sbeukema

Weddings are about the couple, their stepping into a holy union and into a happy life together. There’s a lot of symbolism in the ceremonies that happen during weddings, each with its own meaning while relatives and loved ones send off the two lovers into their new life. When Steve Beukema was getting ready to accept his long-term girlfriend as his wife, something came to his mind. As devout church goers, the hymn “Amazing Grace" means a lot to them both. So in accordance with their pastor, Steve organized a few of their guests to perform a <a href="https://rumble.com/v31t14-students-flashmob-a-wedding-ceremony.html">flash mob</a> during the vows. It was left to the pastor to give the mob their cue, by reciting “All this is a gift from God, his love and mercy poured out to each of us every single day through his amazing grace." One by one, guests get up on their feet and start singing what is known as the most famous of all the folk hymns. A Christian hymn published in 1779, the words in "Amazing Grace" are written by the English poet and Anglican clergyman John Newton. With the message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of sins committed and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, "Amazing Grace" is one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world.

Now, whatever you are doing at this moment is not as nearly important. Drop it down, make sure you put this amazing video of the Milky Way on full screen and relax in your chair for at least few minutes. Just as the bright city lights are safely left far away, there, in the great outdoors, the Milky Way begins to become plainly visible up above. The forest is getting softly covered by the pitch-black night sky above and after setting of the sun the sky slowly shows this surreal landscape. You just need to peer deep into the glowing <a href="https://rumble.com/v4g44d-strange-stars.html" target="_blank">stars</a>, seemingly scattered on this night playground above the head, and take a magical journey of your own imagination. It almost looks outlandish, just like a painting. Meanwhile, <a href="https://rumble.com/v38dif-astrophotographer-captures-shooting-stars-streaking-pass-spinning-galaxy-in.html" target="_blank">shooting stars</a> whiz by, creating the feeling that you are floating in space. The video shown at the top of this page may not be action-packed or brimming with laughter, but it is amazing in its own way. The reason for this is very simple: this is the actual image our pre-industrial ancestors had the privilege to see every night, and all they had to do is raise their heads to the night sky. Nowadays, this is extremely rare to see, except if you are ready to go away in remote areas lacking urban lighting and waiting for a moonless night. So, if you have the chance to do so, pack your bags, take a soft duvet and find the perfect spot. Do not attempt to shoot a stop motion video, just allow yourself to actually experience the moment for yourselves. It is something worth experiencing!

Bugs may be nasty, but how can someone call a butterfly “nasty”? They are these delicate, frail creatures that are ever so graceful, making the world a better place with their iridescent existence. People have had a very deep, spiritual connection with butterflies, believing they symbolize renewal and rebirth. In Christianity, butterflies are the angels the come to Earth. Whatever you believe in, there is but one truth - when a butterfly decided that it should land on you, it is the most humbling, honorable thing that can happen to you. While hiking to the top of a mountain in California, these people unknowingly hiked into the middle of thousands and thousands of butterflies migrating from Canada to Mexico! <a href="https://rumble.com/v48lcd-butterfly-with-four-eyes-on-back.html" target="_blank">Butterflies</a> were everywhere - flying into their faces, landing on the ground where their feet would soon step, flying inches away from their ears! What an amazing experience! It is not at all uncommon. Usually, when a person smells of something flowery, a perfume or maybe has some pollen on them, if they stand perfectly still, a butterfly is sure to come over and land on them, mistaking them for a flower. There are butterfly gardens all around the world, the most prominent one being the one in <a href="https://rumble.com/v3zuz5-friend-scare-from-small-crocodile-in-dubai-funny-video..html" target="_blank">Dubai</a>, where the conditions are created perfectly to attract hundreds of these incredible creatures of nature. This must be one of the extraordinary experiences that only nature can provide. Take a look as it is bound to amaze you!

The holiday season is so busy. And as much as we love the festivities with friends and family, there never seems to be time to slow down and to experience the peace of the season. For just a minute, slow down, breathe, and experience the beauty of the lights and the music of a peaceful mid-winter night.

Here's a fun, catchy little song I wrote with an important message about COVID-19--JUST STAY HOME!