children – Page 8 – showtunessal

Faith, Hope, Love, & Radicava

In my mind today, I’m thinking of rejoicing. This is the third week of advent. We are called to rejoice remembering our savior entered the world. Behold! Emmanuel is here within each of us. He is.

Ironically, I’m also rejoicing because with faith, hope, and love God has granted an approval for me to begin infusions of a new drug to sustain me on this side of heaven for a bit longer. It’s called Radicava. If all goes well, Sal the Hopeful Gal will be given more time to share my light with you.

If you research ALS, there are so, so many variations. I’ve already been blessed by a slower progressing form of the disease. Now, Radicava may slow down my progression further still. So Sal is the Rejoicing Gal! My first infusion starts tomorrow. I promise to update as I go through this process. We PALS (people with ALS) pray for more time. We want to love just a little longer.

Are there glitches? Oh yes, isn’t there always? First, I’m praying I have no allergic reactions. Second, I’m praying both my insurances help pay for it. At the moment, only my private insurance is willing to pay. The costs are outrageous My first infusion is $15,000. Only 70% is being covered at the moment, but I have hope that all will work out. I’ve been carried for my 48 years in His Palm, and I have peace with whatever life throws my way. Just this morning I was reminded that each trouble we encounter has meaning and purpose. Last, I’m asking for your continued love and prayers as I begin this part of my journey.

So students, God willing we will have many more lessons together. I’m headed to the church today to work with the youth on a Christmas skit to be presented Thursday night. I asked God to use me and I sincerely thank Him for doing so through help from my family and friends. I am living not dying with ALS. I’m not giving up or slowing down. Just like Robert Frost penned, “I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.”

Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the Radicava Gal

Dedicated to past and present PALS. We pray that there will be no more PALS in the future.

Quotes of the Day:
“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.”
Hippocrates

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.”
Audrey Hepburn

“Love cures people – both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.”
Karl A. Menninger

https://www.radicava.com/patient/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-als-drug-approved-for-lou-gehrigs-disease-radicava/

Creating Your Bedford Falls

In my mind today, I’m thinking of my favorite Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. This is saying something because boy, I have so many favorite Christmas movies from classics to modern. The movie was originally a flop but over time it became a blockbuster. There are so many lessons in this film. I enjoy uncovering each one and new ones each year. You have an assignment! If you haven’t watched it, watch it! Then continue reading this blog. The film is 71 years old. It is AMAZING!

Analyze the characters and then look around your town or city. See if you can match the characters with people you know. Yes, that’s another assignment. Quit grumbling. Yes, every town sadly has its share of Mr. Potters, but also just as many Peter Baileys. At least I hope so. I hear the back row grumbling, not everyone lives in a small town and small town living isn’t always so “grand.” I agree it has its drawbacks but the blessings outweigh the cons. Here’s the secret: you can have your own Bedford Falls anywhere in the world. Oh ye of little faith! Where do you reside on this blue and green planet? Whether it be urban or rural, a Bedford Falls can be established. How? Your cities or hamlets are not physical entities; they are made of living substance not inanimate objects. Why are fictional places like Bedford Falls, Stars Hollow, Bluebell, and Mayberry so charming? Think students. Yes! It’s the people. Be kind to all the people in your sphere of living. Each one has a purpose and function. Each one needs love and encouragement whether they work in a shop on 5th Avenue NYC or a small grocery store in the countryside. They are the true substance of our “Bedford Falls”

In every life, some rain must fall. The difference is knowing you have living, breathing characters to bring you a needed meal, help with a broken car, or simply share an umbrella during your monsoon moments of life. Start recognizing the George Baileys in your burgs. Help the Uncle Billys who struggle with keeping it all together. Go watch the lil ZuZus recitals. Cheer on hometown heroes, these are your Harry Baileys. Compliment your Sam Wainwrights for their philanthropy. Embrace your Martini families for striving for the American Dream. Treat the Violets of your town with respect and give them dignity. As for the Mr. Potters, you have to battle their icy hearts with love. Take the high road always because they are the ones that need love the most. Love cannot be purchased only created with help from our creator. Are you ready to create your own Bedford Falls? Sal the It’s a Wonderful Life Gal has been for a while. Join me.

Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the Bedford Falls Gal

Dedicated to the hamlets in NW. Tennessee: Dyersburg, Newbern, Trimble, & Union City
I adore the Mom & Pops and each and every village square.

Quotes of the Day:

“All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.”
Pa Bailey aka Peter Bailey

“Every man on that transport died. Harry wasn’t there to save them and you weren’t there to save Harry.”
Clarence

“You see George, you’ve really had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to just throw it away?”
Clarence

“What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary.”
George Bailey

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
Clarence

“Look, Daddy. Teacher says: every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.”
ZuZu Bailey

“Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends.”
Clarence

Tis the Season

”Tis the Season

In my mind today, I’m reflecting on the blessings in my life. When your blessings are so, so numerous that you have a hard time listing them then you are living right. When you are able to see them instead of your woes, you are truly fortunate. Your assignment students is to list three of your blessings and then whisper a thanks be to God for them. Then, Bless three other people. Then see what happens. And yes, back row you can list no school for two weeks starting this Friday as a blessing!

This is the second week of advent. This week we focus on the return of Jesus. Our hope is in the saving of the world: the good, the bad, and the ugly. In the meantime, each of us is called to bring Jesus to the world in our actions. We should be blessing others by being Christ in the world. I’ve had so many unexpected blessings: my youth Group, our coming home committee, and Christmas carolers from a former student. Lately, my eyes and heart are seeing so much in my little nook of the world. It’s beautiful.

Blessings and tidings of joy flow. They are in flux. One of my biggest blessings is my family. My Aunt Linda is one of the most selfless people I know. She truly has a servant’s heart. My Aunt Linda is the one who gives me baths each day because of my immobility. She and I talk about blessings flowing all the time. It’s usually while we are in the shower. Students, do you want blessings, good tidings, and cheer? They flow. Really. The more you give, the more you get. So why are you waiting? Start helping others. There are as many ways to bless others as there are snowflakes. So, my snow-people start spreading your magic this season.

Be jolly! Yes, there are always reasons to smile. Watching children visit Santa is so entertaining. Seeing an older couple still giddy to be together 50 years later, always makes me smile. Young people going to holiday dances all dressed up and bubbling over with excitement are automatic mood changers. This is the season to be merry, very. Sal the Jolly Gal wants you during this second week of Advent to be the Hope of Christ coming back to earth. I Hope and pray you can. ”Tis the Season for Love.

Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the Blessed Gal

Quotes of the Day:

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”
Roy L. Smith

“For it is in giving that we receive.”
St. Francis of Assisi

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
Mother Teresa

“Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.”
Thomas S. Monson

Laughter, Lights, & Love

Laughter, Lights, and Love

In my mind today, I’m thinking about Laughter, Lights, and Love. God blessed me with two of the best biological sisters this little sister could ever ask for. We love unconditionally. When one hurts so does the others. I’m so grateful for the hearts my mother nourished in each of her children. Through her strong belief, faith, and hope in God, she created something stunning from her strife as a predominately single mom. She helped us to laugh at our troubles as we grew. She shined her love-light in so many ways that gave us examples of kindness. She showered us with a fierce love that soaked into our souls. God has also granted me sisters in Christ. I have been given writing & book-loving buds, childhood comrades, college cohorts, Alley Alliance warriors, committee cronies, Parish pals, teaching chums, neighbor friends, and Bunco buddies. In each season and chapter of my life, I have and am still blessed beyond measure.

Last night we had our Christmas Bunco Blast at another “sister’s” new business, Holy Cow. It’s located in the quaint, cozy town of Trimble, Tennessee. This group of Bunco “sisters” has been playing together for one score and two years. Students, remember how many years are in a score? Back row, I’m not talking about a Monday night football score! Listen! That’s right front row! Twenty! Add the two and voila, we have shared twenty-two wonderful years together. We’ve been “sisters” through having babies, divorces, retirements, deaths, job changes, moves, our kid’s going to college and getting married, and now our season has the joy of grandchildren. A couple of Bunco Buddies have great-grandchildren. Our age range is a broad spectrum, but that just adds to the spice of our crew. Our little group has shared so much of each other’s pain, happiness, and love. We are the “Ya-Ya’s” of Bunco and we have oh, so much fun.

