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...
Sunday, July 31, 2011
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
Sunday, February 27, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
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
http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
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