Courage

I was reading a short story in a magazine while I was waiting at the dentist office for my son this past week. It was a story about a woman named Luba Gerack...

Luba Gerack was a nurse at a Jewish concentration camp and one night in December of 1944 she awoke from the sounds of children crying. Her bunk mates begged her not to open the door, but against their wishes she arose from her bed, opened the door and found DOZENS of children standing outside their door in the freezing cold air.

She asked them what had happened and they told her that soldiers and just left them there. She knew it was dangerous and it could cost her her life, but she brought the children into the barracks. She was once a mother of a child and a wife, but had lost them both in the war. Because they were gone this was all she could do and decided to help save these children who were now under her protection.Values, Heartwarming Stories,

The next morning she told the guard what happened and she received threats and abuse because of her decision. But he finally agreed to let her keep the children and gave her a note for 2 loaves of bread, which was just enough to keep them from starving. We weeks went by and Luba was able to scrounge of enough food to feed them when they were hungry. She comforted them when they cried. She nursed them back to health when they were sick.

She had these children in her care for over 4 months when the war ended and they were freed. 52 children were saved and reunited with their mothers.

As Aristotle put it, so perfectly, "Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others."

My Husband Rocks ♥ Christmastime!

Today Katy Lin's "My Husband Rocks" is a Christmastime theme....and I have lots of amazing stories from the holidays. But I'm going to post the most recent, sweetest, kindest thing he's done....there are many, but this one melted me....

The past four years we've either been in transition of moving or had major "things" going on in our lives during the holidays. It's kept me from being the over top wannabe Mrs. Claus that I've always dreamed of being....lights on every inch of the house inside and out, baking 24/7, holiday decor plastered in every room, including the laundry room, music constantly playing my favorite songs....etc.....so on and so on.....give me time, money and opportunity, my holidays would look like that!

Well, this year we're actually "settled" for once! I love my home and especially my yard that houses at least 100 oak trees. There are many clusters in the front yard that are begging to be wrapped with lights....Oh, I could just picture the lights swirling around each trunk.....As we started to go through the boxes of holiday decorations we realized that all of our outdoor lights were not there....3 moves within a few years and somewhere they got lost. {GASP} boo-hoo-hoo! Yes, the lights were missing...I know, I know...shocking! Because I ♥ Christmas lights! I get all giddy and little-girl-like and it makes me want to bake fudge and drink cocoa. (I'm so easy....no sparkly diamonds...just lights and lots of them!)

Anyway, budgeting Christmas for 7 people and tyring to keep our holidays focused in the right direction, I decided that I wasn't going to beg and cry.....I could forgo this year with no outdoor lights and enjoy the many blessings I already have....so I let it go.

I was leaving early one weekend morning a week ago when I realized my husband was heading out of the driveway and off....hum...no idea where he was going....AND he didn't even say goodbye! Oh, well, I left with the kids and returned a few hours later. The rain had started and it was getting very cold. As I turned into the driveway, I could see my husband wading through the trunks of oak trees, with boxes of lights piled on the walkway, frantically wrapping every single little oak in our front yard. I stopped the car and (I know this sounds so babyish) but I actually teared up! I got out and he turned his head surprised to see me....we were standing in the rain as he kept wrapping but with a big smile. I walked over and just grabbed him and hugged him!! He kissed my head and said, "Babe, you're so easy...that's what I ♥ about you. Now grab some lights and let's get this baby lit up!" My older daughters took the little ones in the house and my husband and I finished wrapping all the trees.

When we were done it was dark, we did the whole plug-in ceremony with just the two of us standing there on the sidewalk....my heart just melted because he took the time to listen to me, he knows what I love, what I wished for, and somehow made it work within our budget....and stood in the pouring rain hanging Christmas lights just for me! He so ROCKS!

For more "My Husband Rocks" visit My Husband Rocks Blog Roll!

12 Days of Christmas...The Power of Service

I think I was in 6th or 7th grade. Being the oldest of 3 and in a newly divorced family, I knew too much at a young age and I also knew what to expect that holiday season. Looking back, I consider myself more mature than your average 11 or 12-year old. I kind of had to be...

