tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72151441181132579882024-03-13T00:03:17.203-04:00Laurel Jean's ScrapbookSharing <b>God's Guiding Glimpses</b> into my Life of <i>Music</i> and <i>Ministry</i>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-8173982951976916282020-06-24T12:28:00.000-04:002020-06-24T12:30:55.273-04:00Winter/Spring, 2020<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyf-Juu9AThEVbt-cGuhc62-St_8KovVggkRuOfGrgJsW4ibrlncj-G9n8pqKXTWtjlcQthjEZIsP5ezCHANhrAlcu1MgVi3TdcHU3ZPTxfFI9_Rk94EUbEH6k8znEhaULEWFpsIRJzk/s1600/011720_audrey_and_bernie_blessing600W-762263.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyf-Juu9AThEVbt-cGuhc62-St_8KovVggkRuOfGrgJsW4ibrlncj-G9n8pqKXTWtjlcQthjEZIsP5ezCHANhrAlcu1MgVi3TdcHU3ZPTxfFI9_Rk94EUbEH6k8znEhaULEWFpsIRJzk/s320/011720_audrey_and_bernie_blessing600W-762263.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel assists in the blessing of Audrey and her new guide, Bernie." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6840096894057743074" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class="">Every beginning is best accompanied by God's blessings. </b>Earlier this year, I happily joined in the blessing of a newly-graduated guide dog team. Audrey and her successor guide Bernie began home training in January and graduated just ten days later. While Southeastern Guide Dogs trainer Heidi Ilgen snapped pictures, long-time friend Pastor Lynnette D'Attley connected with us via phone all the way from Salem, IL. As Pastor Lynnette offered prayers, I held the phone on speaker, administered the sprinkling of water and made the sign of the Cross on the foreheads of this newly-bonded team.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 11px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-family: Arial;" class=""><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; -webkit-font-kerning: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="">Audrey says, "</span><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">I realized almost immediately that it had been a long 10 years since working with a 2 year old brand new guide. thankfully, we both lived through our training-Bernie is so very tolerant and patient! Each day our bond grows tighter as we learn and love each other more."</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-family: Arial; min-height: 16px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-family: Arial;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">As for Audrey's retired guide, Jessie, he has been promoted to "Executive Director of Homeland Security." His duties include but are not limited to holding down the sofa (where he still enjoys hanging out with his mom), greeting folks at the door--always with a favorite toy in his mouth--and removing crumbs from the kitchen floor. Both fur boys and their human mom are known and loved by so many, and I count it among my own greatest blessings to have them in my life.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-family: Arial; min-height: 16px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-family: Arial; -webkit-font-kerning: none;" class="">Later in January, I was asked to officiate during the monthly meeting of the Friends of Bartimaeus, leading the group with music, devotions and prayers. Currently in its eighth year of ministry, this Christian outreach for the blind is </span>one of around 40 in the United States and the only one of its kind in the state of South Carolina. During the January meeting, we recognized Rev. Christian King and her husband Kelvin for their efforts on behalf of the blindness community. A couple of years ago, while I was out walking, Rev. King stopped me as she was driving by and handed me a Braille pamphlet containing vital information from FEMA on the subject of disaster preparedness. Thanks to her kind and thoughtful gesture, my colleagues and I were able to make this information available in accessible formats throughout the local blindness community.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><b class="">Spring comes early here in Charleston</b>. Birds fill the air with song as they prepare to nest, and signs of new life are all around us. With the coming of spring, I am always reminded of a beautiful song that I learned in my middle-school chorus days, "Take These Wings" by Don Besig. This year, I was honored to present "Take These Wings" for a dear sister in Christ during her Celebration of Life service. Though I never met this beautiful lady in person, she and her sister found comfort listening to my CD's during her time in hospice care. "Take These Wings," with its poignant illustration of the circle of life, was a favorite between the two of them.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><b class="">Then came Covid-19</b>. To say that life is different now would certainly be an understatement! Still, during these past several months of quarantine measures, God seems always to find something for us to do. People in California, Florida and the Carolinas have had questions about the wonderful grocery-and-restaurant delivery apps that many of us in the blindness community have been enjoying for the past couple of years. Together, we helped people find dog food, order groceries and get nice meals delivered to their doors. Audrey and I both keep quality disposal masks on hand, and have been giving them to folks who don't have any. And, we're here for people who just need to talk. By the time I serve in ministry--even from home--walk my Sonny dog and keep the household stocked, there's really no time to be bored here. Nope, I haven't binge watched since binge watching was the thing to do!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">I pray that everyone is staying safe and taking this virus seriously. Our bodies are God's temple, so we really need to take care of ourselves and watch out for one another. For me, it is a time to focus less on conventional gatherings in church buildings and concentrate more on doing my part as a member of The Body of Christ. It is a time to draw closer to God and ask Him to help us find creative ways in which we can share His love with others.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Treasured moments for me during this pandemic have included daily phone conversations with my mother. Mom is approaching the cusp of another milestone birthday, but one would not know that to be around her. She does so much for others in and around her community, maintains her home and yard with minimal assistance and clings to The Lord with an unshakeable faith. I thank God for every opportunity that He gives me to talk with her and other dear ones, back in my beloved home state of Illinois.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><b class="">During this time of such tremendous unrest in our nation and our world, I stand with all of my brothers and sisters who are crying out for justice and peace. </b>Every day, in communal devotions and prayers, Audrey and I pray that God will put each of us where He wants us, and use each of us where He puts us. We also ask that He help us to tear down the walls of division and build bridges of unity in our neighborhood, our city, our state, our nation and our world. The Bible tells us that our loving God is not the author of fear and confusion. In fact, His Word reminds us that His perfect Love casts out all fear. May our hearts and minds truly be transformed by God's peace--a peace that reaches far beyond all human understanding--in our Lord Jesus Christ. He is, by His promise written in the Scriptures, the same yesterday, today and forever.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><b class="">Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart</b>.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">© 2020 by Laurel Jean Walden</div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-71947527574113473942019-12-24T12:34:00.000-05:002020-06-24T12:40:32.280-04:00Christmas Light, 2019<div class=""><br class=""></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDySKmuFSsLp1kNeynKVSO_pNoSxhQzd9BwArBy3IBe8l5OlNtkDRGTHD08x_SDWm7an1Q4aMmv07NVZjEaoDO39TwzLapQVQgau1NagTd5_rfDyZST5gih0dZM6_oYJC3td5agsuTH80/s1600/ChristmasLights2_600W460H-743229.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDySKmuFSsLp1kNeynKVSO_pNoSxhQzd9BwArBy3IBe8l5OlNtkDRGTHD08x_SDWm7an1Q4aMmv07NVZjEaoDO39TwzLapQVQgau1NagTd5_rfDyZST5gih0dZM6_oYJC3td5agsuTH80/s320/ChristmasLights2_600W460H-743229.JPG" border="0" alt="Christmas lights in Laurel's yard" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6823811582855348226" /></a><div class=""><br class=""><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">I love Christmas lights! As a child, I was always eager to join in the pleasant task of decorating each year's chosen tree, and I couldn't wait for those seasonal car rides thru the festively decorated parks and neighborhoods near our home. My extremely limited light and contrast perception was so greatly enhanced by family and friends, with their vivid descriptions of beautiful Nativity scenes, elegant trees, homey fence lines, welcoming front porches, whimsical characters, glistening stars and sparkling snowflakes. I have never thought twice about saying something like, "I want to go look at Christmas lights," and each year I look forward to decorating the front yard here at the cottage.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 11px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">It was in this spirit of Christmas that I agreed to the purchase of an eleven-foot inflatable Christmas tree, and in the very same spirit that I crawled around on the cool, damp earth, securing its stakes and tying it down on one of the windiest days of the year here in Charleston. I heard laughter coming from the phone that I had handed off to my best friend so that a nice sighted person in Arizona could look thru the phone's camera, (hopefully) disregard my upward-pointing behind and assist in making sure that the tree was standing straight. Of course, I was laughing, too.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 11px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">With each new Holiday season, that true joy of Christmas--represented by so many beautiful sights and sounds--is just waiting to be shared all over again. God's Light keeps shining through it all, and I am grateful for each opportunity that He gives me to share His Christmas Joy.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 11px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">This year, I was pleased to once again provide music and entertainment for the Holiday Party hosted by the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of South Carolina. Over 200 guests enjoyed a delicious catered meal, and fellowship with friends. The laughter and merry greetings that filled the room afforded the perfect environment for sharing some of my favorite Christmas tunes and taking request from attendees. I found it extremely humbling to learn that, due to the prevalence of isolation among the blindness community, this annual celebration is the only Christmas outing that some people are able to attend each year. My heartfelt thanks to <a href="https://dixielandguidedogs.org/" class="">Dixie Land Guide Dog Users</a> for the generous sponsorship.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 11px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Another highlight of the 2019 Christmas season was a special presentation of dinner music and entertainment for the Grace United Methodist Church annual Christmas Dinner. This program was offered in loving memory of the late Master Chief Jackie Baker. Indeed, Jack and his wife Carolyn have been longtime personal friends and friends of the local blindness community. Over the years, the Bakers have assisted us in delivering talking Bibles, served as sighted guides at events, provided transportation to training sessions and outreach projects, and so much more! No matter how great or small the task, the Bakers were always ready and willing to serve. Heaven is surely brighter--and much more orderly--now that Jack has passed thru those gates. We send our love to Carolyn as we continue to hold her and her family in our prayers.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 11px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">With another year of music and ministry drawing to a close, I would like to thank all whose ongoing prayers and support keep me going and growing as I follow God's calling on my life. Please be assured of my own daily prayers for God's blessings on your journey. Merry Christmas, and keep His Song in your heart.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 11px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">© 2019 by Laurel Jean Walden</span></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 9px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-8985667888411107632019-11-20T13:05:00.000-05:002020-06-24T13:07:34.177-04:00Autumn Adventures, 2019<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdmWtKffO3wYJvLZ56cQU2H2hPPmyG16wpnJ1O-mpxuMd9KLt5Yk4xUqu0Oix_960R7xHpcw9qDGjIGT2FbhYJtMT5eOu3Ur-ltpKhKMz3u1C42TPgDZpAOHiPjoV-ZGXtrhuIQasQI8/s1600/110219_dlgdu_group_shot600W-772754.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdmWtKffO3wYJvLZ56cQU2H2hPPmyG16wpnJ1O-mpxuMd9KLt5Yk4xUqu0Oix_960R7xHpcw9qDGjIGT2FbhYJtMT5eOu3Ur-ltpKhKMz3u1C42TPgDZpAOHiPjoV-ZGXtrhuIQasQI8/s320/110219_dlgdu_group_shot600W-772754.jpg" border="0" alt="Gathering with Dixie Land Guide Dog Users and friends at James Island County Park" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6821963590460776754" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class="">The gentle winds of autumn have really been a breath of fresh air here in the Lowcountry, perfect for a day at James Island County Park. It was so good to get together with fellow Dixie Landers and friends from the MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) Storm Eye Institute at Dixie Land's Fall Outing. Present were 12 adults, four young people, three dogs (two working guides and one guide dog puppy in training) and, oh yes, two baby goats courtesy of Sheryl's Farm. Thanks to Shirley Anderson with MUSC for the pictures.</b></span></div></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm0YOYFlXu_GR0Yy0b53PRSza5VRNaW-1ysMT3ypfJvETLO5EH4-63mGHflNxxcQb2XUWKM-meS6Q-1VjyHh2bCa9cs_48xukmBkH6QTfGupHdgwFhw34Du5KcLgnOTPmXmY2H4JnYR0/s1600/110219_dlgdu_walk_thru_park600W-774857.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm0YOYFlXu_GR0Yy0b53PRSza5VRNaW-1ysMT3ypfJvETLO5EH4-63mGHflNxxcQb2XUWKM-meS6Q-1VjyHh2bCa9cs_48xukmBkH6QTfGupHdgwFhw34Du5KcLgnOTPmXmY2H4JnYR0/s320/110219_dlgdu_walk_thru_park600W-774857.jpg" border="0" alt="Walking thru James Island County Park." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6821963599841526450" /></a></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class="">The beautiful weather was just right for a walk. I had already walked three miles with my Lab Sonny (who is soooo not a guide dog), so I went with Terrie to helped collect the food while our guests enjoyed a little hike. Dixie Land GDU provided snacks and drinks for all in attendance, and each of our young guests was able to take a turn bottle feeding the baby goats.</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class=""></b></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">My fellow Dixie Landers and I continue to serve as peer mentors for people who have recently lost their sight. Last year, we joined forces with the Storm Eye Institute, teaching Sensitivity and Awareness to their staff and students, and helping them to find resources for their patients. <span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; -webkit-font-kerning: none;" class=""><b class="">We look forward to spending more time with our friends from MUSC and are excited about the possibility of starting a tandem bicycling partnership in the future. .</b></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; -webkit-font-kerning: none;" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; -webkit-font-kerning: none;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTt-WP72ODXSQtr6flwgIBKTffjG87eTWoMbbS0FinR2O5g1xZd9wAYEvJu5QBubdyOHEpQu9HMwIUJEQX_RTXDP7NB9Rdz2-C4ww6pJpvP3xLM-3g6T07XhqkNJQEpFuqS7obgbNQf8/s1600/Connie_Laurel_and_Pastor_Phi600W-776463.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTt-WP72ODXSQtr6flwgIBKTffjG87eTWoMbbS0FinR2O5g1xZd9wAYEvJu5QBubdyOHEpQu9HMwIUJEQX_RTXDP7NB9Rdz2-C4ww6pJpvP3xLM-3g6T07XhqkNJQEpFuqS7obgbNQf8/s320/Connie_Laurel_and_Pastor_Phi600W-776463.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel with Pastor Phil and Connie Glick at First Baptist Church of Longwood, FL" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6821963602289723938" /></a></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; -webkit-font-kerning: none;" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; -webkit-font-kerning: none;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class="">In October, I caught an early-morning train to Florida for Music Ministry in the Greater Orlando area. Here I am with Pastor and Mrs. Phil and Connie Glick (pictured above) during fellowship time at the First Baptist Church of Longwood, FL, following my concert there. Pastor Phil and Connie are longtime friends of mine from East Central Illinois, currently serving as volunteers for Wycliffe Associates in Orlando. I've been honored to work with the Glicks, presenting for their churches in Illinois. Also, in South Carolina, Pastor Phil and Connie served on our chaplaincy team during Top Dog-Charleston, 2019. It was great to be with them again, this time in one of God's Florida "family rooms." Thanks, Pastor Phil and Connie, for taking time out to come see me.</b></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7HqMlbyL-hn9xCB85gIXyJVMq33J_nOfncOKXGpZqUXMOQbb0Tj48mvh8K04GagU9RF2CQiRJry4U0pIGAjk2yzl4pGna82xELcY5JQ8l0843yBruebN9Q9dlPPu1oKE0MHYBroodQg/s1600/Diane_Laurel_Arleigh_01_600W-777911.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7HqMlbyL-hn9xCB85gIXyJVMq33J_nOfncOKXGpZqUXMOQbb0Tj48mvh8K04GagU9RF2CQiRJry4U0pIGAjk2yzl4pGna82xELcY5JQ8l0843yBruebN9Q9dlPPu1oKE0MHYBroodQg/s320/Diane_Laurel_Arleigh_01_600W-777911.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel with Diane and Arleigh Baker" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6821963611640975906" /></a></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class="">I was also blessed to catch up with my dear friends, Arleigh and Diane Baker and their son, Tom (the guy behind the camera). A fellow musician, Arleigh has served as a technical adviser of mine for many years. I always treasure time spent with him and his beautiful family.</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class=""></b></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class="">In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am indeed grateful for the heartfelt prayers and support of the churches, ministries, community organizations, pastors and other folks who believe in me, my Christian walk and my professional musicianship. What a joy it is to serve our Lord together, break bread and share in fellowship with such a wonderful bunch of people!