Laurel Jean's Blog

Sharing The Message

2011-10-24T15:01:00.001-04:00

Recently, I was blessed by the opportunity to share Gospel Joy with the folks at Heartland Rehabilitation of West Ashley, Charleston, SC. This was made possible in part by Dixie Land Guide Dog Users Inc. and the people of Grace United Methodist Church. Members of both Dixie Land and Grace Church joined me in bringing The Message In Word, Song and Sacrament.

It is always an honor to feature Taylor Jones Stebbins as a guest vocalist. Taylor currently serves as Vice President of Dixie Land GDU, and is one of the “outa sight” youth with whom God blesses my life. He attends Ravenel First Baptist Church, where he sings in the choir. He remembers with such enthusiasm his Baptism Sunday at Grace Church, and is always eager to share the gifts that God gives him.

Pastor Dick Broomall of Grace Church joined me for a duet before leading all of us in a unique celebration of Holy Communion. Pastor Dick is a gifted musician and minister, and I am always honored to serve our Lord with him.

My thanks to Dixie Land Guide Dog Users and Grace United Methodist Church for making it possible to include the Lord’s Supper in this special service.

Even those of us who served came away from this event knowing that we had truly been fed in the Spirit.

Thank God and thank you for your ongoing prayers and support.

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart.

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

God's Light keeps shining!

2011-10-06T20:09:00.001-04:00

Sacred Heart Convent, home of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL, was my first stop during my most recent time of Music and Ministry in Central Illinois and Southern Indiana (Sept. 9 thru 19). The Dominican Sisters have been part of my life for a long time and it is always a joy to be welcomed back to the Convent. It was at their enthusiastic request that I first recorded my song "Vision Through Your Eyes" many years ago, and these amazing women of Faith continue to inspire and support me in my ministry. My greatest joy in spending time with them is hearing their own stories of God's calling on their lives and of their own unique ministries. I am honored to be their "kid-sister" in Christ!

The Access Springfield bus service made it possible for me to travel to the Convent, then to my long-time friend Millie's house for more fellowship and a special celebration of Holy Communion. Thanks, Pastor Dick of Grace UMC in Charleston, SC, for blessing the Elements which I brought to Illinois to share with Millie. Millie was responsible for scheduling and transporting me to my first official music ministry engagement when I was just fourteen. She's still supportive of my ministry, a mighty prayer warrior and one of my very dearest friends.

The Delavan, IL United Methodist Church was my next stop. There I was the main presenter for this year's All-Church, Ladies' Luncheon Retreat hosted by Delavan UMC. My friends, associates and I always pray for God to break down barriers that separate His people. How refreshing to see Christian women of all denominations gather for food, fellowship, devotionals, music and inspiration! My thanks to Carolyn Binion, a good friend and one of my drivers, who provided my transportation to this event. It wasn't quite foggy enough for me to drive that day!

The Lakewood, IL United Methodist Church is always like home to me. It's the "Little Church By The Roadside," where the door is never locked so that anyone who passes by may enter and pray at any time. This was the first church family to make me feel truly welcome in "God's House", and the congregation continues to support my outreach with a stipend as one of their missionaries.

On this day, it was my turn to express my heartfelt appreciation to this little church family in Illinois. Thanks to my "adopted dad-in-ministry", Rev. Tarrell Thompson of Owensville, IN, for crafting the beautiful redwood cross which I presented to the Lakewood congregation.

That Sunday evening in Cowden, IL, I presented another cross during Concert Ministry in honor of Rev. Marlin Miller (1924-2011). Marlin (pictured on the plaque) was responsible for leading my grandpa (who was homebound at the time) to make his formal profession of Christian Faith. After my grandfather's death back in 1981, Marlin continued to do all he could to insure that I had a solid foundation from which to launch my own Faith Journey. The first pastor to express interest in my own, personal spiritual well-being, Marlin invited me to Vacation Bible School and made sure that it was accessible to me with songs and activity sheets in Braille. Then, he saw to it that I received my very own Braille Bible, presented to me at that same little Lakewood Church. He listened to me at a time when it seemed that no one else would, and his compassionate spirit continues to inspire my work with blind youth today.

Thanks to Marlin's wife Mrs. Colleen Miller for receiving this cross in Marlin's honor. I would also like to thank Clyde Wehrle (presenting the plaque) for joining with me on behalf of Marlin's home church, Cowden United Methodist, to celebrate the life and honor the dynamic ministry of this very special shepherd.

My dear friends and sisters in Christ, Pastor Lynette D'Attley (of the Cowden and Lakewood UMC) and Mary Glick (whom I've known since I was born), were instrumental in helping to coordinate these special services. Their ongoing friendship and support mean more than words can express.

The studio of WRAY Radio, Princeton, was my first official stop in Southern Indiana. I joined Country Gold host Mark Latham (along with "Grandpa Ed," Larry, "Uncle Dave" and "Joe from Otwell") to promote the release of my upcoming album and to invite folks to Sunday Worship at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Poseyville. Thanks to the Country Gold Team for making me feel so welcome, and to that wonderful Donut Bank for keeping us all fueled with donuts and coffee!

Christian and Jessie, two of "my outa sight Indiana kids," joined us during the 11:00 AM hour of the Country Gold show. Before spending time with us in the main studio, Joe allowed the kids to take a "hand-on" look at the station. They even got to assist at the controls.

Jesse was in charge of making sure that the volume was just right on the sound board.

Christian helped with the changing of CD's.

Sunday morning, I was at Poseyville's St. Paul's UMC, where I joined missionary to Haiti, Debbie Phillips, in presenting two services highlighting women in the mission field.

My thanks also to Transcendent Healthcare of Owensville, the Evansville Scottish Rite Lodge and Home For Your Heart School of Evansville, for making my music and ministry part of their schedules.

It is always a joy to serve our Lord with my "adopted dad-in-ministry" Rev. Tarrell Thompson of Owensville, IN. He and his wife, my precious "Mama Lena", are long-time friends of my ministry and me personally. His belief in my ministry and youth chaplaincy, his volunteerring to help with driving, and of course his crafting of those beautiful crosses, truly helped me keep God's Light shining during this trip!

Thank God and thank you, for your ongoing prayers and support.

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden, with all glory to God!

In Tune for Summer Day Camp!

2011-08-17T21:34:00.002-04:00

This summer, Music By Laurel Jean partnered with Dixie Land Guide Dog Users and the Association for the Blind, Charleston, SC, to bring music, education and fun to sighted students ages 4 thru 10, attending one of the City of Charleston’s summer day camps. Music was a favorite activity throughout the day!

After music time, day-campers divided into groups. Some learned about guide dogs, while others joined me for a story. The kids enjoyed watching me read with my fingers and telling me about the pictures on each page!

Taylor, a Lowcountry blind youth and an officer of Dixie Land GDU, waited patiently to demonstrate his computer technology. He also challenged the kids to a game of Uno, using cards containing both print and Braille!

Here I am with Taylor and some of the day-campers. Taylor and I had just finished brailing the kids’ names, demonstrating our long, white canes and teaching students how to walk properly as a sighted guide for someone who is blind.

The kids even got to enjoy an ice cream social, compliments of the Dixie Land Guide Team!

My thanks to Dixie Land GDU, the Association for the Blind, Miss Shirley with the City of Charleston, and Miss Patty with Creatures Around Charleston, for making me part of this special event.

Thank God, and thank you, for your ongoing prayers and support! You keep my ministry and its outreach growing and going!

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

On the Air and On the Road in Indiana!

2011-07-29T19:50:00.002-04:00

Music By Laurel Jean continues to be “in tune for summer!” During my recent trip to Southern Indiana, I enjoyed guest-hosting the “Country Gold” show with regular host Mark Latham on Princeton, Indiana’s FM 98.1, WRAY Radio! It is always great to spend time with the Country Gold family of listeners and radio personalities!

Special thanks to “Grandpa Ed” Scott, for taking phone requests and relaying messages from listeners, as well as keeping all of us fueled with coffee and donuts from the “Donut Bank!”

Thanks also to Transcendent Healthcare of Owensville, the family of Rev. and Mrs. Tarrell and Lena Thompson (my adopted family in ministry), the Owensville United Methodist Church and the Bluegrass United Methodist Church of Evansville for making Music By Laurel Jean part of their times of worship and fellowship. I always look forward to being, as the old song says, “back home again in Indiana!”

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

The Road to Independence

2011-06-30T19:52:00.002-04:00

Here I am with fellow Dixie Land officers Nancy Moore (with guide Giza) and Audrey Gunter (with guide Jesse) as we pose in front of CARTA, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority.

Nancy, Audrey and I recently had the privilege of speaking to CARTA drivers. It was a joy for me personally, to have the opportunity to thank some of the folks who make it possible for us in the blindness community to stay "on the road to independence." Public transportation allows us the dignity of independent travel at a rate more reasonable than that of a personal driver. Whether traveling to Walmart for routine shopping, or heading to the airport to catch a flight to a musical engagement, I absolutely love public transportation and paratransit!

The drivers asked us a lot of really great questions, including how they could be of better help to those of us who don't see. We exchanged a lot of funny stories, and shared a lot of laughs, too.

My thanks to CARTA, Dixie Land GDU, and the Charleston, SC Association for the Blind for making me part of this three-day set of educational workshops.

Thank God, and thank you, for your ongoing prayers and support. You help keep my ministry and its outreach growing and going!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

Youth Chaplaincy Update

2011-05-28T20:16:00.002-04:00

I thank God for two gifts above all else, my Christian Faith and my personal independence. Each is encompassed by a variety of people and circumstances which God still uses to keep both gifts alive and growing in my life. As an offering of praise to my Lord, I live to pass these gifts on to others, blind and sighted alike. He has placed a special calling on my heart to reach out to blind youth, allowing me to share these gifts with His precious children through mentoring and tutoring.

Recently, God blessed my outreach in Charleston, SC with six-year-old Dalton, “my” youngest yet here in South Carolina. Here I am introducing him to the concept of tracking a line of Braille. Braille literacy is so vital to my personal independence, and I take very seriously the honor of helping to unlock that door for someone else. Dalton loves to learn and takes his learning very seriously, too.

Of course, one must never take life too seriously, so in our regular visits, we take lots of time for singing, dancing and fun. Here at the piano, Dalton's favorite songs to sing are “Miss Mary Mack” and “Joy In My Heart.” He likes to play along with my accompaniment as we sing.

Even blind children can enjoy learning songs and games to get their feet and hands moving. In this shot, we just caught a pretend bumblebee as part of the “Baby Bumblebee Song.”

My thanks to Dalton’s parents, David and Dani, for allowing me to share these pictures and for the opportunity to spend time with their precious child.

Dalton’s mom, Dani, has a gift of creating fine art paintings with bee’s wax. The pictures are beautiful to see, and are completely discernable by touch as well. To learn more about how you can show your support for this family through the purchase of Dani’s full-vision, accessible artwork, visit the Web site of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users. Then, scroll down to the “Links and Resources” section of the Dixie Land site.

Thank God, and thank you, for the ongoing prayers and support which make possible my ministry’s outreach to brilliant young people like Dalton.

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

"Ruff Justice" Part 2

2011-04-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

Hello, everyone!

It's me again-Jesse! You all remember me, don't you? I'm Zack's little brother and my mom Audrey Gunter’s special, furry lap warmer. Although I've only had my new mom for a few months, we've really been lots and lots of places and done lots and lots of things. Folks always say how handsome and sweet I am. Mom just smiles, nods her head and tells them that I'm just as good as I look, too! Mom really loves me and I really, really love her too!

This week I've been taking Mom down to the Judicial Center on Broad Street, where we've been summoned for Jury Duty. Boy, were those guys ever surprised to see me there! I'm not sure exactly why, but they just couldn't understand that, even though Mom's eyes are broken, she can still do lots of things, especially with me guiding her! They act as though they really want to help her, but just don't know how. Instead of asking her, they grab her arm, shoulder or elbow. Sometimes a pair of "helpful Helens" will run up to us, each grabbing one of Mom's arms and begin pulling on her-most of the time in different directions.