My parents were living in the same town, different house, every other weekend, 2 house payments, money was tight, etc. I was prepped for a slim Christmas. I was fine with it...sort of. It was hard to comprehend having a "small" Christmas because quite frankly, we were used to BIG elaborate holidays. Santa was always more than generous. We were sort of spoiled. Yes. But this year was going to be different. Things had changed drastically.

My parents were both struggling in more ways than one. My brother and sister were too. I think I was fine. At least I remember being fine. But I could tell there was some sadness, frustrations, anger...it wasn't the happy feeling I wanted during the holidays. This had always been my favorite time of year, but not this time. It wasn't going to be happy at all.

Until one night during the first week of December . I still remember the day, I wrote about it in my journal. There was a loud knock at the door, fairly late in the evening. We gave each other the look, "Who could that be?" Everyone jumped up to go to the door. The porch light was off, so mom turned it on and my brother opened the door. Nobody was there. He went to close the door when my little sister yelled, "STOP! There's something on the ground." I pushed through and picked up a small green Christmas tree filled with chocolate candies. Attached was a note.

I don't remember what the note said exactly. It said something to the affect of "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...." and on it went. There was unexpected excitement as we ran out to the yard to see if we could see anybody, but they were long gone by then. We ran back in the house laughing, my mom smiling, as we tore open that cute little helpless tree and began to devour the yummy chocolates. Mom salvaged the tree and put it up on the shelf with other decorations where it still sits today.

The next night, there was another knock at the door...at first it didn't register, but then we realized what it might be...so we ran to the door and of course no one was there, but a beautiful crystal candle holder with two bright red candles. Beautiful. And a note that read, "On the second day of Christmas my true love gave me to me..." and on it went. Even though this was a gift our mom would enjoy, we were excited too. My mom's smile grew a little bigger as she put it on our dining room table and lit the candles. They smelled so pretty...the house began to buzz again....a little happiness filled up the room.

The next night, we were ready. We knew this was going to go on for the next 10 nights. We sat and waited outside, on the side yard, back inside by the window and so on...nothing. And then just as we were giving up and heading to bed, "Knock-Knock!" Dang it! We missed it again....

This continued on night after night. I could see my mom's stress turning into something more relaxed and her smile stayed a little longer each day. My brother and sister were a so excited as the sun went down each day anticipating the "Knock"! I was swept up in the wonder and mystery of it all. I could feel that happy feeling that loved so much coming back. It was so sweet to feel that again...

Night 12 had finally arrived. It was about 5 or 6 days before Christmas. My mom had been talking to me earlier that day about how she wanted me to help her make some gifts because shopping was going to be limited and the budget was just too tight this year. She was trying to think of ways we could serve and help other people....Huh? I kept thinking we were the ones that needed to be served. We weren't in any position to help anyone else, but that's not how mom was working....she still knew there were people that were going without. We were fine. But I could see the worry on her face that day. She loves to give. And this year, she wasn't going to be able to give to her three kids like she always did. It wasn't about her. It was about us. She just wanted to make us happy.

"Knock-Knock!" A scream slipped through the house as we all darted for the door hoping to finally catch our secret Santa! Nope, nobody there....but on porch laid a cute little house made of cardboard. It had individual boxes inside like a puzzle, 12 of them. We picked it up and ran into the house and set it on the table. My brother opened the first box and pulled out a 20 dollar bill. My eyes about popped out of my head. My mom's jaw dropped and we began opening the houses. Each one filled with $20. TWENTY DOLLARS! Times that by 12... $240! Yes, on the 12th day of Christmas someone gave to us $240 to use on Christmas. My mom's eyes began to water and she slowly began to cry as she realized that someone had just changed our lives. Not because she could go buy "stuff" for us. That wasn't it at all. It was because she saw that each of us in our young ages softened and felt the undeniable power of service. We all began to cry as we sat around the kitchen table. We knew that we were loved, watched over, and someone really cared.

To this day we do not know who did it. We assumed it was someone from church. But we still have no idea. I don't remember what my mom bought with that money. But what I do remember is the feeling I had that night as I realized what Christmas was all about. It's about serving others, sacrificing and becoming like Christ.

