Sharon Shabinaw / WindBeneathOurWings: Inspirational Videos

Good Morning Everyone,

God has been speaking with me and directing my path so much so, that it is all I want to do these days! He recently has prompted me to start a video collection to help spread the word of our work and His Will for us. If you've been following us so far, you already know so much about our work, and hopefully enjoy our messages and following us on this journey God has given us. We are at a point though, where we need some additional support and ask that you if you enjoy our words, that you share our words and our mission to help spread the messages and encourage others to follow and become closer to God and their god-like abilities that He has already given them. In order for everyone to be more aware of those abilities God did give you, you need to become closer to God in your everyday living. Learn to trust, believe, and have faith that He is leading you throughout your day and life.

Won't you help us spread our messages with thought provoking conceptions that will truly make one consider their current situations and how changing their actions or reactions could make a huge different in impacting others.

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If you like our messages, you might also enjoy our book, “Signs from God” available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Signs-God-Sharon-Shabinaw/dp/1517325323

You can also check out our Website: www.windbeneathourwings.net

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our Daily Inspirations Page and/or our Prayer Request Page within the website! We have prayer warriors just waiting to pray for YOU! Have a Blessed Day!

www.windbeneathourwings.net/daily-inspirations

You can also follow us on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/SharonShabinaw

www.facebook.com/arlenegarrett1980

www.facebook.com/groups/signsfromgod

Things are Happening - Are you Following Along?

God has been talking to me every day, and every day He leads me in another direction.  He is bringing followers to me; He is bringing me to people that are going to help us on this journey; and He is answering my prayers and bringing me closer and closer to Him everyday!

If you asked me 3 years ago, if I thought I would be this close to God, I would have said, "I believe, but he doesn't talk to me."  Well, I'm here now saying that He does talk to me.  And He answers my questions right away.  He gives me the answers, some that truly throw me off and really make me think.  Things are getting pretty deep as my spirituality continues to grow.  I'm very excited about it, and wanted to share some of the things He has help me with lately as it relates primarily to our writing.

I had let it be know to God that I wanted to learn the scriptures more, but wasn't sure how to go about it.  He then led me to a book, "Jesus Calling: Morning and Evening Devotional".  This book is written as it God was speaking to you directly.  And to me, He is.  Every message in this book so far as hit me right where I needed to be, and it truly is as if He is speaking directly to me through this book. The book also includes daily scriptures and recommended additional scriptures as it pertains to the daily message. This book and God then inspired me to start a "Daily Inspirations" page on our website where I share a message everyday and try to pull in followers.  And, I'm proud to say it is working!

Then a week later, He then had some of my followers start reaching out for me to pray for them.  So I followed His lead again, and created a "Prayer Request" page on our website.  And now our prayer group is growing!  He then put me in touch with who I am calling, "My Prayer Warrior".  He wrote a book himself, but is not yet ready to market it until He has has second book published.  This man, wants to pray for everyone and is now praying for me, our writing journey, and followers who need prayers!

Then that same day, I had a Pastor of a Church in Kathmandu, Nepal reach out to me to become prayer partners as well.  This has been very enlightening and a learning experience so far for me.  I've touched another side of the World and I am impacting a Ministry and group of orphans with my daily messages.  God certainly is leading me on a journey that will fulfill my dreams for the rest of my life!

Please check out our website for these new messages.  Please subscribe to our Prayer Group and send your prayers so we, and our prayer warrior, can pray for you as well!

www.windbeneathourwings.net


Hope you enjoy all the changes that are taking place and stay in contact and continue supporting our journey as we continue to follow God's Lead in inspiring others!   Have a blessed day!

TODAY IS THE DAY -- SALE! FREE GIVEAWAY! HAPPY FRIDAY!

WOW - Today is the day!

"Signs from God" is now on Sale on Amazon. We've dropped the price down, atleast for a week, and we'll see how sales are going. Get your copy today if you like inspirational stories and a quick read!

And for you www.Goodreads.com fans, be sure to check it out there for a chance to WIN 1 of 5 free autographed copies! Trust me, you'll want another copy to give to your loved ones!

https://www.amazon.com/Signs-God-Sharon-Shabin…/…/1517325323?tag=windbeneathou-20

Some Exciting Things Are Happening

As you been reading and following me on my journey, you may have even recognized some changes within me.  Since my heart attack, I have become even closer to God.  He brought life back to me and has given me so much to look forward to.  I know you may be tired of hearing it, but I can’t stop shouting praises out to Him.  It seems everything I do, and everything I write, He is putting the words in my head and the keyboard keys just keep clicking away.  I ask for what to write about, and He instantly puts the thought in my head! I pray for guidance and I’m immediately taken down a path of exactly what I was looking for.

