Peace, Love,and Ice Cream

"Gray hair is a small price to pay

for all this wisdom."

- author unkown

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday Dear MEEEEE, Happy Birthday to me! 

This week I am hitting another mile marker in my life ... the big __ 0.  And with each birthday celebration, I thank God for another year as a Cancer Survivor (over 25 years).  Life is full of challenges, obstacles, and fears, but it is also full of dreams, surprises, and blessings.  And to that I say, not only do we need to “survive” but we need to Celebrate Life Everyday!

When I was little my parents would say “Wait until you are older.”  Well, guess what?  I am now "older," so today I proclaim the following ...

• I am never too old to enjoy an ice cream cone (Did you notice the words on the awning of the ice cream shop?)

• I am never too old to add a little “sparkle” to my life .... my wardrobe, my home, or my outreach.

• I am never too old to wear a ponytail (in fact, bad hair days demand it).

• I am never too old to do CrAzY, funny things with my best friend.

• I am never too old to watch a Shirley Temple movie.

• I am never too old to dream, create, or learn.

• I am never too old to call my mom and say, “I love you.”

• I am never too old to enjoy the simple things in life (playing board games with family).

• I am never too old to seek PEACE (without the “bell-bottoms”).

• I am never too old to sing "Jesus Loves ME."

• I am never too old to say “when I grow up...”

It’s not Friday, but let’s “Sparkle” anyway ...
Here are a few ways you can join in the battle against cancer:

American Cancer Society, Relay for Life
www.relayforlife.org/

Pantene Beautiful Lengths (partnership between Pantene and American Cancer Society)
www.pantene.com/en-US/beautiful-lengths-refresh/Pages/default.aspx

Warriors in Pink wear and gear (Susan B. Komen for the Cure)
http://www.fordcares.com/

Yoplait Pink Llid Campaign - Yoplait will donate $.10 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® for each pink lid redeemed by December 31, 2011, up to $2 million.

http://www.yoplait.com/save-lids-save-lives/about-save-lids-save-lives/

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
www.avonwalk.org/more

By the way, if you didn’t get a chance to see the Lifetime movie “Five,” you can watch the full movie online at http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/five/video/five

The groundbreaking original movie is an anthology of five short films exploring the impact of breast cancer on people’s lives. Directed by Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys, Demi Moore, Independent Spirit Award winner Patty Jenkins (“Monster”) and Penelope Spheeris (“Wayne’s World”).

Life is short ... The reality is that we have never been promised “tomorrow,” so every day becomes a gift. So, the question we need to ask ourselves is “What are we doing with the moments we’ve been given?”

Have a blessed week and celebrate life.
God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“Youth is a gift of nature; age is a work of art.”

- Bob Phillips

Meet Sam

And I’m proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

- Lee Greenwood

This weekend I met a new friend.  As I drove down the road, his amazing height and welcoming smile caught my eye.  He was standing so tall and proud.  Taking a deep breath, I decided to circle around the block, park the car, and introduce myself.  I knew I just had to be bold ... I wanted to take his picture.

I’d like you to meet Sam.

 

We quickly became friends. As I got to know more about Sam, I understood why. There were many things that made him special. We had a lot in common, but he also made me take a good look at myself. Here is what I learned:

He was beautifully and wonderfully made by a master crafter.
I too, have been beautifully and wonderfully made – Psalm 139 tells me so.

He boldly wore his tall hat and carried a large flag, revealing the fact that he was proud of who he was created to be – a symbol of our country, a proud American.
I too am proud - to be a daughter, a sister, mom, grandma, and friend. But, do I reveal the holy boldness of someone who is proud to be a Christian?

He stood strong, weathering all of the elements and unshaken by passers-by.
I try to stand strong in my faith, but when I am grow weak and tired, God is my strength (Isaiah 40:29, 31).

He had a contagious smile that drew me closer. I wanted to know him better.
I asked myself ... Do others want to learn the source of my happiness and peace? Am I a contagious Christian?

As I said good-bye to Sam, I realized that friends come in all shapes, sizes and elements. We can learn a lot about ourselves whether it is through a true friend, or an unexpected object. Keep an eye open, you never know who, or what character, God will put in your path today. The time spent with my new friend, Sam, gave me moments of insight, self-reflection, and even a little inspiration.

Inspiration ... I bought some red and blue star-shaped balloons to release in memory of some very special people. The blue star was in memory of a friend’s son who passed away a few months ago, and the red star was in memory of those who have and still are fighting for our country. Thanks for the inspiration, Sam ... I’m proud to be an American, and I’m proud to be a Christian.

What an awesome weekend for peace, love & sparkle ... what a great time to celebrate life!
God’s Peace, Donna Weaver 

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

– Philippians 1:3