Since that experience, I have continued the tradition of the 12 days of Christmas. I've never been able to offer $20 in 12 little houses :O) But we have put some smiles on faces and in return felt the warm love of service. ♥

Tune in tomorrow for ideas on how you can start the 12 Days of Christmas! It's an amazing tradition that will change your holidays!

Bliss?

bliss: [blis] - noun

1. supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment
2. Theology: the joy of heaven
3. heaven; paradise: the road to eternal bliss
4. Archaic. a cause of great joy or happiness

The past few weeks I've been doing some extra soul searching. I've found myself questioning my happiness...but in a good way. All of a sudden I dawned on me that...this is it. This is what I will talk about when I'm 60, 70, 80.....100 years old. These are the days that I'll remember....

I tackled ANOTHER poo-party. It was bad timing, actually when is it ever good timing? But I really didn't want to deal with more laundry...I'm already doing 10 loads a day. My oldest daughter revealed to me that she has found real, true, good BF's...those were her words. "I found the bestest friends that I'll have forever...that are good for me." My other daughter did the happy dance because for weeks she was 1 of 2 kids defending her passionate political views against a room full of 25 others kids and the teacher that had very different views. Knowing she was out-numbered and the likelihood that her candidate may not become president, she did research, asked questions, battled on and stood for what SHE believed....even when her teacher debated and questioned her. She stood strong...but the victory was hers. Her candidate didn't win, but her teacher confessed to her and the class that as she stood in her booth to vote she had flashbacks of her debates with a particular 12-year-old girl....hum....wonder who? And in that moment she realized that she was going to vote for someone that she didn't see eye to eye with. She changed her vote in that split second. My son told me that he wanted to marry me....he didn't want to leave home, ever. But since his dad married me and he can't now that he'll just take care of me. And my hubby, well, you can read "My Husband Rocks" today.....

I'm not just living a happy life...I'm in total bliss. These little REAL LIFE moments are indeed LIFE! There's no "waiting" for something else....this is IT! This the ride I signed up for.... Who'd a thought cleaning up another poo-party would feel like bliss....(sighhh - smile) a teen that found GOOD friends, a daughter that defended her beliefs, and son that is in total love with me....this is BLISS!

A True Hero!

I've been glued to the TV watching the Olympics these past few weeks. I LOVE "The Games"! I can't even explain the excitement my family and I have as we watch each event, game, and match. The thrill is so energizing and even more so because we know it'll be four more years until we get to witness these amazing athletic gods and goddess.

Today a story came on about a Swedish Olympian, Eric Liddell. Eric Liddell's story, was made into the film, Chariots of Fire. He was a runner who took gold in the 1924 Olympics and then devoted his life to teaching and missionary work in China.

I have seen the movie, but it's been YEARS! I'm not that old, but I remember watching it as a kid once maybe twice. I didn't put the movie and the name together until today as I watched his amazing story on NBC.

His Olympic story is incredible! His success as an athlete is amazing. But what really made an impact on me was this man's integrity and character. His story is one worth learning about. As you read his story you'll get some back history on him and why he was in China and what he was doing there when he was put into a Japanese prison camp in 1943. I'm not going to ramble on and tell you his story....I can do it no justice. Click the links and read his story!

NBC had interviewed one of his daughters and some other people that were in the prison camp with him. They talked about him with such peace and honor. I could see in their eyes their love for him. One woman's interview stood out. She was a child in the camp and described how horrible it was. There were families in there, Chinese as well as other nationalities all living together in filth and desperation. But she told how Liddell create a routine, traditions, connections and bonds. He helped these children and families survive through simple traditions!! She said it gave them a sense of peace and something to look forward to in these horrible conditions. His guidance through these traditions gave them hope, and they felt reassured and secure because as they suffered in this camp they still felt like they had "something". They had a traditions and routines to keep them close together and ultimately helped them survive until the Americans came to the rescue.

Sadly, Liddell died in the prison camp from a brain tumor five months before they were liberated, but his story lives on quietly and powerfully to those who hear his message and inspiration. I'm a believer in traditions and how they can heal and bond a family...and even a prison camp. There is truly a power in traditions and story.