This past week has been amazing!  I reached out to a friend who is opening up her own shop in Ellicott City, “be Essential” and she is excited to stock my book in there as well and said it would go well with items!  I couldn’t be more excited about her grand opening and will keep you posted of her Grand Opening Date!

Then, when I was asking for guidance for marketing my book, low and behold, He immediately sends me back to a group that helped me with our first book, “Signs from God”.  As soon as I open their page, I see they are conducting an Author Retreat in the Spring in Heber, Utah geared toward branding and marketing!  It just takes my breath away when God shows up like this!

God also led me back to Goodreads.  If you are a writer or a reader, this is a great site to join!  I hard time getting into it at first, but kept hearing how productive it is for authors and a great place that everyone who does read likes to check out reviews and store their reading lists.  I started checking it out, and actually starting tomorrow we will be conducting our first FREE GIVEAWAY for “Signs from God”.  So be sure to check that out and “Enter to Win” 1 of 5 free copies of our first book. We are hoping it draws a lot of attention and excitement!

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/208340-signs-from-god

PLUS in just a few days, “Signs from God” will go on SALE for $7.99 instead of $9.99 on Amazon, so be sure to check that out as well; it will be just in time for holidays and a great present to inspire your loved ones with for Christmas! 

https://www.amazon.com/Signs-God-Sharon-Shabinaw/dp/1517325323

Please share the good news with as many as you can!  And remember to share our website:  www.windbeneathourwings.net  Our Website is the best way to stay contact to everything we are doing!  Our Daily Inspirations have been a hit and are quickly attracting more and more recognition to us and we couldn’t be more excited.  Thank  you all for following us on this journey.  We are ALL IN when it comes to spreading inspiration to others and following our DREAM and GOD’s PLAN for us!  The sky is the limit! 

Have a Blessed Day, and we pray that your relationship God gets stronger every day as well.  It’s obvious to me, that the more I do for Him, the more He does for me and the stronger our relationship gets; it’s an amazing feeling!

Jesus Is Calling Are you Ready to Answer?

Now that my season of recovery is over and I've been back to work, God's presence in my life is getting even stronger.  He is bringing me closer and closer to Him in everything I do.  I've received signs, I've heard Him talking to me through the Holy Spirit, and I've been following His lead.  Recently, He led me into supporting Joel Osteen by purchasing a 3-piece message set with one of his CD's and his most recent book, "Think Better, Live Better".  The 3-piece message was all about anxiety and casting your burdens onto God.  I started listening to it on my first day back to work.  I couldn't believe the messages I was hearing at a time when I needed to hear them the most.  

Then a week later, it was told I needed to purchase the next set from Joel Osteen that was geared towards Living Your Dream.  As you already know our dream is our inspiration writing. I can honestly say that Jesus has been calling on me daily.  I started my writing back up, and then I had an opportunity to go to a church meeting for our Women's Ministry and I met some wonderful women there.  After that meeting, Jesus was telling me that I needed to get involved more with the church and possibly start my own small group talking about how God plays a role in our lives and the signs we have received from Him. Everyone enjoys talking about themselves and sharing their stories and what better place and group of people to meet with than those spiritual church goers who we have so much in common with, so I'm looking into that possibility.  During that church meeting, one of the resources that were shared with us was a daily devotional, by Sarah Young entitled, "Jesus Calling: Morning and Evening".  I looked it up on Amazon, previewed it, and had to get one. Two days later, I bought two more as gifts to share.  Since then, I have started sharing daily inspirations of my own on our website:
www.windbeneathourwings.net/daily-inspirations  

He talks to me everyday, and when I start writing, it just flows.  It's as if He is the one typing the words; not me!  It is amazing to me how things in my life are changing.  The right people are coming in, my prayers are being answered, I'm becoming stronger and more confident in myself and my abilities, and getting back to work has been easier than I anticipated!  I feel like I am in the middle of huge season of God's favor and I felt I just had to share.  