</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class=""></b></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class=""></b></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class="">© 2019 by Laurel Jean Waldenµµµµ</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class=""><br class=""></b></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-87967170559198243042019-08-31T13:26:00.000-04:002020-06-24T13:29:20.315-04:00In Tune For Summer, 2019.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxg9yhZounYQ6RktJcUwE4rosGM2zNFv-oax2aUZ7Flb4cF4jkk4GbTSrAVgpL5vF7VYKiCH3P9Gqk-dg_ozaCKSx4lsfy5tfptj78Iz6zJdnY56MSbCpYWcrqDbfTbC62iG1FhyphenhyphenUlUw0/s1600/2019_crepe_myrtle_in_bloom_2_colors.600W-791617.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxg9yhZounYQ6RktJcUwE4rosGM2zNFv-oax2aUZ7Flb4cF4jkk4GbTSrAVgpL5vF7VYKiCH3P9Gqk-dg_ozaCKSx4lsfy5tfptj78Iz6zJdnY56MSbCpYWcrqDbfTbC62iG1FhyphenhyphenUlUw0/s320/2019_crepe_myrtle_in_bloom_2_colors.600W-791617.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel's Crepe Myrtle tree, blooming in two colors" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6817614157438660930" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">This beautiful crepe myrtle tree stands greeting everyone at the end of my driveway. It is always pretty in the summer, but to my knowledge has never bloomed in two colors as long as I have lived here.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">Throughout the summer, God made His awesome Presence known in so many unique and wonderful ways! There was that generous sponsor who--choosing to remain anonymous--helped to make "Music By Laurel Jean" part of the scheduled entertainment for the June meeting of the Ashley River Baptist Church "Keenagers". This is no ordinary senior group. Members are blessed with a multitude of opportunities to serve their community, preparing meals, helping to build homes and so much more! It was truly an honor to meet and present for this forever-young group of brothers and sisters in Christ!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcioDxTB1J2jw8kTQAaXfsgFUifQeRupHUlXF41ccC46TZi07jiRN_GCMflGarsPMgBFxoLmNYK0_CpNXz1cifgj4CoNmTSV6A07D6XiaNo70he0N17oM-IThLa4xMVYe2ef2Y0k3cqIQ/s1600/07_19_bark_camp_laurel_audrey_jessie_talking_to_kids600W-793011.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcioDxTB1J2jw8kTQAaXfsgFUifQeRupHUlXF41ccC46TZi07jiRN_GCMflGarsPMgBFxoLmNYK0_CpNXz1cifgj4CoNmTSV6A07D6XiaNo70he0N17oM-IThLa4xMVYe2ef2Y0k3cqIQ/s320/07_19_bark_camp_laurel_audrey_jessie_talking_to_kids600W-793011.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel with Audrey and Audrey's guide dog Jessie, talking to summer day campers" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6817614161609772386" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">Here in Charleston, my colleagues and I have been kept busy talking with sighted students attending camps throughout the greater Charleston area. My BFF Audrey and I were invited back to the Charleston Animal Society to speak to children age 7 thru 15 attending the Society's Summer BARK Camp.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2SyH2yQKcZiWHpJcvssxjC-eip9BbwXQk5qrHQrg0VLrW-GxdnMYjxoSRL0I2TsQUFCcQHtdl8LvdhUnPsKtBAn_Luk_OI6da-DdZkvo4slBFP3pwF7mmpuUpltCzElm7EjnmmmeN0U/s1600/07_19_bark_camp_audrey_w_kids_petting_jessie600W-794215.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2SyH2yQKcZiWHpJcvssxjC-eip9BbwXQk5qrHQrg0VLrW-GxdnMYjxoSRL0I2TsQUFCcQHtdl8LvdhUnPsKtBAn_Luk_OI6da-DdZkvo4slBFP3pwF7mmpuUpltCzElm7EjnmmmeN0U/s320/07_19_bark_camp_audrey_w_kids_petting_jessie600W-794215.jpg" border="0" alt="Audrey and Jessie visit with kids at Bark Camp." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6817614167250984274" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">It is always a joy to talk with sighted kids about blindness, and to answer their terrific questions. Especially fun is our time of meeting and greeting, when day campers have the opportunity to visit with a guide dog out of harness.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAC-qw7aWhKfueuXgf8PpIdWdxZUAfX1GSDaBWQ4ethP6KgMwMSqf3f7F66Y-hTBBnWX5NjFiG6EowHzZuxlgvVFuWb40n4-F6xilBlX3qMEJQURntb8os8GnWvPeoQzVeWhHcQAbY0u4/s1600/07_19_plc_laurel_w_kids_and_rev_king600W-795356.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAC-qw7aWhKfueuXgf8PpIdWdxZUAfX1GSDaBWQ4ethP6KgMwMSqf3f7F66Y-hTBBnWX5NjFiG6EowHzZuxlgvVFuWb40n4-F6xilBlX3qMEJQURntb8os8GnWvPeoQzVeWhHcQAbY0u4/s320/07_19_plc_laurel_w_kids_and_rev_king600W-795356.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel with Rev. Christian King and day campers at the Pink House Neighborhood Resource Center" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6817614170729299458" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">In July, I was also invited by Rev. Christian King, to spend time with "her kids" from age 4 to 14, during her summer program at the Pink House Learning Center, an outreach to under-served children in the community. Young people from Rev. King's group tell me that they still have the Braille name cards that I made for them during my time there.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gJiHwTdbBPJFvm0myajINGvaG7GGjWGz-65SWLWyntGu4NswzR6mKRP6GKBeuFT3iWqQC6Mgi0rpmup54IdEMTiWtp-cjnPxMEh737SoL5adjJhCuzlipa8lK9YxqzdMuDPcvwsq6jE/s1600/07_19_plc_laurel_w_kids_and_kelvin_king600W-796546.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gJiHwTdbBPJFvm0myajINGvaG7GGjWGz-65SWLWyntGu4NswzR6mKRP6GKBeuFT3iWqQC6Mgi0rpmup54IdEMTiWtp-cjnPxMEh737SoL5adjJhCuzlipa8lK9YxqzdMuDPcvwsq6jE/s320/07_19_plc_laurel_w_kids_and_kelvin_king600W-796546.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel with Mr. Kelvin King and summer day campers at Pink House Neighborhood Resource Center." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6817614174296013010" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">Thanks to Rev. King and her husband, Kelvin, who each took a turn at the camera so that the other could be in our group picture.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;" class="">A most impactful time of ministry for me took place this summer in a local hospital. C.A., a dear personal friend and a friend of the blindness community, had been battling pancreatic cancer for the past 5 years. When her doctor told her that nothing more could be done for her, she called to ask that Audrey and I officiate at her funeral. We agreed and wrote down all of her instructions. We were gathered with members of her family at her hospital bedside when she passed away. We had said a prayer, and I was asked to sing something. Knowing how much she loved animals, I began to sing "Peace In The Valley." As I sang "...and I'll be changed from this creature I am," our friend breathed her last on this earth and passed peacefully into Glory. As long as I live and probably longer, I will count this among my most profound and humbling experiences.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;" class="">I am reminded of a verse from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians: "Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, WEB)</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;" class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;" class="">© 2019 by Laurel Jean Walden</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-41413110910266917912019-05-31T13:40:00.000-04:002020-06-24T13:45:08.994-04:00Spring, 2019 Highlights.<div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">My spring schedule was as varied as the beautiful birdsongs that fill the air during this time of year.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAxfQLHRfJMWul_wgHAGxUgBJMTMF2swcSpJvNdc5shwGyCOxEHGb8eUgw2QcJev0PicqMpZBgnEojO9eBv62GGVjR3UafydE3Rn_bXcjwDASiG0Gi5XdAPDSAsoy20mxA0OPkYXi370/s1600/03_19_laurel_at_thornton_80th_bday600W-762289.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAxfQLHRfJMWul_wgHAGxUgBJMTMF2swcSpJvNdc5shwGyCOxEHGb8eUgw2QcJev0PicqMpZBgnEojO9eBv62GGVjR3UafydE3Rn_bXcjwDASiG0Gi5XdAPDSAsoy20mxA0OPkYXi370/s320/03_19_laurel_at_thornton_80th_bday600W-762289.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel at 'Granny Shirley's' 80th Birthday party." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6814637621527883730" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Cheers to the Craig-Thornton family for making Music By Laurel Jean part of "Granny" Shirley's surprise eightieth birthday party in March! Shirley (pictured below with her husband Charles) is the proud grandmother of Shelby, a beautiful, intelligent young lady whom I was blessed to mentor when I first came to Charleston. The ongoing friendship of this dear family means more than my words can express.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHD7CBqkNvULVPIQAOvSlKN-BdD_5x5EEJVLAAVqXT8saevxAV9WEpB0s5uZGa3eoaKRlehShsV1smUYk7vDNc0I8SCBP_kDQTvos7KU4TvhUVHQYK-m1fwBMMZcuIXdLAuPvSCJdkv98/s1600/03_19_shirley_thornton_80th_bday600W-765003.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHD7CBqkNvULVPIQAOvSlKN-BdD_5x5EEJVLAAVqXT8saevxAV9WEpB0s5uZGa3eoaKRlehShsV1smUYk7vDNc0I8SCBP_kDQTvos7KU4TvhUVHQYK-m1fwBMMZcuIXdLAuPvSCJdkv98/s320/03_19_shirley_thornton_80th_bday600W-765003.jpg" border="0" alt="Picture of Granny Shirley at her 80th Birthday party" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6814637629462480690" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">This spring, I also worked with the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department as a teaching artist for the After School Arts Enrichment Program, teaching music appreciation, with an emphasis on the piano, to children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. These children were all sighted. The Arts Department provided little roll-up electronic keyboards for the students, and I found some great keyboard guides and easy sheet music on the Internet for the kids.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">In the interest of the children's privacy, no pictures were taken. Just imagine a classroom with 26 kids between the ages of 3 and 6 on one day, between the ages of 7 and 12 on another, each with their own little keyboard, all playing something different simultaneously. It's quite an experience!</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDfPd4Bi17JTaFuQO5ijDMIRizYOZAxdnNQmcixpmJ9IzfuGdRxVgCjgaelh62Si9sDoRUq-ZBFOXzwLdDnBD1zrCzXUA2yIs86EKFdhIPAaLOmbAnPlQnrsynQlfdo60BA9OGxufbYk/s1600/05_19_laurel_w_carolyn_binion_downtown_charleston600W-766524.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDfPd4Bi17JTaFuQO5ijDMIRizYOZAxdnNQmcixpmJ9IzfuGdRxVgCjgaelh62Si9sDoRUq-ZBFOXzwLdDnBD1zrCzXUA2yIs86EKFdhIPAaLOmbAnPlQnrsynQlfdo60BA9OGxufbYk/s320/05_19_laurel_w_carolyn_binion_downtown_charleston600W-766524.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel with Carolyn in Downtown Charleston, SC at the Market" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6814637634504964658" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">On a sunny day in May, I caught a cab to the Peninsula of Charleston to spend an afternoon with Carolyn from Illinois, a long-time friend who for many years was also one of my professional drivers. She and a friend of hers were on a bus tour of the Southeast, and were spending a few days here in the "Holy City." It was so good to see her again! We had a wonderful time, strolling around the market and enjoying lunch at "The Cracked Egg."</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">May 6 marked my 31st anniversary of professional music and ministry. Over the years, God has blessed me with so many unique opportunities to present for audiences of all ages, on all walks of life. There really is never a dull moment! Thank God, and thank you for your continued prayers and support.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">On a personal note, I'd like to extend my appreciation to everyone who offered their prayers and their help during Audrey's recovery from emergency gall bladder surgery. She and her guide Jessie are doing well and shining God's Light, as always.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">© 2019 by Laurel Jean Walden</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-75981086900493348462019-01-31T15:12:00.000-05:002020-06-24T15:19:50.357-04:00Remembering Top Dog-Charleston.<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9n3pQsm8EY37vEqy-57n2iA4-YI4B3PEyoxVM-L-831OLeT6_Ow-agpYdqCuD1t8lGCD6-J9XeTHQyltpW-G1Y0T6kQmTBaMUnW0WU1HUg2IbcrsxoRSuZMmf5Po18qDMNJFs-64WIk/s1600/19_td_laurel_playing_w_three_dogs600W-793462.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9n3pQsm8EY37vEqy-57n2iA4-YI4B3PEyoxVM-L-831OLeT6_Ow-agpYdqCuD1t8lGCD6-J9XeTHQyltpW-G1Y0T6kQmTBaMUnW0WU1HUg2IbcrsxoRSuZMmf5Po18qDMNJFs-64WIk/s320/19_td_laurel_playing_w_three_dogs600W-793462.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel playing the piano at Top Dog-Charleston, 2019" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6813512472659959906" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">I'm pictured here with attendees of Top Dog-Charleston, 2019 during Opening Ceremonies. Since the founding of Top Dog Workshops in 2006, it has been my honored to serve as a musician and emcee for Top Dog events in South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. I also accepted many of the event planning and guest registration responsibilities for the 2010, 2015 and 2019 events held here in Charleston, SC.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnk3FajHvOUPsoHg8CWkVKuz1BztC-NnTSNomXMimfynrmQAxg9MOIo2o8QsMhEdFfQRw1khyphenhyphenlr_k3B9D749HdWF0sb2r0pp7s5ejtbGWusVPsB3M8t4WrAMWT8XlKOhmftBxig9YnxM/s1600/19_td_good_crowd_shot600W-795621.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnk3FajHvOUPsoHg8CWkVKuz1BztC-NnTSNomXMimfynrmQAxg9MOIo2o8QsMhEdFfQRw1khyphenhyphenlr_k3B9D749HdWF0sb2r0pp7s5ejtbGWusVPsB3M8t4WrAMWT8XlKOhmftBxig9YnxM/s320/19_td_good_crowd_shot600W-795621.JPG" border="0" alt="Gathering for Top Dog-Charleston, 2019 Opening Ceremonies" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6813512478869640130" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Top Dog-Charleston, 2019--a weekend packed with educational presentations, fabulous food, fellowship and fantastic "furries"--took place January 18-20. It was a tremendous success! We hosted over 150 human guests, over 90 guide dogs (plus some future and retired guides) and eleven of the twelve nationally-accredited guide dog schools.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHrx9IEl8wTYou2ukYDw_OuZuad3if48hDaXLWfMzflF0O9gRa92WIc9hsDJlrbIUAU97WtkdraEC0efTwz-dqfB1rl5gZQQzfvhyphenhyphenqw1VEY-lpu-xxNM50X7Fll7BLBK8Yjbi4rVfsSk/s1600/19_td_pledge_crowd600W-797461.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHrx9IEl8wTYou2ukYDw_OuZuad3if48hDaXLWfMzflF0O9gRa92WIc9hsDJlrbIUAU97WtkdraEC0efTwz-dqfB1rl5gZQQzfvhyphenhyphenqw1VEY-lpu-xxNM50X7Fll7BLBK8Yjbi4rVfsSk/s320/19_td_pledge_crowd600W-797461.JPG" border="0" alt="Top Dog attendees saying the Pledge of Allegiance, each holding a personal-sized American Flag" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6813512486891059698" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Our Top Dog tributes to God and country have always been very special to me. This year, everyone attending our Opening Ceremonies was given a personal-sized American flag to hold with pride as we recited the Pledge of Allegiance together.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GN_seEyVu6GZqYKuwHld4KgCr2erQ_Xn0NPEaJOUkVo_Dyef9EVjnMDe61z8BYNHYj8asUY13VinHNrPFxVK4lt7DjsY7c2cHevebEzMb1T_p5hbBL8QjspiGh_jIc1c6EEZFm5TjKI/s1600/19_td_pastor_deb_praying600W-799292.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GN_seEyVu6GZqYKuwHld4KgCr2erQ_Xn0NPEaJOUkVo_Dyef9EVjnMDe61z8BYNHYj8asUY13VinHNrPFxVK4lt7DjsY7c2cHevebEzMb1T_p5hbBL8QjspiGh_jIc1c6EEZFm5TjKI/s320/19_td_pastor_deb_praying600W-799292.JPG" border="0" alt="Pastor Deb Trevino at podium" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6813512493900346962" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Throughout the weekend, I was blessed to work with lots of wonderful folks, including two of my colleagues in ministry. Presbyterian "Pastor Deb" Trevino (pictured above) flew in from Delaware with her husband Dave and her guide dog, Suzie. United Methodist Pastor Phil Glick (pictured below) and his wife, Connie came from my home state of Illinois, by way of Orlando Florida where they have been volunteering with Wycliffe Associates. Thanks to these two ministers and their spouses, all of our guests were given the opportunity to experience God's loving Light firsthand! Our opening invocation, "The Blessing of the Guides" and our ecumenical Sunday morning church service were truly unforgettable!</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-OIJqOVKQJeecrHglFGdMwXyWgxLttu0E2x3b4MFBhM8h2WXNqI9gLpJwCuoOALFstjB5KXxBQvAt3C6l5Jh9RN5W2iHAb-3tz1z7OOVkg_Gv2A5IpXdumnwrpzKGLXK3v3ZrNHFhjU/s1600/19_td_pastor_phil_at_mic600W-701091.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-OIJqOVKQJeecrHglFGdMwXyWgxLttu0E2x3b4MFBhM8h2WXNqI9gLpJwCuoOALFstjB5KXxBQvAt3C6l5Jh9RN5W2iHAb-3tz1z7OOVkg_Gv2A5IpXdumnwrpzKGLXK3v3ZrNHFhjU/s320/19_td_pastor_phil_at_mic600W-701091.JPG" border="0" alt="Pastor Phil Glick at podium" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6813512504068211154" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">The effects of Top Dog-Charleston are still being felt nationwide within the blindness community. As a direct result of this event, at least three residents of our Tricounty area (and many more from across the country) have received life-enriching and empowering services offered exclusively by some of our Top Dog associates from Ohio, Michigan and Florida. <span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Times;" class="">At least 3 schools got brand new applicants for guide dogs. One of our local residents has even attended the new Orientation & Mobility course offered by Pilot Dogs in Ohio and is absolutely elated that he can now independently navigate his subdivision using his long, white cane. </span>On a more personal note, my BFF Audrey's guide dog Jessie was able to see his puppy raisers (foster parents) who traveled all the way from Texas to see him for the first time in over nine years!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">As a proud, lifelong cane user who happens to love dogs, I want to take this opportunity to thank the national organization Guide Dog Users, Inc., and especially the state affiliates of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, for making me feel so welcome and appreciated at Top Dog events specifically and among the community of guide dog users in general. Once you've become part of the Top Dog family, you're sure to have lots of friends, "fur-ever!"</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">© 2019 by Laurel Jean Walden</div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-76595531146281215592018-12-24T15:27:00.000-05:002020-06-24T15:31:57.352-04:00The Gift of Music.<div class=""><br class=""></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWDYHobQKMphGJn3fnX-dgNPvyVVJ8OV_CKi9iIWB0Jp3LBxVfiH1HOGcO710lf6j-75PYOWhntXtp53QORjIO-5ajR0KB9R-bDHF0n1hJHW27nI2cOWb7-lrXP9dMcN4weglbMQwDH0/s1600/2018_laurel_at_grand_summerville600W-740481.