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….
Friday, September 16, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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...
"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...
Sunday, July 31, 2011
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...
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...
Thursday, July 14, 2011
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.....
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.....
Sunday, March 20, 2011
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…..
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…..
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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
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
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