So many times in our lives we may doubt God, and may even turn away from him. But it has become so clear to me that He truly does want us to prosper and to live an abundant life.  We are His children; and like our own children, we want the best for them!  Sometimes, we as parents know better and have to say no.  We also have to realize that God knows what is best for us and we have to have faith in that and His timing.  For only God knows the plans He has for us and what each of us will face in this lifetime.  Trust in Him, His plan, and His timing. And most importantly, thank God for what you do have and be happy with the season you are in.  Don't waste your life away waiting on it to be perfect.  Strive to overcome your fears and stay focused on God, giving Him your burdens as He gives you peace!  

Jesus is Calling us all, and that's one call you don't want to hang up on!  

Wind Beneath Our Wings - Daily Inspirations

http://www.windbeneathourwings.net/daily-inspirations

It was during one of my morning talks with God recently where He was prompting me via the Holy Spirit to start our own Daily Inspirational Page on our Website.  He has been talking with me almost every day now leading me down yet another path of my writing and connecting with more and more believers.  He also brought me in touch with a Women's Ministry at LifePoint Church where I hope to get even more involved over the course of this winter.  These are very exciting times and I hope that you will follow along on this journey and be sure to read our Daily Inspirations on our Website!

Wishing everyone a blessed week and a strengthening of your own journey with God!

My Walk With God

As I sit here, four and a half months after my heart attack, I can look back and see all of the ways God has brought me here and the reasons why.  It was a horrifying, yet very insightful journey.  I had been under some heavy stressful times with work and managing my personal life over the course of the past few years.  Yet the stress of work picked up greatly this year, and by the end of April my heart could take no more.  I remember saying to myself, and the Holy Spirit, that I needed a break.  I had never taken off any time from work, with the exception of a vacation here or there or time for recovering from surgery.  I always had a job and someplace to be and I always took my job seriously and gave it my all.  I always taught my children to do the best they could and then take a look back and see how they can do it better.  Now I have to sit back and realize that everything is not perfect and it doesn't have to be.  There is always going to be room for improvement and as long as you are looking for ways to improve, everything will work out.

God doesn't give us more than we can handle.  While we may not agree with that at times; after a while, we can begin to recognize why we had to go through difficult situations.  Those difficult situations and rough waters are meant to make us stronger or teach us a lesson.  Sometimes, we might even wonder why certain people are in our lives.  Some people for a very short period of time while other friendships may last a lifetime.  What we have to realize is that everything does happen for a reason and people are brought in our lives, or we are brought into their lives, for a reason and a purpose. We may not recognize how a bad relationship could possibly bring us any benefit; while, the truth of the matter is, that it wasn't meant to benefit us at all, but we were meant to benefit them.  Did you ever think that maybe we were meant to teach them a lesson, or simply make them a better person for having known us.  That in itself should be a pretty good feeling and leave us inspired to continue to help as many people as we possibly can.  I guess it boils down to how you look at life, and what your perspective is.  For me, I'm always looking for the positive in everything, because without sunshine and a little rain mixed in, you'll never see the rainbow!

The day God decided I had had enough, He did what He had to do in order to knock me down a few notches and give me the time I needed to rest, heal, do some soul searching, and learn to put myself first for a while.  Fortunately, He gave me all of this without damaging my heart!  You see, He tried to knock me down a couple times before this attack by giving me heart palpitations, high blood pressure, a couple trips to the hospital and even an overnight stay to be monitored. But this never slowed me down.  I still kept doing what I was doing and eventually He had to step in and take control.  That night back in April was definitely my breaking point.  The worst experience of my life and one that I do not want to re-live.  The stress of work had taken its toll and that evening it felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest.  My husband wanted to take me to the hospital right away, but I thought if I just calmed down some it would get better, after all the last trip just turned out to be stress.  However, God realized this and it was then, that I started feeling a fist of pain and pressure in my mid-back area.  As I was sitting there feeling the pressure on the front and back of my heart, it was then I realized we needed to head to the hospital.  After several standard cardiac tests, they found that my enzymes were definitely raised and my heart was only pumping at 15% capacity.  Though when they found no blockages in my arteries, it was then determined that I had suffered from what they call "Broken Heart Syndrome", which actually mimics a full blown massive heart attack.  They explained that this is reversible when treated and over time the heart can return to its full function without any damaging after effects.  That was a great prognosis and I felt pretty good, yet the next morning, they had to insert a pump up to my heart to take the pressure off of my heart and give it a break.  Despite the fact that the pump was doing most of the work for me, my heart was so weak I went into cardiac arrest.