"Hey, guys! That's my mom-not a wishbone! If she needs your help, she'll ask. Meanwhile, she has me and I can take her anywhere she needs to go, thank you very much!"

Today we returned to the Judicial Center in a Sheriff's car and there was a Deputy Sheriff waiting on us at the curb, thanks to Uncle Bill. When Mom told him how we'd toured North Charleston, West Ashley and James Island before our paratransit bus finally reached Broad Street, Uncle Bill fixed things. He said that we shouldn't have to depend on a bus to serve on a jury panel.

Anyway, things were a lot different today. We entered the building through that funny revolving door and nobody stopped us today. I guess they saw how good I worked yesterday and they figured I could handle things just fine.

The folks behind the security desk were kinder to Mom, too. Not one time did anyone pull on her arm or shoulder! They just patted their legs, like Mom told them, and off we went! I think they were competing against each other to see who could work with me!

"It's about time you guys got the message! You lead and I'll guide my mom. That's my job!"

We signed in when we reached the Jury Assembly Room and the ladies there were great! Each one of them bent across the table and watched as I led Mom to our chair.

"Can't talk now, girls! Got to be sure Mom gets to where she needs to be. Besides, can't you see the big sign on my harness? Sheeze! "

We sat in that room for a couple of hours and other folks were getting impatient. Not me, though! Oh, no! I had a nice carpet to lie down on and my mom's feet to use as a pillow.

One of the bailiffs came out and told us to take a 30 minute break. "Break from what? All we've been doing is sitting and talking! Let's get this show on the road, guys! Let's get moving!"

Mom and I remained there during the break and, after about an hour of more sitting, that same fellow announced that we should go to lunch!

"Lunch! Okay! I'm all for that!" Too bad Mom wasn't hungry, so we just stayed there in that big room.

A lot of others chose to remain there, too. The lady in front of us just couldn't help herself, and she began asking Mom about me. She seemed genuinely interested in how I was specially bred, born, raised and trained as a guide dog, and how much I help my mom. She was particularly moved when Mom told her about my big brother, Zack, and that he'd actually led her to God. Curious, she listened intently as Mom told her about meeting Aunt Mary Kay and how she'd prayed for and with Mom, back in 2002. Tears streamed down her face when Mom recalled Zack guiding her down the church aisle to the altar, where she accepted Jesus as her Savior. She laughed aloud when Mom told her the part about Pastor Bobby wanting Zack to jump into the Baptismal Pool because he'd never Baptized a dog before.

"Yep, that Zack is a character, alright! He may be laid back, but he really loves to swim and to eat! Boy, does he love to eat!"

As they talked, they discovered the nice lady went to school with Mom's niece, Wendy, and she knew a lot of folks Mom knows. The conversation really got interesting when Mom told her about Aunt Laurel's Christian Music Ministry, her outreach and Chaplaincy for Blind Youth. I could hear the love in her voice when Mom described each of the kids and how Aunt Laurel had improved their lives. She told them about how Aunt Laurel has improved their cane skills; taught them how they can live independently (like she does); how to use a computer and how she works to improve their Brailing skills. More importantly, Mom told her about how Aunt Laurel is so interested in their spiritual needs and about the accessible Vacation Bible School she hosted, where one of her "kids" accepted Jesus.

By this time, tears were streaming down the nice lady's face and another nice lady had joined us. The second woman was a little older and a lot quieter than the first; but her love for the Lord was loud, though! In no time. Mom and those other 2 ladies were holding church services right there in the Jury Assembly Room-laughing and trading stories and praising God! I just laid under Mom's chair and soaked it all in. I love to hear Mom talk about God and how He uses everyone if they'll only let Him.

Another bailiff came out and began calling names for people to report upstairs. Soon, we were following them into a tiny courtroom. Someone brought Mom a chair and sat it in the aisle so I'd have more room.

"Thank you, sir! I'd never have fit in that little bench over there!"

The judge began asking if anyone knew anyone involved in the case-the attorneys, witnesses or defendants He asked if anyone had any reasons as to why they felt they could not render a fair and impartial verdict if selected to serve on the jury. When he asked if anyone had any close relatives in law enforcement, Mom and I stood up, along with about a dozen other folks.

Each had to tell the court how they were related and what agency they worked in. Then, the bailiff began calling names and those folks had to get up, walk to the front of the room, turn around and face the prosecuting and defense attorneys, who would either accept or reject them for the jury. When I led Mom up, I heard one of the defense attorneys remind the other that Mom's brother was a Sheriff's Deputy. Of course, we were excused.

It took a while, but they finally filled all 12 of the jury seats and one alternate and we were told to go back downstairs to the Jury Assembly Room. I hadn't even gotten Mom back to her chair when they told her that her name had been selected again and that we'd be going right back upstairs.

"Okay! We get to keep moving! I'm too young for all this sitting and sleeping. Heck! If that's all they needed, Zack would have been great for this job!"

Well, we went back to the same courtroom and I led Mom back to the same chair. We listened to the same spiel from the same judge and stood before the very same attorneys who made the same decision to excuse us from duty. Before long, we were back downstairs, waiting.

This time our wait was short, though. In no time, we were told that we could go for the day; but to call back the next day for further instructions for the rest of the week. As we exited the Jury Assembly Room and entered the elevator, a nice man came up to thank Mom for being such a positive inspiration to him. He said that it was refreshing to see someone of her caliber willing to serve, despite her disability. He added that it was even more inspiring when you consider that she could probably have been excused. When he asked why she hadn't tried, Mom just smiled and said, "I love this country and the rights that I enjoy every day. I believe that those rights come with responsibilities and that it is my duty to serve in anyway I can. Just my eyes are broken-not my brain. Besides, if I ever had to stand trial for anything, I'd like to have someone like me on my jury."

"Yep, I would too," he said respectfully.

When we got off the elevator, I didn't wait on anyone but guided Mom right out through the security gate and to the lobby of the Judicial Center. Uncle Bill walked up behind us and offered us a ride home.

Zack and Smokey were waiting on me in my front yard and Mom unleashed me so I could play with them. First, though, I just had to run and run and run!

Later Mom was talking with Aunt Laurel about our day's adventure. Aunt Laurel laughed and reminded Mom that we may have only thought we were there in that courthouse to serve on jury duty but that God may have had us there for another reason. They pray everyday for Him to put them where He needs them and, you know, I think Aunt Laurel may just have been right! I think that, at least for one day, the folks at the Charleston Judicial Center actually experienced "blind justice"!

Tomorrow we're going to celebrate! We've been excused for the rest of the week so we're going shopping!

"Oh, boy! Shopping! I love shopping with Mom! After a while of my working really, really hard, we have a "love-fest" and that makes everyone around us smile."

"Hey, Mom, can we get Smokey a new ball and Zack a new Frisbee? Maybe I could get a new chewy bone, too? I can't find my other ones. I think the other guys have hidden them from me."

"Hey, Mom! Get ready! I'm going to hop up in your lap! I love you, Mom."

"Ruff Justice" Part 1

2011-04-25T19:17:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone!

It's me, Jesse-Zack's little brother and I'm trying my pawmanship at this writing stuff, just like my big brother!

For those of you who have not yet met me, I'm a handsome yellow boy, too; but a little longer in the legs and thinner in the body than Zack. Aunt Laurel says I'm Mom's basketball player and Zack is her football player!

Oh, I'm every bit as smart as Zack-maybe even a little bit smarter than he is and I really, really love to take my mom places.

Today we began our first day on Jury Duty. Mom got the summons about 3 weeks ago and scheduled our paratransit bus system to come pick us up this morning at 8am. We got up around 6am and by the time Mom took Zack, Smokey and me out to "busy", got herself dressed and ready, fed us all and took us all back out for our morning constitutional, it was time for me to get ready, too.

"Oh, boy! Mom's got the "furminator"! It feels so good when Mom runs that fine-toothed steel comb throughout my fur and remove all the dead stuff! As always, she's reaching for the baby-wipes now! I'm gonna smell gooood!"

Well, the bus got here around 7:45am and, after we let out a lady in Northwoods Mall and picked up 2 others on James Island, we finally arrived at the courthouse. Our driver was really nice and very sorry for not getting us there earlier. Mom just smiled and thanked her as we exited the bus. Like Mom always says, "God puts us where He wants us when He wants us there, regardless of what we may think our schedules are."

When we got off the bus I guided Mom down a long walkway to an iron gate and then made a right turn, just like she directed me. Immediately I began to search for the door and found one of those funny revolving doors. Mom and I were inside the revolving door when Mom felt some resistance and the door began to push us backwards. On the other side of the glass door was an elderly gentleman, frantically telling us that we had to use another door.

"What's up with this, Mom? We were almost in the building when he made us turn around and go back out."

A nice lady met us at the other door and offered to escort us through security. When she grabbed Mom's arm and began pulling on her, Mom just told her to pat her leg and she'd give me the command to follow her.

A bit confused and a whole lot impressed, we were soon at the security gates. As Mom handed over her purse, she told the officers that both she and I would set off the alarm.

"Hey! You all be careful with Mom's bag! That has my cookies in there!"

In no time we were through the security gates and had retrieved Mom's purse when another nice lady offered to take us to room 279 or, The Jury Assembly Room. Obviously not familiar how to be a sighted guide, she grabbed Mom by the arm and began to pull. Once again Mom smiled and told the lady to simply pat her leg and that I would follow her. This lady was really cool about it and kept looking down to watch me work.

We got off the elevator and went down a long hallway to a big room full of people. Everyone had to stand up as their names were called and tell their occupations, ages and the occupations of their spouses. Boring! That took forever; but, I took advantage of the "down time" and grabbed a couple of winks.

Later, a man in a robe came out and had folks line up against the wall. We were included in that group. As we were trying to follow them to where ever we needed to go, another nice lady grabbed Mom by the elbow and insisted we go with her on the elevator.

We caught up with the rest of our group and were herded into a very, very little room where another man in a robe started talking about exemptions. There weren't enough chairs for all of us, so one of the deputies brought one in for Mom to sit in. I immediately took my place underneath her.

We stayed in there for about an hour and, when Mom's name was called as a potential juror, the defense attorneys politely asked for her to be excused. Mom said it was because it was a criminal case and the defense attorneys were afraid that Mom would be more inclined to take the side of the prosecution, since Mom's brother, Uncle Bill, is a law enforcement officer.

When they filled all the juror's seats and that of an alternate, we were excused for lunch. Since we were in the back of the room, we were the first to leave, but the others must have really been in a hurry because they began shoving and pushing Mom out of the way.

A nice lady came over and directed us to another elevator. Mom asked her where their relief area was and the nice lady was stymied. She admitted that she didn't know what a relief area was.

Mom smiled and said that she needed to take me to use the bathroom. The lady's confusion quickly turned into disbelief as she said, "Oh, he has to go outside!"

"Yes, I know," Mom replied. Can you direct me to a grassy area outside?"

"Oh, that would have to be downstairs," the nice lady answered proudly.

I led Mom off the elevator and back down that long ramp, where the security gates were.

"Come on, Mom! I can find the door out!"

Soon we were outside and walking down a long walkway when I spotted a nice patch of grass.

"Boy! Was that ever a long time coming!"

Mom told me that she wasn't hungry, but wanted to give me a little snack and a cool drink of water. Somehow, our bottle of water never made it through security so we had to find another restroom for Mom to get me a cool drink (out of the sink, of course).

Once again we headed through the revolving doors and actually made it inside when a uniformed officer ran over to help us.

"Where do you want to go, ma'am?" the lady asked.

"I need to find a restroom so I can give my little boy a drink, " Mom answered.

Obviously very confused, the lady said, "You mean the dog?"

"Yes ma'am," Mom replied. "Just tell me how to get to the restroom, please."

