'Tis the Season!

Hello my friends!

Today I want to talk about the Christmas Season!  This is my favorite holiday by far.  I love the hustle and bustle at the malls, the sound of the Salvation Army ringing its bells every year, and seeing the decorations at Crocker Park – these are near the top of my favorites list!  I love going for rides at night with my best friend, my husband, and our precious pup, Daisy, to see all of the light displays, and the businesses decorated and doing their best to draw us in to “come see what we have inside!”  I love listening to Christmas carols on the radio, shopping, cooking and watching the Weather Channel to see if we will have a “White Christmas!”  And I love all of the heartwarming Christmas movies – watching them with a box of Kleenex next to me!  And I really don’t even mind as people complain, “this has become such a commercial nightmare” and that we forget about the real “Reason for the Season,” and I don’t believe that Jesus minds either.  And the reason I believe this is because at this time of the year more than at any other time, we take ourselves outside of ourselves, and devote ourselves to thinking of and doing for others.  And to me, in whatever form that takes, the message becomes the action that continues to be – LOVE.

For what is love if not taking our eyes off of ourselves and thinking of ways to make another person happy or to meet their need, or to just spend time with them? It is at this time of the year that families get together, healing takes place, and fellowship abounds.  It is at this time of the year that, whether we understand it or believe it or not, we become what the season is all about – “Love one another as I have loved you.” When we give our change or a few dollars to the Salvation Army, it feels good because we know we are doing some small thing to make another person’s life better.  Other displays of love are shown in caroling at nursing homes and hospitals to bring some joy to those who are hurting; making a food basket for those in need so that a family can celebrate the season; and hearing heartwarming stories of love that abound at this time of the year.  And as we think about how to help another or others, it reminds us of how very many things we have to be grateful for in our own lives.  We appreciate the friends and family we are blessed to have in our lives just a little bit more.  And we are thankful for the simple things in our life, like a good meal and a warm home and a few extra days from work to spend with our friends and families.

So I say, Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice!  Go ahead and decorate the Christmas trees! Bake the cookies! Turn up the music and dance, for this is truly the most wonderful time of the year.  And know that somewhere in the hustle and bustle of this very busy time of the year, the real “Reason for the Season” is still at the heart of it all, for the message from the One Who came as a tiny babe, fresh from heaven, and gave His life to save a lost and dying world still resonates and is celebrated throughout the world – that we love one another- and is that not the real “reason for the season?”

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Ode to Uncle John

Hello, Friends!

Today I would like to share a story about a very interesting family member, Uncle John. A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I went to visit Uncle John. Now Uncle John is in his late 90's (our best guesstimate is 96), and while we are not sure of his exact age, we do know that he has lived life to the full. I love our visits with Uncle John; he cannot hear much of what we say anymore (we don't take offense that he is ignoring us!) but his eyes still twinkle when he shares pieces of his life story with us. He tells of the days he and a buddy went hunting in a remote location in Alaska, and that the plane that dropped them off would come back in a couple of weeks for them - if they survived! His garage with an attached room - today it would be called his Man cave- is full of all sorts of heads of animals that he has hunted and captured. He handcrafted his own rifles and guns, and made his own bullets. And many an award was given to John.

He tells of his early years, when he left home, at about 14 years, and hitched a ride on a train, and his wanderlust took him many places as he pursued his life as a hobo (please do NOT call him a bum, for hobo's worked for their money, no begging, making enough to tide them over till they hitched a ride to a new and interesting place), and he laughs as he shares his many stories, and we are glued to his every word. At 90, he complained to us at Christmas that he wasn't worth a darn any more, cause when he went hunting he had to come home by noon!  When Uncle John talks about his time in World War II, his eyes cloud over with sadness, and only recently did he share with us that memories of the war still haunt him, as he fulfilled his service to his country.

And as Uncle John shares His stories, he always near the end of our time says, "I have lived a good life, the Lord has been good to me. I have no regrets," and we are enchanted with his humility and gratitude for the life he has chosen to live. But you know what he has said that buried itself so deeply in my heart and soul? He said, "It is a wonderful life, but it takes work. It doesn't just happen, ya know. You have to work at it." So Uncle John, I take your advice, and on days when I feel down or don't feel like doing much, I “do it anyway,” so that I can create another interesting and worthwhile day in the life of ME. And I am grateful to have had you in my life, as an example of the life I want to look back on at 96 years young, and with a twinkle in my eye, say, “I have lived a good life, the Lord has been good to me, and I have no regrets..."

