Tell Me A Story

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

A MOTHER'S PRAYER

Marcia Norwood
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

A friend introduced me to a song, A Mother's Prayer.

It's a prayer really, and a lullaby. My friend sings it to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Thank you, Rachel Aldous, for writing A Mother's Prayer.

Rachel's journey to motherhood was not easy. The wisdom of her words came from suffering.

"It really opened my eyes to the value of music,

that God could use it to restore lives

and bring hope and healing to people."

Rachel Aldous

rachelaldous.com

Who is Rachel Aldous?

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://www.rachelaldous.com/online_store/who-is-rachel-aldous?___store=default

rachelaldous.com

Rachel wrote the words

              my heart has been singing

                        since I became a mother in 1972.

I am mom to four: two homemade (biological) children (Kristin and Benjamin) who are now adults rearing their own children (Joshua, Emily, Megan and Caleb), and two chosen children, (Faith and Sarah) who graduate from high school in May.

Today, I sing A Mother's Prayer,

                       to welcome four new babies

                                                         into this world we share.

Elijah Jonathan

Mary Marcia

Kathy Jane

Simon David

Copyright 2014 Marcia Norwood

Sing A Mother's Prayer with me, and pray for your own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!

CLICK on the link to hear the song:

A Mother's Prayer

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://www.rachelaldous.com/online_store/a-mothers-prayer.html

A Mother’s Prayer
(HANNAH'S SONG)
Words by Rachel Aldous
Music by John Mandeville

Verse:
My sweet baby on loan from above.
No better treasure could I more love.
I stand here beside your bed as I pray
I lay my hand on your head and I say:

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days.
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways.
May His hand bless your future with
friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast

Verse:
I stare in wonder at your tiny frame.
Just to think that God knows you by name.
He knows every hair on your beautiful head.
He knows your thoughts before they are said.

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways.
May His Hand bless your future with
friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast.

Prayer:
May God grant you peace
in the midst of a storm.
May God give you strength even
when you're forlorn.
May you answer the door when
Jesus comes knocking.
May wisdom guide when
your mouth is talking.
May discretion protect you
and keep you pure.
May you never stumble
or fall for a lure.
May your heart remain humble
to the very end.
May uprightness and truth
be what you defend.
May the world not ensnare
or change who you are.
May the light that's within you
shine like the stars.
May angels surround you
body, spirit, mind.
May favor and peace be yours to find.
May rejection and pain
never reach you.
May your spirit grow bold
for what you're called to.
As you rest in God's care I will rest, too.
Knowing that Jesus is watching over you.
Amen

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways
May His Hand bless your future with
friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast.

As you rest in God's care I will rest, too.
Knowing that Jesus is watching over you.
Amen

I love you, Mommy...

rachelaldous.com

Rachel's Music

http://rachelaldous.com/music/

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back often, and invite a friend!

Marcia Norwood
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

DESTINY

Marcia Norwood
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

DESTINY

Noun

1. a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand

2. what will necessarily happen to any person or thing (one's fate)

3. that which determines events: said of either a supernatural agency or necessity

4. the seemingly inevitable or necessary succession of events

Copyright 2014 Marcia Norwood

Sometimes it feels like I'm standing still:

stuck...not even moving toward my destiny.

Do you ever feel that way?

What do you do in that situation?

I've learned over the years that there are times I need to encourage myself...just like King David did at Ziklag.

“David Encouraged Himself in the Lord”
1 Samuel 30: 1-25

Key Verse-6

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/david-encouraged-himself-in-the-lord-john-hamby-sermon-on-god-brings-hope-117983.asp

Music helps.

Turn it up loud.

Sing with Martina and me...

"ANYWAY"

Martina McBride

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7u2ZGonyuQ

I also fill my mind with good things.

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Finally, brothers and sisters,

whatever is true,

whatever is noble,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable--

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--

think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

The Holy Bible

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://biblehub.com/philippians/4-8.htm

Copyright 2009 Marcia Norwood

"Destiny

is not a matter of chance;

it is a matter of choice.

It is not a thing

to be waited for;

it is a thing to be achieved."

William Jennings Bryan

"When we are powerless to do a thing,

it is a great joy

that we can come and step inside

the ability of Jesus."

