Embrace the Day! 

by Shauna Brown 

     Recently I gave a talk about living more purposefully. I found several quotes that seemed similar in thought: people with the desire to live life to it’s fullest.  Their thoughts make me smile,  as I find myself wanting to accelerate my enthusiasm for life as well.   

        “I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud. And I don’t want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes. I want to eat cold tangerines and sing out loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now. I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe to- matoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift.” 

        Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life 

        “I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coifed, and with long, perfectly manicured finger-nails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden.I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.” 

          Marjorie Pay Hinckley 

    Just yesterday, in conversation with my children I found myself wanting to embrace those similar shared feelings. When one gets to this point in life - a little over the top and then some-- life looks a little more fragile and uncertain. When good friends have passed to the other side, perspective takes on a whole new focus. 

     So let me just share a few of my heart felt feelings. Top of the my list:I would breathe deeper each morning, take longer walks and blow more kisses to God. I would share my mistakes more openly. I would laugh until the tears roll down my cheeks making them sticky.  I would dance in the puddled rain more often. I would allow those peanut butter kisses to remain longer on my face. I would treasure little fingerprints and smudges.  I would reach out and smile to more strangers.  I would hug my children and grandchillies longer and longer.  I would sample more perfumes.  I would learn Spanish so I could understand everyone around me. I would drive faster.  I would place a fresh bouquet of flowers on my desk at least once a month.  I would sing to the top of my lungs and beat on the steering wheel as I drive.  I’d be sillier.  I would visit more cemeteries. I would plant a new and different flower every spring. I would read more. I would make a brand new friend everyday. I would paint my fingernails blood red (for one day). I would seek to hold close the good friends I have. I would forgive myself quicker. I would take more chances and try harder things.  I would watch more sunsets. I would tickle and squeeze my grandchillies till their faces turn red. I would stay up late until I accomplished making someone a touch happier. I would wash my clothes in Tide, and write a thought for each day.  

          Funny, I just realized to be fully content and happy, I must change the “I would” into present tense:  “I will.” Imagine what the ‘presence tense’ can bring to life.  

    “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”  

                                        Eleanor Roosevelt 

     So for today, take a moment and reflect upon those things you wish to embrace as well. Some might call it “wishful thinking.” But at some point along the journey of life, each of us will sit back, reflect, and ponder how we experienced this earthly privilege.

    Hopefully, the: “I wish I had, I should have,why didn't I, would have’s,”  won’t generate any trama.  We will realize that here and now - the present  moments can make all the difference.     

    I believe, just as Marjorie Hinckley expressed driving up to the pearly gates...

    I want to meet my maker having accomplished all that I was sent here to do. That has been a lifelong worry and concern of mine. I wish God would define it more clearly.  I guess some prayers just don’t get direct answers.  So, whether it’s writing a book, scripting music, loving my children, mending a heart, being a good friend, being the best of sweethearts, bring joy to someone, and to God.... I want to do it right. You see I don't want to ever become another parable of an ungrateful servant. I want to return home with arms eager and open, because I know His are.   

I know that each of us are encircled in the arms of God’s love and tender care. 

      I can bear solid testimony that He lives, that He gives, and gives freely. All one has to do is go for a short walk, listen to the birds sing, watch the bumble bee, breathe in the fresh fragrance of flowers, watch the drifting clouds, smell the rain, and realize that all things, testify of our supreme creator. 

      I like how Hans Urs von Balthasar phrased it:   

        “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” 

   Might we all seek to share our gifts freely, untying the ribbons daily for others as well as ourselves to enjoy. 

   Embrace the Day!  