I remember the sudden flush of heat and nausea come over me so fast, that I told my husband to go get help because something was wrong!  He left me in the room alone while he was looking for the nurse.  I lay there by myself; wondering if I was going to die.  I called out twice for help, "Somebody help me, please!"  Although it was just a whisper of a cry, my nurse came in and then my husband. As I looked up in horror at my monitor, all I could see was it going crazy and the lines were disappearing in front of my eyes.  At that very moment, my nurse was about to jump on top of me when I heard her yell, "Yes, someone get the paddles!"  I locked my eyes on my husband and I cried out to myself and God, "God, I am NOT ready to die!"  It was then when my eyes rolled back in my head and I went limp as my husband watched in horror.  He said people filled that room so quickly and within 30 seconds the preaching was kneeling beside him holding his hand.

Waking up was the best feeling, but still very scary!  My Nurse, Alexis, was on top of me and someone else was putting a mask over my mouth.  I remember grabbing at the mask, "I can't breathe. Stop!"  It was if I could hear the whole room take a deep breath as they were calling out my name.

After I was brought back to life, I feel I was given a second chance.  This did not come easy though. The anxiety of the experience kicked in, and I was faced with a great challenge.  I have never been so weak.  Walking alone was a challenge, not to mention the depression and separation anxiety I experienced.  I didn't want to be left alone.  I was so blessed to have my husband, my mother, and my children by my side.  Without them I don't think I would have made it.  Prior to the doctors removing the pump, I went into a dream state and when I awoke, my mother said she saw such fear in my eyes that she will never forget it.  In my dream, I saw, my Father, Stepfather, and Grandfather - all of whom had already gone to Heaven.  They were sitting on a bench and my stepfather was looking down on me.  I could feel that there were many other people standing around waiting, but my focus was on these three dear men in my life who were waiting patiently to take me home.  When I woke up, I told my husband and mother that I just saw three people I was NOT ready to see yet!  This was the scariest of all as I was about to be put under anesthea while they removed the pump from my heart.  Waking up after the cardiac arrest was nothing compared to waking up after they removed the pump from my heart.  I survived, I made it!  Thank you God for making them wait a while longer for my arrival!

During the road to recovery, God has been with me every step of the way.  Once I got my strength back some, I started to feel guilty because I wasn't getting into any of my writing when I had ample time to give it my best effort.  It was God though who clearly told me that there is a season for everything.  I struggled at first thinking, 'Is this the season for writing, or the season for healing?' Then I realized that the Holy Spirit was not putting thoughts in my head to write anything, and I was not getting the urge to write, or do basically anything at all.  What I did do, was rest, binge watch some Netflix, and just take care of me for a change! Then it dawned on me that this was the season for healing and that's why I haven't felt the urge to do anything else until now.

It wasn't until a month ago when I suddenly felt that I was about ready to go back to work and that I could handle it.  The next few weeks I felt stronger and stronger, and my mind was getting in the right place.  Then it was as if I were pregnant and nesting.  I created a to-do list of the things I wanted to get done before going back to work and I was able to cross everything off of my list.  It was such a good feeling.  This past Thursday was my first day back to work after being out for 4.5 months.  It was invigorating to say the least.  I am one lucky woman to have such a loving and caring family, best friends, and to work for one of the best companies.  I have an understanding boss who is giving me the opportunity to come back slow with an open mind and a fresh outlook.

Thank you God for hearing my prayer, recognizing what I needed, and taking control.  Thank you to my husband for not leaving my side, and my mother for being there and rubbing my head.  Thank you to my best friend, who flew home early from vacation just to be with me, and to my children for caring and being there for me and Dad!  Especially, Chris, who lives close to the hospital and I saw every day before bed!  I love you all, with all of my heart!

As for my walk with God....I will continue to walk with Him every day for the rest of my life!  He has brought me through so many bad times.  He has held me up, carried me, and now He has given me life again!  Can you believe I had to take my mother to the hospital a few weeks back for her heart.  The same hospital, and first I had been back since, and the first person I saw when we walked in that hospital was the Nurse that gave me CPR.  If that is not a Sign from God to give me the strength I needed for that day supporting my mother, I don't know what is!

Are You The Rock of Your Family? - Here's Some Advice Before You Crumble!