That's What I Love About Sundays

I normally don't blog and get on the computer on Sunday. It seems to be the ONLY day that life slows down just a little bit. I try to make Sunday different than all the other days in the week. I want it to be different. I want there to be some sort of peace that we look forward to each week as we fight through the days the lead up to it. Today's simple schedule reminded me why I truly love Sundays. Nothing big and exciting happened today. Nothing earth shattering or something to call the press on. Just a simple day.

We made it to church on time...with all of us in the car and dressed quite nicely. We make it to church every Sunday, but sometimes we arrive on our own time, slightly disheveled hair, and a missing shoe or two. It was not until the ride home that I realized how precious Sundays are. I always ask the same question as soon as we pull out of the parking lot, "So, what did you learn today?" The 10 minute ride home was filled with voices sharing the stories they learned in Sunday school classes. I loved hearing each of them tell me about their favorite hero's, scriptures they learned and were challenged to memorize and even a few stories about families from the scriptures that are slightly similar to our own. I loved that they're learning and TELLING US ABOUT IT! I loved coming home to the peaceful home that awaited our arrival. There was nowhere to rush off to. There was no phone calls to return, no emails to answer, it was just a day of rest. Why we fight that concept I don't know. But I truly believe Sunday was created for no other reason than to allow us to rest with our families and connect on levels we cannot do on the other six days of the week.

That's what I love about Sundays.....

A Gift for ME!

For the past 4 years I have published almost in the 100's of books. Many of them were presents for family and friends, sports teams, teachers, and special people celebrating special times. Watching those people open their presents and find a book made a especially just for them, makes my heart fill with joy! I can't even explain the emotion that runs through me every time that happens. Many times I hear back from a customer telling about their experience when they've given the gift of story to someone they love. And they too cannot explain the overwhelming joy that brings a tear to the eye.

Tuesday afternoon I was pulling into my driveway and stopped and grabbed the mail. As I opened my mailbox I saw a brightly-colored package with some "Happy Birthday's" written all over it. It had to be for me because my birthday was this past week. I was so excited! I had no idea who it could be from, but I hurried up and tore it open and to my surprise I received a Cherish Bound Book in the mail as a gift from my "Bestest Friend" in the entire world.

I sat in my car for about 15 minutes reading this story...remembering so many amazing times that I had forgotten about, and laughing hysterically as if she was sitting right next to me. I couldn't help but let a few tears pass.

She took the time to write a story about our friendship, how we met, how we've connected through Cherish Bound and our families, our struggles and triumphs, added great quotes about best friends and even added some pictures from when we first met all the way up until the present. She custom designed a beautiful cover in digital scrapbooking software and added a cute photo of us from about....10 years ago.

This book is a treasured gifted. I've never really been on the receiving end of this process. I'm always giving the books or helping people create the books to give to others. But this time, the gift was for me! Not only did this help me remember how blessed I am to be helping people do this all over the US, but it reminded me that the power of story is really a gift. It's a gift that needs to be shared and passed on no matter how young or old you are, the gift of story is priceless! I will never forget the feeling I had as I sat there in my car reading a story that was written just for me.

Yep, It's a Contest! What Story Would You Tell....For Free?

I have 1000's of stories always running circles in my head. At night I go to bed thinking about the next story I want to share with my family. I'm full of stories, JUST LIKE YOU! But I'm actually telling mine...are you? Would you like to get started? Yes! Great! Then here's how you can win $29 in Publishing to start your first Cherish Bound book or your second...third...maybe even your fourth!

Leave a comment and tell me what story you would tell if you could publish a book through Cherish Bound. Who would it be about? Why do you want to share it? Any photos, memorabilia, letters, etc. that you would want to include? You have until Sunday, Aug. 10 to leave your comments and then my 5-year-old son will pick a winner by random draw! Let's hear 'em!

