Sandra's Sunshine

The Brightest Star Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey A few years ago on a visit to my brother’s house, I noticed just how bright and shining the stars were that evening. Since I live in a larger city, the city lights downplay the brightness of the stars in the sky. He lives in a more rural area and the sky was captivating that evening. It was a clear night. So many stars. So bright and twinkling. So beautiful. When I think of the stars in the sky, my mind always goes to the one beautiful star many years ago that led three very wise men to a stable. In that stable was a manger. In that manger was a newborn baby boy. His name was Jesus. He would grow up to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, to spread the word of God’s love, and to be brutally beaten and nailed to a wooden cross to die just to save us from our sins. Would you have sacrificed your son to die for the sins of others? The next time you are star gazing, think of that little baby born in a stable, lying in a manger a...

Several years ago, there was a huge snowstorm that dropped a ton of snow on the Bluegrass. Since Mr. Frey and I did not own a four wheel drive at the time, we were pretty much stranded. We got outside to "dig out" and the snow was so heavy that it was obvious it was going to take hours to shovel the driveway. Jonathan suggested that one of us walk to the store for some "homemade spaghetti" supplies and one of us stay behind to clear the drive. My eyes just about popped out of my head at the thought of shoveling the rest of that snow, so I volunteered to walk to the store (a mile away). The walk to the store was quite easy since it was on a downhill slope. The coming back was quite the challenge. I was loaded down with two cans of spaghetti sauce, 2 two liters of Coke (before diabetes), a can of tomato paste, onions, peppers, and hamburger meat. This crap weighed about 15 pounds and I had to lug all of this stuff back home...yes, you guessed it. That downhill slope t...

Giving a Safe Haven Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey Sitting here in my warm, safe haven of a home, I’m listening to the wind howl, the snow pelting my windows, and wondering if anyone had to be turned away at the various shelters in our community. When the weather is harsh, my heart aches for the homeless and neglected for their fear must be especially great during these times. Our Lord talked about defending the poor and needy. He made us a promise in Proverbs 28:27 that “He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses”. Why would we not love everyone as God intended and help a brother or sister in need? In his eyes, we’re all his children and we must take care of each other. If we’re able to help others, it’s the Lord’s intention for us to do so. Doesn’t everyone deserve a safe haven? Psalm 82: 3-4 Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.

In our lifetime, we will meet many meaningful people from all walks of life who touch our heart in a special way. These people may have been around us during our childhood, our college years or different phases of our career and life time. These people who touch our heart in a special way are called friends. Friendships are one of the most unique relationships that we can ever be blessed to experience. Our friends accept us even if we demonstrate bad behavior to them. Our friends are a great comfort to us when life deals us a bad hand. Our friends keep our secrets and offer words of wisdom and encouragement. One of the greatest regrets in my life is the collapse of a friendship over a decade ago. Yes, some friendships even collapse. Instead of trying to right the wrong, we both angrily closed the door on that friendship never attempting to try and salvage it. I sincerely regret my actions in closing that door and often wonder if the door will ever open again. It takes a lot of ...

Gladys was a secretary for an insurance agent for over 20 years. The insurance office was on the corner of West Main Street across from the county courthouse. Instead of mailing their insurance premiums, it seemed that everyone in town came to the office to make their payments. Most of the time, customers waited patiently on the sidewalk for the office to open each morning. Many were farmers who were early risers and wanted to get their business completed and get back to their farms. The office was always a hub of activity. Since she worked at the office for many years, Gladys knew almost every customer by name. She embraced those who came in the office with a heavy heart by being a good listener. Her outgoing personality, positive attitude, and friendly smile were always welcoming. It was plain to see that she thrived working in the public eye and enjoyed her profession. Gladys arrived each morning at 9 o’clock to open the office. Making her way hurriedly to her desk via the back entr...

A Positive Force Many of you may have family, friends, coworkers, or even acquaintances that are either currently locked in a battle with cancer or who have bravely fought and won the war and are survivors of cancer. I can remember as a young girl hearing folks talking about “the cancer” and how deadly it was and there was no hope for survival. Today, thanks to the steadfast dedication and expertise of many medical experts and the millions of dollars gifted for research, “the cancer” isn’t that death sentence it once was a few years ago. Statistics show the rate of survival continues to grow. My father was recently declared "cancer free" for which we are thankful. Researchers found that in addition to drugs, radiation, chemotherapy and other treatments for cancer patients that promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging a positive attitude made a huge difference in the recovery process. If it was such a positive force in the recovery process of cancer patients, can you imag...

For many months, I've contemplated the idea of having my own blog for writing my thoughts and sharing inspirationals, keeping family and friends updated, and for my infamous story writing about life in the Frey household. My friend Robyn encouraged me a couple of years ago to start a blog, but I was afraid there wouldn't be anyone to read it except me! I've needed to express myself in my own way for quite some time and this is the outlet I'm choosing for now. My Family, Friends, and Outlaws post will be listed under this blog versus your getting an e-mail from me. Please save this blog under "My Favorites" in your computer and periodically check it to see the latest "happening" in the Frey household. I know what you are thinking. Sandra's Sunshine? What's that all about? The name of the blog came from my experience in a Powerpoint Training class. My first presentation was named Sandra's Sunshine -- I'm all about a theme even in traini...