The heaviness that sadness, hurt, disappointment or betrayal lays on your heart can leave you struggling to breathe.

You’re not alone! Don’t give up the hope that things will get better.  Summons all the strength you have to make it through the dark tunnel of despair!  

Picture yourself in a pitch black room. You may be uncomfortable at first. The possibilities of something lurking in the darkness can seem real, especially if you are afraid of the dark. Just as you start to feel your adrenaline kick-in, THERE THEY ARE…the faint outlines of familiar shapes and objects. You breathe a sigh of relief!

When you are patient, your eyes will ALWAYS adjust in the darkness.

Let your faith be the light that guides you through the darkness.

When Allyn Black, the Director of Game Day Operations for the Tarpons, called me to say they had selected me to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” for the Florida Tarpons opening game, I was so excited! I love sporting events and supporting local teams and venues right here at home! After years of moving with the military, I’m glad to be establishing my “roots” in Paradise…SWF!

It is an honor that I have been selected to sing the National Anthem at the Florida Tapons Kick-Off game tonight, March 9th, 7:30 p.m. at the Germain Arena in Estero, Florida.

My performance of the national anthem at tonight’s game will begin at approximately 7:25 p.m.

The Tarpons, are the new UIFL indoor football home team in SWF. Tonight they open their 2012 season taking on The Mississippi Hound Dogs. I’m thrilled to be a part of our new indoor football team’s kick-off festivities.

Last night, my husband and I met several of the team members, coaches, cheerleaders and sponsors at the “Florida Tarpons Sponsors Party” hosted by Stoney’s Sports Cafe in Estero, Florida. I was shocked that these big burly guys were actually so sweet spirited…saying, “yes ma’am” and “no sir”. I was overflowing with Navy pride as I watched Chaz Newsom, Yoshi Smith and Mike Andrews respectfully shake my husband’s hand to thank him for his 22 years military service. Shhh! Don’t let the Mississippi Hound Dogs know that our defensive guys are really teddy bears!

Florida Tarpons owners, Michael Taylor and Andrew Haines have also given me the opportunity to meet the Tarpons fans from 6:30.m. through half-time at the AHT4U kiosk on the Germain Arena concourse. I can’t express how thankful I am to meet area residents, but more importantly, for the chance to share my independently released debut CD, JUST BREATHE (http://www.justbreathecd.com) which tells the story of my near death experience that left me in a wheelchair, with congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, broken ribs and unable to walk or use my right hand.

Today I live with a chronic lung condition, but I wake up each morning thanking God for the healing and strength He gave my husband and I during our darkest hour. My AHT4U music can be heard at www.aht4u.com. I am currently booking tour dates in select cities in the U.S. with the AHT4U free “SHINE YOUR LIGHT” speaking and concert series.

I hope to meet you at tonight’s Tarpons vs. Hound Dogs game or at another SWF event!

Do you ever wonder why, when the events in our lives are going ever so smoothly, a hurricane hits and blows everything to shreds? In the aftermath, we are left picking up the pieces and questioning why “bad things happen to good people”. Sometimes we can barely summons the physical and emotional strength needed to make it through each new day, let alone a hurricane!

Your “hurricane” might be a divorce, an illness, the loss of a job, a diagnosis, an addiction or a literal hurricane! Whatever challenge has come into your life, the effects are ALL devastating! The storms are never easy. They can paralyze us with fear. They can overcome us with sadness. They can immobilize and trap us, leaving little hope for rescue.

Having faith allows us to reach for the “Hand” that “rescues us” and “gives us strength” when we need it the most. We can find comfort in the words of Psalm 46:1 which says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear” and Psalm 91:14-15 which says, “Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, he will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him…”.

There have been many times in my life, that my hope and faith in God was the ONLY strength I had. I couldn’t have made it through the “hurricanes” in my life without HIS protection and HIS rescue. You are not alone! Reach out in faith during the storms of your life!

Today’s Song of encouragement:
Song Title: Praise You In This Storm
Artist: Casting Crowns

This blog is written by: Dallas AHT recording artist and inspirational speaker
www.aht4u.com

As I read this poem, I nodded my head in agreement. I chuckled. I welled up with pride thinking of my children and their accomplishments. I thought of how lucky I am that my husband knows how to make me smile on the days I need it the most! My heart ached as I realized I am still grieving the loss of my dearest friend and mentor. I prayed that my heart would continue to be filled with joy, hope and love…and…that I would never stop sharing them with others.

Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of life, we forget just how much value our heart holds! We forget the inner strength we carry each day. We forget how priceless a smile or words of encouragement are to friends, loved ones and even strangers.
When you read the words of this poem today, be reminded of your worth!

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men…..
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to
injustice.
They don’t take “no” for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their
family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They’ll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail
you
to show how much they
care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN. IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Author – Unknown

This blog by Dallas AHT.
www.aht4u.com