Everyone has a story to tell

Hello, my friends!
 

I was reading a movie review the other day, and I found this quote by Mark Twain: "There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.” No truer words have ever been said. And there is a huge gift, a great story, wrapped up inside of the person right in front of us, if we take a minute to look, a moment to listen.
 
It is likely no coincidence that this quote found me. As I meet people, and listen to them, or am moved by the look in their eyes, I realize that I am not the only one with a history, a life, a story. And while mine is the one most relevant to me, as I listen, I discover that there are many fascinating stories folks have to share. And you know what? They want to share their story! What an honor, what a privilege, what a momentous occasion it is to hear what each person has to say.
 
Some of my favorite stories come from military men and women, for they have led fascinating lives!  They tell us tales of war, of human interest, or of the daily life of a soldier or sailor. Teachers have many wonderful stories of the children, who are learning and growing and becoming individuals. Proud parents love to talk about their kids as though they were the only children in the world, because in their eyes, they are! Widows tell stories of long-ago days, filled with cooking, and mending, and car rides that took days to go the distance that today would take an hour or two. And if we are so blessed, we have friends who want to share the joys and sorrows of their lives with us, because they know we love them and they are safe to share their darkest and most intimate secrets.
 
Of all of God's creation, we are his masterpiece. Just take a minute to imagine that! The God who created the universe we know and beyond, esteems us as His Highest creation! He says that "we are fearfully and wonderfully made!" Did you hear that? Did you take a minute to think about those words, to begin to let them sink in? This is too high for me to grasp, it is beyond my comprehension. And yet that is what He says. And if He says it, then it is.

So during this wonderful Thanksgiving season, take some time to listen to those around you; look for the twinkle in the old man's eyes, or see the wonder of a new mom as she experiences the miracle of the birth of her child, or even the person who seems slow, and dull, and shy, for all of these folks have wonderful stories to tell. And when you take a few minutes to listen to them, you will grow, and you will learn something, something of value, something of importance, something that may change your life forever. Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving, everyone.

A Condition of the Heart

Hello, fellow bloggers!

I pray this finds you healthy and wealthy and wise - and if not all that, then at minimum, filled with joy!

As I observe the unrest which abounds in our nation today, and hear the rhetoric that pits one person against another, I am saddened and dismayed. Those of us who have been blessed to live in such an amazing country as the United States seem to have lost so much of the very principles of our founding fathers (and if you don’t believe this is an amazing country, leave it for awhile, and likely when you return it will be with a sense of gratitude that runs deeper than you ever imagined). Our history is rich with stories of those who sacrificed to give us a “better life.” These stories included immigrants who came here via Ellis Island, who worked hard to become proud citizens of our great nation (sweet land of liberty). Men and women who gave their lives to form unions that protected young children from working in sweat factories, with long hours, no breaks and little pay. Families who stayed together through thick and thin, because they made a commitment and kept it, regardless of how they felt. (Remember, One Nation, Under God, Indivisible…) Everyday people who went to church, raised their children to be respectful, and reinforced the importance of morals and values that were the foundation of the land that I love. I can't help wonder, what those folks would say were they to revisit America today. My expectation is that they would be shocked, disheartened and dismayed.

Today, stories of corporate greed abound, and there is a lot of truth to these stories. But honestly, this type of greed has always been and always will be. But today, I see another form of greed growing in our midst, and it is every bit as ugly. That greed is the one that says, “I am entitled to ….” Really? And how is that so and how did this happen? My grandpa, whose body was riddled with arthritis, climbed down the front porch steps on his hands and knees to go to work, and he would not consider staying home because he had a family to take care of. My parents worked and paid for hospitalization and they paid for doctor’s visits. My parents, and I for that matter, worked at not very glamorous jobs to provide for our families, and we were grateful for the opportunity. We were thankful for the health to be able to work. My husband and I have been grateful for the opportunity to go to college, to earn our degrees and have a better life and we never once considered not paying our student loan money back.

