QUOTE FROM THE HEART
In each issue of Heartsong, I will open with a quote, poem or lyric, which I have found inspiring and uplifting. Today's quote comes from one of the foremost experts on death and dying, and I hope her words bring all of us comfort during times of loss.

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."
~~Elisabeth Kubler Ross

A NOTE FROM KIM
Welcome to today's issue of Heartsong!  The last several weeks have been physically and emotionally exhausting for my family and me. My much-loved maternal grandfather passed over on July 29, and the last week has been a chaotic and sad one for all of us. His death was expected, but nevertheless, it's never easy to lose someone we love. But now that the funeral and burial have taken place, it is my hope that we can now grieve his loss, and begin our healing process, while treasuring the many memories he has left us.

As I haven't had the time to prepare a completely new and original newsletter, today's issue is made up of older articles I've written, revised entries from my blog: http://www.kim-loftis.blogspot.com and other items, which I hope you'll enjoy reading.

I'd like to take a moment to thank those of you who wrote me concerning teleclass and article topics. Your comments are always greatly appreciated! Next issue's Lighthouse article will focus on confidence building, thanks to the many requests I received to discuss that topic. I hope you'll enjoy it!

More news in the next issue. Until then, enjoy the rest of today's issue, and I wish you a wonderful August!

Love,
Kim

FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE, WITH LOVE
A lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope in a violent storm. A lighthouse sheds light on our worries and troubles, and brings us joy and peace. Therefore, in each Heartsong issue, I will include an article, which will help to guide you through the dark and troubled times, or lighten and brighten your heart and life in a special way. In today's Lighthouse article, we'll discuss the trait of courage, and I'll illustrate that trait with a beautiful example from nature.

"The Courage to Keep On Singing"

Like most Americans, I can vividly remember almost every detail of the day the twin towers fell. That evening, I wept uncontrollably, unable to fathom the tragedy that had befallen my beloved country. I felt afraid, helpless, and, most of all, totally hopeless.

Yet, in the face of such an unspeakable tragedy, the American people stood together in order to rebuild our lives and mend our broken hearts. Once again, we were able to find our voice as a nation, and raise it Heavenward.

This morning, it was again demonstrated to me just how wonderful and downright tenacious nature, and the human spirit, is! I was awakened by a tremendous storm. Lightning streaked madly across a blackened sky, thunder rattled the windows, and the rain gushed in torrents. The wind picked up, snapping off limbs and branches and causing general chaos.

As the storm cleared and the sun began to peek over the horizon, the birds began their lovely morning chorus, lifting their sweet voices heavenward in joyous song. When the huge gusts of wind seemed to threaten to blow them straight off of their perches, they still sang as joyously as ever before. The wind and weather wasn't a deterrent to their song, and didn't dampen their joy in the slightest.

We can take a lesson from these birds, and from the Sept. 11 tragedy. No matter which way the wind blows us in life, no matter the violence of the storms or the fierceness of the lightning strikes, no matter what burning buildings we are forced to walk out of, let us always remember that we, like those precious birds, were put here with a song to sing. Our road may not be smooth all the time, but let us not forget the importance of singing our song, of discovering and fulfilling our life's purpose, and of brightening our world in whatever way we can. God placed us here to raise our voices in joyous song... let us sing for all we're worth!

HOPE AND HEALING
All of us need to take the time to be gentle with ourselves. Therefore, each issue of Heartsong will include tips with which you can nurture, pamper and transform all aspects of your life. Enjoy!

On Grief And Grieving

My much-loved maternal grandfather passed over on Saturday, July 29, 2006. His funeral was held on Tuesday, August 1, and the burial, (at which I performed the hymn, "How Great Thou Art"), was held the next morning. My grandfather was 91, and lived a long and full life, but was in a great deal of physical pain during the last few weeks of his life. I'll miss him, but at the same time, I am greatly relieved that he has now passed out of that pain.

Grief, like death, is a part of life, and a part of the healing process. Do not be ashamed for your grief. It is normal, and it is necessary in order to heal. I encourage you to give your pain and unhappiness over to God, however you choose to see or worship God. Our Creator is a benevolent, loving and gentle caretaker, who will not only care for our departed loved-ones, but for us as well. God will help us through our grief, if we only allow God to do so.

This too shall pass. One day we will be able to smile again, laugh again, and remember our dear ones with only love and joy. Oh yes, there may always be an empty space in our hearts. But I encourage you to fill that empty space up with love, joy and precious memories. Your loved-ones are at peace... free... happy. They ask you to enjoy those same beautiful emotions. They love you now, as they have always loved you.

HOME AND HEARTH
In this section of the newsletter, I will provide tips to help you to bring your own creativity, spirituality and unique talents into your everyday life, and, more specifically, into your home.

Rather than writing a proper article for this section this time around, I'd simply like to remind you of the importance of finding ways to keep and treasure your memories. Over the last week, my family has been remembering my grandfather through the numerous photos we have made over the years. These pictures bring back such wonderful memories, and help us greatly as we grieve our loss.

However you choose to keep your memories, whether it be through photo albums, videos or DVDs, scrap books, or another method, I'd encourage you to find some way to keep your memories in a physical form. In this way, you can share them with the generations to come, and brighten the lives and hearts of many.

PRAYER FROM THE HEART
Each issue of Heartsong will feature a prayer, either from my own heart, one which I hold dear in my own life, or one suggested to me by others. I hope they will speak to your spirit, as well.

As I Walk with Beauty
As I walk, as I walk
The universe is walking with me
In beauty it walks before me
In beauty it walks behind me
In beauty it walks below me
In beauty it walks above me
Beauty is on every side
As I walk, I walk with Beauty.

Traditional Navajo Prayer

HEARTSONG REFLECTION
Until our next issue, reflect on your memories, and treasure your loved ones for who they are and what they mean to you. Cherish your friends and family, and tell them how much you love them.

Love, Light and Blessings,
Kim

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Heartsong is a biweekly publication, and is published on the first and third Sunday of each month. All content is copyright Kim Loftis, unless otherwise indicated.
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Have any questions or comments about this issue, or about Heartsong in general? If so, please don't hesitate to email me.
Kim@KimLoftis.com 
And who knows? Your questions may inspire an article for an upcoming issue! Your questions and comments help me to make Heartsong as engaging, fun and inspiring as possible, and I thank you in advance!
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For compassionate, personalized spiritual healing and coaching services straight from my heart, please visit my website: http://www.kimloftis.com   I would be honored to serve you today!
Until the next issue of Heartsong, let your heart sing, and I send you all my love!