I used to think I was a very strong person.  Here's a plaque of one of my favorite sayings.  The fact of the matter is though, that you are only as strong as God will let you be.  He is where our strength comes from; and, He knows when we have had enough.  When that point comes, He will take matters into His own hands.  And, when that time comes, you have to have the belief that everything happens for a reason.  No matter how difficult the problem is you are dealing with, you have to look and believe that there was a better plan.  It may not have come in your timing, and it may not have been what you thought you wanted.  The thing is, He knows what each of us need.  He may be working through us to help someone else during their time of need as well.

Before my heart attack, I was the Rock of my family.  I was there when they needed me.  I was strong and I took on every one's problems as if they were mine.  I guess it was the mother in me that wanted to help make things right.  I want to ease their burdens.  If I can do it, I will do anything to make it easier for them and to always be there.  Thank God, I'm still here today.  Despite the traumatic experience me and my family went through during my heart attack, I now realize that no matter what is going on in your life, or the lives around you, that You are NOT the Rock - no matter how much you want to be! 

The only Rock, that we can truly rely on, is God!  Yes, we can take on the role to the best of our ability, but we must give our worries and our problems to God!  Only He can help us if we are willing to listen.  He can guide our paths, provide comfort and peace in trying times.  He gives us our strength so that we can support others.  Though there comes a time when even God knows you've had enough and can't take on any more.  When that happens, He may set you back even further so that you have to slow down, take some time for yourself to recuperate and reflect on what's important to you and what you need to do so that you can get back to being yourself.....a better self, a stronger self, a healthier self.  He is testing us all the time, we just need to listen and pass the test.

So, as I sit here today, exactly 4 weeks after my heart attack, I'm here to tell you 'Rocks' of the World, to slow down.  Don't take on every one's problems, don't let the stress get you down, or you will crumble.  You can only do so much.  Don't sweat the small stuff, it's just stuff!  Stress is like Cancer.  Once it starts, it just continues to grow and manifests itself into your entire being that you can not beat it.  Take my advice though and you might be one of the lucky ones as well that has beaten the Cancer!

I just suffered from what they call "Broken Heart Syndrome".  Luckily, when caught, in most cases it is reversible, but it simulates a massive heart attack and weakens your heart muscle severely.  I went into cardiac arrest, and went through the most traumatic experience of my life.  The look on my husband's face when they said he had to leave the room, was enough to kill me.  I remember yelling at God, as the nurse called for the paddles, "God, I'm not ready to die!"
Lucky for me, neither was He.  He has a plan for me, and I'm pretty sure I know what it is, and I will continue to share with you and others as I continue on this journey with God so that I can be a Rock to as many people that are interested in receiving support in their journey to find their purpose in life.  Though a few things I will do differently is take time for God, take time for myself, and not let the small stuff bother me.  I can't take on everyone's burdens, but I can help lead them to God so that God can take on their burden and mine!

Have a blessed day!

Everyone is Dealing with Something!

If we could all learn to recognize that each and every one of us are dealing with a stressful situation in our lives, whether it be a simple problem, a health issue, loss of a loved one, financial struggles, family issues, or work issues.  We all need to realize that it's not just about our problem, and learn to be just a little more compassionate and understanding of each other so that the stress each of us are dealing with would become a little less painful.  

We should always think of the other person and what they might be going through.  Learn to be a good listener, a compassionate friend, and recognize that we all have our own issues.  As difficult as it may seem, we need to put ourselves in someone else's shoes before we judge or criticize.  Stop and think how that person might feel or what they might be dealing with in their own lives.  Your problem may seem big to you, while someone else's may seem trivial, but we are all dealing with issues and I think its safe to say that no matter how bad your situation is, it could be worse.  It may not seem like it at the moment, and it may seem like you'll never get through it, but what choice do we have?  

That's when we need to turn to God for strength and guidance to help us through these difficult times. Ask for patience and understanding and have an open heart so that we can be compassionate towards each other knowing they may be fighting their own battle - a battle you may not even be aware of. 

God will get us all through these trials and tribulations.  Even when we feel we may be at our breaking point, it is He that will carry us through.  So let's take that deep breath and let that thought resonate as we take a second to consider what someone else may be dealing with.  

WHEN BEING STRONG IS THE ONLY CHOICE YOU HAVE!