OK, now wait a minute – I think I may have heard a few words in this last paragraph that may hint at what has changed. Did I hear the words THANKFUL and GRATEFUL? And how about OPPORTUNITY and COMMITMENT? Hmmm, could these words, perhaps foreign to our culture today, be a huge hint as to what has changed? And where have these changes taken place? I believe what has changed is the condition of our hearts. Greed and a sense of “I deserve” whatever – fill in the blanks – have permeated and changed the face of our country, and not for the better. And each of us is missing out because of it. There is a tremendous sense of fulfillment to know that, at the end of the day, we have done our part, worked hard and earned our way. Or to dream of and plan for our heart’s desire and then see it manifested in our lives.

So if we choose to, how can we correct this unhealthy direction, this condition of the heart? I say, do not look around and try to figure out what is wrong with those around us and what they did or didn’t do for us, but rather, the best thing we can do is look to ourselves and to our own hearts; to be thankful and work hard and look for the opportunites that abound. Because if we don't, unrest will increase, and as the eloquent Pogo once said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Too Blessed to Be Stressed!

Hello!
It is Sunday evening, the end of a beautiful weekend in the Cleveland area. The weekend has consisted of two magnificent fall days, when the leaves on the trees are changing to shades of red and orange and gold, and the sky is that breathtaking shade of blue that we only see in autumn. And the sun - so high in the sky and so full and golden and bright in the day, turns the evening sky into a panorama of colors that range from shades of purple and pink and orange to deep, dark shades of blue!
There are always so many things that "need to be done," and it would have been quite easy to spend precious time tending to those "important tasks." But I am so glad I chose to enjoy the beauty that surrounds me, rather than to do all of those “necessary things.” So instead of stressing to “get stuff done,” I spent my time having dinner with a dear young couple who are celebrating their newly announced engagement! I spent time with my husband, my best friend, just enjoying his company! He and I took long drives, looking at the changing colors, and embracing the beauty that surrounds us. We took time to be thankful for the amazing life we have been so blessed to share for many years. These are the lasting things, the important things, the eternal things, the "making memories" things in life.
You know I could have chosen to tend to all of those stressful, seemingly important tasks, and I would be perhaps a little better prepared for the week ahead. But you know what? This week will come and go with its many things that need to be done, but I am happy with my choice, for I now have memories that I will cherish and carry with me forever…..

La Heim!

HellHello again-

I love this "cheer," La Heim - to life! What a gift every day is - to share a moment with a friend, take a walk on a beautiful fall day, hold a child, pet a puppy, or give a smile away to someone else. It is the little things in life that can bring such joy, don't you think? I don't know about you but I so tend to complicate life - to get caught up in the stresses of daily living, the horrible news that bombards us every day, and the unimportant things. I so do not want to lose site of the joy of living every day to its fullest, because I am caught up in the mundane.

So I have a question for each of you - what do you do to keep the joy of Life in your everydayness? How do you remember to "take time to smell the roses?" I would love to hear your thoughts. In any case, my thought to you today is -La Heim- enjoy today as you celebrate life!

Choosing Life- A Tribute to Leslie

Good morning-

I woke up this morning, got my coffee, opened my computer, and discovered on Facebook that a precious young woman I know, Leslie, has gone home to be with the Lord. This was sudden, unexpected, one of those shocking moments when the fragility of life hits you square in the eyes, says how could this have happened to one so young, and so filled with joy and life and compassion for others? And our hearts break for the loss of this woman who has touched so many lives, and for the family who is now in mourning.

Every day we have the opportunity to "choose life," and that is exactly what this young woman has done. She ran marathons to raise money for charitable organizations. She poured her life out to and for others, and her joy radiated from very being. Pictures filled with friends and family, and always that smile that would light up even the darkest of days, were shared with her Facebook friends, and when you looked at them, you could not help but smile. She opened herself and her life up to others, she drew you in and made you a part. Hers was a life well lived, for it was rich and full and filled with joy.

We can learn a lot from Leslie about choosing life. One friend pretty much summed up her life: “Our dear, sweet Leslie. The world is a better place because you were in it, and you made me a better person. Thank you for coming into our lives and blessing us with your kindness, love, and gentleness.”

Thank you for blessing our lives, Leslie. May we each “choose life” as well as you have….

Kindness - what a wonderful gift!

Hello, my friends! I pray that all is well and that life for you is good.