The lady began to point as she said, "just go right over there."

"I don't see," Mom said, "so if you're pointing you're going to have to point really loud for me to see you!"

"Just go right there by that man in the gray suit!"

"Ma'am, if you can, please put your hands in your pockets and verbally direct me to the restroom.:

Thoroughly confused and disgusted, the lady told Mom that she didn't think she could and we'd have to just follow her. Thankfully, another more understanding lady came over and led us to the restroom, where Mom gave me a much needed and greatly appreciated drink of cool water from the sink in my travel bowl, followed by a nice peanut butter cookie.

As we exited the restroom, another one of those uniformed ladies offered assistance. Mom thanked her and told her that she wanted to go back to room 279 and wait until everyone returned from lunch.

Now, I'm not sure what that lady thought she heard or how she processed Mom's request, but instead of going upstairs on the elevator; we were soon outside again, headed for the snack bar. When Mom questioned our location, a couple of deputy sheriffs came to our rescue and instructed the lady to take us to room 279.

Back through the security gates, on the elevator and down the hall, we finally reached the Jury Assembly Room. We waited there for about 2 hours and were finally dismissed for the day, with instructions to call a special number after 6pm to find out if we needed to return tomorrow.

We were standing out under the portico on Broad Street, waiting for the paratransit bus, when Uncle Bill walked up and offered to take us home.

"Finally! Someone with good sense!"

Mom recanted our day's experience on the way home. Uncle Bill couldn't figure out why the lady took us to the snack bar when we'd asked to go upstairs. Mom told him it was obvious that very few blind folks had ever been called to report for jury duty.

Uncle Bill said he couldn't remember seeing any blind jurors, but that the manager of the snack bar was blind.

"That's it!" Mom shouted. "The lady realized that I am blind and knew the snack bar manager was blind, also. Typical of some sighted folks' intellect regarding the blindness community, she figured she needed to keep us blind folks together."

Uncle Bill wasn't convinced, but Mom was sure that had to be her reasoning.

We finally got back home and I got a much needed nap and a few moments to play. Mom called that special number and found out we have to go back again tomorrow. I can't wait to see what happens then!

I'll keep you guys updated! Until then, stay safe and God bless you all!

Indiana and Illinois Ministry

2011-04-20T15:21:00.002-04:00

This spring, God blessed me with two new kids from Indiana. Here I am with nine-year-olds, Christian and Jessica, looking at some really neat tactile representations of the American Flag produced by National Braille Press. We met and spent time together just before my concert at Oak Grove General Baptist Church, Oakland City, IN, Sunday, April 10. Proceeds from this concert helped benefit a special “Road To Orlando Fund,” allowing area blind youth to attend this summer’s National Federation of the Blind Convention. My thanks to teacher Jeanne Lee, and the families of these beautiful kids, for the joy of meeting and staying in touch with them!

Sunday morning found me presenting The Message In Music at Trinity United Methodist Church, also in Oakland City. It was great to meet and share in Worship with Pastor Larry Stoops and his congregation!

My friend, Carolyn who often drives for me, came over to Indiana from Springfield, IL. Here we are by the beautiful stained glass window at Trinity UMC.

Saturday, April 9, after visiting with Mark, Grandpa Ed, and the guys on Princeton Radio Station WRAY Country Gold, Carolyn and I enjoyed an afternoon in New Harmony, IN. We visited the Roofless Church, a must-see if you’re ever in New Harmony, then walked back to the river.

Of course, I had to climb down the rocky bank to a spot where I could dangle my bare feet in the water. Carolyn snapped this picture on my ascent back to level ground. She didn’t worry…much!

During this Southern Indiana weekend, I was blessed to work once again with Rev. Tarrell Thompson, a long-time friend of my ministry and me personally. Here I am with this “adopted dad” of mine after a presentation for the residents of Transcendent Healthcare of Owensville and a visit with Tarrell’s wife, my dear “Mama Lena.”

I spent time sharing music, reading and fun with the students of Home For Your Heart School Evansville, and then Carolyn and I drove over into Illinois.

Palm Sunday was spent in Rantoul, IL with worship and concert ministry at Bethany Park Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. It is always a joy for me to work with Rev. Linda Trowbridge, who now serves as pastor at this church. She took time to pose with me for a picture by the baby grand piano. I am honored to be her "kid sister in Christ"!

My thanks also to Rev. Ken Roedder, another long-time friend and “foster dad” shown here with me at Bethany Park. His generosity, hospitality, help with transportation, fellowship and ongoing support of my ministry mean more than words can express. In appreciation of Ken and his precious wife, Maxine, I was honored to also present a concert for the residents of Tuscola Healthcare Center in the Roedders' home community of Tuscola, IL.

Thank God, and thank you, for your prayers and support which help keep my ministry growing and going!

Stay tuned for more posts like this. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

Celebrating Ministry

2011-03-31T20:31:00.000-04:00

Sunday, March 27, Grace United Methodist Church and Music By Laurel Jean were pleased to welcome Rev. Tarrell Thompson all the way from Owensville, Indiana to Grace’s Celebration Center in Charleston, SC for a presentation of “Who Cares…The Man Behind The Music.” I’m pictured here with Tarrell and our very dear friend, Anna Lee in front of Grace Church. Many were blessed as Tarrell shared his faith journey of sixty-four years in ministry, from his early days serving in a leper colony to his disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina, and beyond! Rev. Tarrell is a long-time friend of Music By Laurel Jean and my outreach on behalf of the blindness community. Over the years of our working together, he has become an “adopted dad” to me.

The Amazing Grace Chancel Choir and musicians from the Grace Alive Praise Band joined me during worship. We really surprised Tarrell with new arrangements of my music inspired by his life and ministry, including the above-mentioned “Who Cares” from my Circuit Rider collection.

Members of Grace, officers of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, and even one of the young people from my Chaplaincy for Blind Youth gathered at the West Ashley Crab Shack after church, to continue this surprise celebration in honor of Rev. Tarrell and his ministry. We presented him with this cake, a creation of Grace’s resident cake decorator Bart Knapp. The cross and flame pictured on the cake is an image of one of Rev. Tarrell’s many handcrafted crosses and flames which he has donated to religious institutions around the country.

My heartfelt thanks to the people of Grace Church, Dixie Land officers and other friends who helped to make this day so special!

During Rev. Tarrell’s visit to Charleston, Audrey and her guide dog Jesse joined Tarrell, Anna Lee and me for several sightseeing outings. Here we all are at the beautiful Angel Oak tree, one of the Lowcountry’s many natural wonders.

Of course, in spite of uncooperative weather, we had to visit the ocean. Anna Lee snapped this picture of Tarrell and me walking together on the beach. I always feel very close to Father God when I am at the ocean, on the edge of one of God’s most magnificent creations. What a blessing, what a gift, to be there with one of our Lord’s very special shepherds.

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

Sharing Vision with Area Scouts

2011-02-23T19:27:00.000-05:00

Here, Lowcountry area Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts "try their hands" at decoding a braille message, as they work to earn their Merit Badges for Disabilities Awareness.

I was honored to join my own outreach with that of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, whose "Paws To Educate" Initiative is made possible in part by the Charleston, South Carolina Association for the Blind.

In addition to Braille, we discussed long, white canes and guide dogs, how to be a sighted guide and a variety of other topics related to the blindness community. Here I am demonstrating the Perkins Brailler.

My thanks to The Association, Dixie Land GDU, these enthusiastic young people, their leaders and parents, for the opportunity to be part of such an interactive discussion!

Thank God and thank you! Your ongoing prayers and support help keep my ministry, and outreach like this, growing and going!

Stay tuned for more posts like this. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

Focus On Sight

2011-02-02T20:03:00.000-05:00

Miss Audrey, her new guide, Jesse and I pose for a picture with officers of the College of Charleston's chapter of the Delta Gamma Sorority. We were honored to address this group of young ladies at their Sunday evening Focus Meeting.

The group asked a lot of really great questions, including how they could better serve the blindness community.

Thank God and thank you, for your prayers and support which help make educational outreach like this possible. I would also like to thank Dixie Land Guide Dog Users and the Charleston, SC Association for the Blind, for including me as part of this event.

Stay tuned for more posts like this one! Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

Dinner In The Dark

2011-01-30T19:25:00.000-05:00

Recently, Dixie Land Guide Dog Users partnered with Grace United Methodist Church and Music By Laurel Jean, challenging sighted folks in the Lowcountry area to come enjoy an admission-free, donations-only spaghetti dinner…blindfolded. To our surprise and delight, around two hundred people accepted our invitation to dine in the dark.

Saturday January 29, guests ranging in age from eleven months to ninety-six years were greeted enthusiastically by our trained, sighted volunteers at the door of the Grace UMC Celebration Center. Those who asked for blindfolds received them and put them on at the door. Then, these “newly-blinded” guests were escorted to their tables. Our volunteers had been instructed in how to show a blind person to his/her chair and how to orient a blind person with table settings, food and drinks.

Some people left their blindfolds on throughout the entire evening. Others became dizzy and disoriented and had to remove their blindfolds. All left with a new appreciation of what it is like to “see things differently”.

In addition to serving as a musical emcee for this exciting “fun-raiser”, I was honored to assist with the event’s organization and the training of volunteers.

Here, two youth from Grace UMC help each other to learn the sighted guide technique. After everyone had learned to be a sighted guide, we asked if anyone would like to try navigating around the youth house using Slim, my long white cane.

The youth were ready for the challenge. I think they did pretty well, having only been blinded for less than five minutes and having no formal mobility training whatsoever!

Even Bruce, Grace’s youth director, took his turn walking around the room with Slim.

For me, our version of Dinner In The Dark felt more like a big family gathering than an outreach event. Barriers came down as sighted and blind people alike enjoyed food and fellowship, music and laughter. My thanks to the families of Brianna, Taylor and Shelby, all blind youth of the Lowcountry, for their involvement in this event.

Brianna, a high school honor student at Charleston School of the Arts, helped provide dinner music with her violin. It is always a joy for me to accompany her violin playing at the piano.

Taylor and Shelby each took a turn sharing their vocal talent.

Taylor had everyone clapping their hands and patting their feet to a rousing rendition of “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.”

So many people and organizations helped make this community outreach possible, and it was truly an honor for Music By Laurel Jean to be a part of this “eye-opening” event!

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

Top Dog 2011

2011-01-17T16:53:00.004-05:00

One of “my” SC kids, Brianna, reads Scripture as part of the 2011 Top Dog “Blessing of the Guides”. This year’s Top Dog Workshop was held in Orlando, FL, hosted by Guide Dog Users of Florida.

I was honored to accompany Brianna at the piano, as she also played her violin for this special service.

The Blessing kicked off a day of workshops, fun and fellowship, and the convention concluded with a delightful banquet.

Here I am at the banquet.

While others attended specialized workshops during the day, I was blessed with a visit from my technical assistant Arleigh Baker and his beautiful wife, Diane.

For me, a visit with Diane and Arleigh is like a visit with “Mom and Pop”. I can’t imagine my life without these two precious people in it. I love them dearly and am always thankful for the opportunity to spend time with them.

The hotel housing the convention was pet-friendly, so my beloved Zettie got to join in on the fun, too! She’s come a long way from the shelter life from which I adopted her in 2002.

To reiterate, Zettie is not a guide dog. She takes a lot of pride in her job as my chief home security and morale officer, when she’s not holding down the couch, of course!

My thanks to Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, the Charleston, SC Association for the Blind, Guide Dog Users of Florida, and the many other sponsors who made it possible for Music By Laurel Jean to be part of Top Dog 2011!

Stay tuned for more posts like this. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

Sharing God's gifts

2011-01-13T19:38:00.000-05:00

This year, I made a personal commitment to “give the gift of life” on a regular basis. Here I am donating blood for the very first time at a Red Cross blood drive held at Citadel Mall in Charleston, SC.