"You never know how STRONG you are until being STRONG is the only choice you have"  

Someone reminded me this past week just how strong I am. It really resonated with me because I was not feeling very strong at all!  It also reminded me of the plaque I had purchased for my aunt when she was going through her last days with the very unexpected diagnosis of cancer that only gave her weeks to live.  This has become one of my favorite sayings.  When being STRONG is the only choice you have, you need to remember and hold onto your faith - knowing that God is right there with you.  He is holding you up and making you even STRONGER.  When you are feeling weak, exhausted, or undefeated, you need to take that deep breath and let the strength of God enter you.  Don't be afraid to ask Him for the strength you need to conquer your challenges. After that deep breath, you will feel a sense of peace and calmness enter you.  Granted it may not feel like it lasts forever, but it will get you through.  You may need to take a few deep breaths, but in the end God is on our side, by our side, and with us every step of the way!   

Be STRONG my friends and have a blessed day!

Tessy's Halo

Last Sunday, Mom and I met up with a lady who was referred to us as someone we would be very interested in speaking with.  It seems she was specifically sent to us through a Church friend of my Aunt's, whom we lost just over a year ago.  One of those chance meetings where you know it was set up by God and our Angels.  Jackie is a woman who is very spiritual and provides Chaplain Services all of which include Weddings, Funerals, Burials, and grief counseling.  A great contact for anyone to have. Jackie is also someone that we know we will build a long term relationship with and will share in our journey.  We are sharing this story now because we know, and pray, it will help those suffering the loss of a loved one.  And for us, a dear family member who recently lost her precious 9 week old baby.  This message, we believe, through God's intervention, was clearly sent from your Grandmother for us to share with you and so many others suffering the same loss.

She shared with us a story that we know we were meant to receive.  We call it, Tessy's Halo.

Jackie's grandmother had eleven children.  One would say that is an awful lot to care for, yet alone give birth to.  It speaks loudly to the strength this woman must have had.  But God's strength can crumble even the largest rocks into pebbles for reasons yet unknown to us.  Years ago, her grandmother lost a child at only four years old.  A loss that was so devastating she could not deal with the pain and loss she was feeling.  She took to her bed for weeks and fell into a deep depression. Until, one night she had a dream and in her dream there were children dancing in a circle.  In the middle of the circle was her daughter, Tessy.  They were not only children; they were angels - every one of them.  Each had a halo that shined and sparkled with the beauty that each of them shared, except for Tessy.  Her grandmother couldn’t understand why Tessy’s halo did not sparkle and shine like the others.  It bothered her so much, that she called out to Tessy, “Tessy, why is your halo not shining like everyone else's?”

Tessy simply responded, “Because, Mommy. You won’t let me go!”

Her grandmother always shared that story with others that were struggling with the loss and how it helped her to come to terms with her own loss and allow Tessy’s halo to shine just as bright as the other angel children in her circle.

Are you suffering a loss so great that you can't let go?  I can only imagine how hard it must be and that every day is a struggle.  It will be a lifelong journey dealing with that loss, but I hope this story can help you as you picture your loved one dancing in that circle with a halo that could shine so much brighter if only you could let them go with God!  They want you to be at peace and know that one day you will meet again, and you will see their halo shining so brightly - leading you towards them.

May all of you turn to God for your strength and know that He will get you through your toughest journey of all, and you will become stronger than ever with Him by your side!

When Worse is Better

God won’t give you more than you can handle……Nonsense!

The past two Sunday’s at LifePoint Church brought a message to me that I felt I must share.  There are times in life when we all question, “Why?”  If God is so merciful, why would He take a precious baby from its parents?  Why would He allow an innocent child to be molested?  Why would He not heal the sick?  Why?  These are questions that none of us can answer, at least not right now.

How many times have we heard, “God will not give us more than we can handle”?  Or how about, “With God, all things are possible.”  When we are going through the worse times, these questions are foremost in our thoughts and we can’t understand why.  We are at our wits end and feel we can not take any more. We begin to have doubts and struggle with our faith.  We may even turn away from God because we think, “My God would not do this!  This is an unfair God!”  Or worse yet, “God does not exist, because if He did, this would not happen!”

The message I received was clear and backed up in the Bible:

 “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.”  (New International Version, John 16:33).  

When we become aware that life will give us more than we can handle and we come to grips with this, we find a promise: God will give us more than we can handle, but through Him and our belief in Him, He will get us through these worse times!  And when He does, we learn to recognize our constant need to depend on Him.  He did promise that, “In this world you will have trouble.”  And, “With God all things are possible.”  With that being said, we must all come to terms and understand that things will get worse in our lifetime and we will go through peaks and valleys, trials and temptations, but we must keep our faith in God, Jesus, and rely on the Holy Spirit who is always with us, to get us through these worse times.  We are never alone, and in the end, He will make it better!  And until ‘Worse is Better’…. Be strong and keep in faith, for He will get you through….it is possible!