     Love to all Shauna

                         Follow the Signs

by Shauna Brown  
 
    Some forty years ago I was introduced to the experience of  “Garage/ Yard Sales” by my mother-in-law. Some might call it junking, scumming, or seeking for treasures. 
      It was during those early Saturday morning expeditions I came to find treasures, trinkets, and needed objects for my new home.  The saying it true:  “one man’s trash - is another man’s treasure.”  For me it began my exploration of treasure hunting. 
      I have frequently been  filled with delight as friends inquire, “Where did you get that?" or “I want one.”  “I love it.” Equally to my joy is watching their faces as I explain that I found it at a garage sale.  
     You’ve seen the signs posted along side the road --Garage Sale, Yard, Estate, Neighborhood Sale.  Let me just say, I appreciate those who clearly mark, use lots of brightly colored posters, arrows, balloons, indicating the direction that I should travel. I am attracted to those that look the most promising. Words like huge, epic, gigantic, multi family, neighborhood, estate, always draw me to follow and cross my fingers. I am hopeful to be lead to an ample abundance of possibilities.  
      It’s amazing, as I often encounter a memory walk through days past. I find toys that look just like the ones used by my children. I smile, as I loved the days of young motherhood. Dishes, dolls, books and bicycles that held some of my own childhood memories. One can find everything from A to Z.  Pieces of history and lives set atop tables or stuffed into boxes. 

    With delight I have carried my arms filled with treasured finds with an equally  large grin and some what giggled pride.   I guess one might conclude I was at 'the right place at the right time.' 

       On the other hand, I have followed signs that indicated that it was a Huge Sale only to find a meager few items scattered over the yard. I call those yard sales more than disappointing.  I give them little attention and drive on.
     I love the yard sales where boxes and tables are filled and brimming over, as I have discovered that often the seller is more than willing to accept my offer,  “Will you take less?”  
      So today, this Sunday, let us ponder the words written for each of us. Words that lead us almost like arrows to the ultimate ESTATE destination: to live with God again.
   There won’t be balloons or florescent posters to mark the way, and we won’t have any money in our pockets.  We will come empty handed.    Perhaps some of us will hope and pray that we can extend,  “Will you take less?”  Yet I think not, for clearly God has spelled it out, written in big, bold letters: 
         I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you;
        Or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.
        I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.   Doctrine and Covenants 82:8: 
       
      Each of us are bound by a promise from a loving Father in Heaven. I love God's generous treasures, gifts and constant directions. His greatest desire is that we return to Him. 
     In the Bible God shares : "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  How disappointed we will be if we seek for something of less value,or if we have forgotten and packed away His purpose within our lives. How sad we will be when seeing all that He would wish for us has been lessened by our choices.  Clearly we will be humbled as we realize that at that moment we cannot extend: "Will you take less?" Especially when He has given all. 
       Joseph Brackett was an Elder in the Shaker community. It was Brackett's belief that all of us are gifted with free choices. Ultimately our choices we lead us to discover and find our way home.  He wrote and composed a song in 1848, 
originally entitled,“Tis the Gift”  He shared about the simple, defined, directions of life: 

          ‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free
          ‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
          And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
          ‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

          When true simplicity is gain’d,
          To bow and to bend we shan’t be asham’d,
          To turn, turn will be our delight,
          Till by turning, turning we come ‘round right. 

 
  
 
May we all keep turning and turning 'til we come ‘round right.   

Enjoy the Sabbath
Love to all

Shauna 

Sometimes He Lets It Rain

by Shauna Brown 

    This incident happened years ago, but it has always rested upon my heart.   

    Rick and I had gone out to dinner and was enjoying our conversation and waiting for our meal to arrive, when a woman was seated across the table from us. I expected to see her husband, family, quickly join with her. Minutes passed by and she remained sitting at the table alone. Something inside nibbled at our conscience and united we invited her to come and sit with us.  She smiled with surprise and  graciously refused our offer. 

        “No, I’m fine thank you.” 

      Still we both encouraged her to come and enjoy her meal with us.  It was then she said, “It’s my birthday and my husband has given me the gift I wanted most-- enjoy a meal alone.”  

      I was shocked, and truly must have reflected my surprise. “You’re birthday!”  Spontaneously I started to sing, joined by Rick, in a familiar birthday melody. 

