We’ve seen some incredibly talented little ones grace the stage of The Voice Kids, but Matteo, Claudia, and Matteo Markus seem to be among the top! Together, the three teens shared the stage and sang a rendition of “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli that left the judges and audience members speechless!
YouTube
Even though Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s voices come together perfectly in the original version, there was a little-known detail behind its recording. The song was actually recorded as two separate pieces – one in English recorded by Celine, the other in Italian recorded by Andrea. The thought of recording it in two languages turned out to be a smart decision, as the song was an instant success. Shortly after its release, “The Prayer” won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1999, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2000. Now, “The Prayer” is widely considered to be one of the best collaborations of all time.
YouTube
The song’s challenging nature and moving lyrics were why Matteo, Claudia, and Matteo Markus opted to sing it as a trio. While they were competing against one another for a chance to move onto the next round, their voices blended together flawlessly. It’s hard to imagine that these three are teenagers, not season artists! Listen to their impressive rendition of “The Prayer” for yourself by pressing “play” on the video below. If this performance is any indication, all three have a bright future in the music industry!
We all know the story of Noah and the ark all too well, but would it go the way it did if it took place in modern day America? Not according to this story.
It was submitted by a man named Steve S. from Gainesville, Florida and we are so glad he got to share it with us.
—
If Noah had lived in the United States today the story may have gone something like this…
And the Lord spoke to Noah and said, “In one year, I am going to make it rain and cover the whole earth with water until all flesh is destroyed. But I want you to save the righteous people and two of every kind of living thing on earth. Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark.” In a flash of lightning, God delivered the specifications for an Ark. In fear and trembling, Noah took the plans and agreed to build the ark. “Remember,” said the Lord, “you must complete the Ark and bring everything aboard in one year.”
Exactly one year later, fierce storm clouds covered the earth and all the seas of the earth went into a tumult. The Lord saw that Noah was sitting in his front yard weeping. “Noah!” He shouted. “Where is the Ark?”
“Lord, please forgive me,” cried Noah. “I did my best, but there were big problems.
First, I had to get a permit for construction, and your plans did not meet the building codes. I had to hire an engineering firm and redraw the plans. Then I got into a fight with OSHA over whether or not the Ark needed a sprinkler system and approved floatation devices. Then, my neighbor objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission.
Then, I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark, because there was a ban on cutting trees to protect the Spotted Owl. I finally convinced the U.S. Forest Service that I really needed the wood to save the owls. However, the Fish and Wildlife Service won’t let me take the 2 owls.
The carpenters formed a union and went on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board before anyone would pick up a saw or hammer. Now, I have 16 carpenters on the Ark, but still no owls.
When I started rounding up the other animals, an animal rights group sued me. They objected to me taking only two of each kind aboard. This suit is pending.
Meanwhile, the EPA notified me that I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed flood. They didn’t take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator of the Universe.
Then, the Army Corps of Engineers demanded a map of the proposed flood plain. I sent them a globe.
Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking atheists aboard.
The IRS has seized my assets, claiming that I’m building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying taxes. I just got a notice from the state that I owe them some kind of user tax and failed to register the Ark as a ‘recreational water craft’.
And finally, the ACLU got the courts to issue an injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth, it’s a religious event, and, therefore unconstitutional. I really don’t think I can finish the Ark for another five or six years.”
Noah waited. The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine, and the seas began to calm. A rainbow arched across the sky.
Noah looked up hopefully. “You mean you’re not going to destroy the earth, Lord?”
“No,” He said sadly. “I don’t have to. The government already has.”
Sounds about right, don’t you agree? Share this story using the buttons below.
Audra Petraškienė was driving near a river. She was close to her home and she noticed a dog on the side of the road. The dog was sitting all alone wet and shivering. Audra had to stop and help him. She noticed something around the dogs neck and probably why he was staying in that one spot.
It was a makeshift anchor. An anchor!! Made of Iron and attached to his collar with at clasp.