I highly encourage you check out LifePoint Church and listen to the Sermon by Mike Hipsley on 3/6/16!

A message everyone should hear, because everyone will go through worse times throughout their lives!

http://lifepointchurch.us/sermons/

In the Name of Jesus Christ

Have you ever had a nightmare so bad before, and you knew it was a dream, but you couldn't wake yourself up?  This happened to me the other morning.  My husband left for work early, and I had fallen back to sleep.  When I did, I had the pillow over my head and in my dream I was being sucked into the mattress and couldn't breathe.  It was so scary and I knew I was moaning out loud, but couldn't stop the dream.

I kept telling myself, "it's just a dream.  Wake up!"

That wasn't working and the dream was getting worse and worse, and I remember thinking in my dream, "Tom isn't even here to wake me up either!"

It was then, that in my dream I threw my arms out and screamed, "In the name of Jesus Christ, let this be done!"

Then, it was done!  Just like that!  The dream ended.  I felt at peace and was able to go back to sleep just like that!

God is good!

Safe In the Arms of Jesus

This weekend on the drive to the Ocean to celebrate Valentine's Day Weekend, I received a 'Sign' from Baby Iris - not one, two, or three - but four signs practically simultaneously.  We were listening to my spiritual playlist of music and getting into the spirit of things.  Tom was snoozing some and I was deep in thought and prayer.  Which is what I do when I drive long distances.  I also enjoy looking for  'signs' in the clouds, or a cross, etc.  This day was no exception.  As I was driving down the road somewhere around Easton, I noticed a cross on the back of a pick-up truck that caught my attention, and I thought, 'cool, there's my sign'!  Then about 30 seconds later, a large red heart is covering up one of those business signs on the side of the road, and I swear it seemed like it was beating, because it popped out as if to say, 'here I am'.

Then, as I'm registering my thoughts, "wow, first the cross, and now the beating heart...'  I instantly glanced to my left (why, I don't know) but, what do I see, a Church sitting right on the edge of the road with a large wooden cross on the side of the Church. Well, if that didn't resonate, nothing would. Until, I put two and three together and honed in on the song that was playing and started signing the words, "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" by Paul Todd. One of my favorite songs by him, and then "Do Not Fear" comes on next.  It gives me chills just thinking about it.

It was obvious, the heart was my sign from Baby Iris letting us know that hers is beating now Safe in the Arms of Jesus!

Once I got to the Ocean and met up with Mom, I couldn't wait to tell her about the sign I received.  And ironically enough, but no surprise, she too received her own sign from Baby Iris during the same drive.  She happened to see a baby in the clouds.  We always seem to be on the same wave length her and I.  But this time, it was Jesus and Baby Iris giving us comfort and knowing that we would share this story and give comfort to others in their time of need!

Once I got home, I couldn't wait to post about the Signs we received, and wished I had been able to capture of picture of that heart to include in this post.  I spent probably an hour searching the internet for the cross emblem I saw on the truck, or the heart on a business sign.....and then looking at Facebook, I see a post with the picture of Jesus holding a sweet baby, that to me sure looks like Iris at 9 weeks old!

Stay strong, keep your faith, and always look for the Signs!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
(Proverbs 3:5, NIV)

Bless Our Angel - Baby Iris

It is with such a heavy heart that we have to publish this post. It is times like this when we all doubt our God, but have to hold on even tighter to our beliefs and faith.  For that is all that is going to get us through this horrific time with such a great loss and void in our hearts.  We know that Baby Iris is in the arms of our Loving God and her Great Grandmother.  Just the other morning, she was a beautiful, happy, seemingly healthy and loved baby girl.  Her Mommy posted a picture that she was so proud of on Facebook.  As I was writing my comment in response to the beauty and love of that precious little girl, I caught a glimpse of an advertisement that totally blew me away.  I thought, "how ironic and odd".  I knew it was a sign from God, and took it to mean she was loved and her Great Grandmother, Iris, was looking down on her.  I took the time to screenshot what I saw, and save the heart to send to Rachael in case she wanted to use it for anything. Little did we all know that sign was definitely from God. Maybe a warning that her little heart was in distress.  Once we learned she was suddenly critically ill, my immediate thought went back to that sign received just that morning before, and my prayers were that the 'sign' was God telling us He would take care of her and everything would be 'OK'.  In the end, it brings me peace knowing that God did have a plan for her and that she is in His presence and her Great Grandmother's and she is now OK.