Last night, the Light of the season was in us all. I laughed hysterically at our antics. Tears of happiness rested in my eyes the entire night. My heart was filled with so much Light, Laughter, and Love for these “sisters.” I’m ever so grateful for each one of them. They are each unique and wonderful in their own ways. While my weakness in my body continues, our sisterhood grows stronger still. You see when you face life’s hardest moments true friends stay. The rest of the world may sadly walk away in the face of adversity, but not my Bunco Ya-Ya’s. They have walked with me through my “new normals” of ALS/PMA. From putting up temporary ramps to feeding me, they brain-storm ways to keep our Bunco Train chugging. I know they will for as long as I have breath in me. We are “Sisters” to the end.

Students, I pray you find God-given siblings in this life. They are truly priceless. If you have some, make time this advent to spend precious moments with them. If you haven’t, then get busy and reach out. Embrace those around you at work or church. Start your own Ya-Ya group! Before you know it, the Laughter, Lights, and Love will traverse scores of time.

So students, this week’s theme for Advent is Light of the Holy Spirit. As we journey through this week of activities, obligations, and bustle, don’t just plug in your Christmas lights on your trees. Be sure that the one you light up first is the Light from above, the Holy Spirit. It was a gift given to mankind over 100 scores ago. It’s in your heart. Be sure to plug it in and let it shine.

Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the Heart-light Gal

Dedicated to all of my Bunco Buddies
Thanks for Dot’s message and reflection from her latest retreat!

Quotes of the Day:
“Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness.”
Euripides

“Friends are the siblings God never gave us.”
Mencius

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”
Helen Keller

“It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Grateful

In my mind today, I’m thinking about the meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday. As I read and prayed this morning, the word grateful kept popping up. The more I sat in the stillness, the more I was filled with such gratefulness. Each day is such a gift. Ken and I know this all to well.

I’m so grateful our family is growing. We have a new three month old member, Owen Monroe. My son’s fiancé Carlin’s family joined us creating more love and diversity. There were old recipes and new. The bounty of food was so abundant. The joining of families is such a beautiful sight. The saying, “The More the Merrier” is definitely true.

After Thanksgiving, I felt oh, so peaceful. The last three months have been harrowing. As we held hands and prayed (yes back row, just like The Whos down in Whoville,) a warmth spread all over Sal the Prayerful Gal’s body. Tears brimmed my eyes as the realization hit me. Lots of my prayers have been answered. My niece who had been deathly sick is on the road to recovery. She looks healthier and stronger than I have seen her in years. My precious mother that has short-term memory issues still remembers our names and has snuggles and hugs that are priceless. Our Grands lost their father seven years ago, but have a wonderful, stable home and are growing into happy, healthy, and amazing people. My husband had a good time enjoying all the company despite his ever present cannula and health issues. And last but not least, my great nephew sat on my scoot with me when he could have easily been on the other side of heaven just a few weeks ago. Ladies and Gentlemen, God is Good ALL the Time. He gave us a day of such love and gratefulness. I will always treasure and be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Being thankful in all things is easy when prayers are answered. There are going to be days and times when God answers our prayers in ways we don’t quite understand. We as mere humans have to be okay with those answers as well. This is where some hearts turn cold, angry, and bitter. Students, please try to be thankful in all things. I pray continually for God to help me find His blessings in all things: the Good and the Bad.

Here lies your lesson for Thanksgiving this year. Back row I know you want me to drop the holiday lessons, but I’m a teacher 365 days of the year so quit grumbling and listen. Continue to pray always without ceasing. If someone or something is causing you pain, pray and ask for guidance. In everything be thankful. God doesn’t take days off. He hasn’t forgotten you. The unanswered prayers often turn out to be blessings in disguise. Just be still, patient, and thankful. Always, always be Grateful.

Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the ever so Grateful Gal

Dedicated to my family’s miracles of 2017

Quotes of the Day:

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” —Zig Ziglar

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” —Oprah Winfrey

“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” —Dalai Lama

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” —Willie Nelson

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” —Charles Dickens

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” —Albert Einstein

Life

In my mind today I’m thinking about how we can survive this life. Just like the old saying, “No one gets out alive” the truth hurts. As we trundle down our life lines, we have many hills to climb and sometimes when you’re lucky you catch some effortless down hill coasting. This reminds me of my biking and running seasons. Those coasting moments are refreshing.

Our book club just read The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin. It has just been made into a major motion picture. It was a great read about survival and love. Just like in life, we encounter mountains. The mountains can be literal like in our book but also figurative. We have mountains to climb in our personal lives, workplaces, peer groups, families, and especially our spiritual lives. We slip, fall, get lost, and sometimes tumble over the cliff wall. The most important thing is that we give our all so we have no regrets. That’s when we are able to lift our eyes up to see the Glory of the blessings we have given and received in our lives. When the mountain seems too steep, use blind Faith to get you to the top. This whole “life” is so much bigger than we mere humans can fathom.

I ended our Book Club meeting with a quote by a wise, beautiful woman. I was lucky enough in this life to meet her and hear her sing. The quote paralleled the motifs of our book. “To succeed in life you need three things, a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.” Your wishbones are your dreams. Your determination is your backbone. Your sense of humor which is ever so important is your funny bone. If you can find humor on your steepest mountain climbs, you’ll be at the summit before you know it. Today as you begin your weekend and Thanksgiving holidays, find your wishbones, backbones, and funny bones.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the Mountain Climbing Gal
Dedicated to Reba McIntire for her beautiful spirit, inspiration, and strength.

Quotes of the Day:
“To succeed in life you need three things, a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”
Reba McIntire

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”
Edward Abbey

“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”
Muhammad Ali

“Patience and Diligence, like faith, remove mountains.”
William Penn

Love Flows

Love Flows

In my mind, I’m thinking about “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. “(Romans 13:9) This precept covers many commandments. I’ve always said it’s easy to love those neighbors with which you have commonalities, but what about those who “grind your gears?”

Well, when those people lash out at you or send you passive aggressive messages or talk about you behind your back how do you respond? Sal the Young Ambulatory Gal probably acted totally different that Sal the Old ALS Gal. Young Sal probably played the passive aggressive psychological warfare right back without batting an eye. She also snapped a lot quicker than she would now. Even before I became Sal the Handicapped Gal my heart began to change.

I remember after being hurt by co-workers, family, friends, or parents, I would retreat to my classroom turn out the lights and weep. Within my weeping time, I would pray for my heart and those who had hurt me. You know what, God dried my tears and helped me to smile and forgive never looking back or reacting negatively to those who hurt me. During one of my dark classroom, weeping moments God sent one of my dearest teaching friends to console me. I still go back to this even today when I feel hurt by someone. She said, “Sal feel honored. If you weren’t acting selflessly, then you wouldn’t be doing the right thing. Look at how they treated Jesus. You are blessed with being genuine and acting with your heart.”

The times of scrutiny and backlash haven’t ceased just because I’ve retired from the public sector of teaching. I’ve become really good at praying before reacting to hurtful “neighbors.” You see when your heart is in the right place it makes me think of “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) It’s ever so hard to love in the face of sordidness, pettiness, ignobleness, or haughtiness. People can really be the worst. That’s what prompted me to write today. I want us to think about how others have shown us love.

Love abounds in my life. Here are some recent examples. My family keeps me clean and scrubbed. Most people trapped in a wheelchair don’t get the luxury of a bath and consistently being changed. Yes back row, I meant changing my dipe. Yesterday, I was whisked away by a sweet friend to a painting class with a long time friend. We then bought items for Operation Shoebox to use at my Youth Group. My son who had worked all day took me to Bible study and loaded and unloaded my van. My mother-in-law joined in helping as well. This is just one day in the life of Sal the Loved Gal. God sends people to help me live life to the fullest.