I thank God for my ongoing Christian Faith, physical health and personal independence—all of which have led me to do this. I pray that others in good health will be inspired to do the same!

God is good…All the Time!

Stay tuned for more posts. Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2011 by Laurel Jean Walden

A Very Special Gift

2011-01-08T12:53:00.000-05:00

Here I am with my good friend, Joyce Gresh of Charleston, SC. Raised in a traditional Jewish home, Joyce converted to Christianity in her teens and has since witnessed the Christian conversion of several family members (including her mom). I am inspired by her amazing testimony and will never forget her words, “My Christianity makes my Judaism complete.”

Recently, Joyce took time out of her busy schedule to give me a precious gift. I have always been interested in Jewish history and culture and have done a lot of reading, but being blind and raised in a rather isolated rural area prevented me from really getting to experience that culture firsthand.

Joyce invited me into her home and allowed me to examine treasured items used in Jewish worship. I’m pictured here with the Tzitzit and Tallit, Yarmulke, Tefillin, menorahs, and the Passover Seder plate. She allowed me to wear the Tzitzit and Tallit, Yarmulke and Tefillin in order to get an idea of how they would be worn in Worship and prayer. I was especially moved by the Seder plate, which contained Hebrew writing in raised, embossed letters I could actually feel!

After examining these items, I got to make my first pot of homemade Matzo ball soup! We made the matzo balls from scratch. I will never forget the delicious smell of the matzo meal with spices as I mixed them together!

When the dough became very thick, Joyce told me to use my hands to stir it. Of course, that meant I had to taste the dough…Yummy!

Here I am making matzo balls and adding them to the pot of soup, and what a pot of soup it was!

The real treat was sitting down with my dear friend and sister in Christ for this special meal. Before we blessed the food, Joyce read the following Scripture, “Deuteronomy, 6:4-8: Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, The Lord is One. And you shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your means. And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart. And you shall teach them to your children And speak of them when you sit in your home, when you walk up the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be an ornament for your head between your eyes."

Ah, my first taste of the soup! There is really nothing like it! We had gefilte fish and matzo as an appetizer, also a first for me.

Before I left that day, Joyce gave me a mezuzah for my Charleston, SC headquarters (Oh yes, and the rest of that big pot of soup!). This was truly a blessed day for me, which really made me feel even closer to my Savior and His Word.

Stay tuned for more posts. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart. Shalom!

© 2011 Laurel Jean Walden

Christmas, 2010 Music and Ministry

2010-12-31T17:42:00.000-05:00

Christmas, 20-10 proved to be a season of Music, Ministry and Community Outreach that I will always remember. It all began with Laurel Jean in Concert Ministry at Grace United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC. Thanks to all the folks of Grace who promoted this concert to the Charleston community, and to all who brought a friend to enjoy the afternoon program.

Here I am presenting for the annual Holiday Party of the Charleston Association for the Blind. This was my second year of serving as Emcee and providing dinner music for the over two hundred guests in attendance. “Paws” in appreciation of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users who sponsored Music By Laurel Jean for this event.

The next day, I was winging my way to southern Indiana. Here I am with my long-time friend, fellow servant of God, and “foster dad” Rev. Tarrell Thompson as we worked together in a musical outreach effort to his home community of Owensville, IN. My thanks to the folks at Transcendent Healthcare of Owensville for making me feel so welcome during my visit there, and for their ongoing care of Tarrell’s wife, my adopted “Mama Lena” in her advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.

From Indiana, I was off to my home state of Illinois. In spite of a shortened stay due to weather-related travel delays, God made possible many opportunities to share in Ministry and Music. My thanks to Rev. Ken Roedder (another longtime friend and fellow-servant of God), as well as the folks of Tuscola Healthcare Center (for the care of “Rev’s” wife, Maxine in her advanced stages of Alzheimer’s). Thanks also to Pastor Lynette and Mary for ministering to me during our time of fellowship and prayer.

Before heading back to South Carolina, I was honored to present a Christmas concert for the folks at Woburn Church of Christ, Woburn, IL. Here I am with Pastor and Mrs. Max Whited (left), and Pastor and Mrs. Don Schmollinger (right). I am blessed to have worked in ministry with Pastor Max and his wife, Norma over many years. It was truly an honor for me to return to the Woburn Church and I look forward to going back again, soon!

The year 2010 is drawing to a close, with Special Music at Grace Church, time spent with good friends (and my precious dog, Zettie), and planning sessions for upcoming events in 2011. Please join me in keeping that Christmas Light shining as we enter the New Year!

Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart.

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Fall, 2010 Music and Ministry

2010-12-31T16:35:00.003-05:00

Shelby, a Lowcountry blind youth and part of my Chaplaincy, sings the "National Anthem" to kick off Charleston, South Carolina’s 2010 White Cane Day Celebration. We in the blindness community take a lot of pride in White Cane Safety Awareness Day, October 15. It is a time to celebrate the independence afforded us by the long, white cane, and to bring awareness to the sighted community. The Honor Guard, the National Anthem, and the flag (with stars and stripes which can be actually touched) remind us of the unmatched independence that we, both blind and sighted, share as American citizens.

I was honored to serve as Emcee for the second year in a row, for this special event. Here I am on the stage at Francis Marion Square, with Kathy Ouzts, a vision teacher who serves actively as a sighted member of the American Council of the Blind. My thanks to the Charleston ACB, and especially to the folks of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users (who sponsored me for this event).

Prior to the official White Cane Day ceremony, God’s outa sight kids of all ages formed a procession from the Visitors Center to Francis Marion Square. The drum Corps of West Ashley High School led the way, making it very easy for everyone to follow the route.

From Charleston, SC, I was off to Southern Indiana. Here I am having a fun time with the children of the First United Methodist Church, Seymour, IN, where I presented for Morning Worship. Thanks, Pastor Steve and Congregation, for making Music By Laurel Jean part of the Fall, 2010 schedule.

The trip to Seymour First UMC brought a happy reunion with a long-time friend and fellow servant of God, Rev. Tarrell Thompson. Here we are together with our very dear, mutual friend, Miss Anna Lee. I am honored to count Rev. Thompson as a “foster dad”, among those who have most richly blessed and shaped the life of music and ministry which God has given me. Music inspired by him and his wife Lena can be found on my Family Album, Circuit Rider, and Christmas Gifts CD’s.

On to Peoria, IL and the annual banquet of Peoria Rescue Ministries! What an honor to be this year’s featured Guest Musician! My thanks to driver and friend, Carolyn, for all of her help in making this event a success.

Back in Charleston, here I am presenting for “Pink Sunday” at Grace United Methodist Church, promoting breast cancer awareness. We honored survivors and caregivers alike, and took time to remember those who have lost their lives to this disease. This really hit home for me. My maternal grandmother, Garnet Mansfield, was a breast cancer survivor, and her mother, Bessie Walker, lost her life to the disease. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of getting regular cancer screenings.

Stay well, everyone!

Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

©2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Able To Serve

2010-08-31T11:56:00.004-04:00

On Sunday, August 22nd, God blessed me with yet another opportunity to serve Him in Worship. My friends and I (His kids of all ages) worked together to offer an “Able To Serve” Sunday at Grace United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC.

Pictured here is fourteen-year-old Shelby, a gifted soprano, presenting Special Music during the Contemporary service. Folks who attended the traditional service were also blessed by Shelby’s beautiful voice as she led them in the “Call to Worship”.

Sixteen-year-old Taylor joined us for the traditional service, singing and keeping us smiling with his Spirited commentary!

In addition to accompanying these two “Outa Sight” kids who are part of my Chaplaincy for Blind Youth, I was honored by the invitation to be a pulpit guest, delivering The Message in tandem with Senior Pastor, Dick Broomall.

The message, entitled “Seeing Things Differently”, discussed the integration of the disabilities community in general and the blindness community specifically, within the Body of Christ, The Church. Folks of all abilities were challenged to ask God how they might see things differently in their own lives and in service to the community at large.

A couple of small skits illustrated how the incorrect assumptions of well-meaning sighted folks can create unnecessary distractions for those of us who do not see. Here, Jerry (Taylor’s great-grandfather) and Jack (director of Disabilities Ministries at Grace) helped me to reenact a scenario that many of us who are blind encounter on a daily basis. By humorously illustrating things that one should not do, we were able to teach folks how properly to serve as sighted guides, and how to give directions to a blind individual.

Ministry associate Audrey Gunter (current Vice President of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users accompanied by her guide dog Zack), joined in the skits, taking time to teach what to do, and what not to do, when meeting a guide team.

What a blessing it was to be part of this event, as people of all ages, with different abilities, united to praise God and shine His Light!

With over ninety percent of the worldwide blindness community estimated to be unchurched, would you know how to be helpful to a blind person entering your church for the first time? Has your congregation ever considered hosting an “Able To Serve" Sunday? Contact Music By Laurel Jean to learn more. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 Laurel Jean Walden

August Homecoming

2010-08-14T14:42:00.002-04:00

Here I am, outside of Old Union Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, IL. On Sunday, August 8, This congregation celebrated Homecoming.

What a joy it was for Music By Laurel Jean to be part of this Sunday afternoon service, as the folks at Old Union marked over 60 years of fulfilling our Lord’s Great Commission in Mt. Vernon and beyond!

The Old Union Homecoming was just one of several Music Ministry stops on the schedule during my most recent trip to my home state of Illinois. I flew into Springfield on Saturday, July 31. An Access Springfield bus, a service of Springfield Mass-Transit, took me to my hotel.

On August First, I caught a cab to New Berlin, where I brought The Message In Music to God’s kids of all ages at New Salem United Methodist Church. My good friend, Carolyn who often drives for me, had brought my piano to the church ahead of time, so everything was all set! This day was extra special because it was the 90th birthday of Carolyn’s mom, Barb.

After Morning Worship, Carolyn took her mom out to lunch while many of us stayed behind, moving my piano down to the basement fellowship hall and getting ready for a surprise birthday party!

I had a great time providing background music for the party. Here I am with Carolyn and her mom.

Other engagements included music for a special open house, and for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL. Thanks to access Springfield, Lincoln Cab, and a couple of volunteers, I was also able to catch up with some of my long-time friends.

Millie, now 82, was responsible for both scheduling and driving me to my first ministry engagement, over 22 years ago! Though time and circumstances prevented us from staying in touch, we were reunited last year. Unbeknownst to me ahead of time, Millie attended my 2009 concert for the Lincolnland Chapter of Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International, where this picture was taken.

Due to several health complications, Millie doesn’t get out as much as she would like to. Still, God’s Spirit shines brightly within this beautiful Christian lady! Public transportation allowed me to visit Millie’s home on several occasions during my recent ten days spent in Illinois. I would also like to thank the pastor, whose prayers and blessings made it possible for me to bring Communion to Millie, sharing in the Sacraments with Millie and her daughter. Through tears, Millie told me afterwards, “Nothing in this world could have pleased me more. No one has ever done anything like this for me.”

On August 10, I was up early to catch another Access Springfield bus back to the airport for a very pleasant flight back to Charleston, SC. God still has more work for me to do, so stay tuned for more posts like this one.

Thank God, and thank you, for your ongoing prayers and support! Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Summer Adventures With One of God's Kids

2010-07-30T18:32:00.000-04:00

Here I am at my kitchen table, keeping up with sixteen-year-old Taylor as he uses his Pac Mate to annotate a book that he chose for summer reading. Blind since birth, Taylor’s life has been complicated by a number of other physical challenges, but he’s not letting them get in the way of learning!

Earlier this year, before the end of school, I sat down with Taylor and his great-grandparents, who are raising him. I wanted to give Taylor the same opportunity that I gave other blind youth in the Lowcountry area, to choose some goals for the summer which the Youth Chaplaincy could help them work towards achieving. Taylor had lots of great ideas: to improve his confidence in the kitchen and in socializing at mealtimes; to study the art of singing country music; to improve his reading and note taking skills; to learn typing on a standard computer keyboard and of course, to play at least one computer game (which he had never done before). His grandma and grandpa agreed enthusiastically, and we planned a summer schedule of their visits to my Charleston, SC headquarters.