I have been reflecting this morning on the importance of kindness. Who when they are hurting does not want to talk to a friend whom they know will respond to them kindly, listen tenderly and just be there for you? Acts of kindness can have long-ranging effects, to be sure. Take a minute and think of something that someone did for you that touched your heart at a very hurting time in your life. It may be that you received an unexpected card of encouragement at a time when you needed it, and your spirit of heaviness was lifted a bit. Or perhaps a smile from a stranger when you were down - and you are reminded that though this may be a rough spot, there is still so much beauty around, and kind folks still exist. Or how about the time you moms, who received an extra nice Mother's Day gift, or you fathers who had a nice talk with your kids and you knew the hard work of parenting had paid off.

On the other hand, what about the time YOU have been kind to someone, and the tremendous sense of peace that pervaded your very soul said, "Ah, now that was a good idea," because you know you had brought a smile to someone's face. You may never know the effect that had on the receiving end of your gift to them.

In a world so filled with fear, and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to remember the importance of kindness, be it on either the receiving or the giving end. So I would ask you today, while we are reminded of the scarified offerings that were willingly given on that horrific day, September 11, to think about a little something you can do to make someone's day a little better.

Many blessings to you and yours-
Deb

If you only knew...

Hello again, friends! I am once again sitting in my marshmallow chair, gazing out over our beautiful Lake Erie (who by the way is announcing to us in no uncertain terms, "A storm is coming!") and again reflecting on so many things. My mind wanders to the troubles of our great nation, the uncertainty not just in the United States but worldwide, and I am so very thankful for the peace and security I hold deep within my heart. Why do I have this tremendous sense of peace you might ask? It is because I know the One who Loves me, and Keeps me, and Cherishes me; the One who never leaves me nor forsakes me, the One Who I can ALWAYS count on to be in my corner; the solid Rock on which I stand. And that is the message I long to share, for I believe in my heart and know in my spirit that if only folks knew the Lord that I know, they could not help but want to share in this joy, and peace and great sense of well-being.
"Who do you say that I am?" He asks. I say you are the Joy of all Joys, and the Peace beyond all of our limited understanding. I say that when all else fails and everything falls down around us, there You stand. And I am reminded of the thought that I come back to time and again, and that is that I cannot prove that You are, nor can I touch you in the physical, but this I do know in my innermost being; that my life is so hugely better since I have given it over to Your care, that even if You did not exist, yet would I believe, for my life is abundant and full, and my mind is sound and I am content, that I was lost and now am found. Is that not the most wonderful thing? So these are my thoughts on this lovely afternoon. Thank you again for sharing my thoughts with me...

The American Dream

Hello again! As I was reading the Lorain Morning Journal, my mind wandered to the subject of "The Great American Dream." What an amazing country this is! What a legacy we have, one of courage, and faith and hope. Our rich history includes pioneers who sailed from England to an unknown land to pursue freedom; dreamers who had an idea that created a light bulb, a car, and a cure for polio; and courageous men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedoms. A country that has shared more of its resources - time, talents, and financial assistance- to other countries in need, than any other nation on earth. Doesn't that make everything in you want to rise up and stand tall and shout USA? I know that is what happens to me as I reflect on this great nation of ours.
Like so many others of you, I have come through some very difficult challenges in my life, but with a heart filled with Hope and Dreams, allot of hard work, and above all the Grace and Mercy of a Loving God, I have been able to pursue the kind of life I have always dreamed I would have. And I am humbled, and my heart is filled with gratitude. But my fear is that we are losing sight of the very foundation on which our country was built - the Great American Dream. So what do YOU think? How can we make a difference so that losing the American Dream does not happen? I would be most interested to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks so much for listening, for sharing your thoughts with me, and for allowing me to share my thoughts with you...

Heart's Desire

Hello, my friends! It has been awhile I know since I last wrote to you all. I have been traveling, both professionally and personally, but it is time to start again. My husband and I are about to have yet another adventure in our lives, it appears. A good adventure, probably a GREAT adventure, and we are most excited!

As you have probably figured out, I attribute all of the many Blessings in my life to the God who has held me, and loved me, and guided me. My favorite scripture, as a matter of fact, is Psalms 37:4, which reads, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." This has been so very true for me, and it has carried me over places that seemed impossible! And as we walk through those dry, painful places, and we cannot see the light at the end, keep walking, keep praying and keep believing that He will bring good out of the most horrendous situations. (The Cross comes to mind:) Know that He will make a way where there seems to be no way.