For her parents, family, and all of their loved ones, we are left behind feeling such a great void in our hearts, a sense of unfairness, unexplained and unanswered prayers.  The only thing we can do at this point, is cherish the memories and the love that little girl had in her heart.  Her Daddy says, "She was just too good for this earth!".  And Mommy, "She was just too good to be true!"  It breaks our heart to watch two so deserving parents go through such a horrific ordeal.  There is nothing you can do or say that will ever take that pain away!  Though it is a testament to Rachael and Joe of just how special they are, as the outpouring of love and support in that hospital was remarkable. For all the prayer chains that went out, we thank you and ask that they continue for Rachael and Joe during their time of need.


To Rachael and Joe - we are always here for you and love you both so greatly.  We will always cherish our Lil Iris and we all share a bond that is so special!  She will always be your Angel and will watch over you both, the way you watched over her!

And for the Sign Mom received from her sister, Iris, Baby Iris' Great Grandmother, we will ALL be OK!  It will take time, but remember God chose you both to give birth to this very special Angel!  You will be blessed again....for every door He closes, He opens another!  Note the Cross we just noticed when we took this picture.  Signs come in many forms!

We love you more than words can say!  Hold on tight to your love for each other and be strong for each other!

God be with you both!

"Now Is The Time"

God is making it perfectly clear to me what His message is.  Whenever I begin to doubt, He speaks to me and says not to worry, "Now is the Time!"  The message was clear to me when I was laying on the acupuncture table two weeks ago getting my treatment.  As I was laying there deep in my thoughts and practicing my relaxation techniques, I looked over at the wall and there on the wall was my sign...

in a picture frame clear as day...."Now is the time: this is it"!!!  While, this hit me strong that day at Acupuncture, I didn't act on it.  So, two days later, He spoke to me again, "Now is the time". Then the next day, and the day after that, I continued to receive messages continuing to push me until I took the next step.  And today, here I am, and here I will stay.  He hasn't given up on me, and I will never give up on Him!  Everything has been coming together and everything has started happening.  Mom sold her house, met a great man and they are making plans for their future.  Life is so good right now. Life is very busy, constantly on the go and work for both Tom and I is thriving.  Very exciting times. For the book, things slowed down some, but I know now is the time.  I took a little break but it seems inevitable that when one of us slows down, the other gets going.  While I've been busy with work, Mom has been busy running to luncheons and keeping our blog alive, etc.  Now, Mom will be busy emptying out her house and making plans for her future.  So, as God has said, "Now is the Time: This is it", and so,  I have some work to do.  It may get even busier and even crazier for a while, but I know in His time whether it be Now, or later.....He will turn this into what He wants for us!  But, NOW is the time for me to continue to stay faithful to His dream for us and keep moving in the right direction.  He can only lead us.  It is up to us to follow - knowing that He is putting the right people in our path and that He will bring us to where He wants us to be.  For with God anything is possible.

Remember, "Now is the Time: this is it"!  Listen and follow and you will be amazed at the outcome! Take that first step, even if you don't see the rest of the staircase.....God will get you to where you need to be and He will see you through everything and anything, for He is always with you!

D E S I D E R A T A

Just wanted to share something that I came across many years ago that captured my heart.  I thought it appropriate to start the New Year!  May God Bless you and your family with much happiness, good health and love in the year ahead.


GO PLACIDLY   amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in  your own career, however humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.  Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is, many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment; it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy!


It has been a very busy year for Sharon and I.  We have much to be thankful for through the grace of God. This past year has been very eventful to say the least. We have shared some very sad  times in the beginning of the year with the loss of my sister and other loved ones and yet have been blessed to have also shared many happy times, laughter, and a new birth in our family to end our year on a happy note. In between all of this activity, our first book together, "Signs from God" has been published and we are taking our writing to another level.  Our book signing event that was held  October 25, 2015 was a complete success with a great turnout. We are grateful for all the new friends and acquaintances we have met along the way and we thank all of our supporters in this endeavor and feel truly blessed to have your continued interest, love, and support. We are happy to be sponsoring an event at the Chicks in Charge Women's Luncheon on January 6th, 2016 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Owings Mills, MD at 12:00 noon tomorrow, and have other events coming up in the new year.  We will keep you posted, and hope to see some of you there.

God Bless you and your families and God Bless America!