In just a few weeks’ time, Taylor has gone from slowly and methodically brailing his notes, to growing in speed and accuracy as he blitzes them out on his Pac Mate or on a desktop computer. He has to date learned to play at least five computer games, accessible to those of us who are blind. Today, he helped prepare lunch and seems to enjoy more and more the custom of eating and visiting as we sit around the table. I would be proud to allow him to give an invocation before a meal on any occasion. He is almost ready to make his first professional-level recording of a country song, and he is learning that it is much more fun to improve one’s own voice than to try to sing like somebody else, even if that person is famous.

Taylor and his grandparents tell my associates and me how much they appreciate the time that we spend with them. Really, we are the ones truly blessed. I never cease to be inspired by the determination of this bright young man and those two dear folks who encourage and support him in his education, his recreation and his growing Christian faith.

Sometimes, God calls me to put on my Sunday best and evangelize His Good News through word and song. At other times, He calls me to don a comfortable pair of jeans and a T-shirt and accompany one of His special kids for a time, on one individual journey, at no cost to that child or that child’s family. It is truly not I, but Christ in me, Who does this work.

I thank God, and thank you, for the ongoing prayers, support and sponsorship, which keep my life of music and ministry going, and growing!

Stay tuned for more posts like this.

Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Standing together for Braille Literacy!

2010-07-27T18:29:00.001-04:00

Rising high school senior, Brianna Murray, holds the Varsity sign as she poses with her group of participants in this year’s National Braille Challenge, Los Angeles, CA. Blind since birth, Brianna is an honor student at the Charleston, SC School of the Arts, where she is also a violin major.

The Braille Challenge is Braille Institute's national reading and writing contest in Braille. It is a great way to motivate blind and visually impaired students to practice their literacy skills. Students test their skills in reading comprehension, Braille speed and accuracy, proofreading, spelling and reading tactile charts and graphs. More than 500 students from first through twelfth grades participated throughout the US and Canada on the regional level, in the Preliminary Round. The top scoring 65 went to the national competition in Los Angeles, in June for the Final Round—two days of competition, camaraderie and fun!

Brianna was among these 65 students, the First-Place winner in the 20-10 South Carolina Regional Braille Challenge, Varsity Division!

“Although I did not win,” Brianna says of the national Braille Challenge, “it was a great trip in a number of ways. I talked to a lot of blind friends, read a lot of Braille, and even received a new Braille book. I learned a few more ways of Braille graphing, and a great deal just in general.”

I first met Brianna in 2006. She continues to be an inspiration to me personally, and to my Chaplaincy for Blind Youth (founded July, 2008). She is always eager to learn something new, and to assist the community in any way she can.

Since 2006, Music By Laurel Jean has also teamed up on several occasions with Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc., the folks who founded and hosted the very first Top Dog Workshop! It is an honor for me, personally, to serve as an officer and technical adviser of this organization.

In 2008, Dixie Land Guide Dog Users voted unanimously to offer an annual scholarship for the first South Carolina student to contact Dixie Land with qualification for the current year's National Braille Challenge. The Dixie Land Guide Team was one of many organizations helping to sponsor Brianna’s trip to compete in California this year. Both Music By Laurel Jean and Dixie Land Guide Dog Users believe in the encouragement and support of a strong, positive presence within the blindness community and among the community-at-large. We promote Braille literacy, taking pride in the hard work and accomplishments of blind youth, everywhere!

Thank God, and thank you, for the prayers and support which make outreach like this possible!

Stay tuned for more posts like this. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Music Ministry Update

2010-07-27T10:06:00.002-04:00

Here I am with my good friend, Ethel, who often drives for me on behalf of the ministry. This picture was taken by Ethel’s identical twin sister, Bethel, in the home of Jim and Mary, who hosted us during my most recent trip to Illinois.

It is always such a treat when God gives me the opportunity to spend Father’s Day in His House! Here I am, beside the Lakewood United Methodist Church sign. I spent Father’s Day, 2010, with this congregation, presenting Special Music during Morning Worship, and bringing The Message in Word And Song during the Evening Service.

Spending time with the folks at Lakewood UMC is like “old home week” for me. This is the church, which presented me with my first Braille Bible when I was seven years old. A big thanks to Pastor Lynette and the Lakewood Church, for the many prayers and generous sponsorship on behalf of my Music Ministry, my Outreach and especially my Chaplaincy for Blind youth.

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Outreach Update

2010-07-09T19:36:00.002-04:00

On June 16, Music By Laurel Jean teamed up with the Charleston, SC Association for the Blind and Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc. for the Grand Kickoff of “Paws To Educate”. This initiative of Dixie Land GDU began in order to teach the community the “Three R’s” of guide dog users, “rights, responsibilities and recourse”. When the folks at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in North Charleston learned about this exciting new initiative, they contacted Dixie Land to schedule a presentation geared just for the kids attending this year’s Vacation Bible School.

I was honored to assist Dixie Land President Nancy Moore and Vice President Audrey Gunter with the program, providing music, along with answers to questions from teachers and students about Braille, technology and independent travel with the long, white cane.

In my teen years, when my professional music and ministry were just beginning, I often considered the gap, which seemed to separate the sighted and blindness communities. I would talk with whoever would listen, about my dreams and goals to assist in bridging that gap. Since those days, God continues to bless me with opportunities for such an outreach effort. Thank God, and thank you, for your ongoing prayers and support!

Stay tuned for more posts like this. Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Spring Picnic

2010-05-30T20:33:00.002-04:00

After participating in one of my Youth Chaplaincy events, Shelby’s mom, Debbie said, “I think we all ought to have a picnic. You name the date and I will do everything I can to help make it happen.”

This idea was so wonderful, I didn’t want to limit it among just a few people. So, with a few phone calls and Emails, Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, the Association for the Blind and the folks at Grace United Methodist Church were invited and excited about getting involved!

On May 15, we gathered for what I hope to be the first of many spring picnics. Our group consisted of blind and sighted folks of all ages, along with some of the best guide dogs (both working and retired) in the whole wide world! Although Hampton Park was closed to the general public, the kind folks at the City of Charleston Parks & Recreation Department issued Dixie Land GDU a special permit to exclusively host this event.

Northbridge Piggly Wiggly delivered the lip-smacking southern fried chicken, yummy 'tater wedges, baked beans and other fixin's, which, by the way, were all sponsored by Dr. Virgil Alfaro and his Charleston Neuroscience Institute. We had lots of guests, including Cornelia Pelzer and Nicole Harvey, from the Association for the Blind; Carolyn & Jack Baker, from Grace UMC's Disabilities' Ministries; and Peter Smith and his friends from the Charleston Flyers. (Most folks also brought a favorite picnic dish to share!) After eating all the great food and goodies everyone brought, all “outa sight” guests, including “yours truly” each enjoyed a bike ride around the park, with tandem bikes and sighted pilots courtesy of The Association for the Blind, Peter Smith, his Charleston Fliers and other members of the Charleston Cyclists.

I’m especially proud of “my” kids. Shelby faced her apprehensions and climbed onto a bike behind a pilot whom she had never met before.

Taylor took a spin around the park and even paused to triumphantly sound the bicycle horn as he returned from his ride.

I would like to thank Bill and Debbie Craig; Dixie Land Guide Dog Users; Betty and Jerry Stebbins; Kim and Tim Taylor (with retired guide dog Rufus); Dorace Lackey (and retired guide dog Smokey); The Association for the Blind; Northbridge Piggly Wiggly; the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department; Grace UMC; Dr. Alfaro and Charleston Neuroscience and of course, the Charleston Fliers for your part in making this time of food, fun, fellowship and furries such a success!

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Music and Ministry for more of God's kids

2010-05-30T20:28:00.002-04:00

By May 7, I was back in South Carolina, in time to bring God’s Message in Music to the students of Grace Weekday School during this Friday Morning Chapel Service. These precious children range in age from one to five years. I think that Pastor Don, who also attended the service, was the “biggest kid” of all as he joined in the fun of singing along in Worship!

I will always believe that, when we unite to learn more about each other, in spite of those things which make us different, then we can work together sharing God’s Good News in a more powerful way. A big thanks to Grace Weekday School Director Joyce Gresch, for continuing to make Music By Laurel Jean part of this inspiring program of early childhood development and education.

Stay tuned for more posts like this. Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Music and Ministry in Illinois

2010-05-30T18:08:00.002-04:00

On April 22nd, I flew out of Charleston, SC to trade sea breezes for prairie winds during a time of Music and Ministry in my home state of Illinois.

Here I am, doing a sound check before my Sunday April 25 service at the First Free Methodist Church of Peoria. The heart of this congregation is as beautiful as their church, and I am so grateful for their ongoing support over many years!

Here I am with Pastor Tim Ward of First Free Methodist. We had just come in to Peoria from an even earlier Morning service at New Life Fellowship Church in Wataga. The Wataga Church family was new to me, and I was so excited to meet more of my family in Christ!

Here I am with Carolyn, a good friend who also serves as one of my drivers. As usual, it wasn’t foggy enough for me to drive that weekend, though we did get lots of rain!

This picture shows me in the studio of Christian Radio WLLM, Lincoln, IL, where I joined station manager Bill Dolan as guest host of the Monday, April 26 Live Record Request Show! We had lots to talk about, including the Community Sing, which took place on Saturday, April 24. I was so blessed to participate in the Community Sing Event, along with Christian artists Arlie Neaville, Josh and Christina Long, and Bill Dolan himself. We sang praises to God, heard lots of amazing testimony, and helped to raise funds for WLLM! If you haven’t met the WLLM family yet, you’re really missing a blessing. You can connect with these nice folks on their Web site, where you can even join their Facebook Community!

A big thanks also to the First Christian Church of Brownstown, the Lakewood United Methodist Church and the Edwardsville General Baptist Church, for making Music By Laurel Jean part of this year’s Mother-Daughter Banquet, Sunday morning Worship and a special 57th Anniversary Celebration, respectively. I’m looking forward to meeting more friends old and new in Illinois again, very soon!

Stay tuned for more posts like this one. Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

2010 Spring Break Miniature Golf Outing

2010-05-24T13:15:00.001-04:00

Here, sixteen-year-old Taylor takes his first shot at miniature golf with a little coaching from his great-grandfather, Jerry, on the greens at Frankie's Fun Park!

During this year’s Spring Break, several of us planned an outing for God’s “outa sight” kids of all ages here in the Lowcountry. Everyone laughed and had lots of fun as we taught ourselves and others that one doesn't have to be able to see to tee.

It took us half the day to play half the course; but, at the end of the ninth hole, Taylor was our winner! Taylor, an active teen in my Chaplaincy for Blind Youth, was accompanied by his great-grandparents, Betty & Jerry Stebbins, who have been extremely helpful in most of our community events.

Thanks to all who were such good sports on this day as we really put the “crazy” in “crazy golf”!

Stay tuned for more posts like this one.

Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

2010 Outa Sight Easter Egg Hunt

2010-05-24T13:11:00.001-04:00

Here I am, tagging along with Shelby, as she participates in my 2010 Accessible Easter Egg Hunt. Her mom, Debbie, serves as one of this year’s volunteers in charge of handing out Easter eggs.

On April 3, I was blessed to host this outreach of my Chaplaincy for Blind Youth in partnership with Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc., at the Charleston, SC Headquarters of Music By Laurel Jean.

When I first started working with the young folks here in Charleston, I asked them if they liked Easter egg hunts. They answered with a resounding “no”. They told me that all of the sighted kids got the candy and prizes first. One youth spoke of an Easter egg hunt in which blind kids participated and audible eggs were used: “It was pretty much a disaster. We were all falling all over each other.”

When we host an Easter Egg hunt, we try to make sure that everything is accessible to the blind kids who participate. The scavenger hunt takes place in a familiar area, with clues presented in Braille, large print or audio formats. Often, kids work as a team, taking turns reading clues and sharing knowledge of cane travel and landmarks with one another.