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWDYHobQKMphGJn3fnX-dgNPvyVVJ8OV_CKi9iIWB0Jp3LBxVfiH1HOGcO710lf6j-75PYOWhntXtp53QORjIO-5ajR0KB9R-bDHF0n1hJHW27nI2cOWb7-lrXP9dMcN4weglbMQwDH0/s320/2018_laurel_at_grand_summerville600W-740481.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel at the piano in the Village Chapel, The Village At Summerville, SC." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6812720678628738818" /></a><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">Here I am at the beautiful Steinway in the chapel of The Village At Summerville, my first stop to share the sounds of the 2018 Holiday season. It was several years ago, during an engagement in this same chapel, when I first got to know this instrument.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">I had just arrived with my own digital gigging piano and sound system. As I prepared to unload my gear for setup and a sound check, a gracious southern lady introduced herself to me and said, "Oh, I do hope you're going to play my Steinway!" Apparently, she had donated the instrument to the chapel when she first moved to The Village. She was very proud of her piano, and rightly so!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">Never missing an opportunity to enjoy a well-maintained Steinway, I sat down at the piano for a few minutes and was absolutely delighted to oblige my new friend. It is always a joy for me to deliver "The Message in Music" on this amazing instrument, and to experience the warm welcome of everyone in attendance of my presentations. My thanks to the residents and staff of The Village At Summerville for their ongoing, heartfelt prayers and support on behalf of my music and ministry!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-23644802823246610992018-11-21T15:36:00.000-05:002020-06-24T15:42:27.099-04:00Giving Thanks.<div class=""><br class=""></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hEF6WlhalyG_UhadDL2GZwZt9ggMNmywgYdO7uHusq8TmxFj61U92hl_oNzlFAyitwFjsh1jLupCrUdRngajP25wLBswbrj2BRgRNOYdxim2EhyfDqwJkFtQFbHJcvBqBd_hu97vNC0/s1600/fort_sumter_laurel_paula_audrey_jessie_600W-706013.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hEF6WlhalyG_UhadDL2GZwZt9ggMNmywgYdO7uHusq8TmxFj61U92hl_oNzlFAyitwFjsh1jLupCrUdRngajP25wLBswbrj2BRgRNOYdxim2EhyfDqwJkFtQFbHJcvBqBd_hu97vNC0/s320/fort_sumter_laurel_paula_audrey_jessie_600W-706013.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel with Chief Interpreter Paula Ogden-Muse, Audrey and Audrey's guide Jessie in front of Fort Sumter Tours, Charleston, Sc" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6811582366633399778" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am so grateful for the open minds and hearts of sighted tour guides throughout the Lowcountry area. Here, my BFF Audrey Gunter (President of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users), her guide dog Jessie and I are pictured in front of Fort Sumter Tours with Chief Interpreter Paula Ogden-Muse. We were blessed to spend a crisp, November morning with interpreters from Fort Sumter and Fort Moultirie, speaking and answering questions on the subjects of Sensitivity and Awareness relating to the blindness community.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;" class="">This meeting was just one of many opportunities presented to my colleagues and me in our preparations for Top Dog-Charleston, 2019. We look forward to the January arrival of our 150-plus human guests. The majority of our workshop attendees are blind and will be traveling independently with their guide dogs or long, white canes. People are planning to come early and stay late in order to enjoy the myriad of tourist attractions in and around the "Holy City" of Charleston. Thanks to the genuine enthusiasm and support of folks like Paula, Our guests can be assured of a truly positive experience as they explore this beautiful city!</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-28310729156539900892018-10-15T11:25:00.000-04:002018-10-15T11:25:29.374-04:00White Cane Day, My Personal Perspective<div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRySxS5iY6LQbTjCBtf0oxx5EEdTQP7Y1BBspu-9jqKHRwwUeS2FAyQ7l3lcHRzkDkYW9NWTWZURwT-qExObnRQVFFFDYwb0IKuUQgLHT-XO-9v5rpy_4fR7-ciZodUYurvxQrq0QzW3s/s1600/landscaping_alongside_road_600W800H-719486.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRySxS5iY6LQbTjCBtf0oxx5EEdTQP7Y1BBspu-9jqKHRwwUeS2FAyQ7l3lcHRzkDkYW9NWTWZURwT-qExObnRQVFFFDYwb0IKuUQgLHT-XO-9v5rpy_4fR7-ciZodUYurvxQrq0QzW3s/s320/landscaping_alongside_road_600W800H-719486.JPG" border="0" alt="Looking down a tree-lined, residential street." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6612405895685722034" /></a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Clear skies and bright sunlight peeked through a welcome canopy of shade trees--live oak and pine, willow and bamboo, dogwood and pecan--as the road curved ahead. It was a beautiful, autumn day here in Charleston,South Carolina, perfect for a walk down the quiet, little streets of my neighborhood.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">"Hey, Miss Sylvia," I called. A retired nurse who watches out for everyone, Sylvia is a true matriarch. My Lab Sonny and I pass by her house every day on our walks, and I've grown accustomed to listening for her to be out on her front porch. A distinctive squeak in one of the wheels on her car alerts me whenever she is driving down the street, and I wave at her as she calls to me or honks her horn in greeting.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">"Hey, baby," came Sylvia's reply. "how you doin'?"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">"All right. How about you?"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">"Oh, I'm blessed. My knees is givin' me pain, but I've got to keep goin'." Miss Sylvia's voice always lilts with the authentic Gullah sound of the Lowcountry.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">While my neighbor and I chatted, I gave my rambunctious yellow Lab (who is soooooo not a guide dog) the command to "sit," keeping him occupied with kibble from my pocket. Sylvia and I wished each other a good day. Then having an afterthought, Miss Sylvia called to me again, "Hey, Laurie!" (Even eight-hundred-plus miles from home, I'll never get away from that darned family nickname, "Laurie.")</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">"Yes, Miss Sylvia?"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">"Do you know if the garbage man came yet?"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">"Well, I haven't heard him, but if you'll wait a minute, I can tell you." I went on to explain my technique of checking the garbage cans by tapping them with my long, white cane to avoid touching them. If the garbage cans consistently echo with a hollow sound, I know that they are empty, that the garbage truck has come. A couple of thumps on a couple of nearby cans provided the answer. "No, ma'am! He has not been by here yet!"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">"Oh, good! I can get my garbage out! Thank you, baby! You have a blessed one now!"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51);" class=""><span style="font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; -webkit-font-kerning: none;" class="">Since 1964, October 15 has been observed in the United States as White Cane Safety Day. In 2016, President Barak Obama <a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/10/14/presidential-proclamation-blind-americans-equality-day-2016" class=""><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;" class="">proclaimed</span></a> October 15 as "Blind Americans Equality Day," encouraging all Americans to</span><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""> observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs." The entire month of October is often recognized as "Blindness Awareness Month," "Eye Care Awareness Month" and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. On many occasions, I join ranks with others to raise awareness on behalf of the blindness community. This particular day however, my heart was filled with a sense of dignity, contentment and exhilaration that simply could not be matched by any public display of recognition. Yes, on that beautiful, autumn day, my sighted neighbor looked beyond my physical blindness and saw my ability to help her. In fact, I daresay that Miss Sylvia has become so used to my presence in our neighborhood, she didn't even stop to consider my blindness at all.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51); min-height: 19px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">I could write volumes about my journey through life as an avid cane user: my choice not to use a guide dog; my adopted pet dog with special needs who lopes along beside me every day as I navigate our walks with my cane, the way that I see my extensive, nationwide cane travel experience as something between a dance and a sport, the pride that I feel to be an independent cane traveler and my gratitude to God for His gift of Faith which has allowed me to achieve such personal independence. Today--every day--I celebrate my life as an independent woman who happens to be blind.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51); min-height: 19px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><b class=""><i class="">"Jesus replied, ""'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)</i></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51); min-height: 19px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Today, I honor my walk with God and my long, white cane by just being real, being a neighbor, loving my neighbor and giving thanks for my neighbors--near and far, blind and sighted--who see me as the unique, whole person that God created me to be.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51); min-height: 19px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Thank God, and thank you, for your ongoing prayers and support. A special thanks also goes to Katie, the <a href="http://aira.io" class="">Aira</a> agent on the other end of the phone, who assisted me long distance in taking the above picture. Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you; and, keep His Song in your heart.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51); min-height: 19px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(50, 51, 51);" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">© 2018 by Laurel Jean Walden</span></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-87567639468988930242018-09-02T21:21:00.000-04:002018-09-02T21:21:51.625-04:00My "Deer Country" Adventure.<div class="">Here in South Carolina, hunting season begins rather early, in mid-August. As I was talking with friends about their plans to go deer hunting this year, I couldn't help remembering one of my own adventures in "Deer Country."</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">If you are on the road much at night, you probably know that deer can suddenly appear on the scene, endangering themselves as well as travelers. I grew up in East Central Illinois "deer country", well aware of this reality. In fact, my driver and friend, Carolyn and I were just recently talking about the time the deer hit us as we drove from Illinois into Kentucky. On a lighter note, though, I never could have dreamed that one of these critters would "steal the show" from me in broad daylight.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">When I was in my mid-teens, I received a call from the program manager of a Central Illinois area resort, asking about my rates and availability to present dinner music on a regular basis. The manager explained that the resort had just purchased a player grand piano. A decision was to be made, whether to hire a house pianist, or simply to use the player piano to entertain guests. When I never received a follow-up call, I was fairly certain of the final decision.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">About a year later, I was planning my first professional photo shoot at a grand piano. Remembering the contact from the resort, I called to ask if I could schedule a photo shoot there. The manager agreed, and we set a time when the dining area was closed to the public.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoPkCBkAAeVBD-1OXqOGoG1od_CKfePt_N29YXn4l3OEc2E3hMSRJlZWAh55CK67iMrrPXm_onlgQHNV-rLrrzBze5462KL3jPdmEOZpDyFsqpb4OjK6jqnCusrwDPErnnax3myrFLYQ/s1600/Laurels_Deer_350W-771510.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoPkCBkAAeVBD-1OXqOGoG1od_CKfePt_N29YXn4l3OEc2E3hMSRJlZWAh55CK67iMrrPXm_onlgQHNV-rLrrzBze5462KL3jPdmEOZpDyFsqpb4OjK6jqnCusrwDPErnnax3myrFLYQ/s320/Laurels_Deer_350W-771510.jpg" border="0" alt="Picture of deer in tuxedo" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6596796919375956226" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div class="">My photographer and I walked into the establishment and found the piano in the lounge area. Seated at the grand was "Old Buck", the manmade likeness of a deer, stuffed, life-sized and wearing a tuxedo. A passing employee explained enthusiastically, "Oh, yeah! The deer plays the piano. We wire his hooves to the keyboard and put a disk in the player grand. It's really great!"</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">We respectfully placed Old Buck in a chair out of the way, returning him to his seat of honor after the photo shoot. When my photographer left, I asked my mom to take some pictures with her camera. This photo op was just too good to pass up!</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIsaB8YHTNktqiBdA81QjlcbuVAHyC3x7lpkp-xQu0TueT_8vK2rmdskmwIMQ-mlAxKCM2MpMVc7rHSqgc3rWanboUzm1TP80rAiSewMhCy46f3CSxEx9aEDTiF5aYNT0UN3u8GlZRak/s1600/Laurel_w_deer_350W-773204.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIsaB8YHTNktqiBdA81QjlcbuVAHyC3x7lpkp-xQu0TueT_8vK2rmdskmwIMQ-mlAxKCM2MpMVc7rHSqgc3rWanboUzm1TP80rAiSewMhCy46f3CSxEx9aEDTiF5aYNT0UN3u8GlZRak/s320/Laurel_w_deer_350W-773204.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel with deer in tuxedo" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6596796920390990194" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div class="">Old Buck and I talked things over and parted friends. If it meant being a novelty in a smoke-filled lounge, I really do think that he was the best man for the job.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">As I write, we here in the United States are celebrating Labor Day. I thank God for all who work to keep our country going and growing strong. I am grateful for God's guidance in my own life and work. One of my favorite Scriptures, Ephesians 2:10 reads, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them." There is no doubt in my mind that He has a sense of humor, and that Divine Humor never ceases to keep me humble.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><br class=""></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-45348656519010791792018-07-27T19:53:00.000-04:002018-07-27T19:53:29.579-04:00Reaching For That Rainbow ...<div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">It has often been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. For many of us, , some of the greatest works of art are those drawn from the seemingly infinite reservoir of vocabulary. Throughout my forty-plus years, I have invariably found myself standing in front of some visual wonder next to a sighted person who exclaims in a voice awash with tears, "Oh, if only you could see this!"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Many times, I have stifled the urge to offer a snarky remark in return. Trying my best to wrap my irritation in a bundle of enthusiasm, I usually opt for the more appropriate response of, "I can see through your eyes."</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">My effort to console the grief of another over that which is perceived to be my problem is met with mixed reactions: an awkward chuckle, an uneasy silence; an awkward embrace; a pat on the hand or an exclamatory, "God bless you, honey!" Sometimes, my sighted companion will begin describing visual characteristics to me.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Whether the description is beneficial to me or not, I keep striving to offer encouragement, "There, now we can see it together!"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Reflecting on these kinds of experiences, I thank God for the people in my life (blind and sighted with different abilities and disabilities), who refrain from wasting their words on pity. My mind's eye beholds the memory of a beautiful sunset described spontaneously to me over dinner or frosted glasses of tea. I thank God for the shopping trips with friends who simply take a little more time so that I can also enjoy the day of standing in front of store windows, examining delicate items on glass shelves or flipping through clothes hangers. In the treasure trove of letters written by my friends, I immerse myself in the vivid descriptions of outings, the crisp mountain air, the sounds of ocean waves, the scent of evergreen at Christmastime. Thousands of words enrich my life and I am grateful for each one</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Recently, I was asked to speak a word of God's blessing for a very dear couple as they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary with family and friends. Our outdoor festivities were interrupted when, literally out of the blue, a surprise thunderstorm sent all of us packing into the kitchen, dining room and living room of our gracious hosts. The house filled with laughter as guests of all ages continued to enjoy a truly memorable evening.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">The sun was shining again as the party drew to a close. We walked outside and were greeted by a gentle shower of raindrops. Then, the air was filled with delightful surprise as everyone beheld the most beautiful double rainbow that anyone had seen in a long time.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBku27sTnUywnRjDBsPwviQ33CooRN29qCDIaurFwXaJAdh_RNAP22DXn3j3rnzdpvfzynR_wi3_u5ii4uEz7oIC6o0cm3t3nySwIkAkDwI_JbOdPws2HLQFZOePERpdHp3c8YFYcpGGE/s1600/Rainbow_600Wby450H-751850.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBku27sTnUywnRjDBsPwviQ33CooRN29qCDIaurFwXaJAdh_RNAP22DXn3j3rnzdpvfzynR_wi3_u5ii4uEz7oIC6o0cm3t3nySwIkAkDwI_JbOdPws2HLQFZOePERpdHp3c8YFYcpGGE/s320/Rainbow_600Wby450H-751850.jpg" border="0" alt="picture of rainbow" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6581812550230729090" /></a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Caught up in the excitement, I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that I was among friends. I handed off my phone to the person standing next to me and asked her to take a picture. No one asked me why I wanted a picture. No one asked me jokingly if I could see the rainbow, and no one bemoaned the fact that I couldn't see it. Descriptive words flowed effortlessly from those around me, and I was as excited as everyone else. I truly felt included and accepted, just as I am!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">What is the Kingdom of Heaven like? Well, as I see it, the kingdom of Heaven is like a group of people--blind and sighted, on different walks of life--who gathered one day to celebrate life and love. Together, we reached for a rainbow; and, together we caught it!