Serious Wednesdays: Life and Death

Why is it that sometimes there's someone who passes through our lives--just for a moment, a week, a month, maybe longer, who affect us profoundly? Who touches our lives in such a way that we don't--can't--forget it or them?

That's what Amanda's mother for me. Don't get me wrong; I didn't know the woman; hadn't met her yet. That's right I didn't know her, yet I did. In the last few days, I heard more about her than possibly I would have learned had we had a chance to talk. Maybe.

How did she affect me? I've thought about this and realize it's not been something I've necessarily wanted, yet the details of her life, her death, her influence on so many in the community, it's all impressed me whether I desired this touch on my life or not.

• She's made me want to be a better person. Less complaining, more generous, more loving . . .
• In spite of her physical problems, she put others first. I don't want to ever live selfishly.
• She made me aware--again--or my own mortality. And of those around me.
• She's made me want to be friendlier. She loved everyone. She never met a stranger. She remembered those she met, even if just for a moment. I want to be like that. Or at least strive for it.
• Her death reminded me what I've missed; what I'll never get a chance to experience.
• She's helped me more than ever to appreciate each day that God gives me.

There's more. Much more. But that's enough.
Thanks, dear woman I never knew, wonderful person, who in our eyes (those who knew her and those of us who didn't) should have lived much longer, but who in God's eyes was wanted in heaven. We'll miss you.

Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Unexpected and pleasant surprises
Fun times w/grandson
Enjoying the phrases he says
Happiness at seeing middle grandchild enjoying his archery class
break thru on a book I'm writing
Wonderful weather Sunday
discussing possibilities w/hubby


Blessings!

Monday Morning Gratitudes

Cooler weather

warm blankets

cleanliness

essential, healthy oils

eating out with friends

that grandson Jonathan had a good week in kindergarden

the trust when Grandson Jonathan places his hand in mine or tells me some precious thing.

God's help for a multitude of things.

Blessings!

Have you Hugged Your Pastor Today?

Welcome to Jennette Levellie and thanks for the guest blog that she graciously shared with me from her blog. Please check out her blog at: http://jeanettelevellie.blogspot.com/

I’m not telling you that October is Clergy Appreciation Month because my husband is a pastor. But because your minister needs to know that you appreciate him or her.

If your pastor, preacher, or priest is like my husband, he or she:
• weeps as they stand by the graveside of your loved one;
• spends countless hours praying and preparing messages they hope will help you live freer and happier lives; • rejoices when your team wins a game, your test results come back fine, or you get a new job;
• sits with you while your spouse or parent goes through surgery;
• counsels you during the throes of marital trouble;
• answers the phone and the doorbell at all hours, regardless of what activity it interrupts,
• does all this with a smile and a heart full of love for you, and the Lord who called them to minister to you.

I know you appreciate the services your minister does for you. I’m sure you could think of twenty other items to add to my list without much thought. Sometime in the next thirty days, show them what they mean to you by giving them a card, telling them how they’ve touched your life, or praying for them.

It will make their life and job sweeter, and you’ll be blessed for honoring them.
Have you ever had a thankless job? How does it make you feel when someone notices and appreicates you?

Thanks, Jen, for sharing your post on my blog this week!

Blessings, readers.

Taking It By Faith . . .


I received a note the other day from a friend. It was an encouraging note. Wonderful, really. In it she said how much she loved and appreciated me and my husband. And "that, of course, we already know that."

Well, I must say knowing and being reassured now and then are two different things.
Of course, I know some people like me.
Of course, I know some appreciate me.
Of course, I know, I'm a writer.
Of course, I know someday I'll be traditionally pubbed.

But like many writers I know, I need to be reassured now and then. I need your comments, your emails, your calls and letters and notes and word-of-mouth reassurances that you're there for me.

Without you where in the world would I be?

Without you, my readers and friends and family, what would be the purpose of my writing? I'm a needy person. I need you! Who would read my future books? Who would critique my works in progress?

Without you (my works), my faith will be in vain. Smile.

Faith: believing something will come to pass without seeing it. Ach! How hard to put into practice. How frail I am.

But I do have determination. That counts for a lot, don't you think? and maybe that determination has a bit of faith in it, else why would I be so determined?

Make sense?

Keep that encouragement coming. I love you all!

Here are some good thoughts on fulfilling those dreams:

• There comes a time when you must stand alone. (ouch!)
• You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams. (I do, Lord, I do. Honest)
• You must be willing to make sacrifices (o-kay)
  
• You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved. (Been there, done that!)
  
• Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better. (No whining, Caroline!)
  
• Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by. (You never think this will happen to you, but I've been reading about it on one of my writing loops.)
  
• Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life. (May take years, but gotta do it!)
  
• Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way. (Stand forth, all ye bashful beings!)
  

And there you have your hints and quotes for today.
Blessings!