At the beginning of the Easter Egg hunt, each kid is given a clue in a format accessible to him/her, then it’s off to find the first egg! At each clue destination, a nice volunteer stands waiting and usually acting silly, ready to hand out eggs. With each egg comes another clue, and so on,. When all of the eggs have been found, they are traded in for bags of candy, and a special prize, usually a $5 gift card to a favorite fast food restaurant. Everyone is a winner!

A big thanks to Nancy, Max, Audrey, Debbie (Shelby’s Mom), Carla Beck (my former vision teacher) and Sara Thomas (who took this picture), for making this year’s event special for all of us.

Stay tuned for more posts like this one.

Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Remembering Good Friday

2010-05-13T11:15:00.002-04:00

God’s love for us was revealed when God sent into the world His only Son so that we could have life through him; (1 John 4:9)

The Crucifixion reenactment pictured here took place this past Good Friday, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, along Sam Rittenberg Blvd., a very busy road in Charleston. Every year on Good Friday, the people of Grace United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC share their Christian witness with the community in this unique and wonderful way.

I spoke with a man named Glenn, who played the role of “the good thief” last year. He told me that whenever he grew weary of standing for two hours, it gave him a chance to reflect on what Jesus did. “My minor discomfort paled in comparison to what He did for all of us,” Glenn said.

In dramatic presentations such as this, or in the welcoming of “my” kids in Worship, this church’s heart for Ministry is unwavering, and truly inspired by God. I am so blessed to know and have the support of the folks at Grace Church as part of my extended family in Christ!

Stay tuned for more posts like this. Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Total Christian Television Debut

2010-05-11T17:55:00.002-04:00

How about another note from Yesteryear! I’m pictured here on the “TCT Alive” set with host Crystal Thornton, where I was blessed to make my international television debut on the Total Christian Television” network. This episode of “TCT Alive” was recorded December 17, 2009 in the studio of TCT Affiliate WLXI, Greensboro, NC. The episode also first aired on this affiliate station, December 25.

A big thanks again, to Rev. and Mrs. Larry Patton and the rest of the WLXI staff and volunteers, who made me feel so welcome while I was in Greensboro, and to my good friend, Susan, who assisted me with makeup choices that were very easy for me to apply independently.

It is always a joy for me to meet more of my family in Christ! Stay tuned for more posts like this!

Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

2010 Cooper River Bridge Run/Walk

2010-05-11T12:28:00.003-04:00

Here I am on the Cooper River Bridge in Charleston, SC, in this picture taken March 27. I’m pictured with Jerry Stebbins (the great-grandfather of Taylor, one of the kids in my Youth Chaplaincy) who has graciously served as my shadow during my participation in both the 2009 and 2010 Cooper River Bridge Run.

When I first walked the Cooper River Bridge in 2006 and was told about the annual 10K Cooper River Bridge Run/Walk, I knew that I wanted to enter this fantastic event. I love to walk, enjoy being outdoors, and really like being around other people. (There were lots of other people, to say the least! My bib number this year was 39577, and a lot more folks entered the race after I did.) My time from start to finish during this 10K event was two hours, thirteen minutes, and six seconds.

Jerry is a terrific shadow. He respects my independence as I travel with my long, white cane, but makes sure that I stay on the route. With so many people walking and running along with me, even “Miss Independence” needs a shadow!

In 2009, I walked the bridge on behalf of the Charleston Miracle League. This year, I walked to raise awareness for Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, carrying a banner across the starting and finish lines for this organization. The long, white cane has always been my mobility tool of choice, and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Still, I really appreciate the work of Dixie Land GDU, both for all of us in the blindness community, and for the community at large. It is an honor to work together with such a dynamic group of people and the pooches who guide them!

On a personal note, I believe that it is important for all of us in the blindness community to make a strong presence of participation within our surrounding communities, as we are able to do so. Music is a big part of my life and ministry. Just like anyone else, I have other hobbies and interests, too. Over the past couple of years, the Bridge Run has allowed me to minister in a unique way, and I’m already looking forward to 2011! Several of the area blind youth have even expressed an interest in joining me! It’s just another way of seeing and being God’s Light. Read Matthew 5:16 and think about joining us next year!

Stay tuned for more posts like this one!

Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Music and Ministry Update

2010-03-02T16:51:00.002-05:00

A big thanks to the folks who take pictures for me, to those who send me pics, and to Arleigh, who does my image editing! Here I am at my piano in the sanctuary of Goose Creek United Methodist Church in Goose Creek, SC.

I can’t believe it’s been a month since I brought The Message In Music during that Fifth Sunday Service in January! I have so many fond memories of time spent with this congregation: greeting folks and singing to them as I walked from the back of the church to my piano; sharing my music and testimony; reading God’s Word from my Braille Bible; inviting the children to come forward for an impromptu jam session; listening to God’s kids of all ages as they sang along with me throughout the service and, oh yes, that delicious potluck lunch! During this special day, God blessed me with an opportunity to meet another of His “outa sight” kids”, eight-year-old Christian, who came to church with his mom and dad. Christian is already learning to play the guitar, and is looking forward to trying out “The Coaster” my Blind Youth Chaplaincy’s tandem bike!

With February came the Second Annual South Carolina Regional Braille Challenge. Once again, my love for Braille literacy and God’s calling to help blind youth led me to volunteer to serve on this event’s judging panel. I was delighted to see that the number of students participating had tripled since last year!

Mentoring and tutoring continued through February, in spite of some unusual weather for this area. Taylor is doing great with his Pac Mate computer, reading and taking notes on a library book and learning to apply the scientific calculator to his algebra. Brianna and Shelby, both of whom placed in their age categories of the Braille Challenge, have also expressed an interest in joining me in this year’s Cooper River Bridge Walk. This has launched a personal initiative of mine to encourage exercise among the kids. I found a nifty little talking pedometer at The Braille Super Store that will get us all thinking more about how many steps we take during the day, or during a workout. What would we do without our gadgets!

All of this, and so much more, is made possible by folks like the people of Goose Creek Church, and folks like you! Thank God, and thank you, for your support!
Stay tuned for more highlights. Until next time, God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 by Laurel Jean Walden

Top Dog, 2010

2010-01-29T21:00:00.002-05:00

Here I am, presenting a special award to Pastor Don ClenDaniel, Senior Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, as part of the Opening Awards Ceremony of Top Dog Charleston, SC.

Last year, I was asked by Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc., to assist with Program Planning, and serve as a Musical Master of Ceremonies for Top Dog Charleston, a gathering especially designed for blind individuals and sighted folks who are dedicated to making a difference within the blindness community. This January 15 thru 17, over one hundred people gathered at Charleston’s Best Western on Spring Street from all over the United States and Canada, for a weekend of fun, food, fellowship and furries (guide dogs, retired guide dogs, and future guides with their puppy raisers). Long before this event took place, I was at my trusty computer, creating spreadsheets, a file for name badges, printing flight schedules and helping to plan the itinerary for the weekend.

Opening Ceremonies began with a narrated Presentation of the Colors. Then, three of “my” kids, Shelby, Taylor and Brianna, ushered in the evening, singing our National Anthem, leading us in The Pledge of Allegiance and giving the Prayer of Invocation, respectively. My heart filled with pride as I watched these three blind youths of the Lowcountry conduct themselves with such grace and poise! After a Spirit-filled hymn sung by Taffany Bolger, my associate Miss Audrey joined me in a zany but heartfelt presentation of awards. Plaques were given to over twenty different individuals and organizations from the local community, and the Community at large.

During this weekend, I was especially honored to work with Pastor Dave Andrus, Director of Lutheran Blind Mission, St. Louis, MO. Pastor Dave came to assist with the Blessing of the Guides, and to sit on a panel of blind adults who answered questions posed by the youth as part of Saturday morning’s schedule.

An action-packed Saturday afternoon included tandem biking in the rain, narrated bus tours and an exhibit hall with eighteen vendors. The day ended with a scrumptious “Barbecue roundup”, featuring dinner music by guest musician Duncan Holmes, Elvis (AKA Mike Viljac), and “yours truly”. The event came to a close with a non-denominational Song Service on Sunday morning.

I have always believed that the best way to help the blindness community is to support blind entrepreneurs. This event was not only a shot in the arm to Charleston’s local economy. In fact, Top Dog Charleston was responsible for the employment of a blind caterer, two blind musicians, several blind artisans and a blind pet masseuse. Two blind pastors also contributed to the success of this event. Dixie Land Guide Dog Users and all who made Top Dog possible truly “walk their talk” when it comes to offering support on behalf of the blind. Thank God, and thanks all, for including Music by Laurel Jean!

© 2010 Laurel Jean Walden

December, 2009 Highlights

2010-01-06T15:27:00.002-05:00

Here I am, setting up a microphone for the annual Christmas Party of the Association for the Blind, Charleston, SC. My thanks to Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc., sponsors of Music By Laurel Jean for this event!

December 2009 was filled with Music and Ministry. The schedule began with an interactive Message in Music entitled “Getting Ready for a Birthday Party”, for God’s kids of all ages at Grace United Methodist Church. The following week found me in Summerville, SC, for a guest appearance on the local television program “Daughters of Charleston” hosted by Colette Harrington on WLCNTV Channel 18.

Traveling back to Charleston from the studio, I was called to assist in the delivery of twins. I checked my voice mail to find a message from a very frantic music director. She was calling from a local hospital, where her twin grandbabies were about to be delivered. She was unable to provide music for a church Christmas dinner that night, and needed to schedule me for an extreme last-minute booking! Healthy babies, Cooper and Claire came into the world just hours later.

On December 16, I boarded a plane to Greensboro, NC. There, Rev. Larry Patton, the station manager of Total Christian Television affiliate WLXI greeted me. Bright and early the next morning, I joined host Crystal Thornton, fellow guest musician Phyllis Heil, Rev. Patton and the rest of the production crew for prayer and a taping of “TCT Alive”, my debut on international Christian television! The program was first broadcast Christmas Day and has been aired at least twice since then. Stay tuned for video highlights from this program and others from 2009!

Back in South Carolina, I joined the Grace Church Family to celebrate Christmas Eve, with another Message In Music during the prelude of this blessed service. They even trusted me with a lighted candle!

When not in church, on the road or on TV, I kept busy helping some of “my” kids to celebrate the Season. I accompanied Shelby on her first independent Christmas shopping trip. We baked cookies and made homemade Christmas cards, drawing a picture using the Braillewriter. She even learned to wrap a present by herself! During Christmas break, Taylor and Brianna joined me for an afternoon of games, food and fellowship in the Celebration Center of Grace UMC. Thanks to all who assisted with this fun afternoon, including Brianna herself, who is proving to be a wonderful mentor for the younger blind teens and an inspiration to all of us!

Every Christmas needs a Christmas angel, and God never ceases to provide! My thanks, for the one who “out of the blue” brought a Romeo Braille Embosser to my doorstep in mid-December, at no cost to me or to anyone I know personally. This piece of equipment will allow me to better serve my brothers and sisters in the blindness community!

Already, I’m on the go and moving in 2010, a testimony to the prayers and financial sponsorship of folks like you! Watch my Events Page, follow me on Twitter, get my Newsletter and stay tuned to this Blog for updates.

Until next time, God bless you and keep His Song in your heart!

© 2010 Laurel Jean Walden

Shining the Light of Christ

2009-11-29T20:42:00.002-05:00

Taylor stands at the altar of Grace Church, where shoeboxes full of goodies have been collected and blessed for Operation Christmas Child.

Last July, youth attending my Camp Lakewood Vacation Bible School had the opportunity to earn money toward a Walmart shopping trip to purchase items for their very own shoebox contributions to Samaritan’s Purse. Saturday, November 14 marked a special Camp Lakewood reunion, held at Grace United Methodist Church. On this day, the Camp Lakewood Class of two youths was greeted by Miss Susan, another sighted angel volunteer, who led us in a time of sharing and fellowship as we decorated and stuffed a total of six shoeboxes!