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">The lyrics of the song <i class="">"Vision Through Your Eyes</i>,"* which I penned over twenty years ago, are just as heartfelt for me now as they were back then.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><i class="">"When walking down our different roads we meet again,</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><i class="">You can be sure to find me as I've always been ...</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><i class="">Reaching for that rainbow, the everlasting harmony</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><i class="">Of colors around us every day,</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><i class="">And when people ask me what makes life worth living this way,</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><i class="">I will tell them of the vision through your eyes ... "</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">*"Vision Through Your Eyes," Music and Lyrics ©1997 by Laurel Jean Walden/ASCAP</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">©2018 by Laurel Jean Walden</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div></span></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-25371874600295915792018-07-02T22:50:00.000-04:002018-07-02T22:50:24.603-04:00Celebrating Independence and Education<div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">As we here in the United States prepare to celebrate yet another Independence Day, I thank God for all of the brave men and women who over the years have given their lives to protect our country's freedom. I am grateful for every God-given opportunity that I have to exercise and nurture my Christian faith, my literacy and my personal independence. With each new day, we who are blind can give praise to our Creator for touch and taste; for sound and scent; for hearts, minds and souls ready to perceive, grow and share a vision that is as unique to us individually as a thumb print. Our fingers glide with speed and accuracy over computer keyboards, touch screens and Braille displays. We work in mainstream application environments guided by the synthetic speech of screen reading software. We navigate our kitchens, homes, neighborhoods, schools, careers and communities. We stand at lighted street crossings, poised with long white canes or dog guide harnesses in hand, attentive to the ebb and flow of traffic and ready to move forward at a moment's notice.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Still, on any given day, all of us with our different abilities are met with stumbling blocks, barriers and even brick walls. Preconceived notions, myths and stereotypes abound. When asked, the majority of us who are blind or otherwise differently able will readily say that our greatest obstacles often lie in the propagation of these untruths, many times by people who claim to be our greatest advocates, by folks who "really do mean well."</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Education is the key to breaking down barriers. Our personal, everyday interactions in our mainstream communities can be changed from negative to positive when we who are blind pause to answer a question posed, or correct an erroneous statement made, by a sighted person regarding our blindness. In addition, we can empower and educate each other, as we share our lists of goals and resources with our brothers and sisters who are also blind.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD2UB8pddJMGf66mi_xLjT3rS51HJ4_oYWaNhlV874o4jv4VVY53gkruGvGWY8Ace_nioKPtuR8jKSmCRUaBzZUSIjS-ZC5lZBpYsTOA2WfRY0SL2qczOvUiaHihRDbOQ3bH7W_62JmA/s1600/Kimberly_and_me_at_the_Bartimaeus_meeting-779195.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD2UB8pddJMGf66mi_xLjT3rS51HJ4_oYWaNhlV874o4jv4VVY53gkruGvGWY8Ace_nioKPtuR8jKSmCRUaBzZUSIjS-ZC5lZBpYsTOA2WfRY0SL2qczOvUiaHihRDbOQ3bH7W_62JmA/s320/Kimberly_and_me_at_the_Bartimaeus_meeting-779195.jpg" border="0" alt="Kimberly and Laurel presenting for the Friends of Bartimaeus" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6573815009577060402" /></a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">In June, I was called to lead music and ministry for the Friends of Bartimaeus Christian Outreach for the Blind here in Charleston, SC. I was joined by Kimberly, a fellow Dixie Lander and the manager of the "Own Your Life" program at the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Together, we led an informal discussion about resources available to the blindness community.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzTH-fHEuDSE_lsSaEHpSrhzoMQR9SzmM_8ajfsiNoYIc0iOJhyphenhyphenAKYcsoQkySFMCOYtXwJfU0QGdm2BZagu9ByxS1m0aecbfoMsWbh-2cbWx6Ja9lTH-szYpUCRmqJXANHWyEU4XyYJ4/s1600/0618_bark_camp_kimberly_laurel_audrey_600W-780645.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzTH-fHEuDSE_lsSaEHpSrhzoMQR9SzmM_8ajfsiNoYIc0iOJhyphenhyphenAKYcsoQkySFMCOYtXwJfU0QGdm2BZagu9ByxS1m0aecbfoMsWbh-2cbWx6Ja9lTH-szYpUCRmqJXANHWyEU4XyYJ4/s320/0618_bark_camp_kimberly_laurel_audrey_600W-780645.jpg" border="0" alt="Kimberly, Laurel and Audrey presenting for Bark Camp" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6573815012182400018" /></a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">It is always a joy to educate sighted children and youth on blindness-related topics. Here, Kimberly and guide Fonzie, Audrey with guide Jessie, and I spoke to "Pet Partners," one of the summer day camp sessions presented by the Charleston Animal Society. These young people, ranging in age from twelve to fifteen years, had a lot of great questions for all of us. While many asked questions about guide dogs, others simply wanted to know our stories, how we learned to read and how we pick out our clothes.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtYoq8Azf9UIMZyQpYY9UeKwR4cJh2kkYT6beHbxMaKnnGTMSZGB1etGbIMnxj4GqVKVIyD-JC5A2WnXY4XOFFqpn4dMlcEfMdGH77uZ6drT_8Eubq9RmrMzESrsezeIymFfrXMhFkeg/s1600/0618_bark_camp_audrey_w_jessie_girls_and_me_600W-781633.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtYoq8Azf9UIMZyQpYY9UeKwR4cJh2kkYT6beHbxMaKnnGTMSZGB1etGbIMnxj4GqVKVIyD-JC5A2WnXY4XOFFqpn4dMlcEfMdGH77uZ6drT_8Eubq9RmrMzESrsezeIymFfrXMhFkeg/s320/0618_bark_camp_audrey_w_jessie_girls_and_me_600W-781633.jpg" border="0" alt="Audrey with children visiting with Jessie off harness" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6573815017482405682" /></a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><br class=""></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Of course, before we all said goodbye, the kids got to meet Fonzie and Jessie and spend a little off-harness time with them. Seeing the difference in the dogs' demeanors in and out of harness gave even the adults a better appreciation of the relationship between blind handlers and their guide dogs. These times of meeting and greeting, tail wags and doggie kisses are always absolutely priceless!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">In this world, some of us are born blind or become blind later in life. Others among us have sight. These traits shape our lives, sometimes more or less profoundly, but they do not define who we are. There is no "least" or "greatest" and no place for "us and them."</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">The Bible tells us that the first and greatest commandments are that we (1) love God and (2) love our neighbors as ourselves. I believe that when we learn to love God, we learn to see ourselves as God sees us. Through our personal growth in God's infinite wisdom, we can begin to truly love our neighbors as ourselves. Across the hall or around the globe, let us continue to break down barriers and celebrate as we learn more about each other.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">God's Light keeps shining! Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">© 2018 by Laurel Jean Walden</span></div></span></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-70353500329535218542018-05-23T15:06:00.000-04:002018-05-23T15:06:42.288-04:00Winter/Spring, 2018<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTFUoPF26Qfk5sQ2psG742CDWJ1su7INMB34lhOw4tBp8wbEYZ7JhHLn3mSbTaK5rQ-SwP__SGWXttu7newKqnZmw7M6Fc3Rk4IUdQJu9vA6M5DNV6zhh7dHqv2z4nVE5MN5K0oi68L8/s1600/0118_sc_Snow_IMG_0206_600W-709684.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTFUoPF26Qfk5sQ2psG742CDWJ1su7INMB34lhOw4tBp8wbEYZ7JhHLn3mSbTaK5rQ-SwP__SGWXttu7newKqnZmw7M6Fc3Rk4IUdQJu9vA6M5DNV6zhh7dHqv2z4nVE5MN5K0oi68L8/s320/0118_sc_Snow_IMG_0206_600W-709684.JPG" border="0" alt="Snow in Charleston, SC, January 3, 2018" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6558852764969174386" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">"I just keep looking at your picture of all that snow!" my friend Mary in Illinois exclaimed across the miles as we talked on the phone. "We haven't even gotten that much snow at one time here this year!"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">I snapped the above picture--complete with human and dog footprints--on the evening of January 3, 2018, just as the snow stopped falling on my front lawn here in Charleston, South Carolina. Our neighborhood boasted around five inches of snow which stayed on for several days thanks to the phenomenon of a "bomb cyclone" making its way up the east coast of the United States. Yes, I prayed for the snow, though not for the layer of ice which came down just before the snow began to fall.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">Pretty much everything here in Charleston was brought to a frigid halt. The Lowcountry is not used to such extreme winter weather conditions and simply doesn't have the infrastructure in place to deal with them. Roads and schools were closed, businesses shut down and even the mail was on hold for three days! Neighborhood children built snowmen, families rounded up makeshift sleds and took advantage of any slope that they could find. For a little while, to the delight of many especially "yours truly," sunny Charleston became a wintry wonderland. It wasn't long, however, before the snow melted away into memories and life here in the "Lowcountry" went on as usual.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class=""></span><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><span style="font-kerning: none" class="">This year, it has been my joy to assist my extended family of Guide Dog Users Inc. in shipping healing prayer blankets to our brothers and sisters in the blindness community affected by personal hardship, the illness or loss of a human family member or that of a current or retired guide dog. The blankets come from the kind folks at <a href="https://epiphanycatholicchurch.org/161" class="">Epiphany Catholic Church in Louisville, KY</a> and were first introduced to our extended GDUI family at the organization's 2017 National convention in Sparks, Nevada. These blankets are truly a blessing to all who receive them. Many within the blindness community deal with the challenges of isolation. </span><span style="font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">The majority of guide dog users are on a limited income. When a guide dog retires and it is time for the handler to receive a new dog, most cannot keep their previous guide with them. There is a desperate need for blessing and closure among the worldwide community of guide dog users. Although I personally choose not to be a guide dog user, I do have a tremendous respect and empathy for the awesome partnership between blind handlers and their guide dogs</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">In late January, the South Carolina affiliate of GDUI learned that Charleston will be the host city for Top Dog-2019. The Southeast Region Top Dog Workshops are a collaborated effort among Guide Dog Users of Florida, Georgia and Dixie Land Guide Dog Users here in South Carolina. Once again, I am providing administrative and promotional assistance as needed in preparation for this event, where I will also be serving as Emcee and guest musician. In addition, I am collaborating on promotional writing for the 2018 National convention of Guide Dog Users, Inc., as the journey continues with the imaginary antics of those renowned, "rovering reporters, Fred Floppears and Colleen Curleytail."</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">In February, I was called to lead music, devotions and prayers for the Friends of Bartimaeus Christian Outreach Center for the Blind. This outreach is hosted by Calvary Lutheran Church and is one of over fifty of its kind throughout the United States. Friends of Bartimaeus offers a monthly gathering, usually on the last Friday of the month. People who are blind come from all around the Charleston metro area to enjoy a nutritious, delicious hot meal, devotionals, music and fellowship in a safe, non-threatening environment. At the end of each meeting, guests in need are even given a bag of groceries to take home. At the February meeting, we were joined by sighted missionary families from the Midwest representing the Old German Baptist Church. The children are home schooled, and had lots of questions about blindness, Braille, guide dogs, canes, technology and our daily lives as people who are blind. It was a blessed time of food and fellowship, and we all learned a lot from each other.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qu4D3sVITeAicI5SG8sZyhWDuXAlC7O7m5LoT91_3appQDl0fBHiFhppJMvZ-hG2bWSi_nGHjODdTNwuz4gfZs2gItZi-vEBfSt-ClZjyVVC5Oi6Z7t-4C7PK9imRVm6uxNqbv9FIOI/s1600/Sonny_600W840H-710908.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qu4D3sVITeAicI5SG8sZyhWDuXAlC7O7m5LoT91_3appQDl0fBHiFhppJMvZ-hG2bWSi_nGHjODdTNwuz4gfZs2gItZi-vEBfSt-ClZjyVVC5Oi6Z7t-4C7PK9imRVm6uxNqbv9FIOI/s320/Sonny_600W840H-710908.jpg" border="0" alt="Sonny excited on his fourth birthday" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6558852768859015170" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">On April 26, we celebrated the fourth birthday of Sonny, that rambunctious, special needs Labrador for whom God has designated me as "service person." I snapped this picture as we played one of our infamous, indoor ball games on his birthday. Every day with Sonny is a gift, and we were so thankful that 2018 proved to be a healthy, happy birthday for him.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPXYpbF6iTxpBgsVo7vBkd0bPkyltb8BmtjwyybvsOyy5ONLffAAplRTlor5P_5ackVcpx_vsz-0ZYlnYdIkNFLhSZ0KqgVlcpar32JgHBDDgLFv7vjB69eLwlZbiTOG4ouNhkFM6gXE/s1600/4H_Skyp_600X338-711894.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPXYpbF6iTxpBgsVo7vBkd0bPkyltb8BmtjwyybvsOyy5ONLffAAplRTlor5P_5ackVcpx_vsz-0ZYlnYdIkNFLhSZ0KqgVlcpar32JgHBDDgLFv7vjB69eLwlZbiTOG4ouNhkFM6gXE/s320/4H_Skyp_600X338-711894.JPG" border="0" alt="Oconee County, SC Bark Buddies 4H group watching Laurel and Audrey via Skype" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6558852772322879490" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Earlier this spring, we were contacted by the Oconee County, SC 4H Program. The program's Bark Buddies Club has been studying service dogs and wanted to learn more about guide dogs in particular. Audrey and I made an appearance at the group's May meeting via Skype. It was our first time presenting via Skype, and we look forward to many more presentations like this in the future. </div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">God's Light does keep shining! Thanks to your prayers and support, the ministry that He gives me continues to go and grow. Life's path is full of surprises, so please stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-32362986128082174482018-01-18T22:01:00.000-05:002018-01-18T22:01:25.054-05:00New Year's Notes, 2018<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YjcrFccdAWTyHyND2GIx6q4Rcnn46Adeb22mM4WP0bNyWqRA1gV0JetdljFxVhvL_nLl-v4AVyt7iZcozMEoA_hsEe0yiBqhCWj84wXcuBJBJDWmMeX_VIrsJd5Mus3t-xMnikRpa9g/s1600/1017_terrie_laurel_paddleboating_600Wby800H-765071.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YjcrFccdAWTyHyND2GIx6q4Rcnn46Adeb22mM4WP0bNyWqRA1gV0JetdljFxVhvL_nLl-v4AVyt7iZcozMEoA_hsEe0yiBqhCWj84wXcuBJBJDWmMeX_VIrsJd5Mus3t-xMnikRpa9g/s320/1017_terrie_laurel_paddleboating_600Wby800H-765071.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel paddleboating with Terrie" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575590084155618" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><b class="">Happy 2018! </b>Our journey into a new year could be likened to the adventure of a lady--who happens to be blind--out in the middle of a rather deep lake (said to be inhabited by alligators) in a paddleboat with a sighted guide who is directionally dyslexic. It is a journey of faith, and yes, that really did happen to me last October as I enjoyed a "Pizza In The Park" outing with my extended family of "<a href="http://dixielandguidedogs.org" class="">Dixie Land Guide Dog Users</a>." There I was in this boat with Terrie--a sighted guide and friend--who had to close her eyes whenever we needed to turn because she actually is directionally dyslexic. To make things even more interesting, if you want to steer to the right in a paddleboat, you have to turn the rudder to the left and vice versa. So, Terrie closed her eyes to tell me which way to turn, and I turned the rudder while compensating for the reversal of directions. Now, that's what you call a journey of faith, and proof that God really does have a sense of humor! Guess what? We survived the trip just fine, and shared a lot of laughter along the way.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">This adventure was just one of many 2017 highlights for me. We're well into another year and, if I don't get this published soon, my "New Year's Notes" will turn into Valentines! Before anymore time lapses, here's a look back at my 2017.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y-YiJFZkltI9n45Kwtc4VA9j8OE9oObusiFZGux3-xxy0_nwvOFlTnpAs0LrpAMb6zOKrl5ZgVPR9V7BvcqZguhf0XJdFhLTfugPAIBeZv-vMlCbGK-lkVIu9VhYgIMDxahwJZvdI_4/s1600/0117_top_dog_friday_night_dinner_480W-767246.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y-YiJFZkltI9n45Kwtc4VA9j8OE9oObusiFZGux3-xxy0_nwvOFlTnpAs0LrpAMb6zOKrl5ZgVPR9V7BvcqZguhf0XJdFhLTfugPAIBeZv-vMlCbGK-lkVIu9VhYgIMDxahwJZvdI_4/s320/0117_top_dog_friday_night_dinner_480W-767246.JPG" border="0" alt="guests gathered at Top Dog 2017" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575596367200226" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Guide Dog Users of Florida hosted Top Dog-2017 in Orlando this past January, and I was among the South Carolina affiliate members of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users who provided administrative and promotional assistance as needed in preparation for this event. Just a few short months later, I was collaborating on promotional writing for the National convention of <a href="http://guidedogusersinc.org" class="">Guide Dog Users, Inc</a>., introducing the imaginary antics of those renowned, "rovering reporters, Fred Floppears and Colleen Curleytail." Although I personally choose not to be a guide dog user, I do have a tremendous respect and empathy for the awesome partnership between blind handlers and their guide dogs.