Heart Choices: 2010-09-05 -->

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Remembering 9/11


Today is the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on US soil.  May we remember that date and those who died and were impacted by the tragedy.  I found a website with much information called 9/11 Memorial.

This picture taken by Amy Dreher was posted on the 9/11 Memorial site depicting how the skyline in NYC looked pre 9/11.
 Here's how it looks now with many cranes and workers busy.  This photo was also taken by Amy Dreher.
This is how the area will look in the future with the museum and memorial to all who died that day.  Photo credit is Amy Dreher.

So many firefighters and others gave their lives as they tried to rescue people from the buildings. 

My own cousin Mark worked at an adjacent building and was one of those seen running as the towers collapsed all covered in white.  He described how scary it was, not knowing what would happen next.

I've been to see the site twice since 2001 and each time it was so eerie. 


This past weekend as I traveled to my niece's wedding, I noticed many young men and women in uniform.  I walked up to one young soldier and thanked him for his service.  He told me they were heading to Afghanistan.  My heart ached for them as they had to leave loved ones behind.  But how grateful I am for their service to our country.

This is my friend Lorraine.  We've known each other since nursing school back in the early '70s.  This is her son Michael who has served in both the Navy and now the Army.  He will be heading back to Iraq for his third tour of duty.  May the Lord bless him and keep him safe.






You can visit Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders for links to other participating blogs for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

Blessings and love,
QuickEdit

Meeting Face to Face with Lisa Shaw


If you've been around our bloggy world for any length of time, you've probably noticed this sweet face of sunshine.  It's Lisa Shaw of Sharing Life with Lisa.  And I had the pleasure to meet this sister ...in person!

What a joy!

Lisa and I have been bloggy friends for about two years.  Her personality comes across loud and clear (in a good way).  We bonded very quickly online and called each other 'sis'.  She always teased about the family resemblance.  The main thing we had in common was our love for the Lord Jesus Christ.  But even besides that, we just seemed to gel so well together like we'd know each other for years.  Oh and did I mention that we're both from New York?

When Lisa heard that I was going to Florida for my niece's wedding, she immediately wrote me to see if she could come and visit.  I was only going to be there for a few days but she agreed to drive two hours each way just to give me a hug. Can you believe it?

Let me tell you ...Lisa is the real deal! 

 There's nothing phony about her.  She has the most loving, kind and passionate personality.  She's also an awesome prayer warrior. She not only promises to pray ...she follows through on it!

We planned to go out to lunch but in the midst of nonstop talking and loving, we never got around to it.  Instead, Lisa tolerated and even enjoyed my family.  I had been making Norwegian waffles and offered her some.  She said that she wasn't very hungry but would certainly try them.  She may not know but I saw her eat two of them after my brother-in-law gave her some pancake syrup.  Lisa didn't know that we don't use syrup on Norwegian waffles; lol.

I was so glad Melanie of The Bella Mella was still at the house when Lisa arrived.  Lisa has such a gentle way about her.  I loved how she ministered and prayed for Melanie and her family.  It was also a special blessing for me and my sister Christine.

Lisa has been so good to me in many different ways.  She is the one who gifted me with the blog redesign of Heart Choices by Edie of Rich Gifts.  She has a heart for the hurting. 

But Lisa is also very honest and transparent about where she's been and what she's learned.  I can identify with her time of carnal Christian living in many ways.  I also think her honesty was helpful as many of my family members need encouragement to walk in the ways of the Lord.

I'm so glad for the Lord's patience with me too as He transforms me day by day.  For some of us, it seems to take longer than others. 

What more can I say about Lisa?  She's a friend that I could spend lots more time with.  I know we would laugh, cry and pray together.  So, now I can't wait until our  next face to face meeting.  I hope you'll stop by and give her some bloggy love at Sharing Life with Lisa.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Wedding Fun


I had such a fun time this past weekend at my niece Kristin's wedding.  I thought I'd share a few of the fun moments we had.  This is  my brother sharing some love with his two daughters; Kristin and Katie.

Kristin and Kevin had rehearsal the evening before.  I guess Kevin wanted to make sure he knew the way; lol.

The bride Kristin.  While she was getting ready, she popped a mint into her mouth and guess what she ended up with?

  A blue tongue.

Can you believe it?  This is Kevin's dad, Karl Cummings.  He was so much fun.  There was a shutter booth set up so all of the guests at the reception could use props and take photos.  I think Karl kept many of the props on for a good laugh.

I couldn't resist getting into that booth for a photo op with my niece Katie and sister Christine.  Shutter You was a blast.

Even the bride and groom got into the fun.

Kristin and Kevin look like they're enjoying their special wedding day.

Kevin was taking Kristin's garter belt off so he could throw it to the eligible bachelors.

Kevin works as a DJ for a local St. Petersburg radio station.  He has his own time slot each day.  Two of his fellow DJ's began performing together singing and dancing.

Nothing like getting down and having fun!

Sisters Kristin and Katie

I've many more photos to share with you.  I hope you were smiling through this post.  What was your favorite fun picture?


Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Meeting Melanie of The Bella Mella


In the midst of the wedding festivities, I got to meet a very special blogging friend. 


Melanie of The Bella Mella lives less than one mile from my sister Christine.  I wasn't about to leave town and not get to meet her. 

Melanie was so gracious to take the time to stop by to meet me and my sis.  Of course, we couldn't just sit around; not Mel.  She grabbed me and off we went ...for a swift walk. 

We had an opportunity to talk privately.  I can only say that she is a gem and I hope a lifelong friend.  She's been through so much this past year and I so wanted to be a comfort to her in any way I could.  My sister Christine really liked her and Mel invited her to attend one of her speaking engagements.  I was thrilled. 

Melanie had planned to stay for a short time but when we returned from our walk, Lisa Shaw of Sharing Life with Lisa had called and was minutes away.  So, Mel stayed to meet Lisa.  And she ended up staying for a few hours more.  Need I say more? 

Lisa was such a blessing and prayed with us for Mel and her family.  I think we all shed a few tears!  I'll share more on my visit with Lisa tomorrow.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Wedding Weekend Fun


Wedding weekend fun is right!  I had the best time at my niece Kristin's wedding.  This is Kristin and her now husband Kevin Cummings.  The pastor had them each pour sand (one colored white and the other blue) into one container to demonstrate a marriage principle he shared with them.


This is my brother Steve as he is walking Kristin down the aisle to give her away to Kevin.  Kristin looked so beautiful. 

Bridesmaid Fran is a close friend of Kristin's. They met at the University of Central Florida.  Katie is the maid of honor and is Kristin's younger sister.  They are watching as Kristin and my brother Steve are walking down the aisle.

Here's Kevin as he waits.  His best man was his friend that he's known since he was a little boy and that's his  brother Kyl next to him. 


Kevin and Kristin about to cut the cake.

There's so much to share but I'll write another post later today.  I still have to unpack and get organized.

Btw, did you know I also got to spend time during my weekend with Melanie of The Bella Mella and Lisa Shaw of Sharing Life with Lisa?  Both of these amazing women fit right in with my family.  I have to do a separate post about them.

More wedding fun to come ...


Blessings and love,
QuickEdit
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