On Sunday, November 22, Taylor represented Camp Lakewood at Grace UMC in the 11:00 AM service. During the Blessing of Shoeboxes, he was recognized and asked to come forward, placing one of his shoebox contributions on the altar with the others from Camp Lakewood and from the congregation (84 boxes in all).

Many thanks again, to Grace United Methodist Church, the Lakewood, IL United Methodist Church and Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc., for joining with me to help make Camp Lakewood possible!

Sharing My Love For Reading.

2009-11-29T20:03:00.003-05:00

Here I am, reading to students of Grace Weekday School, Charleston, SC.

On Monday, November 16, I joined a variety of volunteer readers on this Christian campus. Students ranging in age from two to five years rotated from room to room, eager to hear another story! I chose a “Dr. Seuss” (AKA Theo. LeSeig) book entitled “Maybe You Should Fly a Jet, Maybe You Should Be a Vet.” I have a full-vision version of this book, which means that it contains Braille along with the complete, illustrated publication. The kids enjoyed telling me about the silly pictures in the book and sharing what they would like to be when they grow up. My favorite comment came from a little three-year-old who proudly announced, “I want to be a TV! I really want to be a TV!”

“On the Road to Reading” is a school-wide program with a goal of every child having at least ten stories read to him/her by November 24, 2009. With the help of parents, grandparents, teachers and us volunteer readers, the students of Grace Weekday School have well-exceeded their goal of reading a total of 1000 books in celebration of National Children’s Literacy Month!

White Cane Day, 2009

2009-11-29T19:36:00.004-05:00

Shelby, one of “my” kids, sings the theme from “The Sound Of Music” during this celebration of White Cane Safety Awareness Day, October 15, 2009. It was an honor to accompany her at the piano as I served as Master of Ceremonies for this celebration in Charleston, SC.

October 15th is recognized internationally as White Cane Safety Awareness Day. This day is set aside to recognize the white cane and to teach sighted people about the purpose and use of the white cane by the blind. During this special celebration, blind folks of all ages met at the Visitor’s Center on Meeting Street in Downtown Charleston. After a walk to Francis Marion Square, the program continued with a narrated presentation of The Colors. Elementary and secondary students were awarded for their participation in a story contest featuring the long, white cane. Then, God’s “outa sight” kids of all ages offered a variety of musical selections.

After the program, folks were treated to snacks and several different exhibits, including an authentic American Flag with raised stars and stripes, which could be touched!

This exhibit was inspired by Taylor, who took his first “hands-on” look at our country’s flag when my Camp Lakewood Vacation Bible School toured Grace United Methodist Church last July. As we watched Taylor “see” the flag for the first time in his fifteen years, my associates and I realized how important it was for others to have this opportunity. We asked that a hands-on flag be part of White Cane Day, and everyone agreed! When at the end of the day’s events the Color Guard presented me with this flag, I was literally speechless!

My thanks to Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, and the Charleston Chapter of the American Council of the Blind, for making “Music By Laurel Jean” part of this event. On this day, we celebrated God’s gifts: not only our independence as blind individuals, but also the freedom that we know as citizens of The United States of America.

Children's Chaplaincy Update

2009-09-19T18:31:00.003-04:00

One of “my” kids, Taylor, and his great-grandpa, Jerry, try out the new tandem bicycle, recently donated to my Children’s Chaplaincy!

“A little more air in the tires” and “a slight adjustment to the back handlebars,” and this new “convertible” will be ready for our blind youth to cruise with their favorite sighted pilots!

Having been blessed by this generous donation in August, Music By Laurel Jean now has the opportunity to begin actively networking with the Charleston Fliers”. This group, still in its infancy, is made up of both blind and sighted cyclists who enjoy the unique athletic challenge of tandem biking!

School is well underway for kids everywhere, keeping us busy tutoring and checking in with parents, teachers and students. Meanwhile, Grace United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC, is helping us to “shed God’s Light on the subject”, partnering with us to provide Braille copies of The Upper Room daily devotional for God’s kids of all ages!

Earlier this month, we received another shipment of books from the Assemblies of God National Center for the Blind. Kids throughout the “Lowcountry” area are already enjoying their very own Braille copies of “A Horse and His Boy”, Book 3 in the “Chronicles of Narnia” Series (complete with hands-on illustrations)!

I thank God every day for these wonderful opportunities, to celebrate the two things that I most cherish in life: my Christian Faith, and my independence (both personal and professional). What better way to celebrate than to witness!

Many thanks, also, for your ongoing prayers and support!

God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

Laurel Jean

Introducing Camp Lakewood VBS for Blind Youth!

2009-08-12T22:03:00.003-04:00

July 27 thru 31, 2009, Music By Laurel Jean, in partnership with Lakewood United Methodist Church, Lakewood, IL, Grace United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC and South Carolina’s Dixie Land Guide Dog Users, Inc. hosted a day-camp-style Vacation Bible School as part of my Children's Chaplaincy for blind youth. We have named this event "Camp Lakewood", in honor of the Lakewood, IL UMC that presented me with my first Braille Bible when I was a child, and continues to sponsor my Children's Chaplaincy.

This VBS was designed especially for blind kids, who seldom have an opportunity to fully participate in church. Our theme was "Seeing and Being God's Light". Day-campers shared music (with brailed lyrics), enjoyed devotions (in Braille and audio formats), acted out interactive Bible stories, went on a couple of outings (including a trip to Grace Church) and did other activities, all designed especially for them.

While the kids learned about God and brushed up on their independent living skills, they also were boosting their self-esteems and having lots of fun! Scroll to the next six posts to learn more, and to see pictures taken during this event!

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

Laurel Jean

Camp Lakewood's Meet-And-Greet Monday!

2009-08-12T21:53:00.001-04:00

Here I am with day-campers during our first day of Camp Lakewood worship.

Our first day of Camp Lakewood was truly a blessing. We had two kids, T and S, ages fifteen and thirteen. T's great-grandpa, Jerry, came with T. He was a tremendous help...and I think he had as much fun as the kids!

The theme was "Seeing and Being God's Light". We talked about how God's Light is love, and we talked about prayer. We had a worship time with prayer and music (including brailed lyrics). Miss Marti came to help out with her gift of telling interactive Bible stories. We did a fast-forward thru the Old Testament up to Joshua. We talked about Rahab and how she helped God's spies, the Israelites. The kids got to be the spies and hide while Rahab chased away the soldiers who were searching for them. We went for a walk around the neighborhood, allowing the kids to work on their cane skills, then we had lunch. Miss Audrey grilled hotdogs for us. The day-campers helped me fix the rest of the food while I taught them our table prayer, which we sang.

After lunch, we made "Romans 8:28 ice cream in a bag", to illustrate God making "all things work together for Good". We played a game of Uno, then we closed in prayer.

Camp Lakewood Spends Another Day in the Old Testament.

2009-08-12T21:30:00.002-04:00

Here is Miss Marti, a Camp Lakewood "sighted angel" volunteer, preparing our interactive Jordan River dramatization in my driveway.

Our second day of Camp Lakewood flew by. Another camper, sixteen-year-old B, joined us. We began again with Worship music and prayer, this time actually taking praises and prayer requests from the kids. We talked about how God always answers prayer, sometimes with "yes", sometimes with "no" and sometimes with "wait".

Miss Marti came again today to tell us about how God's power broke thru some really strong barriers, the Jordan River and the Wall of Jericho. We reenacted both of these Bible stories in my driveway.

Marti created a riverbed out of plastic bags, towels, shells and some smooth stones with crosses carved in them, soaking it all down with water. Then, when the children first tried to cross, they felt the mist of the garden hose. When God’s Word was lifted up, the water subsided and they were able to cross. Everyone took turns picking up smooth stones until we had twelve, to build the monument on the other side of the river representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Afterward, each child got to take one of the cross-engraved stones home.

The Wall of Jericho was constructed out of shoeboxes. The kids found the base of the wall with their canes, then walked around it six times and blew imaginary trumpets and the wall tumbled down around
them.

After that, T’s great-grandfather, Jerry, had a surprise for the campers. He had brought T on his motorcycle, and two of the day-campers got their first motorcycle ride!

We prepared lunch, talking about how the events we had studied apply to our lives today.

Our lunch was accompanied by edible mini-walls, which we constructed out of peanut butter and crackers. This helped some of the kids work on their technique for spreading peanut butter. They had to do this independently. Try spreading peanut butter with your eyes closed!

After lunch, we played Uno and then we closed in prayer. We played three games of Uno, and each child happened to win a game. How cool is that!

Camp Lakewood Talks About Jesus.

2009-08-12T21:05:00.003-04:00

Here I am with two of “my” kids, at the most compelling statue in the garden of Mepkin Abbey.

Day 3 of Camp Lakewood was a field trip day, dedicated to Jesus' birth, earthly ministry and death for our sins. We traveled about fifty miles to the Mepkin Abbey, an area monastery. On the way, we did our Worship singing and discussed the first coming of Jesus into the world. Then, we lightened things up with a game of "Animal, Vegetable, Mineral", which neither of the children had ever played before. Even Great-Grandpa Jerry, who drove, got into the fun of the game!

The monastery features a unique labyrinth (maze) made with very tall grasses. I wanted the kids to have some practice with their cane skills, and the maze was a wonderful opportunity to do that. It was exhilarating to see the kids' confidence increase as they found their own way thru the maze. S even used her ears to help her travel. The tall grasses bordering the path thru the maze were full of little crickets. "The crickets are like arrows!" she exclaimed excitedly. "they point the way for us!"

After our exercise in the labyrinth, we headed for the garden, where two sculptures awaited us. During HURRICANE Hugo, many trees fell, including two large oaks on the grounds of the monastery. A man looked at the fallen trees and saw a vision of two Biblical depictions, the escape into Egypt and the Crucifixion of our Lord. He brought his chain saw and created two of the most detailed depictions of these scenes I have ever experienced. I have been wanting "my" kids to see these for a long time.

We arrived at the first sculpture, and I asked S to read to us from her youth Bible the account of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus as they escaped from Herod. Then each child was able to feel the life-sized statue depicting this event.

Then, S read again from her Bible the account of the Crucifixion of our Lord. Just as she read that Jesus proclaimed, "It is finished," the chimes at the monastery chapel began to sound. Only God could have orchestrated such timing.

Each of the children felt the crown of thorns on Jesus' head, His face, His beard, the cross and the nails driven into His hands and feet. Then we sang a chorus of "This Is The Day" and "Alleluia".

We stopped for a nice lunch, compliments of Dixie Land guide Dog Users, Inc. The children were allowed to interact independently with our waiter and waitress. We even sang our table prayer in the restaurant! A big thanks to Jerry, Audrey, Zack, Nancy, Luna, Max, Marti and Jackie for all of their help in making this day a success.

Camp Lakewood Celebrates "Resurrection Thursday"!

2009-08-12T20:37:00.005-04:00

Here we are, getting ready for our scavenger-style Easter egg hunt!

Our "Resurrection Thursday", August 30 and Day 4 of Camp Lakewood, we had a spirited time of worship and music, then thirteen-year-old S led us in our opening prayer. We talked about the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, and what that means to us. We discussed the fact that, when Jesus is in our hearts, we can be sure that our sins are forgiven and that we don't need to be afraid when we die because we know that we will be with Him in Heaven. The kids were very open and understood the conversation very well.

For our fun activity, I decided that we should celebrate Easter with an accessible Easter egg hunt! I brailed scavenger-hunt-style clues and the kids and I set out all over the neighborhood finding Easter eggs! Before we started, we talked about how the bunny and eggs represent new life on Easter, and that Jesus is the One true Source of new life for us. Miss Audrey, Dorace (another "sighted angel" volunteer)and of course Great-grandpa Jerry took turns manning "egg stations" all over the neighborhood as the kids found the answer to each of the clues.

