I think of my own grandmother whose influence still impacts me. She quietly demonstrated to her nine grandchildren (and everyone else who knew her) a stellar example of strong faith through tragedy, and what it means to live out the fruit of the Spirit, day in and day out. Surely the ripple effect from one life far exceeds what we can imagine. That's certainly true of you, April, proven by that truthful and affirming song composed for you!
Clearly your grandmother was a saint, in every sense of the word. I heard so many sad stories from people who had such rough beginnings that knowing there are bright spots like her keeps the flame of hope alive for humanity. The song by Ernie Halter - I have no words that could possibly express how humbled it made me.
I've heard sad stories too of what some people had to endure growing up. My experience was so opposite, surrounded as I was by loving, caring people, that I sometimes feel guilty!
When I sit listening or reading someone's sad early life I too feel a bit guilty, like, what did I do to deserve so many blessings? But then I also know that it is what it is in this fallen world. Some folks are tortured and mistreated, some live in constant fear and have to hide. Heard numerous stories of young women having to hide from their abusive husbands.
It is rarely their fault, they didn't do anything to deserve being abused. Then there are those who have been given everything on a silver platter so their perception of real life is skewed and still don't think they have enough. Somewhere in the mess of a million stories is the bright spot of those who rise like Phoenix from the ashes and do better than their formation.
For me, when I listened to the tough stories, I asked a question - what did you learn and what do you take with you into your future.
One young woman had a terrible mother who literally mentally and sometimes physically tortured her. She said she can't get over not having a mother who loved her. I asked her if she would like to be a mother someday. She said absolutely! Then I said, why not mother yourself then. What would a good mother say to encourage you? If you think you could be a good mother - then mother yourself.
I have no idea if that changed her perspective but I always hoped it at least made her realize that she doesn't have to be her mother. Nor doe she have to be ruined.
WONDERFUL words of wisdom, April. You are so right. Like the title said, of that classic book written by Drs. Minirth and Meier: Happiness is a Choice. It becomes an even easier choice when we know Jesus and allow him to work in our minds, hearts, and souls.
I love the line where you said, "I have only and ever wanted for them to choose to willingly be God’‘s purpose, not just seek it, regardless how unnoticeable it might seem in human interpretation." Isn't that we all want! This song is amazing! What a gift! Happy Birthday!
I think of my own grandmother whose influence still impacts me. She quietly demonstrated to her nine grandchildren (and everyone else who knew her) a stellar example of strong faith through tragedy, and what it means to live out the fruit of the Spirit, day in and day out. Surely the ripple effect from one life far exceeds what we can imagine. That's certainly true of you, April, proven by that truthful and affirming song composed for you!
Clearly your grandmother was a saint, in every sense of the word. I heard so many sad stories from people who had such rough beginnings that knowing there are bright spots like her keeps the flame of hope alive for humanity. The song by Ernie Halter - I have no words that could possibly express how humbled it made me.
I've heard sad stories too of what some people had to endure growing up. My experience was so opposite, surrounded as I was by loving, caring people, that I sometimes feel guilty!
When I sit listening or reading someone's sad early life I too feel a bit guilty, like, what did I do to deserve so many blessings? But then I also know that it is what it is in this fallen world. Some folks are tortured and mistreated, some live in constant fear and have to hide. Heard numerous stories of young women having to hide from their abusive husbands.
It is rarely their fault, they didn't do anything to deserve being abused. Then there are those who have been given everything on a silver platter so their perception of real life is skewed and still don't think they have enough. Somewhere in the mess of a million stories is the bright spot of those who rise like Phoenix from the ashes and do better than their formation.
For me, when I listened to the tough stories, I asked a question - what did you learn and what do you take with you into your future.
One young woman had a terrible mother who literally mentally and sometimes physically tortured her. She said she can't get over not having a mother who loved her. I asked her if she would like to be a mother someday. She said absolutely! Then I said, why not mother yourself then. What would a good mother say to encourage you? If you think you could be a good mother - then mother yourself.
I have no idea if that changed her perspective but I always hoped it at least made her realize that she doesn't have to be her mother. Nor doe she have to be ruined.
WONDERFUL words of wisdom, April. You are so right. Like the title said, of that classic book written by Drs. Minirth and Meier: Happiness is a Choice. It becomes an even easier choice when we know Jesus and allow him to work in our minds, hearts, and souls.
Exactly! When we let Him be our reason for being. ❤️
I love the line where you said, "I have only and ever wanted for them to choose to willingly be God’‘s purpose, not just seek it, regardless how unnoticeable it might seem in human interpretation." Isn't that we all want! This song is amazing! What a gift! Happy Birthday!
Yes! We want our kids to be even better than we are!
Ernie Halter is an amazing talent!
We definitely do! He is so good!! 😊
❤️
Happy Happy Birthday to you!
Thank you! ❤️
I sent your substack to Ernie! 🎉
Ha! I did too. We need another Ernie concert!
Yes if we can get through all these milestones and moves! 🙏🏻
Need a spreadsheet
Love this song and perfectly represents you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! We love you 😘🎈🎉👑❌⭕️🌸🤍
I wonder where Ernie got all those words????❤️
Inspired by knowing you and a little guidance…..he is also an incredible song-writer!!!
He truly is!
Every word of this song is true!!!! You are our heart and soul!!!! LOVE YOU BIG!!!!
I'd be nothing and nobody without my amazing peeps! ❤️❤️
We need another Halter concert!!!
YESSSS!!!!
A beautiful post and song! Love this "As we know, an oak tree is just a tiny acorn that stood its ground."
April - A wonderful tribute and legacy!
~ Rosie
Thank you ❤️
Well Happy late birthday! So sorry I didn't see this on the day! Will listen to the song hopefully tomorrow! ~ Rosie