“THE END -- And They Lived Happily Ever After”

That’s the big finale of most Disney movies and so it was for us. Our Disney journey came to an end last night, and of course we will live happily ever after….well, once we cross over to heaven, that is. But for now, we’ll carry so many precious memories from 10 years ago (yesterday morning we watched those photos and “remembered” together).

Then we made our way to the water park for a relaxing, fun, and “wet” morning. Then off to our final Disney adventure at Hollywood Studios again. It was my favorite day because we were able to get to do “do-overs” or our favorite rides with Fast Passes, watched several shows -- Indiana Jones movie set and stunt actors performing, Beauty and the Beast and the grand finale was Fantasmic. Waiting for Fantasmic to begin, I had just said to Staci “I need inspiration for my post for tomorrow”, and then the show began. My inspiration came immediately. A mountain-set surrounded by a water lagoon was a great backdrop for Mickey Mouse and his magical laser light show where the forces of good and evil were battling it out in Mickey’s dream. We saw Disney heroes, princesses and lots of villains from many of Disney’s best: Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Lion King, 101 Dalmatians and many others. But when the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with Cruella de Vil, and a larger-than-life Maleficent turned Mickey's dreams into a nightmare, Mickey and his ability to overcome evil with his good saved the day again. The add on of pyrotechnics, laser lights and lots of dancing water made the dream come to life. Lots of Disney tunes were heard.

While Disney has taken a lot of hits because of what people see as underlying hidden messages and controversial storylines in their films, we still can see their efforts to make us become better people who believe that good always wins over evil. Kids today still love watching the Disney movies that we all loved when we were kids. I even found myself getting goosebumps when the Beast turned back into the prince as we watched the show yesterday. The Beast learned to love instead of being the conceited, hateful monster that he once was. How's that for a love story?

Here’s my take-aways from our Disney adventures:
~ Family time equals special and intentional “I love you so much that I want to spend time with you and celebrate you.”
~ Always remember that you are absolutely unique.
~ Never lose that childlike spirit, no matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be.
~ Always learn and discover new things, new horizons, be open and ready for new adventures and new experiences.
~ Never let others’ negative thoughts affect your life.
~ Never give up on your goals. Do your best and work hard to achieve your dreams and potentials.
~ Life can be hard sometimes. We all know that. However, the message Disney sends us is not about despair, it’s that there’s a light at the end of every tunnel. It often appears when we least expect it. And, in those of us who believe in THE LIGHT -- we can ALWAYS expect Him to show up for us!
~ Never stop dreaming and give your best to everything you set your heart and mind to do!

In the “Mickey/Disney” world it’s “Never stop believing in magic.” But, I like to say it this way “Never stop believing in a God in Whom ALL things are possible. And in His grand scheme of things…. “Good not only overcomes evil, but it is so good, that we will get to live happily ever after with the Prince of Peace who was willing to give His ALL for you and me.” That's a true LOVE story that never says THE END!

Low Profile, Low Pressure, High Impact

Those were my husband's life statement words that were full of wisdom. He realized the pressure that can come from those high profile individuals who expose themselves to public opinion and scrutiny. Though he spoke publicly to many various audiences in business and ministry, he was most pleased to nudge others to the places of prominence and limelight.

As you can see from the comments and photos we've made over the last few days about our family trip to Disney World, it seems we lean toward the "high profile" mentality. In reality, we do desire to have a high impact on this generation, their families and the lives they live. That's why I continually post so much about the joys of making memories, living in the moments, celebrating family and friends' victories and living life with gusto.

I realize there are those who prefer a low profile, who run from the idea of being on social media at all, and they stay quite comfortable in their quiet, untouchable world. And if that is their bent, then I say "different strokes for different folks". But, sharing a zest for life and all that comes with it -- the lessons we learn from the ups and downs and those we learn from the tough times and the triumphant times -- and still realize the blessings of God in the midst of it all, shows others that this life is worth living and celebrating. It's about the abundant life Christ came to give us -- not that we have to go anywhere other than our back yard, or to our children's sports games or events.....it is embracing them and their lives the best we can.

Yesterday, we hung out at Hollywood Studios, and there is no doubt, it was the favorite so far because Payton and Alexia's fondness for anything "Star Wars" was richly fed. No sooner than we walked through the gates that the Storm Troopers led by Captain Phasma marched down the street. Getting photos with Chewbacca and so many other Star Wars and other Disney characters made their day. In fact, we're going back there tomorrow -- they just didn't get enough!

It was a day packed with thrills, chills and literal ups and downs in the Rockin' Roller Coaster, Star Tours - The Adventure Continues and when the family headed back to trade more items with the Jawas, collect more pins and take it all in again, I found my sweet spot on a park bench. There's something to be said for being a "people watcher". As I sat there enjoying this gorgeous day (the weather has been fabulous), the Storm Troopers were headed down the street again and the crowds gathered for their look-see at those Star Wars favorites. I was amazed at the varieties of people there -- every shape and size, every nationality and cultural background and every age -- big and small. Everyone seemed to be in their own zone. I watched families having their pictures taken as they celebrated their moments. I saw physically challenged people being pushed in wheel chairs while others rode their electronic scooters and children being pushed in strollers -- each, in their own way -- embracing life and giving it their best shot!

Will those little ones remember this day? Probably not. Ten years passed since Alexia and Payton were here and they remembered very little, but it didn't matter because we remembered. It's really not about Disney or any other park -- it's taking time to give quality time to those we love and make memories and share time together like this could be the last time together. With Papa, it was, but I assure you he was with us throughout this trip. More times than I can count, we said, "I'm thinking about Papa!" I'm so thankful my husband and I made a big deal about celebrations. Our two children never saw Disney until they took their kids there. But, we sure spent a lot of time at Six Flags Over Texas -- back in the day. In fact, we're already talking about making some new memories there very soon. And you better believe, we'll be talking there about that man who really was HIGH profile and HIGH impact to us.