On this day, as they followed the clues on their Easter egg hunt, the kids were literally running down the street! It was so amazing to watch them in their excitement.

When they finished the Easter egg hunt, each of the children received a special token with the word "Lord" brailed on one side, and a cross embossed on the other. This coin is available at the Braille Super Store. We talked about how the empty cross is there to remind us that Jesus is risen!

Dorace and Miss Audrey went for our pizza, while Grandpa Jerry hung out with us and served as our sighted kitchen helper. We sang our table prayer and enjoyed a pizza lunch.

After lunch, I gave the kids each a Brailed word search that I had made for them. The word list consisted of twenty words based on the subjects of this week's study. None of the kids had ever seen a
Brailed word puzzle before, and they were so excited to be able to do yet another activity that their sighted peers do. We played another game of Uno, and then S led us in our closing prayer.

Holy Spirit Friday at Camp lakewood!

2009-08-12T20:11:00.004-04:00

Here we are walking down the aisle of Grace United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC, the first stop on our Camp Lakewood outing dedicated to the Holy Spirit.

A successful Camp Lakewood drew to a close, with our final day dedicated to the Holy Spirit. We started with Worship, Music and prayer, then we began talking about the Holy Spirit. I told the children about how Jesus sent the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. We talked about how the Spirit gave courage to the early Christians and still works today in the Church. We talked about how the Holy Spirit can help us in our daily lives and give us courage to witness as Christians.

After preparing the kids for the day, we paid a visit to Grace United Methodist Church, where Pastor Don prayed with the kids and gave them their Certificates of Completion for Camp Lakewood. (Thanks, Arleigh, for designing these certificates!)

Then, John Johnston, another sighted angel and Grace Church volunteer, spoke with the kids about the layout of the church. They got to feel a stained-glass window, kneel at the Communion rail, and walk up to touch the altar. We even offered a couple of songs to God in the sanctuary.

After our time at church, we went to Wal-Mart, where there is a McDonalds. Each of the children was allowed to order his/her food independently. As we sat down to the table, the restaurant was very noisy. As we sang our table prayer, the room became very quiet and many people bowed their heads to join us in prayer.

For our Holy Spirit project, we asked Miss Marti to help us pick out items appropriate for the Shoebox Ministry of Operation Christmas Child, a ministry very near and dear to her heart. Dixie Land Guide Dog Users gave each child $20 to spend on items for the shoeboxes. The kids were allowed to find the items independently on the shelves, put them in the shopping buggy, unload the buggy onto the counter and pay for the items.

We got back to my place in time to play a few more games of Uno. Miss Marti even joined us for a game!

The real joy came when I asked T to lead our closing prayer. During this prayer, his very first, he openly accepted Christ into his heart. His Grandma asked, "Did Laurel Jean teach him that prayer?" We all assured her that these were his own words, at which point she started to cry. Well, we all cried, as T wrapped up his prayer and told God, "I want you to be in my heart forever, in Jesus Name. Amen."

From VBS To Baptism!

2009-08-12T19:01:00.002-04:00

I’m pictured here, singing with Taylor, who accepted Christ during our Camp Lakewood VBS for blind youth.

Sunday, August 9, 2009, at Grace United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC, this fifteen-year-old publicly professed his Christian faith, and was baptized by Pastor Don during the 11:00 AM service. There was not a dry eye in God’s house as T professed his faith aloud. Even Pastor Don cried along with the rest of us.

Special thanks to the folks at Grace Church, who even presented T with a dramatized audio Bible after handing him his Baptism Certificate.

We put T to work right away. He assisted me during the Children's Moment, and sang with me during the Offertory, "Open the Eyes of My Heart" ending with a chorus of "Alleluia". He got a
standing ovation.

Another special thanks to T’s great-grandparents, who are raising him. They were absolutely beaming with pride.

Please continue to pray for Taylor, and for the rest of us as we nurture this beautiful, young Christian in his newfound faith!

Children's Chaplaincy Update

2009-07-16T13:51:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, I sat at my kitchen table, playing a simple game of Uno with 15-year-old T and his great-grandparents. It is an honor for me to serve T and his family as part of my Children’s Chaplaincy for blind youth. This young man, his great-grandmother and great-grandfather are three of the most amazing folks I know.

Many other health issues, including cystic fibrosis, complicate T’s blindness. Grandma and Grandpa have been raising T since he was four months old, and he was on a feeding tube until age seven. In spite of all of his challenges, including the daily ritual of “thumping” for cystic fibrosis and a complex regimen of medicines, T works every bit as hard as his peers, and harder than some. Grandma and Grandpa are his biggest fans, cheering for him with every step he takes.

Over the past seven months, I have been tutoring T and his family on a specialized computer for the blind known as the Pac Mate. Today, we veered from that schedule to concentrate on one of Grandma’s wishes for T, that he learn to enjoy playing games as many of his peers do. These three have been so busy with the often-daunting routine of healthcare and school that something as simple as sitting down to play a game together has understandably taken a lower priority.

Today, God blessed me as I sat with this family and watched a young man play a game for the very first time in his life. We all rejoiced as T progressed from intense concentration on the rules of the game and the adapted Braille cards themselves, to smiles and laughter as he used his turn to make his grandma draw more cards into her hand. When he won for the first time, we all cheered. He kept asking to play again and again, growing more confident with each game. I could hear the big smile in his voice as his grandma patted him and said, “It is so good to see you smile and hear you laugh.”
When we finished playing, my associate Miss Audrey’s guide dog Zack and my pet Lab, Zettie kept T smiling and laughing. Zettie sat beside him and placed her paw in his hand for a while. Then, Zack grabbed one of his tug toys and showed T how to play tug!

God indeed blessed all of us with a truly beautiful day! Thank God, and thank you, for the prayers and support which make days like this possible.

Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

Laurel Jean

Father's Day Music and Ministry

2009-06-22T21:28:00.003-04:00

Here I am, sharing Music and Ministry with the children of Rockville Presbyterian Church, Wadmalaw Island, SC.

It was great helping this congregation celebrate Father’s Day, Vacation Bible School Graduation and the beginning of summer, all in one service! One of my most memorable conversations from yesterday (June 21) took place with Andrew, age five. He “gave me the silent treatment” when I asked his age and grade in school, so I started naming off various grades. When I said “high school”, he impatiently blurted out, “Do I look like I’m in high school?” (Now, that’s really a keeper!)

Pastor Mark asked Miss Audrey, Zack, Ethel and me to join his Sunday School class, Prior to yesterday’s Worship. In addition to participating in an inspirational discussion of Colossians, we were given an opportunity to share more about the outreach and Children’s Chaplaincy that are such an important part of this Ministry.

Talking about “my” kids, I thought of T, with whom I was blessed to work only the day before, and B, who I’m told placed fourth in her division of this year’s National Braille Challenge. It is such a joy to know these and the other young people whom God has placed in my life!

So many reasons to celebrate Father’s Day, and give thanks to my “Heavenly Dad”!

Colossians 1:17: “He (Jesus) is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

Laurel Jean

Columbia, SC, Mission Outreach and Children's Chaplaincy

2009-06-19T15:31:00.005-04:00

Slim (my long, white cane) and I are pictured here with Nancy Moore and her guide dog Luna to my left, and Audrey Gunter with her guide dog Zack to my right. They serve respectively as President and Immediate Past President of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users.

Yesterday, Music by Laurel Jean was honored to appear with Dixie Land Guide Dog Users at the South Carolina Commission for the Blind Summer Teen Program, held at the Ellen Beach Mack Center for the Blind in Colombia, SC. Eleven teens, along with Commission faculty and staff (both blind and sighted) shared an afternoon of music, entertainment and lively conversation.

We listened as our younger blind brothers and sisters shared their goals with us. Some expressed interest in radio broadcasting and communication; one young man looks forward to being a groundskeeper; one young lady hopes to be a fashion designer; and another dreams of flying for the first time on a commercial airplane.

We discussed some of the challenges we face as members of the blindness community, and laughed at the silly things that some sighted folks have said to us.

We encouraged the kids to use whatever mobility tool each chooses (a long, white cane; a guide dog; or a sighted “human guide”) competently and confidently. My fellow Dixie Landers and I believe that the key to educating the sighted community is a more active presence of the blindness community in the community-at-large.

Thanks to my technical assistant, Arleigh Baker, for his help with the creation of accessible handouts for the kids.

All of us are looking forward to making more visits such as these in an effort to encourage our blind brothers and sisters of all ages!

Thank you, for your ongoing prayers and support!

God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

Laurel Jean

Music Ministry, Eastern Kentucky

2009-06-19T13:14:00.001-04:00

Big thanks to all who helped make this past weekend’s Music and Ministry in Eastern Kentucky a success. “Seeing and Being God’s Light” was the theme on Saturday, June 13. Music By Laurel Jean was honored to be the main presenter for this year’s Prime Time Retreat, Church of the Nazarene, Eastern Kentucky District. The retreat was held on the beautiful Mount hope Church Campground, where we were hosted throughout the weekend.

Sunday, we were up bright and early, on the road to Paris, KY, to help God’s kids of all ages celebrate Vacation Bible School Graduation at Paris Church of the Nazarene. Then, Sunday evening, we were off to another of God’s Family Rooms and Evening Worship just down the road at the Flemingsburg Church of the Nazarene.

It is always such a joy to meet more of my brothers and sisters in Christ! God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

Laurel Jean

In Tune For Summer, 2009!

2009-06-09T17:55:00.000-04:00

After several blessed weeks of Music and Ministry in Illinois, we’re getting “in tune for summer” here in sunny South Carolina! The month of June was off to a productive start as the mailman brought a double armload of packages to my door. Thanks to Mary in Texas, for sending Braille devotional materials to share with “my” kids!

Back in 2000, Mary was a music student attending the Summer Institute of the National Resource Center for Blind Musicians in Bridgeport, CT when I first met her. Since then, she has followed my Ministry and kept me updated on her life, too! Mary is currently the “Arts Tip” Host on WRR Classical 101.1 FM, Dallas/Fort Worth.

Last Thursday, June 4, I was honored to attend the Eighth-Grade Graduation of one of “my” kids, 15-year-old T, here in Charleston. T is no stranger to hard work. He and his great-grandpa arrived early Friday morning to do more work with his Pac Mate. He’s looking forward to using this specialized computer in school this fall!

As T and his grandpa headed for home on their motorcycle, I prepared for more guests to arrive! The week before, I had received a phone call from Tanya. Tanya is the granddaughter of Josie, a Braille transcriber from Indiana whom I was privileged to meet while presenting for the 75th Anniversary of Lutheran Blind Mission, St. Louis, MO, back in 1998. Josie, who has also kept in touch with me, had been planning a trip to Charleston to attend Tanya’s daughter’s Graduation. Josie told Tanya that, aside from watching her great-granddaughter graduate, the one thing that she wanted to do was to visit my Charleston Headquarters. We had a nice visit. Josie even received her own presentation of “Vision Thru Your eyes”, a song that I love to sing especially for those sighted folks who volunteer to better the blindness community.

I said goodbye to Josie, just in time for 13-year-old S to arrive. She spent the weekend with me. We attended the bridal shower of Nancy Smith, President of Dixie Land Guide Dog Users. I helped S to bake a big batch of cookies for the occasion. We also took several walks. Throughout the weekend, S was able to hone some of her independent living and cane travel skills.

Another highlight of the weekend was the celebration of Pastor Don’s 40th year in Ministry, at Grace United Methodist Church. A big thanks to everyone at Grace for their ongoing support of Music By Laurel Jean, my Outreach and Children’s Chaplaincy.

I continue to be amazed by God’s handiwork. He brings His children together across the miles, through the years, from generation to generation.

Psalm 145:2 “Every day I will praise You and extol Your name for ever and ever.”

Stay tuned for more updates. God bless you, and keep His Song in your heart!

Laurel Jean