Just wanted to encourage my friends - if you are currently in an apparently impossible situation, and there appears to be no way out, trust Him Who was and Is and Is to Come. His mercies are new EVERY morning. Now go and enjoy your day and let Him take all of your burdens and cares.....

Second Chances

Hello, friends!

I hope this finds everyone healthy and happy and full of Spring Fever! Springtime is such a beautiful time of the year, when everything is washed fresh and new, as the spring a rain melts the snow, and as the sun begins to warm the earth, and as the robins return to remind us that a new season is here. It is as though the "apparent deadness" of the earth - the trees so barren, the grass turned an unattractive shade of brown, and the skies of winter so gray - is given a "second chance" at Life! Don't you love to listen to stories of second chances?

Movies like Rocky, Pretty Woman and Erin Brokovich were all stories of "second chances!" We loved to cheer them on and we hoped that they would rise above their stations in life to places of success!! We love to watch the underdog win – it is the American Dream! Stories of kids brought up under horrific circumstances who rise to greatness, and use that experience as a banner that says, "If I can do it, YOU can do it!", and they become the beacon of light to show the way that others can see and follow and overcome.

We all need someone in our corner, who cheers us on, and someone who sees greatness in us, though we feel as frail and fragile as dust in the wind. We look for acceptance and affirmation and love and nurturing and guidance, though we would like the world to think we are never needy or hurting or lonely or unsure of ourselves or not "so together."

So who is in your corner? Your Mom, or Dad, or best friend or neighbor or co-worker, or do you think there is no one at all who understands you and can empathize with you, or can love you unconditionally? For me acceptance and peace and confidence come when I rest in the arms of the One Who Loves me completely, who never hurts me, who sees good and not bad in me, and who never, ever, EVER gives up on me. He is the One who shows me the way, who whispers in my heart, "this is the way, child, walk this way." The One who says I will never leave you or forsake you and NO-thing can separate you from MY love. He is the One who surrounds me with others who love me and are there for me as I make my sojourn, my journey as it were, through this life.

So my message for today is, REJOICE!!! For there is One who desires to walk beside you, to guide you, One who says, “Child, trade your shame and sorrow for my confidence and joy, your weaknesses for My strengths, your fear for My Rest." He is the God of many, many, MANY second chances and He does not countn our mistakes, only rejoices in your victories.

For He is the One Who says, "A bruised reed I will not break, nor a smoldering wick I will not extinguish." He is the keeper of the stars, the Lover of men, the creator of the universe, but the best part for me is that He is the lover of my soul…..

So let's dance!!

Greetings!

Are you as excited as I am that Spring is in the air? We are seeing more lovely blue herons, gracefully and gently soaring over our beautiful Lake Erie! And it is with joy that we watch as a mostly frozen lake opens up a few pools of open water - and in those pools we see a couple of ducks and geese floating around in that icy cold water! Aren't their little webbed feet freezing???

One of the things I like most about living in Northern Ohio is experiencing the change of seasons. The trees look so dead in winter, only to show how deceiving looks can be as they flower and bloom and bring forth amazing beauty! There is so much similarity between the change of seasons and the changes in our lives. We have moments of abounding joy as we see the birth of a beautiful newborn, fresh from heaven and carrying heaven's scent. And we have moments of utter despair as we watch a loved one suffer, wanting so much to take that pain from them, and realizing we can only be there to pray for and support them, our gift of love to them - but alas, we cannot change their circumstances.

But the times I am thinking about right now are those dry, desert times - when we wait, and wait and WAIT for some sort of a breakthrough - the house we are trying to sell, or the new job that we hope to get, or just a time of depression that we hope and pray will lift. And this is where we spend an awful lot of our life, somewhere between the highs and lows. So what can we do during these dark, dead, dreary times? I say.... Let's Dance!! If we have done all that we can, and are in a waiting time, let's do what Matt does and dance! Dance by yourself, dance with your pet, dance with your husband, wife or significant other! Let your thighs jiggle and let your joy explode! Smile! Laugh! And especially - dance! Enjoy the video below - pretty much guaranteed to make you happier!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

Food for Thought

Well, I have had the weekend to myself (my husband has been at a men’s retreat) and it has been so nice, though I will be very glad when the he comes home. But I had time alone with my Lord and that was awesome!

