Stronger Than Before

While I was dating John, he introduced me to this song. He said that it helped him with healing after his divorce. John was not one to listen to songs repeatedly, but this song was different. He listened over and over. When I listened to it I could understand. I listened to it again and again, and as she sang the lyrics, "on the breath of God I'll soar, I'll be stronger than before", it was as if healing was entering my heart and my faith was increased to believe that truly, one day, I, too, would be able to soar on the breath of God, stronger than before. As a testimony, that is exactly what came to pass. Praise the Lord for His mercy, grace, love, and patience with me!

I hope that if you are needing a healing, whether in body, mind or spirit, this song will be an inspiration to you as well and bring you the healing that you so desperately seek.

Christmas Stories

Several years ago, while contemplating the meaning of advent and preparing my heart to seek and see Jesus in this Christmas season, I came upon a book entitled, "Celebrate Christmas and the Beautiful Traditions of Advent." In it are a collection of stories, prayers, and traditions of Advent, which reflect the meaning of Christmas. There is one article per day, from Dec. 1st -Dec 25th.

There are two stories that touched my heart. I have read them repeatedly and even created a podcast on this website for each story. I encourage you to listen and be touched by them.

The first story, which is podcast number 8, is "Bobby Decker's Santa Claus" (Author Unknown). It is a story of the love and compassion that is shown at Christmas.

The second story, which is podcast number 9, is ;"Papa Panov's Special Christmas" by Leo Tolstoy. It is a story about how, what we might believe are insignificant acts of kindness that we do for each other mean a great deal to the Lord and that those who seek Him will find Him.

To listen, click on podcasts and scroll down to each one.

Here is the direct link: www.yoursuccessadvocate.com/podcasts

God Bless America

At this time of Memorial Day, I would like to thank all those who, through the years have given of themselves to help keep America free. To the soldiers, alive, wounded, and deceased, I thank you for your sacrifice. For the wives, husbands, parents, and children of our soldiers, I thank you for your sacrifice as well. It is hard to be a soldier and it is difficult in a different way for those left at home to be a support system for our soldiers. All deserve our gratitude.

We have three soldiers in our family and at least two more preparing to join them. To our son-in-law, Wes who served six tours overseas and is getting ready to retire, and his family - Thank you! To our son-in-law, Jason, who is preparing for his second tour, and his family - Thank you! To our grandson, Nick, who is currently on his second tour overseas, and his family - Thank you!

During this time of remembering our soldiers and their families, I am reminded of some of the patriotic songs I grew up with. I would like to share them with you as some of my favorites. I hope you are blessed by them.

"God bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood was sung at my youngest daughter's 5th grade graduation, and still touches my heart.

I grew up listening to Kate Smith sing "God Bless America". Here is Celine Dion's version

And finally, Johnny Cash's version of "America the Beautiful"