Okay here’s where as a teacher I want you to figure out how can all of this love continually surround me? Think and as a good teacher always should, I’ll give you adequate thinking time. Hear that Jeopardy music in your head? Need a hint? Examine the title of this blog post: Love Flows. Want to love and feel loved? It’s vital that YOU make the initial love offering even to those who hurt you. Forgive them. Especially to the ones who continually lash out or respond with hate. Make no room for revenge or mean reactions in your heart. Catch those moments and whisper a prayer of patience and help for you and the neighbor. I promise if you do, the dam you have built within your heart will begin to crumble. Love will soon be overflowing in your lives. Today try to react with love. Let your Love Flow!

Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the Love your Neighbor Gal

Quotes of the Day:

“Just let your love flow
Like a mountain stream
And let your love grow
With the smallest of dreams”
The Bellamy Brothers

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
Mahatma Gandhi

“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary

In my mind today, I’m thinking about marriage. Today, Ken and I have been married 28 years. We’ve loved and supported one another through peaks and valleys of this life journey. We’ve raised five children and have two wonderful grandchildren. Just like Joe Walsh sings, “Life’s been Good to Me.” It really has.

Ken had two children when we met. I knew by watching him with his children what a wonderful man he truly was. I couldn’t understand how any woman would not treasure him. I’m just so glad they didn’t. I hate he suffered so much heartache and failed marriages, but without those aches I wouldn’t have met the love of my life. Back row, today is an ultra cheesy post so I give you permission to “zone” out.

As a newly wedded couple, we saw no reason to wait on children. I was awfully young, but he already had children and he wasn’t getting any younger. So, we had children. I worked two jobs and went to college part time to finish my degree I had abruptly dropped. He was my biggest fan and insisted although money was tight that I earn my degree. He wanted me to excel and to be educated. What a wonderful man? He’s been my compass. He was heaven sent.

We have truly shared life. The years have blown by and almost all the children are grown. One is in heaven and the youngest is sweet 16. This morning he woke me with, “Happy Anniversary Sweetheart.” What so many don’t understand is that true, lasting love is more than hot sex (the back row is wide awake now) and breathtaking moments. Sure those are a part of it, but I find myself gushing over him because of his beautiful heart. I still blush when I see him. He’s always told me how wonderful and beautiful I am before ALS and after. And what’s even better, I believe him. He’s changed this ugly duckling into a swan ALS and all. Marriage is truly a gift from God.
I love you Ken,

Sal the Old Married Gal

Dedicated to true love. I hope you someday find yours.

Quotes of the Day:
“Cherish not just anniversaries but each given moment.”
Mrs. Sarah Anderson Alley

“True love stories never have endings.”
Richard Bach

“Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own.”
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

When the Saints Go Marching In…

When the Saints Go Marching In…

In my mind today, I’m reading and reflecting on today’s Holy Day: The Feast of All Saints. You ever hear people say, “That person is a Saint!” Well, what makes a Saint?

Everyday I read about a different Saint. It’s part of my morning ritual. These courageous people many times suffered tremendously during their lives. To top it off many times they died gruesome deaths: burning at the stake, disemboweled, quartered at their death and scattered, or crucified upside down. I see the back row woke up with all of these graphic descriptions. The way they died didn’t automatically put them on the list for sainthood. It was the way they continued to live despite the suffering. They constantly sought what was true, right, and justified by God. They were light bearers. They spread hope, joy, and love in the mist of hopelessness. After reading this phrase “saints faced walls but saw them as doors,” made me stop and think how wonderful? What an inspiring frame of mind. When backed into a corner, they didn’t see the walls of terminal diseases, starvation, injustice, abject poverty, or tyranny. They envisioned solutions and lived those solutions never relenting until their deaths. They never feared death because they knew their purpose was bigger. Could you surrender your life for the greater good?