I have been pondering some “big ticket” items in the Kingdom of God. Have you heard of the couple who went through the Invitro fertilization – and found out the wrong fertilized egg was implanted in her womb? They are Christians; they chose to carry that baby full term and then give it to the natural parents? How is THAT for a story? Then I was listening to Steven Curtis Chapman’s song about his little girl (if you do not know - his son accidentally backed over her with the car and she was killed) who is now with the Lord – that his heart aches to see her “brown eyes that disappeared when she smiled,” – and yet he has a glimmer of heaven, of her romping with her Daddy (and her Father) in joy for eternity – no more cancer, no more pain, etc. These are huge things in the Kingdom – and they are statements as to Who our God is! Living out their Faith before hundreds of thousands of people! WOW!

In the midst of the pain and suffering in this world, in a time full of “What about me’s?” we have His Light shining through in those who are willing to make choices not on what is convenient for them, but on what they believe is right. And there are so many more stories. Just think about it! What stories have you to tell – of the horrendously painful things He has taken you through, and brought you to the other side – one of Joy and Peace and wells of compassion and empathy so deep that only He knows – and yet He takes those things and uses them for GOOD for us and for those He brings in to our lives. Of kids getting on with Life – and some, late bloomers like me - but still, on their journey to Him. And they will have their stories to tell, and He will draw others to Him because of the prayers that we prayed for our children as they were developing in us – long before we saw them or knew them or knew of the joy and pain that would be wrapped up in parenting.

Is this an easy journey? Absolutely not! I love the song, Life is tough but God is good. But is there a higher path or a greater calling? If so, I do not know where. I lived without Him and now I am living IN Him and for me there is no other choice. Want to trade some pain for Joy or fear for Courage? Life is a choice! He says so - "I set before you life and death, the Blessing and the curse - choose Life” So like I said in the beginning this is food for thought. Enjoy your day my friends and may your days be filled with Blessings beyond measure!

What makes life interesting to you?

Greetings!

I am just sitting here, with my Daisy by my side, watching huge white flakes fall, and I am thinking about what makes life interesting to me. And I began to wonder - what makes life interesting to you, my friends? For me, I believe that life is an Adventure, filled with hills and valleys, sunny days and seemingly endless dark winter nights. I love the "everydayness" sometimes the best of all. Dinners with my husband, calls from my kids, having friends over to spend an evening doing nothing special but just sharing our thoughts and the events in our lives - these are the "things" that make Life interesting to me. Knowing that I am so Blessed to have the stability in my life of my faith, and those friends and family that I can count on, who love me warts and all, who have no illusions that I am something more than I am - a simple but often complex human being trying to figure out my way through this life like - well, like everybody else! And knowing that I have those "things" in my life- the important things - friends and family - in my corner allows me to pursue my Adventure, unique and amazing to me! So again I ask, what makes your life interesting? I am excited to hear!

Moments

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. How amazing is His Name, His Heart, His Creation! Yesterday, as I was working at my desk and looking out at our beautiful Lake Erie, I saw a red fox bounding across the snow-covered beach! The stark contrast of the fox against the white terrain was striking! He was so beautiful with his sleek form and eye-catching coat of fur. I am ever amazed at the beauty of God's workmanship! It is everywhere if we just take the time - not hours or days but moments - to catch a glimpse of the beauty that surrounds us. It is everywhere we look - in the flakes of snow, or the moon rising, or the sun coming up. In a conversation with a hurting friend or the joy of sharing an exciting experience with that special someone in your life. In the weathered skin of a person who has seen life at its best and worst - and still has a twinkle in his eye! My prayer is that I don't miss Life in its fullness while being caught up in the mundane and endless number of "things that need done." I want to embrace this beautiful Life with arms wide open, seen through the eyes of a child. I am including a clip today to share one of those "moments" with you. So take 5 minutes and enjoy this lovely reminder of all that is around us/ Have an amazing day, my friends, and may it be filled with "moments"