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfOLhcgGQ-SQSbma1S8JM-xtpcQIJYqekvpG2sdB1vsyGDLHKTnwZ6j7LEENP1sD28Zwk00sElWJuGwEYXNL0Yph0aC5x6H9zeyDu2KV2TGYPq7DzEYNFid-gcNv3PEgyXD6Tki7NvP4/s1600/0117_top_dog_blessing_audrey_andrea_480W-768282.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfOLhcgGQ-SQSbma1S8JM-xtpcQIJYqekvpG2sdB1vsyGDLHKTnwZ6j7LEENP1sD28Zwk00sElWJuGwEYXNL0Yph0aC5x6H9zeyDu2KV2TGYPq7DzEYNFid-gcNv3PEgyXD6Tki7NvP4/s320/0117_top_dog_blessing_audrey_andrea_480W-768282.JPG" border="0" alt="Audrey blessing Andrea and her guide at Top Dog" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575596935177826" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">At Top Dog Orlando, Dixie Landers were asked to participate in "The Blessing of the Guides," one of the highlights of Top Dog since that first workshop was held in 2006. While I stayed home to work on a writing project, several of our Dixie Land members and their guides caught the early train to Orlando, FL for the weekend's convention. As our President--my BFF and a dear sister in Christ--Audrey Gunter assisted with "The Blessing," she was reminded of just how much her fellow blind handlers need the opportunity to celebrate the lives of their guide dogs. The majority of guide dog users are on a limited income. When a guide dog retires and it is time for the handler to receive a new dog, most cannot keep their previous guide with them. There is a desperate need for blessing and closure among the worldwide community of guide dog users. Audrey once again shared these concerns with me. I, too, have been praying about this need for quite some time and was inspired to produce an audio church service. The service, titled simply "The Blessing" would speak to the hearts of guide dog users, past, present and future guide dogs, and all who love them.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana;" class="">"The Blessing" was delivered to an international audience via the Internet. For those who do not have the Internet, CD copies have been made available upon request. We've received responses from guide dog users throughout the US and Canada, and prayer requests came in from around the globe in remembrance of countless faithful guides who have crossed over "Rainbow Bridge." This presentation was highlighted on the Email lists of the national organization, Guide Dog Users, Inc., and was also featured on the Internet radio program, "Spotlight On Assistance Dogs." We have been asked to consider producing "The Blessing" on a regular basis. For a link to "The Blessing" with show notes, Email the Dixie Land Guide Team at <a href="mailto:dixielandguides@gmail.com" class="">dixielandguides@gmail.com</a> with "The Blessing" in the subject line.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Another tremendous honor for me in 2017 was being commissioned by the "Heart and Soul" choir in Decatur, IL to write the song "I'm So Glad." <span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" class="">Choir members, each having a unique set of challenges, shared with me their ideas for this song, which promotes inclusion among the Body of Christ, the church.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">In late January, I was called to the hills of North Carolina to provide music for the funeral service of Tommy Shelley, a dear friend of the blindness community and of this ministry. Standing on that mountain in that little church graveyard, closing the service with the singing of The Lord's Prayer, was beyond words an unforgettable experience for me. Our prayers continue for Tommy's wife Ethel and the rest of this dear family.</div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">In the spring, I traveled to St. Simon's Island, Georgia, where I served as the main presenter and music leader for the 2017 Spiritual Growth Retreat of the United Methodist Women Charleston District. Here I am pictured with some of my sisters from Grace United Methodist Church who attended the event.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVw2VWnubSzsIq9cgNMpIF0rnPfC-C68U_rLgOAMXvWBUhLn_3q97dKI9_PRmniv6eINGBAcss9OQA7NS5JYWW56Bp7SlevXK8s40I-Vy1w4r8UDjswTXbzl3FvJb5bfgNA6ppYPcJtM/s1600/03_17_retreat_group_600W390H-769748.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVw2VWnubSzsIq9cgNMpIF0rnPfC-C68U_rLgOAMXvWBUhLn_3q97dKI9_PRmniv6eINGBAcss9OQA7NS5JYWW56Bp7SlevXK8s40I-Vy1w4r8UDjswTXbzl3FvJb5bfgNA6ppYPcJtM/s320/03_17_retreat_group_600W390H-769748.JPG" border="0" alt="Gathered with Grace UMC ladies at Spiritual Growth Retreat" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575603950704802" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">My thanks to Retreat Director Angela Pickney-Hall, pictured here with me, and the rest of the Charleston District UMW for making me part of this event.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiqTEXqVW-ksdl3PZNxbRYjF_GKpaeZ0nQzlYLysBbYe-xVQccHWFJr80G1q4nEZkSrWTUeyFEJ2x9GR9fPH3XEqlo8bKv1q7TkdOwN9K4VxbateEzqbH646rhTk8fUAZKx2LZluJ7wI/s1600/03_17_retreat_laurel_w_angela_600W467H-771022.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiqTEXqVW-ksdl3PZNxbRYjF_GKpaeZ0nQzlYLysBbYe-xVQccHWFJr80G1q4nEZkSrWTUeyFEJ2x9GR9fPH3XEqlo8bKv1q7TkdOwN9K4VxbateEzqbH646rhTk8fUAZKx2LZluJ7wI/s320/03_17_retreat_laurel_w_angela_600W467H-771022.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel with retreat director Angela" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575609981355858" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVADYy_AbQREjT9NhvZif1gLDN5vwzfzTtlGUJq6xTkOAeve5bd5o51_7HbiZsR0Dx-r6U4oVuZNd-Aqdq4Whp_Cy2M9C2X2p_DqPZ-qgmOkfKgpukHAV7-5JUPkEZzB-Mmt4RufMm30/s1600/StandingOnDeck_600Wx840H-771807.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVADYy_AbQREjT9NhvZif1gLDN5vwzfzTtlGUJq6xTkOAeve5bd5o51_7HbiZsR0Dx-r6U4oVuZNd-Aqdq4Whp_Cy2M9C2X2p_DqPZ-qgmOkfKgpukHAV7-5JUPkEZzB-Mmt4RufMm30/s320/StandingOnDeck_600Wx840H-771807.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel at the head rigging of the Spirit of Carolina" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575614048673906" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Back in Charleston, another spring highlight was an afternoon cruise on "The Spirit of Carolina," one of several tall ships which came here for a weekend festival. These ships are replicas of those which actually sailed in the 1800's. The festival afforded an opportunity for a blind person to be seen in a venue that is often considered not to be accessible to people with disabilities. I even got to help hoist the sails!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kJQDUu5VsZ_fyJoVo3u5pJJUaSnw21k0gNhqzBFPodI6o6sMFMHO-ZLp522i0kYQrnlxMLStBz7Oi_j_MGHzEpjyhOccnCq1JGEeFWfvqrPRfkua8BoSylVznbY53P10pld2Hdptya8/s1600/0717_audrey_laurel_kimberly_presenting_bark_camp_600W-773392.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kJQDUu5VsZ_fyJoVo3u5pJJUaSnw21k0gNhqzBFPodI6o6sMFMHO-ZLp522i0kYQrnlxMLStBz7Oi_j_MGHzEpjyhOccnCq1JGEeFWfvqrPRfkua8BoSylVznbY53P10pld2Hdptya8/s320/0717_audrey_laurel_kimberly_presenting_bark_camp_600W-773392.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel presenting for Bark Camp with Kimberly and Audrey" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575619419682146" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Once again, I was blessed to assist with coordination and participation in presenting for area summer day camps, collaborating with others from the Charleston area's blindness community. Together, we educate sighted children--ages seven thru fifteen--on the subjects of Braille, proper etiquette when meeting a blind person--with or without a service dog--, accessible technology and much more.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6qTpHIuwj2_6vGpWNP3KBDZ5K-rJArB7ZrH-9SQkVxRdX_udVGNdTNf21bTx6hgz0eDnnevaCz_Bb3ZCDy8k8sAh0ObVFqWdDxLKOD6_7BQx5Xt3uIcRdMo3kmUaVTVadGVlzzEukvs/s1600/0617_laurel_talks_to_kids_east_side_community_center_600W-774478.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6qTpHIuwj2_6vGpWNP3KBDZ5K-rJArB7ZrH-9SQkVxRdX_udVGNdTNf21bTx6hgz0eDnnevaCz_Bb3ZCDy8k8sAh0ObVFqWdDxLKOD6_7BQx5Xt3uIcRdMo3kmUaVTVadGVlzzEukvs/s320/0617_laurel_talks_to_kids_east_side_community_center_600W-774478.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel talks to Day campers at East Side Community Center" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575624326071650" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Most rewarding for me personally is our work with summer day campers at the East Side Community Center. </div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgZJ1cvdYkvmY6tZjub3kH_gvQ8HErOe2UhIMhmXwkK62HSiDKq5OhdvZn2zsbUjVRvmJyigkD2xAwgI-bw2O7XHNLGMWGY8xW-oAYdEqtWTHJ08x79GbxIl84shUrhn071BDjMqAljs/s1600/0617_laurel_audrey_east_side_community_center_gathering_with_day_campers_600W-775391.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgZJ1cvdYkvmY6tZjub3kH_gvQ8HErOe2UhIMhmXwkK62HSiDKq5OhdvZn2zsbUjVRvmJyigkD2xAwgI-bw2O7XHNLGMWGY8xW-oAYdEqtWTHJ08x79GbxIl84shUrhn071BDjMqAljs/s320/0617_laurel_audrey_east_side_community_center_gathering_with_day_campers_600W-775391.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel and Audrey gathered with East Side Community Center day campers" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575626936462066" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">There is always a lot of excitement, and hugs for everyone!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">We continue to be available to serve as peer mentors for our blind brothers and sisters, and those who are in the process of losing their sight. Sometimes we meet in person, but most of our mentoring takes place via phone or Internet. We consider it an honor and a gift to hear Sofia's confidence growing as she speaks, or to witness Catherine learning to solve many of her own problems. I personally find that I am most often the one who is mentored, and I thank God for every opportunity that He gives me to shine His Light in this way.</div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_nS8EPYioc5zMDLCgaeu-Oyu0sRtLW2ehSfhWG4SGeSqdEMcUFEpSLlH23GvQwbL8mYRT2BhQfRhF6ZENmL9ZvfeAO8-hrNB-3G1pkAEnls2tK2ZzanJrYtpuCv5nrKyN7fex87r8CQ/s1600/032412_laurel_w_millie_2_600Wby450H-776327.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_nS8EPYioc5zMDLCgaeu-Oyu0sRtLW2ehSfhWG4SGeSqdEMcUFEpSLlH23GvQwbL8mYRT2BhQfRhF6ZENmL9ZvfeAO8-hrNB-3G1pkAEnls2tK2ZzanJrYtpuCv5nrKyN7fex87r8CQ/s320/032412_laurel_w_millie_2_600Wby450H-776327.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel with Millie after one of Laurel's concerts" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575633969657890" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">This past summer, another very special angel in my life entered the gates of her Heavenly home. Millie Kaiser was the person who scheduled my very first professional Christian music engagement back in 1988. The above picture was taken at one of the last church concerts of mine which Millie attended in her hometown of Springfield, IL. She was the first person to tell me, "Laurel, you have a very special gift and God is going to use you to bless a lot of people." Her words, spoken at the secular community event where Millie and I first met, introduced God's calling of ministry into my heart and began our friendship of nearly 30 years on this earth. Thanks to the Internet, I was able to sign Millie's guestbook and even send some of her favorite music selections for her memorial service, while continuing with the ministry in which she believed so strongly.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">August, 2017 in Charleston provided one of our nation's best views of the total solar eclipse which, yes, even this blind lady was able to enjoy right in my front yard.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkWReXZR6YD5LEfl-SaJmyzl4dFRDLruhNjcChtnOriI7EpA_RnD5v5t1OhwPHTKMwKV7p3zVxZbsHSmeEDY18gHkGAwA0Xp9Zn6LHPwW-AytqUqR3VEdN546hPnWosJ3Xu4K3ZUBPUM/s1600/02_17_bartimaeus_group_600W450H-777288.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkWReXZR6YD5LEfl-SaJmyzl4dFRDLruhNjcChtnOriI7EpA_RnD5v5t1OhwPHTKMwKV7p3zVxZbsHSmeEDY18gHkGAwA0Xp9Zn6LHPwW-AytqUqR3VEdN546hPnWosJ3Xu4K3ZUBPUM/s320/02_17_bartimaeus_group_600W450H-777288.JPG" border="0" alt="Group at Friends of Bartimaeus" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575639455959730" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">August also marked the five-year anniversary of the Friends of Bartimaeus Christian Outreach for the Blind here in Charleston. This outreach is hosted by Calvary Lutheran Church and is one of over fifty of its kind throughout the United States. Friends of Bartimaeus offers a monthly gathering, usually on the last Friday of the month. People who are blind come from all around the Charleston metro area to enjoy a nutritious, delicious hot meal, devotionals, music and fellowship in a safe, non-threatening environment. At the end of each meeting, guests in need are even given a bag of groceries to take home. As one of the founders of this ministry, it is always a blessing for me to assist with music, leadership and prayer support for the people of all ages and their families who are touched by this outreach. Last year, we even assisted with catering the event while our regular sighted cooks were out of the country on a mission trip.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">In the fall, we here in Charleston battened down the hatches to prepare for three unwelcome visitors. Fortunately for us, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria had been downgraded to tropical storms by the time they reached Charleston. Most of us (myself included) stayed put and hunkered down in place to wait out the storms. Damage in my immediate neighborhood was minimal and we never lost power, though it flickered occasionally. Others in the greater metro area of Charleston and throughout the state were not so fortunate. The tropical storms were unnerving, with a lot of wind and rain, transformers popping and mature tree limbs snapping as if they were little twigs. Thru it all, we were kept informed by realtime radio/television coverage and alerts from some of the top meteorologists in the nation who happen to live here in Charleston. We haven't forgotten and still pray for those who have suffered such tremendous loss in the paths of these storms.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Another highlight of my year was my opportunity to take a course in Internet broadcasting or podcasting with <a href="http://mosen.org" class="">Jonathan Mosen</a>, a renowned broadcaster and podcaster from New Zealand who also happens to be totally blind. The course took place over four weeks via Internet conference and consisted entirely of blind people on all walks of life. I learned so much about the advancements in recording and broadcasting technology accessible to the blindness community and got to interact with a lot of really interesting people.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">I continue to assist in providing Email technical support for the mailing list of the <a href="http://not-alone.net" class="">Not Alone Internet Ministry</a>. This ministry reaches out from St. Louis, MO with a weekly reflection podcast hosted by Pastor Dave Andrus, and a Bible study podcast in which Pastor Dave is joined by co-host Cecilia Lee. Both Pastor Dave and Cecilia are totally blind. These Christian programs offered from a blindness perspective are truly a breath of fresh air, and I enjoy helping out with this ministry.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY21MZzUB5PzIlKZWO-8PS_sXN-qAH2XcmiqG56bvJBlGu36jHvPbWL9w5t3ukn8SEDOMERJzAm6qllsqoDwOK5RzeZ2ez_t1qdg2hcj3hWPWAbngYp5z5W0HZW5jng-50nSyLM0fEPB4/s1600/1217_Christmas_Lights_2017-778391.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY21MZzUB5PzIlKZWO-8PS_sXN-qAH2XcmiqG56bvJBlGu36jHvPbWL9w5t3ukn8SEDOMERJzAm6qllsqoDwOK5RzeZ2ez_t1qdg2hcj3hWPWAbngYp5z5W0HZW5jng-50nSyLM0fEPB4/s320/1217_Christmas_Lights_2017-778391.JPG" border="0" alt="Christmas lights on Laurel's gate" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6512575640521093058" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Here is the most recent Christmas display on the gate outside my house here in Charleston. Thanks, Audrey for helping with this! Who says blind folks can't enjoy Christmas lights?</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">In December, I provided music ministry for the Christmas parties of the Friends of Bartimaeus and also for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of South Carolina. Many guests in attendance, say that these celebrations served as their only means of socializing and celebrating the season with friends. Audrey turned 70 this December and I was truly honored to be the musician and emcee for her birthday party. In lieu of gifts, Audrey asked her friends to bring nonperishable food items to help restock the Friends of Bartimaeus grocery pantry. Thanks to an overwhelming turnout of support, those pantry shelves were completely filled by the truckload of groceries delivered to Calvary Lutheran Church.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Every day, we pray that God will put us where He needs us, and use us where He puts us. On Christmas Eve Eve, Sonny and I returned from our morning walk to find a rather large box on our front porch. I brought the box inside and scanned it with an app on my phone which uses the phone's camera to recognize printed text. The box was addressed to someone a couple of blocks away. I suppose that I could've called the shipping carrier and asked them to retrieve the box, but this was most likely someone's Christmas present. I let Sonny rest in his crate, grabbed my cane, tucked the box awkwardly under my arm, programmed the street address into my phone's GPS and walked the package to the home of its rightful owner. As it turned out, the box contained a Christmas gift that a very nice lady named Maureen had purchased for her son. She was elated to have her gift and I was glad that I could help. Sometimes it's nice just to be able to do something that any neighbor should do for another.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">My heartfelt thanks to all whose prayers and support helped make 2017 a truly blessed and fulfilling year for me, one adventure after the other!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">© 2018 by Laurel Jean Walden</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-5755195341906137402016-12-25T13:16:00.000-05:002016-12-25T13:16:21.589-05:00Holiday Greetings and Year-End Highlights."The people walking in darkness have seen a great light..." (Isaiah 9:2)<br class=""><br class="">Greetings and Merry Christmas!<br class=""><br class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bv0u6L-xb9HEBiDpjNpZ6z99oqFDA1aWchIif9AbAfepEjoCLCC8elDGjtGjE7JgsfBlJol5HqO3ohtJuc3ElU3K2ImKZyVhtzBStINQpnpDwYkoEcuh-9zFdZsoNcJeKA33uk9qOMc/s1600/12_ChristmasLights-799687.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bv0u6L-xb9HEBiDpjNpZ6z99oqFDA1aWchIif9AbAfepEjoCLCC8elDGjtGjE7JgsfBlJol5HqO3ohtJuc3ElU3K2ImKZyVhtzBStINQpnpDwYkoEcuh-9zFdZsoNcJeKA33uk9qOMc/s320/12_ChristmasLights-799687.JPG" border="0" alt="Christmas lights on the fence outside Laurel's house" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6368097332656490194" /></a><br class=""><br class="">Here is a shot of the Christmas lights on the fence outside my home in Charleston, SC. Audrey and I had a great time decorating the fence this year, and I'm sure that it was great fun for the neighbors to watch two blind ladies untangling and stringing Christmas lights! :) We pray that the light of Christ shines in all that we do every day.