Things I have learned...

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet
of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my
day!" makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one
of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have
the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to
be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold
and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on
summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer
it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything
we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life
so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants
to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are
only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to
surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a
smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with
them.

I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take
the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock
elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her
one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender,
because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your
looks.

I've learned.... That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what
I do about it.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your
little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain,
but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.


I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more
things I get done.

"The Promise" By The Martins (2009)

I never said that I would give you silver or gold
Or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold
But I did say you'd never walk thru this world alone
And I did say don't make this world your home

I never said that fear wouldn't find you in the night
Or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight
But I did say I'd be right there by your side
And I did say I'll always help you fight

'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep
My grace will be sufficient in your time of need
My love will be the anchor that you can hold on to
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you

I never said that friends would never turn their backs on you
Or that the world around you wouldn't see you as a fool
But I did say like me you'll surely be despised
And I did say My ways confound the wise

I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death
Or have to walk thru chilly Jordan to enter into rest
But I did say I'd be waiting right on the other side
And I did say I'll dry every tear you've cried

'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place
And someday sooner than you think you'll see me face to face
And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you

So just keep on walking don't turn to the left or right
And in the midst of darkness let this be your light
That hell can't separate us and you're gonna make it thru
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
Oh, this is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you

God Be With You Till We Meet Again...

We should all be thanking God for the blessing of knowing Will and Emily Haney! We don't always understand God's plan and the reasons for why things happen...but we do know that God is faithful! We know that Will is in a better place tonight and that he is in no more pain now...but that doesn't change the fact that he will be greatly missed here on this earth. Will Haney, along with his precious wife Emily, have enriched our lives and taught us many things over the last couple of years. I know that I can speak for me and Shane when I say that because of Will and Emily's battle with cancer...we have became more prayful, we have grown closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ, our faith and determination has become stronger, and we are more aware of the blessings God gives and more thankful for those blessings. Thank you God for the blessing of friendship and for the blessing of knowing that if we are faithful to You we will all meet again in Heaven someday.

In Everything Give Thanks

Most of us seem to remember to thank God for all of the wonderful blessings He showers upon us each and every day. However, many times, we neglect to thank God for trials and challenges that He allows us to experience in our daily walks of life.

God has never promised that life's road would be easy and many times we don't understand why things happen...but in all of our questions and in our trials...we can rest assured that God is ALWAYS with us and He is in control! Trials help us to grow and help to make us stronger...even when we don't understand why we are being tested.

In EVERYTHING Give THANKS!

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound "We Need Each Other"

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New year and a fresh start

Picture collage created with Smilebox