http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html

Belief

In case you have not noticed, one of my favorite topics is sharing my Adventures with the Lord!  So how did I begin my walk with Him? How did I find Him?  What keeps me following Him in good times and bad? And why call it an adventure?  Well, I began my walk with Him as many "believers" do.  I looked around at my life, and decided that if this was all there was, I was in deep trouble!  So I asked Him - and my prayer was hardly "righteous and full of faith" - to let me know if He was real because if He was not, then I could make no sense of this life; that I would take care of my kids as best I could but that was all.  I wish I had a great testimony that the lightning flashed, my life turned around and I won a bunch of money. For me it is pretty simple - I had nowhere else to turn for answers to my life's problems, of which there were many.  Others may have stories that tell of all of the "wonderful things that happened to them," but for me, things got worse rather than better.  Except for one thing - I had a flame of Hope in my heart that would not stop burning.  And that flame still burns today, wildly, courageously, hopefully and full of Grace. 

What an adventure it has been, full of twists and turns, deserts and storms, beautiful days and nights, memories galore and always, always the flame burning in my heart. As to how I found Him – the truth is that I really never "found" Him - He was not lost:)  I was lost, but He never lost sight of me, not even for a mille-second - ever!  He takes me out of myself - there is so much more, I am such a small cog in a great wheel - and that brings about great joy! “Lord, cause me to be a Blessing today” has become one of my favorite prayers! He guides and feeds and nurtures me, as a most tender Father would.  I trust Him and He never fails me.  How can this be, a Love so great and kind and merciful - and FUN!  I love the Life He has given to me - it is mine if only I take the time to listen and follow.  So what is belief?  I am not sure I can put into words what that means to me - I only know how it was before, and how it is now - and I cannot help but to believe.  More to come on this subject, because as I said, it is my favorite thing to share with my friends and YOU are all of my friends!  Have a most amazing day!  As for me – the adventure continues….

Dreamers

Are you a dreamer?  I am!  I love to dream and plan and hope.  Some have said to me, "Why dream about that?  You will never have it so don't set yourself up for disappointment."  Hmmmm - an interesting, albeit negative and unproductive thought.  I have asked people, "So what are your dreams?"  And I am amazed at how many people have NO DREAMS!! I began dreaming as a young girl, as most children do. Ask a child, "What would you like for Christmas, or what do you want to be when you grow up?"  Her eyes become huge with hope and wonder as she tells you all of the things that are in her heart. "I want a baby doll and a carriage, I want a puppy, and I want to be a doctor when I grow up...."  How precious are these times, these thoughts, these dreams?

So, I wonder what happens to us when we "grow up."  How do we lose that wonderful, creative gift? And how can we re-capture it?  Do we need to cultivate it - use it or lose it?  Should we take more time to just...dream?  Should we take the risk????  I say definitively YES!  I have had many dreams, and it is amazing how many have become a reality in my life!  I am walking out my dreams!  Isn't that the most wonderful thing?  When asked, “why dream, you know you will never have this or that”, my response has become, "Why NOT me?  God loves me just as much as anyone else, so why NOT me?  He can tell me "No, my child," and I am OK with that, but I not going to listen to you!”

Should you dream?  Should you take that risk?  Do you dare to - HOPE?  Well, what do you have to lose?  On the one hand, you may experience disappointment, feeling foolish, putting yourself “out there." On the other hand, you may find an amazing new world of opportunity!  The degree you always wanted, or the hope of the home and family tucked away in your heart, or a new relationship, new job, new challenge!  Now that is exciting! 

So the next time you share a hope or a dream with someone and they try to rain on that dream, just look them square in the eye and say, "Why NOT me?  God loves me just as much as anyone else!" and see what begins to happen in your life. You may not get all of your dreams, but having hope along the way, and realizing the dreams that do come to pass, make life exciting and interesting and just plain fun!  So I say, dream away, my friend!  You have nothing to lose and so very much to gain.  Have an amazing day, and Happy Dreaming!

All you need is love, love, love, love....

.... love is all you need!  Well, can you hear the Beatles singing this song? I can - will likely not be able to get it out of my mind for the rest of the day! I have been hearing this message everywhere I go - all we need is love; love is the answer; people are looking desperately for love; loving-kindness can make such a difference in a life.  The message resonates loudly and clearly - the world is looking for love.  No big revelation here - it has been this way since the beginning of time. So how do we know when we are loved? Sometimes it is like the wind blowing across the waters - you cannot see it but you can feel it.  It washes over you and brings a sense of warmth and well-being. Love can be seen, in an act of kindness. Love can be felt, in a gentle hug when it is so desperately needed. Love can be heard, in a simple thank you. 