Corrie Ten Boom

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://tenboom.com/en/

http://corrietenboomquotes.blogspot.com/

Everything is possible for him who believes.
Mark 9:23

Copyright 2014 Marcia Norwood

Now faith is being sure of what we hope and
certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Copyright 2014 Marcia Norwood

Commit to the Lord whatever you do

and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:3

Copyright 2012 Marcia Norwood

Maybe it's true.

Maybe we don't know what we have

until we've lost it.

But maybe it's also true

that we don't know

what we're missing

until we find it.

We all need encouragement to take the next step toward our destiny.

I said a prayer for you, and for every person who will read this.

I asked God to give you courage and strength for your journey, and faith to be certain of the things you hope for, that you do not yet see.

Copyright 2012 Marcia Norwood

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back often, and invite a friend!

Marcia Norwood
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

http://tellmeastory-marcia.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

THE WELCOME MAT

Marcia Norwood
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

TELL ME A STORY

http://tellmeastory-marcia.blogspot.com/

THE WELCOME MAT

Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center became our "home away from home" for my daughter, Faith, and I, over the years when Faith had treatments and surgeries at the Shriners Hospital in Chicago.

Shriners at the Ararat Shrine Center in Kansas City, Missouri, sponsored our travel expenses (flights and ground transportation) from Kansas City to Chicago, and all Faith's medical expenses.

We have insurance, but never received a bill for a co-pay from the Shriners Hospitals. Shriners Hospitals treat children regardless of their ability to pay...whether they have insurance or not.

Shriners Hospitals for Children

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/

Our Precious Friend and Nurse at Shriner's Hospital Chicago with Faith. Copyright 2009 Marcia Norwood

Marissa examines Faith at Shriner's Hospital CHICAGO. Copyright 2010 Marcia Norwood

The Welcome Mat

My previous blog, "RIVER BIRCH," contains beautiful photographs and information about Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center. The house is decorated like an English manor: something out of the pages of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel, The Secret Garden.

Tell Me A Story: RIVER BIRCH

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://tellmeastory-marcia.blogspot.com/2013/10/river-birch.html

Ronald McDonald House Near Loyola, Chicago

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

https://www.facebook.com/RMHLoyola

Faith and I saw first-hand The Welcome Mat, a breakthrough brand campaign and fundraiser that VALENTI Advertising Design Ideas created for Ronald McDonald House Charities (R), Chicagoland/Northwest Indiana, during one of our stays at RMH Loyola, in 2010.

"The Welcome Mat campaign

has drawn interest from all over the country,

and significantly enhanced the understanding

and impact our charity has

on the community and families we serve."

Doug Porter,

RMHC(R)-CNI Chief Executive Officer:

Welcome mats with messages of LOVE, HOPE, CARE and COMFORT reinforce Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana's commitment to provide families a home away from home while their children are treated at nearby hospitals.

"Our idea was to use a welcome mat as both a core brand icon

as well as a unique and meaningful fundraising tool.

Great branding ideas are simple.

What's important is what you do

to make it relevant, powerful and memorable."

"We offer our clients

a wide range of marketing needs

from identity to business materials,

from print to TV,

from websites to developing online social networks."

Mike Valenti

President and Creative Director

(Chicago-based) VALENTI Advertising Design Ideas

www.valentiadv.com

The mats are 100% natural coconut fiber, and sold for a $50 donation. They were offered for sale at supporting events and online.

Money raised helped build the world's largest Ronald McDonald House in Chicago, which opened in June 2012. It's known as "Skyline Oasis."

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2010/11/01/lets-take-a-look-at-streetervilles-new-ronald-mcdonald-house.php

Faith and I were some of the first visitors to visit a model of a proposed room at the new Skyline Oasis, (RMH on Grand in Chicago), that was built in the attic of the RMHouse in Loyola.

Skyline Oasis opened on June 26, 2012.

Ronald McDonald House

Grand Opening

June 26, 2012

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Ronald-McDonald-House-near-Lurie-Children-s-Volunteer-Newsletter.html?soid=1102808931335&aid=jNm-cj7vVbg#LETTER.BLOCK10

After years of thoughtful space planning, tireless fundraising, and good ol' fashioned hard work, Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children's opened on a bright and cheerful summer's day this past June (2012) with a week of celebratory opening receptions and Open Houses. Friends of the House gathered across the street for a formal ceremony which including speeches from Governor Pat Quinn, Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith and his wife MaryAnne, McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner and many others topped off by an uplifting performance from Soul Children of Chicago singing "The Future's Up to Me and You".