     She smiled with appreciation and expressed her gratitude for our rendition. Then with just a few sentences she revealed and opened our eyes to the unusual birthday gift.  She shared that many years prior she and her husband were excited to have a baby.  Yet, as life would have it he had been born handicapped and was in need of constant care. Family, friends and well meaning neighbors had strongly encouraged them to place him in a facility for the retarded and handicapped.  The young couple made the decision to keep their young son at home. It was easy to feel of her love and devotion for her son. Years of endless sacrifice had warranted and welcomed this night as a birthday wish of TIME. Time to be alone. Time to sit and allow her thoughts to wander.  Time to eat a meal in silence without having to spoon feed her son and wipe a drooling face. Time to listen to music playing. Time to observe others. Time to just sit. Time to be served instead of serving.    

    As she shared her story with us it was evident that the pressure of taking care of her son was constant and tiring.     

     “I told my husband all I wanted for my birthday was go out to dinner,” she said. “My husband is staying at home with our son Benjamin.”  

       We respected her wishes and let her savor each bite of her dinner.  

       That experience one again opened my understanding to the various challenges that many are facing in life.  I often consider and refer to them as climate changes. We observe many who seemingly enjoy a carefree and sunkissed day, while others are living with partly cloudy moments, still some are trying to survive under constant torrents of down pouring rain. 

          A few years ago I wrote a script,“Stand Against the Wind.” Within the presentation  a soloist sang a song-Sometimes He Let’s It Rain.  As she sang, it was apparent that the words were felt by most in the audience. Tears flowed as they recognized their own personal journey of climate changes. The music was written by (Tyler Castleton/ Staci Peters) 

      Sometimes He Lets It Rain 

She sees the storm clouds gather 

The sky is turning cold and gray 

She knows that something’s coming 

When she starts to feel this way 

She pleads for intervention 

But heaven offers no relief 

And she would understand if she could only see that 

Sometimes He lets it rain 

He lets the fierce winds blow 

Sometimes it takes a storm 

To lead a heart where it can grow 

He can move mountains of grief 

And oceans of pain 

But sometimes he lets it rain 

When her heart surrenders  

To the Master in control 

Her spirit learns the lessons of the tempest in her soul 

When it’s no longer raging 

She can see how far she’s come 

Through the wisdom and the mercy of the Son 

Sometimes He lets it rain 

He lets the fierce winds blow 

Sometimes it takes a storm 

To lead a heart where it can grow 

He can move mountains of grief 

And oceans of pain 

But sometimes he lets it rain 

       Sometimes God does let it rain, I know that to be true. I’m just appreciative and thankful that we can feel equally of His umbrella of loving protection.   

       One doesn’t have to look far to see that many are holding onto an umbrella of hope. I’m thankful to Heavenly Father for allowing us to observe and learn. 

     I encourage all to go and listen to the song - let it soak into your heart.

Have a sunshine day. . . with a cherry on top!

or --- go out and play in the puddles

Enjoy!

Love Shauna 

Remember. . .

by Shauna Brown 

      I don’t recall my earliest attraction for cemetaries. I only know that I am drawn there. Perhaps it was the many Memorial Days that our family spent filling Mason Canning Jars with bouquets of Iris, Daisies, Lialics, and Mums . We would drive to various cemetaries and almost ceremoniously we would place our fragrant remembrances on the head stones of our loved ones. There were stories shared and sometimes even the shedding of tears.    

     I laugh now thinking that perhaps my enchantment for cemetaries came because of a song my Mother taught me.  Some chill with the lyrics, but it always makes me smile, as Mama sang it so dramatically when ever she saw a hearse. Yet, if death had a sting, my Mother shared a different slant on it.   Some might consider it morbid, at first I did, but somehow it can growns on you.  It’s reality.

    Humor me a little as I share the lyrics - for to stir a giggle from

 heaven.

    

     Have you ever thought when the hearse goes by.

   That sooner or later both you and I 

Will go riding by in that old grey hack

And never be thinking of coming back.

They’ll bury you down in the ground so deep

And there they will leave you forever to sleep

The worms will crawl in and the worms will crawl out

They’ll crawl all over your nose and mouth

They’ll bring their friends, and their friends, friends too,

And you’ll look like heck when they’ll through with you! 