It seemed that the dog had somehow pulled himself out of the water where someone had tried to drown him.
The spaniel looked so scared and confused Audra wasn’t sure how he would react to her approaching him.
Watch the video of her rescue. this is so heartbreaking but we are so THANKFUL for Audra and he willingness to help a pup in need of some love.
Veterans have given so much of themselves for the rest of us – their time, their families, their comfort, their safety – yet when they come home their sacrifices often go unrecognized. That’s why we love it when we hear stories like this one of people who give veterans the recognition and honor they deserve!
Navy veteran Eddie Browning and his wife, Cindy Browning, had been praying for a new home for a while. The camper they had been living in had fallen into disrepair and had been further damaged by a fire, but the couple couldn’t afford to make the necessary repairs. They were left largely exposed to the elements in the dead of winter.
“We’ve been freezing to death,” Eddie said.
Recently, though, their prayers were answered by a group of big-hearted students from Elm Street Elementary in Rome, Georgia.
The students had come up with an idea to build a tiny house for a homeless veteran. They started the project about a year ago, but ran into some roadblocks when they couldn’t find a place to legally put it.
But when organizers of the Georgia Tiny House Festival at Ooh La La Lavender Farms heard about the students’ predicament, they jumped in to help. They offered to let the kids store the house on the farm.
Then they took things a step further.
The students had originally planned to build a house that measured four feet by eight feet and fill it with a sleeping bag, supplies, and a propane heater. The house wouldn’t have plumbing or electricity.
But as word got out about their project, donors, volunteers, and corporate sponsors pitched in to help them add a larger extension onto the house, put in electricity and plumbing, and fill the house with amenities.
During the festival, the Brownings were escorted to the field where the tiny homes were displayed, thinking they would just be checking them out. When they were informed that one of the houses was actually theirs – and had been given to them by a group of kids, no less – they were overwhelmed.
“I don’t have the words to tell you what we feel,” Eddie said through tears.
“It’s like a dream,” Cindy chimed in.
They said they are excited to move in and escape the freezing elements that have been plaguing them in their old house.
“[This] will be warm,” Eddie said.
After the festival, the house was brought to the Browning’s property in Norwood.
The project has been such a success that the school has decided they will try to donate a tiny house every year.
One of the worst feelings in the world is realizing your dog is missing.
In China, there are few laws that protect animals. The dog meat industry is responsible for over 20 million dog killings per year. Over a thousand dogs are taken right out of their homes and killed or resold every year. There was ONE man that wasn’t about to let his pet be taken from his home.
He was able to catch the van and proceeded to crash into it with his own car. The collision caused the van to flip and come to a stop. The owner jumps out with what looks to be a machete. He started swinging the long knife in the middle of the street. He was obviously angry and determined to do whatever he had to to save his dog.
THe video shows the thief exit his vehicle with a bat ready for a battle. Spectators as well as police officers watch at their arrival. The officers detained the thief. Luckily, all three dogs were rescued and unharmed. The owner was so beyond happy when he was finally reunited with both of his dogs.
44-year-old Xie was detained by officers.
“Police also confiscated the tools believed to be used by the suspect to steal dogs, including lassos, a rod, a hammer and a butterfly catcher. They also found four fake number plates in the suspect’s van.”
Xie admitted to stealing the dogs but would not say what he planned on doing with them. It was likely that he would have killed for the dogs for meat or resold them as pets. Luckliy these dogs are safe and sound.
This is great!
What is your grandparents’ role in your life? Do they live under the same roof as you? Have you made your parents grandparents as well? Here’s something that we’re sure grandparents of all ages will enjoy, so feel free to share it.
Culture and family history is incredibly important to many people, including Martina Desjarlais. This mom makes sure her little ones are fully immersed in their Native Canadian heritage and feel the same sense of pride as she does.
Martina has shared traditional songs and dances with her children. As they grow up and are ready, they perform in powwows alongside their leaders.
