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!

EVENT: Book Signing December 17th 7PM Eldersburg Library

Just sending out a quick Post and Reminder!

We've been busy planning for Christmas just like everyone else, and time is getting away from us.  I can't believe Christmas is in two weeks!  Still have so much to do.  

If you are looking for any last minute Christmas gifts for that special someone or acquaintance and you don't know what to get for them.  Don't forget about "Signs from God" available on Amazon.  A great small gift of true stories about inspiration and hope - at the perfect time of year, knowing that God is near!

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

And, if you are in the area you can also stop in and pick up a copy or two yourself at our Book Signing next week!  

December 17th - 7PM

Eldersburg Public Library
6400 Hemlock Drive
Eldersburg, MD 21784

This will be a more intimate setting where we will be sharing with everyone how this book was inspired, how it came to be, read a story or two from the book, and answer any questions you may have!

Hope to see you there!

Counting Our Blessings

Ahh, Thanksgiving!  One of my favorite months because we focus on family, friends and all the blessings that God showers on each one of us every single day.  Everywhere we look we can see the beauty of  His hands that surround us.  Autumn has been absolutely spectacular with the beautiful changing of the leaves and the colors so majestically displayed. The weather was just perfect here in Maryland this year. One of God's blessings this Thanksgiving was no exception for our family. We will have a Thanksgiving story to share for many years to come. It goes like this:

Sharon and I had prepared Thanksgiving dinner for all who were available and in town for our immediate  family and that of  my sister's family as well, just like we have for the last few years, except there was one chair in particular that was missing this year. In January, my sweet sister, Iris left us to go home to be with our Lord. Such a sad time it was for all our family to start our year off. Little did we know then, that we would be blessed with "Little Iris", who would come into our lives and hearts in the same year.  God is an awesome God!  My sister's grand-daughter, Rachael, ironically announced that she was pregnant on my sister's birthday, May 23rd, and would be due in November. If they were to have a girl, the baby would be named after her Great Grandmother, Iris. What wonderful news this was for our family!

Well, as the story goes;  we formed a circle and said our prayers before sitting down for our meal, giving thanks for all God's blessings.  We  had just sat down for our Thanksgiving dinner, when Rae began to feel a bit uncomfortable.......yes, you guessed it, I'm sure!  Thus, began a night of much anticipation of the arrival of our little "Angel".  We have been blessed with a new baby in our family! We are proud to announce that Iris Frances Johnson was born on 11/27/15 to the proud parents of Rachael and Joseph Johnson, and I have been blessed to be the Great, Great, Aunt to my "Little Iris"! 

This is a funny story, because when I was a little girl, my big sister Iris, took care of me. When I did something she didn't like, as little girls will sometimes do; I would say to her, "Wait 'til I'm BIG and you're LITTLE" (or) "Wait 'til I'm the MOMMY and you're the BABY! It makes me laugh, every time I think of those memories I had with my sister.  I really believed that, and she would just look at me and smile.  There will always be a "void" in our lives with my sister gone, but we know and feel she is always with us in our hearts, minds and spirit. We thank God for His "special" gift this year.

May God Bless you and your families now and always!

When You Can't Do it All Yourself!

I don't know about you, but I find myself in this position all the time!  You try to make everyone happy, be everyone's 'rock' and support, get everything done so you can sit back and rest, but then something else pops up and you find yourself in the middle of doing everything yourself again.....sometimes it's so much easier just to get it done, right?  Well, I'm starting to realize that I can't do it all myself.  There just aren't enough hours in a day.  No matter how much I try, I'm only human and yes, I do have to take time for ME!

There is really only one person we need to answer to and that one person is who can do so much more for us, if we just ask!  That's right.....God!  Give Him our burdens, give Him praise for what He has given us and don't be afraid to ask what you really need.  Have faith that He will make it happen for us.  It may take longer than we anticipate, and it may come in a different manner than you envisioned, but in His timing and His way, He can make it happen!

Just to show you how this has worked in my life recently, I thank Him every night for what He has given me and the blessings He continues to bring my way.  I ask for His direction and support because I can't do this all by myself, and typically every night I fall asleep talking to him before I ever get to 'Amen'.  He helps me get the rest I need, and I wake up refreshed.  Then, throughout the day I am provided with the signs I need, and am led to what it is I am seeking.

For me this week, I was able to hire someone at work to help support my team.  Even though business is booming in the office and things are going in so many different directions, I have still be able to find time in the evening to connect with some marketing resources that are going to help promote our book. Marketing takes so much time, and having someone else to help support that effort is key.  I wasn't able to break away for a lunch meeting with Mom today, but she filled both of our shoes and got the job done!  Tomorrow she is going to hit up the Senior Center and look into a book signing.  Between her and my husband, Tom, they've been a huge help around the house.  So things are getting done, and I don't have to do it all myself!  And neither do you!

It's a great feeling when you can come to terms with that realization - like a weight is lifted from your shoulders.  So, look to God, reach out to your loved ones for support, and know that everyone needs someone and together you can accomplish so much more!  It doesn't have to be perfect, but when it's done with love, nothing can be done better!