        What?  I hear you say... you’re Mama taught you that?  Yes!  My own children still to this very day cringe when I sing  it.  I laugh just like Mama did.

   Just yesterday I was riding in the car with my ten year old, granddaughter Kate. As we were about to drive past a cemetary I watched with surprise as she inhaled a large gasp of air. She held her breathe, and her eyes began to bulge. Coming to the edge of the cemetary she then let out a gasp of relief. Clearly, I didn’t know what she was doing. Upon request  I soon discovered that a cousin had shared with her that if you leave your mouth open while driving past a cemetery - there are evil,  spirits that want to enter your body. So one must hold their breath.  I don’t know which is worse. Singing about hearses, or holding one’s breath until the cemetery is out of sight. Anyway, it is something new to smile about.

         Over the years my family have kindly tolerated my interest, and infatuation with cemetaries. We’ve been to hundreds of them. From Arlington National, to Anaconda, St. Peter’s Basilica to Sleep Hollow.  Tombstones get my imagination going, especially the really old ones that are falling over, sinking into the ground or have intriguing epitaphs. Little figures and symbols frequently decorated the face. Sometimes there are simple stories scripted in stone, leaving legacies and questions for generations. I’m fasinated with life and how we all must come to value it. 

Just a couple of weekends ago Rick and I were on a short get-a-way.  Taking a morning walk we happened upon a small and remote cemetery.  I was glad I had my camera in hand, and  I clicked away. I considered the cemetery a morning’s blessing. Rick knew we had to climb the hill to touch a head stone or two. I love the carved images and epitaphs, forever written. I read the names aloud and for a moment gave a silent ovation for a life lived. There comes a sence of purpose, even though you have never seen their faces before, or heard their names. Sometimes only partial name is visible, and some stones worn almost completely away. Yet, their plot and purpose in life still is marked and valued.  

       I have oftened pondered upon the sacred “Garden Tomb”, where the stone was rolled away -- for me. Where head wraps and white shroad cloth were momentarily worn, then folded and gently placed upon the burial slab, made of stone. 

          

          What would His epitaph read? 

     “HE IS RISEN"          “GOD'S SON”  

“HE GAVE ALL FOR ALL”      “HE CAME FOR ME”

“HE LIVED PERFECTLY” “HALLELUJAH!”  

“REMEMBER ME”  

       

      Everyone of us has the desire to be remembered. Jesus Christ  showed each of us our eternal value. Like the stone carver, Jesus knows the time it takes to engrave those words of significiance, as he shared:'

Behold, I have 'graven thee upon the palms of my hands; 

thy walls are continually before me.

                      Isaiah 49: 16

    

       “Continually before me,” no need to hold your breathe, just hold the knowledge that God is standing close by.  I believe Jesus Christ is truly interested in the details, even the smallest of details of our lives.  Sometimes in the unusual things, funny moments and sober times.  In fact,  I think that He laughed aloud as my Mama taught the song about hearses, death and decay.  

      Then he  paused, smiled, and reflected along as I was frequently taught of Christ. He was remembered. He listened to the significant stories and songs I learned about him, and to this very day I rejoice in Christ. He is my salvation, my Savior. 

      So instead of placing flowers on cold stoned memorials... I joyfully breathe in daily knowing that life has divine purpose. That I know I am loved - forever and ever. 

      We all eventually  die, and the worms will crawl in, and out, and we return to dust. 

    Yet, we can rejoice knowing that we shall live again. For it is His promise and plan.  

      Breathe deeply, and hold your breath at cemeteries. Just thinking. . . 

Enjoy your Sabbath

Love to All Shauna

                            

                                 SMILES

by Shauna Brown 

    Over the past 40 years I have observed an incredible phenomenon. When a positive energy source is introduced into a static, negative environment great things can happen. Either the negative source will quickly seek for an escape route or will be drawn to the positive source of energy.  Time and time again I marvel at this occurrence. 