<br class=""><br class="">From beginning to end, 2016 has been packed with God's blessings in my life, music and ministry! Since the January release of my latest album "Living That Story," this collection is now available on CD, as well as on iTunes and other popular download/streaming sites. Recording has changed a lot since I released my first cassette album back in 1993. Now, thanks to accessible computer technology, I can enjoy much more independence in recording and producing an album. With this technology and the Internet, I can work on projects like this in collaboration with people all over the world! God's Light keeps shining in ways that I never would have dreamed to be possible!<br class=""><br class="">The weekend of February 14 found me in my home state of Illinois, with musical engagements in the Champaign and Springfield areas. For me, the beautiful snowfall that greeted me while I was there felt like a personal Valentine from the good Lord Himself! Seeing many old friends and meeting new ones made that weekend extra special!<br class=""><br class="">Whether presenting in front of a church, or working behind the scenes to help folk feel welcome, wanted and loved in God's House, the subject of "The Church and People With Disabilities" continues to bee a priority. In the spring, Audrey, Jessie and I were called up the road to Goose Creek, SC for an "Able to Serve Sunday" presentation at St. James United Methodist Church. Amid the warm welcome and enthusiastic response from this congregation, we were inspired to meet a young lady named Donna. Having served in Afghanistan, Donna was awaiting a lung transplant. We were deeply moved as Donna looked beyond her own health challenges to pray with us and assist us in our presentation.<br class=""><br class="">This year, more talking Bibles have been placed in the hands of people with blindness and other print disabilities, as well as others having mobility issues which make it difficult to hold a book. In the spring, we were contacted by a representative of Project Okurase, an organization based here in Charleston. Project Okurase works with the people of the rural West African village of Okurase in Ghana. We met with Francis, a twelve-year-old boy, blind from birth, who was brought to the United States for the diagnosis of his eye condition since proper evaluation was not available in Ghana. Francis has Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). We were able to refer Francis and his guardian to an independent vision teacher who specializes in orientation and mobility. Francis and his family are Christian, and I found a solar powered talking Bible (The New Testament) in his native tribal language of "Ewe" (pronounced "Ay-way).<br class=""><br class="">This past summer, I assisted with coordination and participation in presenting for area day camps, collaborating with others from the Charleston area's blindness community. Here I am with friend and fellow Dixie Lander Kimberly and her guide dog "Fonzie."<br class=""><br class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmmhlTRMZHtyBDPJPaihkcV2i_bAawxASkhfKU5zBm4IP6Gyi9m2MykNpOVpuXQ2QGVNkGnj88F0HBHtqpIt5joPdmHf6V7S7ZqlqEIudfXPPGV6p7I-nRDbOjFnfAXJa5TBV21AcCqk/s1600/12_Laurel_and_Kimberly_presenting_for_Bark_Camp-701771.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmmhlTRMZHtyBDPJPaihkcV2i_bAawxASkhfKU5zBm4IP6Gyi9m2MykNpOVpuXQ2QGVNkGnj88F0HBHtqpIt5joPdmHf6V7S7ZqlqEIudfXPPGV6p7I-nRDbOjFnfAXJa5TBV21AcCqk/s320/12_Laurel_and_Kimberly_presenting_for_Bark_Camp-701771.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel and Kimberly presenting for day campers" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6368097341674083810" /></a><br class=""><br class="">Together, we educated sighted children--ages seven thru fifteen--on the subjects of Braille, proper etiquette when meeting a blind person--with or without a service dog--, accessible technology and much more.<br class=""><br class="">We also assisted area Girl Scouts in earning their merit badges relating to disabilities and service animals. Here, Audrey, her guide Jessie and I posed with scouts, their leaders and our puppy raiser friends Mike and Peggy who joined us for this presentation.<br class=""><br class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH19cdH0gtrT-N0ysvH7OL8EX8qQvNKLkVPxoUxFoNrhG_jE7Lobg8wdmSFZcyjs9B0IyucxPMAKL7m9riwqyt_6aMS4Hwm1fqK_rdhEMJMmJBwCeWQkApnD9JdTrjyFhHydL28bH3iMk/s1600/12_Laurel_and_Audrey_with_puppy_raisers_and_girls_scout+troop-703400.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH19cdH0gtrT-N0ysvH7OL8EX8qQvNKLkVPxoUxFoNrhG_jE7Lobg8wdmSFZcyjs9B0IyucxPMAKL7m9riwqyt_6aMS4Hwm1fqK_rdhEMJMmJBwCeWQkApnD9JdTrjyFhHydL28bH3iMk/s320/12_Laurel_and_Audrey_with_puppy_raisers_and_girls_scout+troop-703400.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel and Audrey with puppy raisers and girl scouts" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6368097347752342402" /></a><br class=""><br class="">On July 31st, I truly felt the impact--and was able to serve as a witness--of God's Grace and mercy. I was walking my pet Lab, Sonny, around my neighborhood as I do every day. I approached a driveway with which I am very familiar. A car was idling in the driveway. I stopped for a moment to listen to the car. Then, I continued across the driveway behind the car, just as the driver punched it in reverse. The right rear of the car caught my right hip and I fell. The driver was absolutely beside herself. Her sister had just been taken to the hospital and she confessed that she wasn't even looking as she backed out of the driveway. I was fine, just stiff and sore with a few bruises, scrapes on my knee and hand, and torn jeans. The driver helped me retrieve Sonny, who is soooooo not a guide dog and had occupied himself with some cat food on the porch. Then, she asked me if I needed anything.<br class=""><br class="">As I stood talking to this lady, I kept hearing the words "Grace" and "mercy" in my heart. We live in such a litigious society. One can't watch a single program on TV without hearing the advertisement for an attorney to call if one has been in an accident. I gave the driver a hug, asked her sister's name and promised to pray for both of them. Then, after admonishing her to please be more careful, I finished our walk (torn pants and all) and headed home. I was stiff and sore for four days, but never missed a day of walking my dog. By the end of that week, we were back to our regular brisk pace. Praise God!<br class=""><br class="">In the fall, we here in Charleston battened down the hatches to prepare for an unwelcome visitor named Hurricane Matthew. While many people evacuated, a lot of us (myself included) stayed put and hunkered down in place to wait out the storm. Damage in my immediate neighborhood was minimal and we lost power for less than 24 hours. Others in the greater metro area of Charleston and throughout the state were not so fortunate. The storm was quite unnerving to say the least. Fierce winds roared thru the night and all the next day. Transformers exploded all around, and mature trees were snapped as if they were little twigs. Thru it all, we were kept informed by realtime radio/television coverage and alerts from some of the top meteorologists in the nation who happen to live and work here in Charleston. It was truly a blessing also to have such a supportive network of friends and neighbors. Those victory shouts of "We made it!" really meant a lot as we all began to venture out of our homes again.<br class=""><br class="">Every day, we pray that God will put us where He wants us, and use us where He puts us. Guide Dog Users of Florida will be hosting Top Dog-2017 in Orlando this coming January, and we South Carolina affiliate members have been providing administrative and promotional assistance as needed. Once again, we have been asked to participate in "The Blessing of the Guides," one of the highlights of Top Dog since that first workshop was held in 2006. I have also been providing technical support for the Not Alone Internet Ministry. This ministry reaches out from St. Louis, Missouri to blind people all over the world with an accessible Bible study and weekly devotionals featuring Pastor Dave Andrus and colleague Cecilia Lee, both totally blind. Earlier this year, I was commissioned to write a song for the "Heart and Soul" choir of Central Christian Church in Decatur, Illinois for their annual concert in June, 2017. I am currently working on that project, and preparing for music and ministry in Georgia next spring.<br class=""><br class="">We continue to be available to serve as peer mentors for our blind brothers and sisters, and those who are in the process of losing their sight. Most of this mentoring takes place via phone or Internet. We consider it an honor and a gift to hear someone's confidence growing as they speak and to witness them learning to solve many of their own problems. I personally find that I am most often the one who is mentored, and I thank God for every opportunity that He gives me to shine His Light.<br class=""><br class="">I also thank God for you. Your prayers and support help keep my ministry and me going and growing in God. Stay tuned for more posts in the coming year. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!<br class=""><br class=""><br class="">Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-70256511210578886812016-04-30T12:06:00.000-04:002016-04-30T12:06:07.797-04:00The Shepherd's Gift<div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><b class=""><i class="">"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—" John 10:14</i></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><i class="">"Make yourself at home." </i>That's what my paternal grandfather used to say whenever I would visit my grandparents' farm. Then, he would laugh and say, "Have a chair and sit down beside it."</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""> My parents divorced when I was very small and my dad was killed on his job when I was just seven years old. As the years have passed, I've been blessed to meet and become better acquainted with many of my dad's close friends and distant relatives. Though I spent a rather small amount of time with my paternal grandparents as a child, I have also come to treasure some really precious memories of them.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Throughout his life, Grandpa Walden was a farmer by profession. In addition to planting and tending the fields, he raised sheep and also raised and trained border collies to herd sheep. One of my favorite childhood memories is of Grandpa allowing me to stand in the sheep pen while one of his dogs brought the sheep from the pasture. Grandpa would give his dog special commands to herd the flock of sheep all around me. The dog would then hold them in one place so that I could walk among them and touch them.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">My grandpa even had his own shepherd's staffs which he had hand-whittled from large tree saplings. Sadly, to my knowledge, those staffs were lost in a fire.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Fast forward a few years on my journey of music and ministry. I was in Lincoln, IL one Sunday morning presenting for the Lincoln Church of the Nazarene. Orienting myself with the church, I stood in the pastor's office prior to the service. I reached out to touch the wall beside me as I often do, when what should I find but a beautifully hand-carved shepherd's staff! I couldn't stop admiring that staff and told Pastor Greg about my Grandpa Walden who had since passed away.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Weeks later, I received a call from Pastor Greg asking when I would again be in the Lincoln area. We made arrangements to meet and he surprised me with my very own shepherd's staff!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRhHKYjVukImrll_e-BsYp_GiNAQcrozmp7C_Rbvni_S7Zeq2Ia2Nz2tsR_kOPNdtTUmMmsfAcPfQtmAjDROZbTq5OYCGHnjliaF9qNJmTGzvxP_1TMKeuX9U34ehyIyExDH06gfSQVQ/s1600/staff_on_wall_350W-745434.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRhHKYjVukImrll_e-BsYp_GiNAQcrozmp7C_Rbvni_S7Zeq2Ia2Nz2tsR_kOPNdtTUmMmsfAcPfQtmAjDROZbTq5OYCGHnjliaF9qNJmTGzvxP_1TMKeuX9U34ehyIyExDH06gfSQVQ/s320/staff_on_wall_350W-745434.jpg" border="0" alt="picture of Laurel's staff on wall" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6279376387355974610" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Unbeknownst to me, this generous, discerning pastor had contacted the man who carved his shepherd's staff and had told him about me. The two then contacted Rev. Bill Dolan, Lincoln's Christian radio WLLM station manager who is also blind, and asked him to give them a sample of the words "Grandpa Walden" spelled out in Braille. On the shank of my shepherd's staff, fasteners similar to upholstery pins serve as simulated Braille dots to form my grandfather's name.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zan2-Ngu0VLCsFyecqfobqhojjR6NhCUjhK9qDL81bxFRMhBpKok-95iWqfynuoQwiWOPYNHpa77W7IorMpjlnPl-TYymRAS8kuYzqQKZZyRiDBQgYlt_dPFPERXY-F6m5VfXsikzSA/s1600/staff_braille_good_800W-747810.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zan2-Ngu0VLCsFyecqfobqhojjR6NhCUjhK9qDL81bxFRMhBpKok-95iWqfynuoQwiWOPYNHpa77W7IorMpjlnPl-TYymRAS8kuYzqQKZZyRiDBQgYlt_dPFPERXY-F6m5VfXsikzSA/s320/staff_braille_good_800W-747810.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel's staff, showing the words Grandpa Walden in Braille" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6279376399304276066" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">This shepherd's staff is one of my most valued possessions. It made the journey with me when I came to Charleston, SC where I currently live. In addition to bringing back precious childhood memories, it serves as a reminder that—whatever our geographical location or life circumstances may be—we can always "<i class="">make ourselves at home</i>" as part of the family of God.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Our Good Shepherd has laid down His life for us. He is risen and has ascended to prepare a place for us! What a magnificent gift!</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Has another member of the Body of Christ gone out of their way to make you feel "<i class="">at home</i>?" What can we do to make others feel the same? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart.</div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; line-height: normal;" class="">© 2016 by Laurel Jean Walden</div><div class=""><br class=""></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-21644622698947652252016-02-05T20:30:00.000-05:002016-02-05T20:30:27.221-05:00New CD, Living That Story!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCw1FOLF5OGvBlDS64KI99xmheHzQYQXMxrDlWBv_lQx81nvanpjF9XVx-AH495zHwFVMy2jWFxk_IGca95lC7mFAIKRur7mV3QZRgKsNOeUoD44W51YJZr5BC7dYDVaOwgTJ2MrL158/s1600/LivingThatStory_cover_275-756093.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCw1FOLF5OGvBlDS64KI99xmheHzQYQXMxrDlWBv_lQx81nvanpjF9XVx-AH495zHwFVMy2jWFxk_IGca95lC7mFAIKRur7mV3QZRgKsNOeUoD44W51YJZr5BC7dYDVaOwgTJ2MrL158/s320/LivingThatStory_cover_275-756093.JPG" border="0" alt="Living That Story CD cover" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6247951875222111442" /></a><div class=""><br class=""><b class=""><i class="">"…The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23, World English Bible)<br class=""></i></b><br class="">As I write, the earthly lights of Christmas are safely tucked away for another season. Our churches and our lives are wrapped in the garment of "Ordinary Time." Still, child of God that I am, I want to hear that story, just one more time! I want to live that story always! Don't you?<br class=""><br class=""><b class=""><i class="">"Oh, won't you tell me one more time? It brings me so much joy<br class="">To hear of Mary, and of Joseph, and that Baby Boy…"*<br class=""></i></b><br class="">One more time…won't you join me on this journey of joyful mysteries, to visit once again the people and places surrounding our Lord, Jesus Christ as He came into this world?<br class=""><br class="">Wait with me in the temple courtyard with the crowds to greet a speechless Zacharias who has just been told by the angel Gabriel that he and his wife Elizabeth will be blessed in their old age with a son (John the Baptist.)<br class=""><br class="">Let us reminisce together with Mary, the mother of Jesus, of the time when she, too, was visited by that angel Gabriel. We'll follow her as she hurries away to the hill country of Judea to the house of her cousin Elizabeth. Can you hear their emotional greetings and praises to God as they spend time together, preparing for that truly awesome work which God is doing in their lives, and ours?<br class=""><br class="">Come with me to weep and pray with Mary as she is found to be with child after returning home. Witness her unwavering trust in God as she prays for Joseph and surrenders completely to God's Will.<br class=""><br class="">Pause with me a while at the Bethlehem manger to praise and worship God for the gift of His only Son. We'll sit with the innkeeper as he beholds this wondrous Love of God, exclaiming, <b class=""><i class="">"The Child for Whom I had no room came to prepare a place for me!"*<br class=""><br class=""></i></b>Let us follow Mary and Joseph to the temple in Jerusalem as they present their firstborn son in accordance with the law of the Lord. Can you hear the tearful praises of Simeon and Anna as each takes their turn, gathering the Child Jesus into their arms and blessing Him for His journey?<br class=""><br class="">Then we'll return with Mary and Joseph to the temple years later to find that the young boy Jesus, presumed to be lost, has been about His Father's business all along. Hear that gentle reminder for us to <b class=""><i class="">"take His hand. Let's make every day Christmas..."* </i></b>a celebration of His Love, <b style="font-style: italic;" class="">"…living that story He lives in you and me."*</b><br class=""><br class="">"Living That Story" is available on CD thru my Web site. You can purchase online with PayPal, call me with your credit card order, or print my order form to purchase by mail using check/money order. If you buy any three items directly thru my Web site, shipping is free. Check it out and hear samples on my "<a href="http://laureljean.com/albums_etcetera.html" class="">Albums, Etcetera" Page</a>.<br class=""><br class="">The download version of this album can be purchased currently thru my outstanding digital distributor <a href="http://cdbaby.com/cd/laureljean2" class="">CDBaby, here</a>.<br class=""><br class=""><b class=""><i class="">"Living That Story</i></b>" will also soon be available on your favorite download and streaming sites such as iTunes and Amazon. Just do an artist search for "Laurel Jean" to bring up my music. Currently, two singles "Whatever" and "The Blessing of Your Love," as well as my "Journey Home" collection are available on these sites. If you purchase and like what you hear, please take time to write a review and use the sharing features on these sites to tell your friends. That really means a lot!