Facebook/Martina Josephine
Her little boy Albert, however, decided he didn’t want to wait to be old enough to dance in his tribe’s powwow one day. Mom captured him on video watching the adult men at their powwow.
Albert did a phenomenal job of trying to keep up. So they worked together at home and finally, Martina felt he was ready to make his big official debut.
Facebook/Martina Josephine
Despite being just two years old, an age where kids are still mastering how to navigate the playground side and can’t even tie their shoes, Martina encouraged little Albert to dance in a powwow in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. She was nervous for him, but this shy little guy was ready.
Martina captured footage of her baby boy that she shared on Facebook. He not only is dressed in traditional attire for his powwow and looks absolutely precious, but his moves are quite impressive, too!
Albert struts his stuff and stomps his feet rapidly, then takes bigger steps. He clutches a tambourine and rattles it alongside the men dancing in the circle.
We’re sure Martina’s heart is swelling with love for her little boy and his bravery at being in the center of the dance circle. It’s no wonder this video has gone viral!
So many people have expressed how simply adorable Albert is. It will be wonderful watching him grow up and continue to embrace his heritage.
Facebook/Martina Josephine
Check out how impressive this toddler is Mom’s video below.
A mother isn’t just a woman who gives birth. For many children their mother covers many roles like teacher, caregiver, and friend. So when the roles are reversed later in life, it’s important to keep those memories alive.
Read this letter, written from an aging mother to her daughter.
“My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”… Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?When you see how slow I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way… remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day… the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.When those days come, don’t feel sad… just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you… my darling daughter.”
A mother’s love is beyond compare. It’s important that we always let them know this, and return the care when they need it. Agree? Pass it on.
We all know the story of Noah and the ark all too well, but would it go the way it did if it took place in modern day America? Not according to this story.
It was submitted by a man named Steve S. from Gainesville, Florida and we are so glad he got to share it with us.
—
If Noah had lived in the United States today the story may have gone something like this…
And the Lord spoke to Noah and said, “In one year, I am going to make it rain and cover the whole earth with water until all flesh is destroyed. But I want you to save the righteous people and two of every kind of living thing on earth. Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark.” In a flash of lightning, God delivered the specifications for an Ark. In fear and trembling, Noah took the plans and agreed to build the ark. “Remember,” said the Lord, “you must complete the Ark and bring everything aboard in one year.”
Exactly one year later, fierce storm clouds covered the earth and all the seas of the earth went into a tumult. The Lord saw that Noah was sitting in his front yard weeping. “Noah!” He shouted. “Where is the Ark?”
“Lord, please forgive me,” cried Noah. “I did my best, but there were big problems.
First, I had to get a permit for construction, and your plans did not meet the building codes. I had to hire an engineering firm and redraw the plans. Then I got into a fight with OSHA over whether or not the Ark needed a sprinkler system and approved floatation devices. Then, my neighbor objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission.
Then, I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark, because there was a ban on cutting trees to protect the Spotted Owl. I finally convinced the U.S. Forest Service that I really needed the wood to save the owls. However, the Fish and Wildlife Service won’t let me take the 2 owls.
The carpenters formed a union and went on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board before anyone would pick up a saw or hammer. Now, I have 16 carpenters on the Ark, but still no owls.
When I started rounding up the other animals, an animal rights group sued me. They objected to me taking only two of each kind aboard. This suit is pending.
Meanwhile, the EPA notified me that I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed flood. They didn’t take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator of the Universe.
Then, the Army Corps of Engineers demanded a map of the proposed flood plain. I sent them a globe.
Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking atheists aboard.
The IRS has seized my assets, claiming that I’m building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying taxes. I just got a notice from the state that I owe them some kind of user tax and failed to register the Ark as a ‘recreational water craft’.
And finally, the ACLU got the courts to issue an injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth, it’s a religious event, and, therefore unconstitutional. I really don’t think I can finish the Ark for another five or six years.”