     My sweetheart, Rick,  is truly a positive source of joy. He can instantly make a new friend, whether it’s a cashier who’s tired and irritable, or a salesman who has little hope of making a sale. Sometimes it’s a staffer who clearly would rather be somewhere else. Yet, within a matter of moments, with just a few words, a smile, or a reassuring touch, the power to change and invite the spirit of love is evident. 

   Just yesterday, Rick and I were visiting an Insta-care facility.  True to his standard, within a matter of seconds, in spite of his bleeding hand, he had the staff in stitches.  

        “Where did you find him?”  “Is he always like this?”  “Is he on medication?”    “Is there ever a dull moment in your life?” Are among the common responses I hear.   Frequently I must  shake my head, confess and confirm, “He’s just kidding.”   I admit, I felt an urgency to counter most of his teasing to insure that correct medical information was being issued to the nurse. I’m just grateful it wasn’t a life or death situation or they would have considered using a straight jacket.  

      I’m sure laughter in an emergency room isn’t common place.  Yet, once again I realized how Rick thrives in bringing moments of joy to others.  He just LOVES everyone. It delights my heart to watch him spin his magic.  

      Most of the nursing staff were drawn to his side. Truly he can be a one man show. Rarely are there standing ovations given, but I applaud his abilities and desire to make the world more interesting and filled with joy. I love to watch the smiles.  Rick has the uncanny ability and habit of bringing a generous dose of humor and fresh happiness.         

      “You made my day.”  “Come again, and soon!”  “Thank you !”  “Come back,” are common comments, and always returned with a broader smile. 

     The following capsulates Rick. . .  

   “What is the best that lies within us? Of how much are we capable? None of us yet knows. An old Arabic legend tells of a rider finding a spindly sparrow lying on its back in the middle of the road. He dismounted and asked the sparrow why his feet were in the air. Replied the sparrow, “I heard the heavens were going to fall today.” “And I suppose you think your puny bird legs can hold up the whole universe?” laughed the horseman. “Perhaps not,” said the sparrow with conviction, “but one does whatever one can.”  

       Jeffrey R. Holland, Created for Greater Things 

        . . . And so it is with Rick---Doing all that he can to make the world a better place. 

Truly, life is meant to be enjoyed.

      Can you imagine the surprised look on the visiting stake presidents face when Bishop Brown got up at the conclusion of the meeting and said aloud, "Let the congregation say -Amen! "  

  

     You should have seen all of the smiles,while my heart giggled.   

                                        AMEN !

    

                   

                        Therefore, what manner of men ought you to be?

by Shauna Brown           
     
        Every morning , my father would open the kitchen window wide, breathe in the fresh morning air and then announce aloud, “It’s a beautiful day!  Oh, what a beautiful morning.”  Frequently I expected him to go into a musical rendition of Oklahoma. It was as if he wanted the world and everyone around to appreciate it and take note.   I loved waking up to Daddy. 
        Our family had little need for alarm clocks, as daddy was consistent and punctual in making his proclamation. I smile just thinking about it, just thinking about him.    
        Can you imagine it? Waking up each day to a positive person that had great expectations and outlook for the day? Even if it was raining outside --it was still beautiful. If storm clouds surrounded the house--it was beautiful. If snow had nearly frozen the window shut-- it was still beautiful.  Daddy clearly loved life and shared of his appreciation freely. I can never recall a morning growing up that wasn’t started out with a positive greeting.  
    Years after, even when my father had the debilitating, Parkinson’s Disease and could barely move he tried his best to instill within us his positive nature. Through difficulties he smiled. He kept trying. 
           I remember hearing my Sunday School Teacher, Don Harris, share that we learn the most in our lives from worthy examples. He asked the class if we knew of someone who was a  good example.  I  immediately thought of my father. He had been such a good model of manhood to many.  
    In my book of life he has numerous chapters. Daddy was a tender, sensitive, devoted and loving husband. He was a wonderful provider.  He was honest in his dealings and was described by many as Mr. Integrity. Daddy loved his children and I knew with every fiber within me that he loved the Lord.  He honored his Priesthood and served faithfully for years, so many years that I only recall sitting on the church bench a couple of times with him. Gratefully, in my life I have been blessed to be inspired and motivated by my Father.   Truly he followed the supreme exemplar.  Which leads me to ponder upon the scripture when the Lord questioned: “Therefore, what manner of men ought you to be?  Verily I say unto you, even as I am. “  
     The Apostle Paul provides great indicators of what manner of men: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Then came the concluding charge: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”   
               Oh, I feel gratitude that I have been surrounded by some pretty incredible men in my life.  They have stood upon the shoulders of their fathers. Fathers who asked themselves, “ What manner of men ought I to be? and strived diligently to be positive examples.  I have brothers, uncles, grandfathers, sons, and to top it off, I have a wonderful husband who I think stands as worthy example to many.   
        Happy Fathers Day to all the men who have sought to live up to their divine potential, who open the windows to discovery, and inspire us to step up and lead.

