FROM CAROLYN: If you have a desire to positively impact the lives of others, consider JOINING THE QUEST and becoming a Generational ChangeMaker at my Family Tree Quest site. We are a worldwide group of people who use time-tested, principle centered solutions to strengthen ourselves and our family in THIS generation. We recognize that our decisions in the present influence future generations. We are willing to help each other, heal relationships and grow–in spite of challenges.
Look to the Light
December 17, 2010
Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time.
“It was dark because I didn’t know who I was or where I was going.” Shelley, Model, New York, USA
“It just felt like a dark hole that would never end.” Sal, Contractor, New Jersey, USA
“I was doing things that, you know, made me feel disgusted with myself. On one occasion, I felt so bad that I was impelled to call upon God although I had not prayed in many years.” Victor, Businessman, Jamaica
“. . . it felt like pure love, and at that moment, I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Jesus Christ lived, and that He was the epitome of love – which I’d been looking for and could never find it. I’d done everything in the world that man had to offer, and none of it was real.” Bill, Businessman, Alabama, USA
“I feel like Christ gave me another chance.” Shelley
“He has brought me from a place I never thought I would be able to crawl out of. In the long run, I’ve noticed that, wherever He has taken me, it’s always been for a better result.” Sal
“There is an eternal plan here. This isn’t everything. I felt that I truly found Christ when I truly repented.” Shelley
“I know that Christ lives, that He is the Savior of mankind. So I believe that the greatest gift I could give to Him is to seek to strive to follow Him.” Sal
“The birth of the Savior means to me that the world has a chance to change. The world has a chance to become what He intended it to become from the beginning. The world has a chance to accept His love and follow Him.”
Stop and think, what are you really searching for?
Watch this video, and enjoy your Christ-centered Christmas.
(Click this link if video does not display. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aup9M5HZawI)
Today’s Ugly Duckling
July 19, 2010
When I was young, a well-meaning church leader told the young man I was dating that I was kind of like “The Ugly Duckling” of storybook fame. I’m certain he was trying to pay me a compliment. He remarked that I had turned into a very beautiful young woman. I knew that is what he meant. I hope you can understand, however, that his comment cut me straight to the heart.
Growing up was a difficult thing for me to figure out. I didn’t feel like I “fit in”, and every girl desires to be beautiful–which I certainly did not feel. I was awkward, gangly, and my friend’s mother even said I looked like a “toothpick” in a dress I thought was the prettiest thing I’d ever worn! I could go on and on, but without saying more, I will simply state that “The Ugly Duckling” story has drawn my attention ever since those days.
Over the years, I have moved beyond that insecure, self-demeaning place. I’ve learned that we all gather false beliefs and self-doubts about who we REALLY are and what we came to earth to do and to give. I have come to understand more completely who I am and recognize many of the gifts I have that contribute positively to the lives of others. Yet today, I spotted this video, by Dieter Uchdorf about Our True Identity. He uses the story of the Ugly Duckling as an illustration. I thought I’d post it, just in case there are those who find it’s message and meaning to be perfect timing for them. I believe it to be a good reminder for all of us.
Enjoy!
In LIGHT Today by Carolyn Calton 