Tears of joy, gratefulness and hope were shed as our VP of Operations, Mary Agnes Laguatan, thanked all who made this House possible and reflected on what an amazing gift this House gives to families in medical crisis. Finally, little Max Herrick concluded the ceremony by cutting the ceremonial ribbon along with his good friend, Ronald.

The word "thank you" does not do justice to the humble gratitude RMHC-CNI would like to express to our volunteers, friends and donors who made this day possible. We hope that everyone associated with the building of this beautiful House feels a great sense of pride in knowing that we are able to House 75 families each and every night.

Congratulations to Doug Porter, RMHC(R)-CNI Chief Executive Officer, and the volunteers and leaders of Ronald McDonald House, Chicago, on opening Skyline Oasis, and thank you for each of the RMHouses in the Chicago and Northland Illinois area.

Folks at RMH serve others in a beautiful way - just as their welcome mats say: with love, hope, care, and comfort.

RMH (Loyola) was a sweet refuge for my daughter and I, as we prepared our hearts and minds for her multiple medical challenges.

Guests at RMH are invited to write their stories and comments in journals in each room. These stories encourage and inspire others who stay in their "home away from home" at RMH.

I wrote Faith's story in one of the journals.

I also suggested that RMH (with the guests permission) publish a book or series of books with stories from the RMH journals that are written by guests.

I would be blessed to help with a RHM Book Project: a STORYTELLER GIFT BOOK.....STORIES that ENCOURAGE and INSPIRE...with stories written by guests at Ronald McDonald House.

The world needs to know about the work Ronald McDonald House Charities do to serve families in medical crisis.

God bless you!

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back often, and invite a friend!

Marcia Norwood

America's STORYTELLER

Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

TELL ME A STORY

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

A MOTHER'S PRAYER

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

DESTINY

DESTINY

Noun

1. a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand

2. what will necessarily happen to any person or thing (one's fate)

3. that which determines events: said of either a supernatural agency or necessity

4. the seemingly inevitable or necessary succession of events

Copyright 2014 Marcia Norwood

Sometimes it feels like I'm standing still:

stuck...not even moving toward my destiny.

Do you ever feel that way?

What do you do in that situation?

I've learned over the years that there are times I need to encourage myself...just like King David did at Ziklag.

“David Encouraged Himself in the Lord” 1 Samuel 30: 1-25

Key Verse-6

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/david-encouraged-himself-in-the-lord-john-hamby-sermon-on-god-brings-hope-117983.asp

Music helps.

Turn it up loud.

Sing with Martina and me...

"ANYWAY"

Martina McBride

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7u2ZGonyuQ

I also fill my mind with good things.

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Finally, brothers and sisters,

whatever is true,

whatever is noble,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable--

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--

think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

The Holy Bible

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://biblehub.com/philippians/4-8.htm

Copyright 2009 Marcia Norwood "Destiny

is not a matter of chance;

it is a matter of choice.

It is not a thing

to be waited for;

it is a thing to be achieved."

William Jennings Bryan

"When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus." Corrie Ten Boom CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser: http://tenboom.com/en/ http://corrietenboomquotes.blogspot.com/

Everything is possible for him who believes. Mark 9:23

Copyright 2014 Marcia Norwood

Copyright 2014 Marcia Norwood

Now faith is being sure of what we hope and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Copyright 2014 Marcia Norwood

Commit to the Lord whatever you do

and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:3

Copyright 2012 Marcia Norwood

Maybe it's true.

Maybe we don't know what we have

until we've lost it.

But maybe it's also true

that we don't know

what we're missing

until we find it.

http://tellmeastory-marcia.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

THE WELCOME MAT

AMERICA'S STORYTELLER, Marcia Norwood

“David Encouraged Himself in the Lord”
1 Samuel 30: 1-25

Copyright 2009 Marcia Norwood

"Destiny

"When we are powerless to do a thing,

it is a great joy

that we can come and step inside

the ability of Jesus."

Corrie Ten Boom

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

http://tenboom.com/en/

http://corrietenboomquotes.blogspot.com/

Everything is possible for him who believes.
Mark 9:23

Now faith is being sure of what we hope and
certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1