Enjoy your Sabbath
Love to all
Shauna 

                                     "Be True to You!"

by Shauna V. Brown 

In high school some of my friends and associates referred to me by a word that I came to dislike intensely --“WEIRD.”  “You’re, weird Shauna.” “People can’t be happy all the time.”  “Don’t you ever quit smiling?"  "You’re weird.” “You’re strange.”      As I made plans to attend college away from home, friends and family I determined to change my persona-- a new Shauna.   I was desirous to pattern my actions after a few I had observed.  I would try to be quiet like Joanna, smile like Sara Jane, be more delicate like Ann, be softer spoken. I would develop a more reserved personality like Peggy. I believe I was on the pinnacle of becoming the new and improved Shauna Van Wagenen.      I went to Utah State University where I knew no one, and no one knew me.      After a brief period, a little over two weeks, of self seeking transformation ,  I was called to come and visit with my new Bishop. I imagined that he was going to give me an opportunity to serve in the church, probably someone to lead the music.     Now realize, this was my first conversation, and meeting with the bishop. I sat quietly across the desk from him.  There was no friendly chit chat, no get acquainted conversation. He cleared his throat. Then, looking directly into my eyes he said:  “Shauna, your Heavenly Father loves you very much. He wants you to know that you must be true to yourself.  You are not acting your part.”           I was stunned. It was as if someone had sucked all the air out of my lungs. He sat quietly waiting for me to take in the simple message he had presented.  Then he added,  “Shauna, be true to you.”  “Just be yourself.”     The words vibrated within my heart and I clearly recognized, and felt a sense of guilt.  The truthfulness of the statement was deeply impressed. I knew it, the Bishop knew it, God knew it and I could not deny it.  I was trying to be a composite of personalities, someone that I wasn’t meant to be. I had been untrue to my divine creator’s purpose.  I cried.      Through my tears I came to realized a surge of freedom. I was expected to be 'Shauna.'  I wasn’t meant to be carbon copy of anyone. I wasn't meant to act like Peggy, Ann, or Joanna.  Through the mouthpiece of a sensitive and inspired Bishop - I was directed, corrected and prompted to make an adjustment in my behavior and outlook.         That fall afternoon is forever written on my heart, “Be true to you.”     I left his office a far different young lady.  I welcomed back the spirit I had tried to suffocate. On the long walk back to my apartment I spent time in self talk and prayer.  I realized that no matter where we live, our Father in Heaven is very much aware of each of us. God had revealed so tenderly one of the missions in my life.           Imagine Martha Washington as she wrote: “I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.”           In John 16:33, it reads:  “Be of good cheer”.  It’s not a limited command, it is meant for all. Regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, what others may say of us, they are merely challenges with purpose that we must over come.  Developing an attitude of good cheer is a choice.         Descriptive words like weird, strange, screwy, odd, still on occasion brush against my sensitive soul, but I have found it’s a blessing to dispel it, I simply respond:  “I’m unique.”  Fully knowing that I was gifted with a cheerful heart, I am meant to spread sunshine.         Enjoy the Sabbath         Love to all         Shauna