Heartwarming Stories: Sweet Sounds of Laughter

I started writing my "Sunday Story" and then completely changed my entire story to this one...nothing long or big, just sweet!
As I was typing a story about a favorite childhood memory, I kept hearing "giggling" in the background. I wasn't sure who was laughing, but I knew it was a few different voices...mostly girly too. So I assumed it was my daughters, 14 and 12. I then heard another little giggle, again, a girly one...and figured it had to be my 1 yr old little girl (who was supposed to already be in bed). The sweet sound of all three of my girls just giggling made me tingle inside! I wasn't sure what they were doing, but I knew they had be in the family room. My 12-year-old broke her ankle today in a soccer game and is pretty bummed out. So to hear her laughing, with her other sisters just made me smile. I kept typing and in the midst of the sweetness of laughter I could hear the "Academy Awards" music chiming in. I peaked around the corner and saw all three girls, snuggled up on the couch together, blankets, popcorn and the Academy Awards Red Carpet Previews on. They were commenting on the beautiful dresses and talking about their favorite actors and actresses. The littlest one at 1 years old right in the mix of it all. It was just too cute! I love it that they can find a few minutes out of the day, to put aside their differences, and enjoy each other as sisters and best friends!

Heartwarming Stories: Family Story Time

Stories are what make us real and alive. They can bring out emotions from one extreme to another. They can connect the past with the future and they can heal our deepest wounds and fears. Stories are an important part of our existance on this earth. Whether they're shared through spoken word, printed on paper or even to a crowd of 100, they're worth telling.

Because I think it's so important to share stories, I'm keeping Sunday's all about stories. On Sunday's, I'll share some personal stories, have family share some and even have friends and guests come in and share a moment big or small that connected them, healed them or made them laugh.

But for this week, share a story with a child. It can be your own, from a book, or "make-believe". Just plan time to cuddle up and share a thought, moment or story. Start a tradition of telling stories to your children and grandchildren.

Making A Difference

I had an amazing experience this past month....I just have to share!

Our state holds what's called "The Great American Teach-In" once a year in our public schools. This is where parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., come in and take over teaching for the day. You can talk about what you do for a living, your hobbies....just educate the kids on something new and exciting.

Well, I participated this year at both of my daughter's middle school classes. I was a little intimidated by the thought of a bunch of TOO-cool 8th graders and my cute little Chat Card game. So my plan was to go in and wow them with the technology of the website and just give them some ideas about writing a story...keep it simple, cool and short.

As I sat in the classroom waiting for my turn to start, I noticed that there were kids in this room that had stories...every single one of them. They were cool, yes, but I knew I had to wow them in a different way...I had to do something "Different". I wanted them to leave feeling like the had something to share with their families.

So I made a 180-turn on what my original plan was and did something different. We played storytelling games, used the Chat Cards, Story Starters...every kid took turns coming up and sharing their stories. They all loved to hear what their friends had to say when asked, "Do you remember the first time you broke a rule? What was it? Why did you do it?" Now some kids were shy and didn't want to participate, but with a little encouragement, they got up. And they talked, and they shared and they listened....I could see them lighting up and just enjoying the moment.

We finished off the 50 min. class with a fun game. I challenged them all to a contest of storytelling with no "likes" and "umms".....they had to talk and tell without using the words Like and the sound Umm. Whoever won could take a Story Starter of their choice. They're all so guilty of it and it was VERY challenging to say the least. Believe it or not, two boys won. In the midst of all the fun we had I packed up my stuff and headed for the door (with twins in stroller...that's another story...the benefits of working from home) and started to leave. As I opened the door both boys who had won came up to me and asked if they could please have their story starters....i was totally taken back. I really didn't think they'd want them, but they did!! They were so excited to share them with their friends and take them home...and that's exactly what they did.

A few days later my daughter placed a large envelope on my desk. I opened it and found 25 handwritten thank you notes from every single one of those students...I was in shock. I think i teared up! They told me thank you....not just for coming, but for giving them something fun to take home to their families, for giving them inspiration to write a story and tell their story their way, for being an example of a mom of 5 who chooses to stay home and work and be a mom, for teaching them that they have the ability to speak with maturity and be taken seriously....the list goes on.

I can't begin to tell how amazing I felt....this is why i do what i do! This is it! If i do NOTHING else, ever, with Cherish Bound, (which isn't going to happen) then I'm happy! I made a difference. I did something to help better a child's life and change their family. Ah! That is an Ah-ha moment!