They share their faith with others and have the courage of their convictions.  I am confident that God is using them as his messangers and Tom and Jim are not dissapointing.

This week Tom was asked to address teenagers concerning the horrific shooting that occurred last week in Aurora, Colorado. Many wouldn't have attempted this. Through prayer, empathy and faith Tom met the challenge. I am certain that he was able to ease the anxiety of those in attendence that were upset and affected by the shootings. He made a positive difference.

This week Jim continued his quest to bring the importance of preventing child abuse to the forefront. He was interviewed on television and was able to share his message with many.  He is a devoted advocate of investing resources to prevent abuse rather than soley concentrating on helping the victims. With prevention there would be less victims.  He made a positive difference.

I call what my sons do everyday in the way they live, in the choices they make as practicing "share ministry."  They lead by example and share their faith. I am very proud of the men my sons have become.



And Tom and Jim are FUN too! I am the luckiest, Mom, and Grandma and love the beautiful women my sons married. They are my daughters. Happy me.
  

My niece, Dawn posted this picture of her niece Sara on her Facebook page today. I am not too sure how relationship titles work however I believe Valerie's beautiful daughter would be my grand niece but not sure. I am open to correction.

Today the news has been covering the horrific story of the killings in Aurora, Colorado while innocent people were watching the newest Batman movie. It seems surreal because it is so frightening that this could happen. My prayers go out for all that were there, injured and for the families of those killed and wounded. I was suppose to go to the movie tonight and started to back out. After thinking about it, I decided that I wasn't going to relinquish my power of choice to some crazy person.

When I saw this picture of Sara it made me smile. I will go to the Batman movie tonight and not be scared.
  

The only way this day could have been more fun would have been if Tom, Shelia, Hope and Noah were with us too. I remember taking the Spring Breakers to Busch Gardens and now they are playing with their own kids. Hmm, think it is time for ALL the people who have spent a Spring Break with us to return for a reunion and bring their families. But no chicken tacos allowed!

"Don't listen to those who say, "It's not that way." Maybe it's not, but maybe you will. Don't listen to those who say, "You're taking too big a chance." Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor, and it would surely be rubbed out by today.  Most importantly, don't listen when the little voice of fear inside you rears its ugly head and says, "They're all smarter than you out there.  They're more talented, they're taller, blonder, prettier, luckier and have connections." I firmly believe that if you follow a path that interests you, not to the exclusion of love, sensitivity, and cooperation with others, but with the strength of conviction that you can move others by your own efforts, and do not make success or failure the criteria by which you live, the chances are you'll be a person worthy of your own respect."

It was a nice Fourth of July. Once again it was one of those days when plan A was replaced with plan B.

Ended up going to Tampa and witnessing my friend, Mark, purchase a new used Volkswagon Cabrio.
After brunch, I got caught in a little rainstorm and ended up joining David and Mark at the movies to see the new Tyler Perry Madea movie. It was laugh-out-loud funny.


Having stayed up until the wee hours the night before writing, I was tired after the movie.  I surprised myself but just how tired when I zonked to sleep when I sat on the couch. I guess I needed a power nap because before too long I was up and enjoyed a holiday dinner of burnt hotdogs and chips.

The fireworks were plentiful and beautiful from the balcony of my condo. I think every resort along the beaches set off a display. The clear full moon sky made for a perfect backdrop as the fireworks sparkled over the water.

I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday and will enjoy a fantastic Friday and wonderful weekend.