<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Who from the Scriptures would you like to speak with? Of course, we look forward to seeing Jesus, but who else do you look forward to meeting face to face, and what would you like to ask them? Feel welcome to share your comments below.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, thank you for your ongoing prayer support! God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><b class="">*Lyrics from "Living That Story," © 2016 by Laurel Jean Walden.</b></div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-82774821932797696152015-12-31T14:09:00.000-05:002016-01-15T14:19:16.720-05:00Wrapping Up 2015<div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvydUIJXTOawnTe9hHi3aDLUdeTJWUxjEJwNcu2UyqXq2w9necOxIl0LMpo1EoSB6qOUEXraczAOVtsYtevf6WEW9pCwpw7ty086LEvDtwv8t8tBcQy3jyDaXZ6tVmE7qXTdvhpBwuokE/s1600/Photo1IMG_0204_600X450-742600.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvydUIJXTOawnTe9hHi3aDLUdeTJWUxjEJwNcu2UyqXq2w9necOxIl0LMpo1EoSB6qOUEXraczAOVtsYtevf6WEW9pCwpw7ty086LEvDtwv8t8tBcQy3jyDaXZ6tVmE7qXTdvhpBwuokE/s320/Photo1IMG_0204_600X450-742600.JPG" border="0" alt="Speaking to College of Charleston Delta Gammas" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6240060676087664130" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div>I'm pictured here with Audrey and her guide dog Jessie (and "Lady Liberty" my long, white cane of course) speaking to members of the College of Charleston Delta Gamma Sorority, Charleston, SC just before Thanksgiving, 2015. This past August, I was honored to be reelected as an officer of <a href="http://dixielandguidedogs.org" class="">Dixie Land Guide Dog Users</a>. Continuing to serve in this capacity affords me many opportunities to expand the horizons of my own personal outreach on behalf of the blindness community. A large part of this outreach lies in the raising of awareness among sighted people and students of all grade levels in particular.<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">During the fall, I began assisting with technical support for the various mailing lists of the Not Alone Audio Internet Ministry. This exciting new ministry features devotional podcasts and Bible studies prepared by Pastor Dave Andrus and friends, especially for people who are blind. Having lost his sight when he was very young, Pastor Dave offers a spiritual breath of fresh air for blind Christians and pre-believers alike. You can learn more about this ministry at <a href="http://not-alone.net" class="">his Web site</a>.<br class=""><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div class=""><div class="">Along with my ongoing efforts toward peer mentoring and advocacy, I've been keeping busy recording, producing and preparing for the upcoming release of my latest album "Living That Story," to be officially released on CD, on iTunes and other digital sites very soon. I am looking forward to unveiling this new collection of music and sharing it with you!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Throughout the past year of recording and traveling to present, I have also been called to provide music and ministry for a variety of memorial services and celebrations of life. I have prepared memorial music in digital format to send across the miles, accompanied the choir of my Grace United Methodist Church family at the piano, and assisted in planning and officiating a service thru music, Scripture and prayer support.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">My year ended on a positive note, wen I served as part of a focus group addressing the topic of making travel more accessible for people with disabilities. I was able to offer suggestions based on a lot of my own, first-hand experience of traveling frequently by plane, train, bus and taxi.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">2015 was a year filled with challenges, not the least of which were presented by my precious fur-baby, Sonny. During our first full year together this sweet yellow Labrador (not a guide dog) has taught me a lot about patience and unconditional love. Walking with him thru his many unusual bouts with health and behavioral issues has taught me a lot about God's love for all of us, two-legged and four-legged souls alike. Just before Christmas, a little male ginger cat (dubbed "Christmas Carroll") moved into the neighborhood. Several of us have taken on the responsibility of making sure that he is loved and that his needs are met. He doesn't want to come inside, but when greeted on his own terms, he is one of the most loving, personable cats I have ever met. He, too, has taught me a lot about life and relationships. While all of this was going on, I received my 2016 Braille Scripture calendar from Lutheran Braille Workers. I couldn't help laughing as my fingers glanced at the theme and the tactile pictures on each month's page. The theme of the calendar was "Noah's Ark!" OK, God, what's next? (grin)</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one! Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">© 2015 by Laurel Jean Walden</div></div></div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-81926676764625568512015-10-29T20:11:00.001-04:002015-11-02T14:40:44.983-05:00Celebrating Independence<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Bufa8W9V7eiefbX0diO5yRp-5SJhkCL0ZqTgYdEUPVlqaOJKcbJt_nBs5IIiDv14O_semWdJa11FpUoVsnAq9PEdYnXsIIRIRqfp3fUmUcahei0adJ1CX9_NBbV_Zitgrve6OdLPy_U/s1600/IMG_patriot_600W-791479.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Bufa8W9V7eiefbX0diO5yRp-5SJhkCL0ZqTgYdEUPVlqaOJKcbJt_nBs5IIiDv14O_semWdJa11FpUoVsnAq9PEdYnXsIIRIRqfp3fUmUcahei0adJ1CX9_NBbV_Zitgrve6OdLPy_U/s320/IMG_patriot_600W-791479.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel Jean with fellow Dixie Land Guide Team members at the entrance of Patriots Point" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6211226619300965890" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">The month of October is recognized as Disabilities Employment Awareness Month and October 15th is celebrated as White Cane Safety Awareness Day. I can't imagine my life without the independence and safety provided by my ability to properly use a long, white cane. Every day, I thank God for this personal independence and for my literacy. I am so grateful for my Christian faith, and for the freedom to serve my Lord and Savior in professional music ministry. For me, all of these freedoms make every day worth celebrating!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">It was a beautiful, sun-drenched October morning here in South Carolina. I joined a few of my fellow Dixie Landers and friends at Patriot's Point Naval Museum in nearby Mount Pleasant, to learn, fellowship and, perhaps even teach while spending a couple of enjoyable hours aboard the USS destroyer Laffey, the World War II aircraft carrier, Yorktown and the USS submarine, Clagamore, all of which now are part of the Patriot's Point Naval Museum.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">We were met at the park's entrance by Cindy C.; Cindy L.; Molly and Melissa who graciously and patiently offered to escort us all around the premises. The very first piece of precious memorabilia we stumbled across was their tribute to all of the South Carolinians who gave their lives during the Viet Nam war. Surges of pride, patriotism and gratitude embraced us as we ever so gently ran our fingers across the multitudes of replicated dog tags hanging on their wall. We all agreed how blessed and fortunate we are to live in such a magnificent country.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20EaF_2iTRQ9lbT4RHBt4rgUCZ8CyEbIUc2IyQFeWtruDsMKgHVZmJ5LkxFygb7q8BNzZN_91rs6F6EA6guvm3GFd34YqkyC99Zbfsp96VhYY7PfCmJIeEcxS8JKFWjei_-iOwyS6KhQ/s1600/IMG_Laffey_600W-794110.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20EaF_2iTRQ9lbT4RHBt4rgUCZ8CyEbIUc2IyQFeWtruDsMKgHVZmJ5LkxFygb7q8BNzZN_91rs6F6EA6guvm3GFd34YqkyC99Zbfsp96VhYY7PfCmJIeEcxS8JKFWjei_-iOwyS6KhQ/s320/IMG_Laffey_600W-794110.JPG" border="0" alt="On the Destroyer Laffey" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6211226629543064226" /></a></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Soon Cindy C. began to tell us about a handful of volunteers who had donated their time and efforts that entire week towards the up-keep and appearance of the destroyer Laffey. Before long a couple of those dedicated fellows were introducing themselves to us and telling us how they'd all been connected to that destroyer at one time or another. We all thanked them for their service and remarked how it was through their efforts that we were even allowed to be there. N Then, it happened! From out of no where walked "Ari, the Greek", or, at least that's how they introduced him. Ari, now living with his wife and family in Portland, Oregon, proudly donned a bright orange shirt that had printed on the front, "USS Laffey Plankowner". He explained that he had been assigned to "her" when she was commissioned and spent 2 years aboard during World War II. We were all spellbound as Ari began a very special guided tour of "his" Laffey. Probably my most memorable time spent on the Laffey was my experience of the simulation of the ship under attack during World War II.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDFqsSDX9qZCVPUFYaiqoIqH095A4CtwiXoMgMBMVMz4Rw1bLDegbl0s7sNlN0dUqnB2Og41bFN9TugQNbRaN37yxlOTaNngTMjeGPLWAq-WkezUGg0_4xlBZrP-ueiPi0-c7gsCDi7g/s1600/IMG_flag_600W-797677.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDFqsSDX9qZCVPUFYaiqoIqH095A4CtwiXoMgMBMVMz4Rw1bLDegbl0s7sNlN0dUqnB2Og41bFN9TugQNbRaN37yxlOTaNngTMjeGPLWAq-WkezUGg0_4xlBZrP-ueiPi0-c7gsCDi7g/s320/IMG_flag_600W-797677.JPG" border="0" alt="In front of flag on Yorktown Hangar Deck" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6211226650031553682" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Much too soon our tour of the Laffey was over and it was time to visit the Yorktown. There was no comparison between the two in size. One was a destroyer and the other an aircraft carrier. One was the size of a city block and the other, an entire city!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">The Yorktown was commissioned in 1937 and fought during World War II until she was sunk in 1942. She now sits proudly in the shadows of the newly erected Ravenel Bridge in the Cooper River just outside of Charleston, SC.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Because of time constraints, our tour of the Yorktown was somewhat rushed but we did get to visit the flight deck, hanger deck and a few other points of interest. </div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhJIzxeLL53ffX70aOfFisD4LUFKNjWeeJcKB2B1SMSIG5ct4RlrdQ4voLgSUIbCUdvHmAvkbu-a0PXLVQYhQfKEB-lxCNId-TH9mV4gbhBdzzhe2mr3O2PPnPpHqoZYM2WaQAIz1NtA/s1600/IMG_Scrappy_600W-701566.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhJIzxeLL53ffX70aOfFisD4LUFKNjWeeJcKB2B1SMSIG5ct4RlrdQ4voLgSUIbCUdvHmAvkbu-a0PXLVQYhQfKEB-lxCNId-TH9mV4gbhBdzzhe2mr3O2PPnPpHqoZYM2WaQAIz1NtA/s320/IMG_Scrappy_600W-701566.JPG" border="0" alt="With Yorktown Mascot, Scrappy" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6211226660285522674" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">As we passed their mess hall, we could actually hear the tinkling of glasses and clunking trays just like it was so very many years ago when that ship was fully manned. Our lunch at Sticky Fingers was delicious and we even got to have our photos made with their mascot, Scrappy! As he stood beside me, I announced to the group that I, too, now had a guide dog and I could feel his shoulders shaking with laughter.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbSBEyX4sD3V5O2FsYOP_WfAOvkr0FwSMUL_Kf_4bQRfz4L0jXJbT749LFOijf5zVeOGPptEXJFDSICGGdmqk6aSer6iNgRw-TtDQ2ZGr-9wdeh4zmRyvvU4Z8A24wgJF0_ifuXR4ZwY/s1600/IMG_in_helicopter_600W-704737.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbSBEyX4sD3V5O2FsYOP_WfAOvkr0FwSMUL_Kf_4bQRfz4L0jXJbT749LFOijf5zVeOGPptEXJFDSICGGdmqk6aSer6iNgRw-TtDQ2ZGr-9wdeh4zmRyvvU4Z8A24wgJF0_ifuXR4ZwY/s320/IMG_in_helicopter_600W-704737.JPG" border="0" alt="In touring helicopter" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6211226678305893458" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Before long we were headed towards the gangplank and the parking lot. We'd have to see the submarine Clagamore another day. But wait! Some of us still had one more thing that we absolutely had to do. Within a few moments, Kimberly Taylor, Kimberly's friend Cindy and I were jumping in the tour helicopter and flying over Fort Sumter and the Battery. I had never ridden in a helicopter before and that has been one of my "bucket list" items for as long as I can remember.</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">"This is the best day ever," Kimberly said as she exited the chopper area. It was, indeed, a great day, the perfect day to celebrate freedom and independence!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">We'd only spent 4 hours visiting Patriot's Point, but we'll have a lifetime of memories from our time there. Thank you, Cindy C,; Cindy L.; Melissa and Molly for an incredible day and a very special note of appreciation goes out to all of the brave men and women who have served or are now serving in our US military, especially "Ari, the Greek."</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Thanks to our driver, Libby who generously donated her time and vehicle to transport us. God bless you all and God bless the USA!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; min-height: 12px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana;" class="">© 2015 by Laurel Jean Walden</div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-60765325105976821672015-10-06T16:41:00.003-04:002015-10-06T16:41:51.422-04:00God's Love<div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H6SJ_xWsUf0c-a50X3ncBUIR2Z5NTLTNeD3EYE2t0gbB375DCyzexiq9tm8aQAZiIr4YbD9eZqMhPM0WA5tpYZlpxcrSZI1TL7QLkwxJrpOFfu2TDJfsSMAB-Mgy8ohsKTqlFV543YQ/s1600/Sonny_and_Me_Cropped_600Wide840High-735817.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H6SJ_xWsUf0c-a50X3ncBUIR2Z5NTLTNeD3EYE2t0gbB375DCyzexiq9tm8aQAZiIr4YbD9eZqMhPM0WA5tpYZlpxcrSZI1TL7QLkwxJrpOFfu2TDJfsSMAB-Mgy8ohsKTqlFV543YQ/s320/Sonny_and_Me_Cropped_600Wide840High-735817.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel and her American Labrador, Sonny" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6202632587914672818" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">It has often been said that "having a baby changes everything." This time last year, I had no idea how much my life would be changed by a very special fur-baby who was about to be dropped into my life. In October, 2014, I had just said that I was not getting another dog "unless God just dropped one on my head." Of course, I love my Zettie and still miss her, but…Then the phone rang.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">The lady from Florida sadly shared her story with Dixie Land Guide Dog Users. The puppy was just six months old. She had purchased him just after he had been weaned. She told us of her heart attack and her stroke which followed, rendering her unable to care for the puppy. He was getting more rambunctious by the day and she wanted him to have a good home, hopefully as a service dog.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">It is hard to imagine that almost a year has passed since that day last November when "Gunner" (whose name has been changed to Sonny) came leaping and bounding into my life. No, this American Lab is not destined to be a conventional service dog. Still, he does have a very important job and that is to love "his mom"—you know—me.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Together, my Sonny and I have gone for many long walks and had many long talks, like "Don't eat the carpet," "No, we can't chase the neighbor's cat," etc. We've worked thru behavioral issues and health issues. Most important, we have learned to love each other.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div>As I write, the Lowcountry area is recovering from a flood of millennium proportions. An event such as this really goes a long way toward putting life into perspective. This past weekend, I sat safe and dry indoors listening to the seemingly perpetual rainfall outside as my Sonny slept curled up at my feet. During those long hours, the words once spoken to me by a dear friend were truly brought into perspective and made very real to me, "Life is precious. Everything else is just stuff." The following is a poem I wrote for Sonny. I would print it out and give it to him, but he would eat it. So, I will let it suffice to share these words with you.<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Sonshine…</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">God's love came in by leaps and bounds, giving no thought at all</div><div class="">To pretty things upon the shelves or pictures on the wall,</div><div class="">Paying no mind to things which seemed of importance to me.</div><div class="">By leaps and bounds, God's love became my heart's priority.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">God's love darted from room to room, making my house a home,</div><div class="">Wrestling there with my broken heart, no time to be alone,</div><div class="">No time to think what might become of things from days gone by.</div><div class="">God's love would chase, by leaps and bounds, a teardrop from my eye.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">God's love pleaded with me to set my Sunday best aside,</div><div class="">And as I donned my oldest clothes, my heart was filled with pride.</div><div class="">Forsaking all appearances to walk and romp and play.</div><div class="">By leaps and bounds, God's love has brought sweet Sonshine to my day!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Thanks for your prayers for both of us. Be sure to stay tuned for more posts like this one. Meanwhile, feel welcome to share how our wonderful God of surprises has blessed your own life.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Until next time, God bless you and keep his Song in your heart.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">© 2015 by Laurel Jean Walden</div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-23893315205040281212015-09-30T12:16:00.000-04:002015-09-30T12:16:06.573-04:00Sharing God's Gifts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96SY-KfafPM8AuGi-tVnDtHeo7uHVW5M50xMoAn0qNdLW716Tm4JJZC9Pxt_fAKRcZDgV7aZO8YhXwGWNKsXxR5zNRiN9nlB1HyYxhuBQ_njc_ntsvQtTCrxcddWuk3jIDG1NUrA3iJI/s1600/calvary-laurel-standing-by-piano_600W800H-736670.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96SY-KfafPM8AuGi-tVnDtHeo7uHVW5M50xMoAn0qNdLW716Tm4JJZC9Pxt_fAKRcZDgV7aZO8YhXwGWNKsXxR5zNRiN9nlB1HyYxhuBQ_njc_ntsvQtTCrxcddWuk3jIDG1NUrA3iJI/s320/calvary-laurel-standing-by-piano_600W800H-736670.jpg" border="0" alt="Laurel standing by grand piano" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6200339070102301810" /></a><div class="">Here I am at the grand piano in the sanctuary of Calvary Lutheran Church, Charleston, SC. In my music ministry, I often travel with my own digital piano. So, it is always a real treat to minister from one of these beautiful instruments in one of God's family rooms!