During mass each week we have a time to remember those souls who have gone before us. I have always loved this brief part of our service. I’m able to remember and whisper prayers for family and friends who are on the other side of heaven. I get lost in my mind remembering them and the love I still carry for them in my heart. I imagine they can feel the love emanating from all of us here on earth and they smile because I do. Amazingly we each are given an earthly life that intertwines with so many. I’m excited to see and understand all the connections when I cross over into eternity. Yes back row, I am a bit fruity.

Today, strive to be a Saint. Saints were ordinary people like you and me. It’s not about how much you give, do, or pray. It’s about the way in which you give, do, or pray. It’s about what is in your heart as you give, do, or pray. It’s about a journey of thinking of others before you think of yourselves. It’s about “finding doors” when you are walled in a corner. Back row it’s not about illusions but simply unleashing the magic within our own hearts. Let’s all join in the choir of saints and give of ourselves, do something kind, and pray for each other.

Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the I wanna be a Saint Gal

Dedicated to all of those who have gone before us.

Quotes of the Day:
“I have always wanted to become a saint. Unfortunately, when I have compared myself with the saints, I have always found that there is the same difference between the saints and me as there is between a mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds and a humble grain of sand trodden underfoot by passers-by.”
Thérèse of Lisieux

“A man does not have to be an angel in order to be saint.”
Albert Schweitzer

“In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized 120 saints of China, 87 of whom were ethnically Chinese. My home church was incredibly excited because this was the first time the Roman Catholic Church acknowledged Chinese citizens in this way.”
Gene Luen Yang

“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”

“I want you to be concerned about your next door neighbor. Do you know your next door neighbor.”
Mother Teresa

To Do Lists

To Do Lists

In my mind today, I’m thinking about to do lists. I am summing up a huge to do list and it feels so good to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I completed to Youth Group Fall Festival and the Autumn March for ALS 2017. I only have thank you cards and shirt deliveries left to do for the Fall Festival and the race. It feels good to check off our lists doesn’t it?

Remember I’m Sal the Busy Gal and have already begun a new list of Winter and Fall things I want to accomplish. Winter is tough on an ALS Gal. The scariness of getting sick and punching my card for heaven is always looming during flu and pneumonia season. Most PALS(People with ALS) make their final exit in this way. I push that out of my mind and live one day at a time. It’s the best way to live. I find joy in each day I’m given. My goals besides staying alive this winter are to paint more, write seriously on my projects to publish, and start reading once a week with children. Serving projects are Operation Shoebox, doing a painting project with the Union Mission kids, and working with the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. Whew!

Today, I’m reflecting back over the race and the outpouring of love I felt. It’s an uber hectic time for me, but one full of such beauty. Seeing all of the families, runners, and children shows me that God is still in the middle of my fight. He was there everywhere.

The Fall Festival was changed last minute and I was worried that it would flop. God showed up yesterday, too. It was lunch with our church family. The children were all bustling around and playing games manned by the older kids. The food turned out fantastic. The arms and legs serving and cleaning were outstanding. It was a wonderful day. Everyone that stayed enjoyed themselves and it made me so very happy.

Here’s my lesson today students: God shows up in all of our lives. He is there whether we notice Him or not. Look at your to do lists. Make sure you invite God along on your adventures. After you check it off your list, you will be able to look back and see where His presence touched each moment.

Sarah Anderson Alley
Sal the To Do List Gal

Dedicated to The Alley Alliance and Holy Angels Youth Group.

Quotes of the Day:

“If you’re like me, I get hooked into to-do lists, you know. I’ll say I checked that off. Okay, I did that. And you have all these things you’re doing.”
Jeff Bridges

“One thing I’ve tried to never do is make wish lists. I try to have a very steppingstone mentality about this whole thing, where as soon as you make one step you visualize the next step, not five steps ahead.”
Taylor Swift

“I don’t see anyone for the first hour and a half that I’m awake. I don’t like to talk, and I don’t like to hear any sounds. People know not to bother me! I use that time to read, and make lists and notes of things I have to do later in the day.”
Robert Wilson
This is me, too!!!