Nostalgia and Innocence

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I’m feeling nostalgic today, missing the innocence of years past.  I had an awesome dream the other night where I was recruited to sing at the “Lawrence Welk Reunion Show”.  Now some of you are saying, “Who’s Lawrence Welk?”  I grew up watching this show with my parents, sitting on the floor of my family room, listening to Guy & Ralna, the accordion guy Myron, the Champagne Lady Norma Zimmer.  Now, this is a major nerd alert warning, but we actually got to see the cast perform live when I was a child, and they autographed a picture for me afterwards.  I remember everyone smiling and so gracious and patient.  It was quite exciting.  Even now, if I think of the closing song, “Good night, sleep tight, and pleasant dreams to you…” I can get quite choked up.  🙂

lawrencewelk2Now to the sad part of the dream…everyone else that had been recruited as an extra for the Lawrence Welk show didn’t want to be there.  They were complaining that they wished they could sing on something relevant and more cutting edge.  And it made me sad.  Because, yes, sometimes the show (and others of its time period) could be cheesy and corny, but it was innocent and lovely and sweet.  Don’t miss the sweet and lovely and innocent things in your life; they are truly beautiful.  “Adios, au revoir, auf wiedersehen….good night!”  Slainte, Lisa

Lisa’s Top 5 St Patrick’s Day Countdown…Number ONE!

Giant drumroll please……….number one on my top Irish groups/singers is here.  Let’s countdown my favorite 5 so far:

5. The High Kings  4. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh  3. The Chieftains           2. Cara Dillon

And Number 1 is U2.  They have provided the soundtrack for many moments in my life, and I appreciate their music so much.  Here’s a favorite concert moment, “Where the Streets Have No Name” from Boston 2001.  “What can I give back to God for the blessings He’s poured out on me?  I’ll lift high the cup of salvation; a toast to God.    I’ll pray in the name of God;
I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do…”  (from Psalm 116; The Message) Be blessed today, and have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day!  Slainte, Lisa

Spring Is Coming

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Before these precious little crocuses in my yard get squashed by the 6 to 12 inch snow the forecasters say is coming, I wanted to share them with you.  Spring is coming…the flowers and budding trees and green grass and warmth on our faces.  I have to tell you, I’m not a big snow fan, but I know complaining and moaning about it will only make it worse.  :/  So I’m going to focus on what I know is ahead, past the other side of the wet stuff.

There’s a great song by Steven Curtis Chapman called “Spring Is Coming” that he wrote when he and his family were facing very hard days.  There are seasons, and after the hard times have passed, the warmth will return.  It’s coming.  🙂  Blessings and love, Lisa

The Best Shepherd Ever

Weekends usually hold a lot of expectation for most people.  Time to relax, time to be with family, time to reconnect with friends, time to pursue some grand adventure.  And sometimes the expectation can be rather exhausting.  “What are we going to do this weekend?  I don’t know…what do you want to do?” etc.  Sometimes it’s good just to rest and recharge for the next week, and not have so many plans.  Here’s a great psalm for meditating on contentment and peace.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want
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He makes me lie down in green pastures

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He leads me beside quiet waters

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He restores my soul.  (Psalm 23:1-3a)

In the midst of your weekend, take a deep breath and just be….just be.  The best Shepherd ever is taking care of us.  Slainte, Lisa