I remember days of old, not believing I was loved or cared for or precious to anyone. That awful sense of the realization that I was not worth being loved for who would want me? The sense of shame that I was somehow born "less than" the rest of the world. The lack of joy as I sank deeper into the abyss of sorrow, unhappiness and hopelessness.  And then You stepped into my life and oh, how that has changed!  For you have removed my sense of shame and replaced it with Hope!  My sorrow has been replaced with Joy! And my lack of self-worth has been changed to s Spirit of Confidence!

I understand why the world is looking for love, for love has the power to heal, and to restore and to make whole.  It is like a soothing balm on a wound.  Love can bring about miraculous changes in a person's life, changing them into something so much more precious than gold or silver or diamonds. I know that I know that I know this is true, for I am living it and walking in it and believing in it and growing day by day.  So I guess perhaps it is not a bad thing that the Beatles’ song will be playing in my head today, reminding me of this truth, for I believe the Beatles had it right - Love really is all you need....

If I had to place my bets...

As I look around me, I see so much uncertainty in the United States, and the world for that matter, that it nearly takes my breath away! Rising unemployment, budget deficits - who can even fathom how much "Trillions of dollars of debt" means? Worldwide economic collapse, terrorist activities, mudslides, earthquakes, tsunamis - the list of scary stuff is endless!  If I let it, it will sweep me away into the land of "What if?"s. You know, the land of...: "What if I lose my house? Become terminally ill? Die a slow and agonizing death due to chemical warfare? Lose my family, my job, my friends..."  And on and on - you get the picture.  So how do I move from that endless and fruitless mental activity to a place of Peace and Rest?  There is only one way that works for me and that is to trust in the One who took me "from the ugly miry clay, and the slippery slopes of life, and set my feet upon a Rock..."  There is no way to explain the result of who I am today with that frightened girl of long ago - the changes have taken place one step, one moment, one day at a time, slowly but surely.  Hmmm - replacing sorrow and pain and negativity with joy and peace and - well, a great life!  Dreaming (this is a big part of who I am, by the way) and then seeing those dreams and plans become the reality of my life - my "heart's desires" if you will - now that is a miracle!  Who I am today is the result of a Loving God who has invaded my life (only after I asked Him, of course, for He will never come uninvited) and brought me strength and joy and a peace that passes understanding.  “Why do you fear, my child? Have I not always taken care of you (and I might add better than you have taken care of yourself!)? Trust in me and you will NOT be disappointed…”

Yes the world is filled with fear and uncertainty.  And I can sometimes feel the fear coming as a thief in the night to steal my peace and joy.  But I’ll not allow it to stay – it must pass through here, for I will ask the One who has saved me and kept me to help me one day at a time, to keep my feet firmly planted on that Rock and my eyes on the One who Loves me with a perfect and everlasting love.  Thanks again for letting me share my thoughts and my heart with you.  Have an amazing day!

The New Year

As I begin the New Year, like most folks I look back on the year past, and set goals for the coming year. I usually have more goals than a person could possibly attain, but this year, it has been more challenging to me to set goals for myself.  Maybe it is because my thoughts on goals are changing? Maybe the hard and fast goals that are so easy to measure - "I will lose those ugly 10# of fat this year; I will pay off my debt; I will grow the business for my company more this year" - are beginning to be replaced with goals that are not so measurable.  How would I measure, "Lord, I want to draw closer to You that I might learn more of your ways"? Or how about setting a goal to be more loving and kind; how do you measure that? Or, I want to spend more time with family and friends?  And though I cannot measure them, these are the "higher goals."  These are the long-lasting goals.  These are the goals that He would ask of me; His higher calling which is that I would love others as He has loved me.

It is not wrong to have measurable goals - I still will lose those 10# of ugly fat!  It is just that they seem not as important to me as they have in years gone by.  The apostle Paul said, "forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God."  Loving others, especially those who are difficult and challenging, is not an easy goal, to be sure.  I may not be able to measure it, but if I let Him work out His plan in me – to love others - I will surely know it, for He will cause me to change, and I will experience to an even greater degree, His peace and His love and His joy. And that is a gift that is beyond measure.

Happy New Year, everyone!