<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Speaking of special occasions, August, 2015 marked the third anniversary of the Friends of Bar-Timaeus Christian Outreach for the Blind. This unique experience of worship and fellowship is the only one of its kind in South Carolina and one of 50-plus throughout the United States. On a Friday evening each month, blind and visually impaired persons from the greater metro area of Charleston are invited to Calvary Lutheran Church to enjoy a delicious, hot, home-cooked meal, a time of prayer, singing, devotions, networking and fellowship in a safe, nonthreatening environment. Because many who are blind live on a very limited income, these meetings are intentionally scheduled near the end of the month.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">As part of my outreach, it has been my joy to assist in the establishment and maintenance of the Friends of Bar-Timaeus. Recently my sister in Christ, Audrey Gunter, her guide dog Jessie and I were guests for Sunday worship at Calvary Lutheran Church, to bring a message in music and to encourage the Calvary family in this ministry of shining God's Light. I believe that one of the greatest gifts which can be given to anyone with a disability is the gift of dignity. Even as our Savior asked Bar-Timaeus what he wanted, the people of Calvary Lutheran Church continue to reflect Christ's love as they reach out to the community</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Thank God and thank you, reading this article, for your ongoing prayers and support. Together, we can help keep God's Light shining!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Be sure to stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">© 2015 by Laurel Jean Walden</div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-53106891035139216582015-08-28T17:58:00.000-04:002015-08-28T17:58:41.569-04:00Summer Camp<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3r3Vom2jbP4wmZfgoVHZf0b3ZITuPqQrhzZOQcFgraLMZzUWGDlQz0rTaAfz8znYq8Nl0P_oME1I91ieKoB1mi6omyF6AmWBeTDPWWrCsdfSj8U7jaG1uOYbvIryM4ush9ttzUh4lCA/s1600/dlgdu_bark_camp_kids_playing_w_jessie_600W-724745.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3r3Vom2jbP4wmZfgoVHZf0b3ZITuPqQrhzZOQcFgraLMZzUWGDlQz0rTaAfz8znYq8Nl0P_oME1I91ieKoB1mi6omyF6AmWBeTDPWWrCsdfSj8U7jaG1uOYbvIryM4ush9ttzUh4lCA/s320/dlgdu_bark_camp_kids_playing_w_jessie_600W-724745.JPG" border="0" alt="summer day campers visiting with guide dog Jessie" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186635500525842418" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">It is always a fulfilling experience for me to join with <a href="http://dixielandguidedogs.org">Dixie Land Guide Dog Users</a> and assist with this organization's "Paws 2 Educate Initiative." Here, children attending the Charleston, SC ASPCA Summer Bark Camp are enjoying a little out-of-harness time with Jessie, the guide dog of my friend and sister in Christ, Dixie Land GDU President Audrey Gunter.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Whether spending time at Bark Camp, or at the City of Charleston's Summer Day Camp held at the St. Julian Devine Center (another of this summer's highlights), there is never a dull moment. It probably goes without saying that God's kids of all ages enjoy learning about guide dogs and having the opportunity to speak personally with Jessie. The young people also ask a lot of well-thought-out questions about blindness, Braille, the technology that we use and how we who are blind experience life. I find that, as we take the time to answer such questions, the barriers which seem to divide the sighted and blindness communities decrease significantly. I believe that with every presentation for one of these summer day camps, we grow just a little closer to living as one community at large. As always, thanks for your ongoing prayers and support.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">© 2015 by Laurel Jean Walden</div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-78462008752373636612015-08-28T17:52:00.000-04:002015-08-28T17:52:04.856-04:00Illinois Notes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhb02r1MqLYaFrqChpBGYGWcNYK0R73gQd2ESBt3Cg8_b0ZOfU5EiRwRxmqVStRRSFzqswsldRTr_KIU9VxJkJ7KNoRST_WzdzWcI0syF4qEEgCWWndyuOk-riREtkyTiEd38BLWF_Bs/s1600/carillon_bell_600W_680H-774586.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhb02r1MqLYaFrqChpBGYGWcNYK0R73gQd2ESBt3Cg8_b0ZOfU5EiRwRxmqVStRRSFzqswsldRTr_KIU9VxJkJ7KNoRST_WzdzWcI0syF4qEEgCWWndyuOk-riREtkyTiEd38BLWF_Bs/s320/carillon_bell_600W_680H-774586.JPG" border="0" alt="One of the bells in the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, Springfield, IL" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186640864823417922" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Pictured here is one of the sixty-seven bells which make up the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Springfield, IL. Among my summer's highlights was a visit to the carillon with Gabriel, then a rising seventh-grader from Southern Illinois, and his family. Of course, any time spent with Gabriel and his family is a joy. I am told that I mentor him, but as with all of the young people in my life, I find Gabriel to be a blessing and an inspiration to me.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Carillonneur Patrick Knox designed a VIP hands-on tour of the carillon. He showed both Gabriel and me a variety of bells that are part of the bell collection kept inside the building. We were able to touch printed scores of carillon music and could feel aspects of some of the music notation which seemed to be engraved into the pages.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS77GpOGBtTL-RwH480paVQMkKPmsMJAFohP_ugDxC57_h9wec5FXKxYLWQaRMVvbwcqnR2Bv7vjKkWAkVlJS5xlXysjvSRLKUGlGkjFbOT-d_qi-N3fWt4oZhDKl6lgJJQsmOkBll8Q/s1600/carillon_laurel_and_gabriel_under_bell_600W-777136.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS77GpOGBtTL-RwH480paVQMkKPmsMJAFohP_ugDxC57_h9wec5FXKxYLWQaRMVvbwcqnR2Bv7vjKkWAkVlJS5xlXysjvSRLKUGlGkjFbOT-d_qi-N3fWt4oZhDKl6lgJJQsmOkBll8Q/s320/carillon_laurel_and_gabriel_under_bell_600W-777136.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel and Gabriel standing under a large bell." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186640877550116994" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">After learning a little carillon history, we stepped into the elevator and were lifted into the carillon's bell tower. We stood under two of the large bass bells, a G and a B flat. We were able to strike the side of the bell manually with the clapper as we stood beneath it and could feel the vibration of the bell as it rang.</div></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZfT2wnFR4pSmHOekVaub0S_2uw_T6GLfS6H0OjJeX0MKYnkBNtILS2YClLoazTiGlMZZ0wGgS45lgsq-s5lJh8O4Jkiylg-Dd-ZWIxQ0jdncQVVzlTejYKvW_2ADCOtip-lwLkSr1-g/s1600/carillon_gabriel_patrick_at_keyboard_600W-780468.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZfT2wnFR4pSmHOekVaub0S_2uw_T6GLfS6H0OjJeX0MKYnkBNtILS2YClLoazTiGlMZZ0wGgS45lgsq-s5lJh8O4Jkiylg-Dd-ZWIxQ0jdncQVVzlTejYKvW_2ADCOtip-lwLkSr1-g/s320/carillon_gabriel_patrick_at_keyboard_600W-780468.JPG" border="0" alt="Gabriel and Patrick at keyboard of carillon." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186640888342894594" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Then, it was back onto the elevator and up to the level which houses the carillon's keyboard.</div></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRrjN8p-wTgmyouss7CUAUgWrJwLEGzPIz1ZoCHaFmWdrdfk_IJ7zcCmB6MSn7r8OY6O6EBR_2grfmmXkTB39A54wBFT8-d-tzDlzg6ja-txlsNqtwOs-HwJoab4E5G7-VJZIINn1cYk/s1600/carillon_laurel_patrick_carillon_keyboard_600W-783398.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRrjN8p-wTgmyouss7CUAUgWrJwLEGzPIz1ZoCHaFmWdrdfk_IJ7zcCmB6MSn7r8OY6O6EBR_2grfmmXkTB39A54wBFT8-d-tzDlzg6ja-txlsNqtwOs-HwJoab4E5G7-VJZIINn1cYk/s320/carillon_laurel_patrick_carillon_keyboard_600W-783398.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel and Patrick at Carillon keyboard." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186640901799856818" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">We learned the proper way to strike the keys and touched the keyboard mechanisms which control the playing of the bells</div></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HBgMfARY0VRFyBwMSqcRED7QDI2JW2i0lcBe5zHgU00YCEF2HhMOc9JIB-17RWUdSihDMAtotDeprKdg-nn74CjwzkbHf79fLvLlKxVyQSVt4cSF-2SN28tIgNa4SjLfBIHT-LKBBqI/s1600/carillon_patrick_playing_600W-789389.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HBgMfARY0VRFyBwMSqcRED7QDI2JW2i0lcBe5zHgU00YCEF2HhMOc9JIB-17RWUdSihDMAtotDeprKdg-nn74CjwzkbHf79fLvLlKxVyQSVt4cSF-2SN28tIgNa4SjLfBIHT-LKBBqI/s320/carillon_patrick_playing_600W-789389.JPG" border="0" alt="Patrick playing the Carillon." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186640927363357874" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">After Gabriel and I experienced the keyboard, Patrick played a small concert for us. We enjoyed walking out onto different balconies and listening to the music from different points in the bell tower. The music was absolutely beautiful and it was quite a sensation to be up there among the bells as they were being played.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">If you (or someone you know) are blind or visually impaired and if you are in the Central IL area, I highly recommend a private VIP tour of the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. Visit <a href ="http://carillon-rees.org/">the Carillon's Web site</a> to learn more about it.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">My thanks to Gabriel's mom, and his Aunt Karen for meeting me in Springfield so that I could surprise Gabriel in the sharing of this memorable experience.</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">On the subject of mentors, before flying out of Illinois, I was blessed to also spend a little time with the lady who served as my own mentor when we were much younger. I would like to thank my "big sister in Christ" Vivian and her entire family for helping to make that possible.</div><div style="margin: 0px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">My Thanks also to Imboden Creek, Decatur, IL, Zion Hill United Methodist Church, Mattoon, IL, and Locust Grove Church, Assumption, IL for making Music By Laurel Jean part of the schedule during my time in the area. The ongoing prayers and support of people like you make it possible for me to continue to reach out on behalf of God's kids of all ages and especially my brothers and sisters in the blindness community.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">© 2015 by Laurel Jean Walden</div><div class=""><br class=""></div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-47256047436391212102015-08-28T17:26:00.002-04:002015-08-28T17:26:40.084-04:00On Inclusion Ministry...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0W3-v0wH67C1QRY7DviEEeutiqcNUzazR9ETMNmZh5sjxtwQ0A0_iLbg-FicF5uaXff6D6kwTxjIL6OKHxiC4mnWTWoBCt4FqSoseFRnnQcLZc9WqnrksRWVQghYnnp6M5_TC5l_LczQ/s1600/laurel_w_ladies_mission_u_600W-787938.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0W3-v0wH67C1QRY7DviEEeutiqcNUzazR9ETMNmZh5sjxtwQ0A0_iLbg-FicF5uaXff6D6kwTxjIL6OKHxiC4mnWTWoBCt4FqSoseFRnnQcLZc9WqnrksRWVQghYnnp6M5_TC5l_LczQ/s320/laurel_w_ladies_mission_u_600W-787938.JPG" border="0" alt="Laurel Jean with United Methodist Women of Latta at Mission u." id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6186664552028188402" /></a><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Here I am at Spartanburg Methodist College with Ruthann, Debbie and Laura, United Methodist Women from Latta, SC as we brought to a close the 2015 South Carolina "Mission u" (formerly the School of Christian Missions." For the past couple of years, I have served as Music Director for this event, and as a study leader for the UMW course, "The Church and People With Disabilities."</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Every two years, the United Methodist Women feature a new class on the subject of social justice. The study of "The Church and People With Disabilities" was offered as part of the 2014 and 2015 Mission u events. I had no idea what I was getting into when I was contacted in 2013 by the Dean of the South Carolina Conference. It has always been a dream of mine to teach clergy and those in lay leadership on this topic. In my twenty-seven-plus years of music ministry, I have witnessed firsthand those congregations whose inclusion practices empower all of God's people. I have also experienced congregations at the opposite end of the spectrum. So, when the call came in, I enthusiastically accepted the role of Study Leader for this course.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">The certification process was both frustrating and fulfilling. Many of us gathered regionally from throughout the United States to be certified as study leaders. Many of us have lived our entire lives with some sort of disability. We were often led by people considered to be more "typical" and we were often faced with the task of teaching our leaders that they themselves still had a lot to learn on the subject of inclusion. We laughed, we cried, we became angry, we forgave, and we left our national/regional training session knowing that the circle of inclusion is far from being complete. Yes, there were times when the "safe haven" of being amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ felt more like a battlefield, but hey, it's job security!</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Back on the state level, in our own classrooms, we witnessed God at work. Clergy and laity came to learn more about how they could adopt more inclusive practices. People shared their firsthand experiences with a variety of their own disabilities. Others talked openly about what it was like to walk alongside a loved one or family member having some form of disability. We saw with our hearts the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our classrooms as all of us grew in the knowledge of the differently able Body of Christ.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">In my work as a study leader, I witnessed those in leadership positions become more aware. Those who talked <b>about</b> us during the 2014 event actually talked <b>with</b> us in 2015. That was a huge transformation. Yes, in spite of the frustration and sometimes even humiliation, I am grateful to have been part of Mission u as a representative of "The Church and People With Disabilities." My thanks to the United Methodist Women for growing in the wisdom and knowledge of God on this topic, to my sister in Christ, Audrey for graciously joining with me on this journey when I volunteered her for another study leader position and to those precious Latta ladies in the above picture whose friendship I will always treasure. God is truly good, all of the time!</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart.</div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;" class=""><br class=""></div><div style="margin: 0px;" class="">© 2015 by Laurel Jean Walden</div></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7215144118113257988.post-87805678224510234862015-06-21T22:22:00.000-04:002015-06-21T22:22:40.340-04:00Charleston Strong<div class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOWvAI9U3SjSqOj_G3nZiOCRKoW23mRcoAZpI9qwfKUBbH4uBtZz16sh9r25fIw2PhRSi-RToTV-H-ooieJIqhSSiMLKjn7DtNZaqW259SM9ZqiiFxcI7FdOLSdLWbCjufOJi5SRd3jc/s1600/LJ_note_from_Header_501W158H-710915.gif"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOWvAI9U3SjSqOj_G3nZiOCRKoW23mRcoAZpI9qwfKUBbH4uBtZz16sh9r25fIw2PhRSi-RToTV-H-ooieJIqhSSiMLKjn7DtNZaqW259SM9ZqiiFxcI7FdOLSdLWbCjufOJi5SRd3jc/s320/LJ_note_from_Header_501W158H-710915.gif" border="0" alt="A Note From Laurel Jean" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6162897157615144850" /></a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">On Wednesday June 17, a young man walked thru the open doors of Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church here in Charleston, SC. He was welcomed with open arms. After attending Bible study and hearing the prayers of those gathered there, he deliberately and maliciously snuffed out the lives of nine of our dear brothers and sisters in Christ. They included the pastor, other ministers in the church and pillars of the community at large.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">I have lived and served God in the beautiful city of Charleston, SC for almost seven years now. In 2009, I was honored when the principal of an elementary school attended by one of the blind youth whom I mentored invited me to be among the presenters for the school's celebration of Black History Month. Rev. Clemente Pinckney was the main speaker for the event. I was blessed to shake his hand and speak with him.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">I have served here in Charleston alongside people of all races, ethnicities and ages, on all walks of life, with different abilities and disabilities. God has anointed and blessed this work for God's glory: the establishment of Charleston's first and only Christian outreach center for the blind; the offering of presentations for sighted inner-city youth attending summer camp; the leading of worship in churches, on Charleston's city streets and even on the city buses. I have come to witness firsthand the magnanimous spirit of Christian unity that is the true image of Charleston, SC.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">In our unspeakable shock, horror, grief and anger, we still take heart. We know that we will see our nine brothers and sisters in Heaven one day, when we too are among that one glorious, colorful gathering of all the saints at our Lord's table. Please join me in continuing to pray for the healing of the congregation of Emmanuel AME Church and for the healing of this beloved "holy city by the sea." Pray for the perpetrator's family and for his soul. Let us also pray for the work that is yet to be done within the One Body of Christ here on earth. Let us ask God to put each of us where God would have us, and give us all that we need to do our Savior's work.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><b class="">"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear..." (I John 4:18)</b></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><b class="">"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)</b></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><b class="">We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken, struck down, yet not destroyed; always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." (2 Corinthians 4:8)</b></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><b class="">"...Behold my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my father who is in Heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother." (Matthew 12:49-50)</b></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div>Laurel Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553688885699369864noreply@blogger.com0