Noah waited. The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine, and the seas began to calm. A rainbow arched across the sky.
Noah looked up hopefully. “You mean you’re not going to destroy the earth, Lord?”
“No,” He said sadly. “I don’t have to. The government already has.”
Sounds about right, don’t you agree? Share this story using the buttons below.
It seemed that the dog had somehow pulled himself out of the water where someone had tried to drown him.
The spaniel looked so scared and confused Audra wasn’t sure how he would react to her approaching him.
Watch the video of her rescue. this is so heartbreaking but we are so THANKFUL for Audra and he willingness to help a pup in need of some love.
Veterans have given so much of themselves for the rest of us – their time, their families, their comfort, their safety – yet when they come home their sacrifices often go unrecognized. That’s why we love it when we hear stories like this one of people who give veterans the recognition and honor they deserve!
Navy veteran Eddie Browning and his wife, Cindy Browning, had been praying for a new home for a while. The camper they had been living in had fallen into disrepair and had been further damaged by a fire, but the couple couldn’t afford to make the necessary repairs. They were left largely exposed to the elements in the dead of winter.
“We’ve been freezing to death,” Eddie said.
Recently, though, their prayers were answered by a group of big-hearted students from Elm Street Elementary in Rome, Georgia.
The students had come up with an idea to build a tiny house for a homeless veteran. They started the project about a year ago, but ran into some roadblocks when they couldn’t find a place to legally put it.
But when organizers of the Georgia Tiny House Festival at Ooh La La Lavender Farms heard about the students’ predicament, they jumped in to help. They offered to let the kids store the house on the farm.
Then they took things a step further.
The students had originally planned to build a house that measured four feet by eight feet and fill it with a sleeping bag, supplies, and a propane heater. The house wouldn’t have plumbing or electricity.
But as word got out about their project, donors, volunteers, and corporate sponsors pitched in to help them add a larger extension onto the house, put in electricity and plumbing, and fill the house with amenities.
During the festival, the Brownings were escorted to the field where the tiny homes were displayed, thinking they would just be checking them out. When they were informed that one of the houses was actually theirs – and had been given to them by a group of kids, no less – they were overwhelmed.
“I don’t have the words to tell you what we feel,” Eddie said through tears.
“It’s like a dream,” Cindy chimed in.
They said they are excited to move in and escape the freezing elements that have been plaguing them in their old house.
“[This] will be warm,” Eddie said.
After the festival, the house was brought to the Browning’s property in Norwood.
The project has been such a success that the school has decided they will try to donate a tiny house every year.
THe video shows the thief exit his vehicle with a bat ready for a battle. Spectators as well as police officers watch at their arrival. The officers detained the thief. Luckily, all three dogs were rescued and unharmed. The owner was so beyond happy when he was finally reunited with both of his dogs.
44-year-old Xie was detained by officers.
“Police also confiscated the tools believed to be used by the suspect to steal dogs, including lassos, a rod, a hammer and a butterfly catcher. They also found four fake number plates in the suspect’s van.”
Xie admitted to stealing the dogs but would not say what he planned on doing with them. It was likely that he would have killed for the dogs for meat or resold them as pets. Luckliy these dogs are safe and sound.
This is great!
What is your grandparents’ role in your life? Do they live under the same roof as you? Have you made your parents grandparents as well? Here’s something that we’re sure grandparents of all ages will enjoy, so feel free to share it.
A mother isn’t just a woman who gives birth. For many children their mother covers many roles like teacher, caregiver, and friend. So when the roles are reversed later in life, it’s important to keep those memories alive.
Read this letter, written from an aging mother to her daughter.
“My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”… Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.
When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?
When you see how slow I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way… remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day… the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.
And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.
When those days come, don’t feel sad… just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.
I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you… my darling daughter.”
A mother’s love is beyond compare. It’s important that we always let them know this, and return the care when they need it. Agree? Pass it on.
