Have you ever stopped to think about how important one person can be? In the political realm, Chapter I of our book (p.2/Voice I) relates how some famous individuals like John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. made positive contributions that impacted change within our society and the world at large for the better. On the other hand, infamous dictators like Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein brought about tragic results for many while they ruled. History further records JFK as winning the Presidency by just one vote in some U.S. precincts during the 1960 election. Other documents state that in 1923, one vote made Adolf Hitler leader of the Nazi Party. That one vote was only the beginning of somber and catastrophic events, but it put him in power.

That same chapter moves into the stories of our lives and how we first met.  Voice I (Deidre) reflects on one specific person, Sue (Voice II), who God used to enter and change her life profoundly. In that same chapter, Sue also shares how Deidre significantly changed her life for the better as well. One person can truly make a difference!

The voices would like to ask you, “Do you remember that one person who made a difference or changed the direction or course you were going?”  Maya Angelou calls those individuals  “Lifelines” in her book, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Some people have few lifelines, while others may have several. Still, they are put into our lives to help us, and show us new ways of looking at the same things differently. That really is the Power of One!

Many times, as the “Two Voices,” we meet and talk to people while promoting our book. As we share our major platforms, we also try to encourage them to realize how every person is here for a reason and that each one of us can make a difference in the lives of others. We want you to consider that as well because God desires that you use your gifts and talents to be a sphere of influence right where you are. You could be an agent of change for the better, especially for children or those who cannot use their own voices. When you know you have a voice that others will hear, you are that one person who must decide whether or not to use it in a negative or positive way.

Lifelines! We all have at least one, but there is ONE who is more than enough for any situation, problem or circumstance we may be facing right now, or in our future.  That One has a name, and we call Him, JESUS!  He is the best example of the Power of One. He is Jesus Christ, and will be Lord and Savior to anyone who will call on Him and ask for His forgiveness. His ONE life was given for all today, tomorrow, and forever. All you have to do is accept Him as your personal Savior and receive the precious gift of eternal life. How awesome is that? He was the only ONE who could die, and He did die once for us ALL. Amen.

Final Thought: None of us are God, but all of us can be used by Him to make a difference . . . one life at a time.

Sue and Deidre

June is considered by many one of the most popular months of the year. It is the month summer officially begins as well as the month of marriage for a multiple of beautiful blushing brides, bushels of babies being born, and one of our favorite holidays – Father’s Day. This year, it takes place on the 18th of this month, and the 2 Voices want to share with you why we highly regard this holiday that honors Fathers:

Fathers provide the seed for life, and God chose them to love, protect, and provide for their families in a special way. Fathers are to be the head of the family, while Mothers are the heart. Too often the roles and reputation of fathers have gotten overshadowed by many dads being MIA or filing for bankruptcy when it’s their responsibility to pay child support. A lot of dads are dead or living in prisons as well. Our list of dismal dads can seem non-stop.

Sue and Deidre both believe that they  had great fathers who loved, provided, and cared for their well-being. However, Deidre missed out growing up with her Dad when she lost hers at the tender age of 9, and Sue lost her father shortly after beginning her teaching career.

So, whether you had a great, or good, or a “good for nothing” father, we want to remind you about the ULTIMATE FATHER. He is the one who cares for you, and the one who loves you more than anyone else ever could (John 3:16). His dearest name is “Abba,” which means “Papa God.” He knew you before you were born and has the best plan for your life. He loved you so much that He sacrificed His Son to provide you with eternal life – the greatest gift ever given! So as you celebrate the men in your life who are Fathers, or just like a father to you, remember to thank the One who made their lives and yours possible.

Isaiah 64:8 – But now, O LORD, thou [art] our Father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we ALL  [are] the work of thy hand. (KJV)

Deidre and Sue

How important is it for our young people to know why we celebrate Memorial Day? As a Social Studies teacher, I (Sue) felt it was extremely important, so I planned and produced a Memorial Day program for years that involved students, teachers, many meaningful slides, patriotic music, and a salute to the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. My principal and I felt it was important for these 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to know about our country’s history, and the sacrifice many in our military paid throughout the years. Sometimes the adults in the audience learned something too, and that was a good thing.

Military service runs strong in our families. Sue’s Dad and Father-in-law served in the Air Force and Navy, respectively, during WWII. Her husband was a Communication Engineer in the USAF, retiring after 20 years, and Deidre’s husband is a 27-yr. US Navy veteran, retiring as a SCMSgt. She has other family members who are actively serving in the military or retired. The “Voices” know the cost of military service!

We all should remember this service and sacrifice because so many lost their lives to protect our way of life. They selflessly thought of our country and its citizens instead of themselves. The Bible says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). This is exactly what our fallen military did; except they laid down their lives for many people they didn’t even know.

This Memorial Day is more than family gatherings, picnics, swimming pool openings, or the beginning of summer. It is a remembrance of those who served our country and lost their lives doing so. We salute and remember you.

   (weknowyourdreams)

This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day. Our mother was our first home – we grew and developed within her womb. God used her to give us life itself! This day is special for many, but can be difficult as well. Some people had traumatic experiences growing up and do not have pleasant memories of their mom. This day possibly brings painful memories back to the present.

For some like Deidre, this will be the first Mother’s Day without their mother. It will be a bittersweet day, remembering the good times, but missing the person. Sue understands, as she has spent the last four years honoring a memory, after losing her mother in 2013.

Just because your mother is not here physically, she remains always in your memory. The “Voices” want to take this opportunity to honor all mothers, whether they played an important role in shaping who you are, or simply gave you life.

Deidre and Sue

The “Voices” have just returned from exhibiting our book and conducting two workshops at the Great Home School Convention in Cincinnati last week. What a privilege it was to meet so many families, see hundreds (literally!!!) of darling children, and encourage those who attended our sessions as we shared several of our platforms including:

Children Are Our Legacy

Show the Love of Christ Through Racial Harmony By Seeking Out Others of Different Cultures/Backgrounds

Be a “Sphere of Influence” Right Where You Are

To the Homeschooling parents who passed by our booth, we stressed that they have the gift of teaching in them because God lead them to homeschooling. Even when it gets tough and they are wearing “too many hats,” we encouraged them not to give up and honor the scripture in Deut. 11 that states: “Fix these words of Mine in your hearts and minds . . . teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” That’s what these parents do every day and we were impressed with their dedication. Investing in eternity is an important job because they (and all Christian parents) are preparing their children to enter and change the world through God’s love.

We hope to return next year to meet, greet, encourage, and be encouraged by these wonderful people!

Deidre and Sue