Coming Apart

                                                            Everyday is a brand new day,
                                                            everyday is a journey.



By all means, use some times to be alone;
Salute thyself--see what thy soul doth wear;
Dare to look in thy chest, for 'tis thine own,
And tumble up and down what thou findest there.

--William Wordsworth.

Imagine a red shaped heart pincushion filled with pins. It looks very painful doesn't it? All those pins sticking out of that poor cushion, piercing it's heart. Isn't that how we feel at times when we are hurting? When we feel as if our lives are falling apart, unraveling and we cannot do anything to prevent it from happening. 

We all have experienced a deep hurt like that at one time or another. The world is filled with people who are hurting in that way and they somehow can never get out of that hurt. They just keep going from one hurt situation to another never healing completely. 

I feel for people like that and honestly, I know some living that very hurt. How do we get them out of that kind of despair? We certainly try to be there for them. We try to help in any way possible from financial to physically doing things for them. Yet, they become a hostage to that pain unable to make a break of it. Unable or too comfortable? 

Sometimes, our pain becomes a familiar friend. It is something to know very well. We know how it feels, how it hurts and how to numb it. The whole action and our reaction becomes the norm in our life. It's almost like a security blanket or a pacifier becomes it is something safe and familiar. Breaking free means unknown territory. We cannot predict what is out there, because we've never been free of it. We become scared of what could be and so we run back to what we know. 

The problem is that we can't make people move forward by letting go. This is something they have to learn and do for themselves. They have to make that decision to stop letting the hurt rule their lives.That's the frustrating part, our limitations in the situation. We can only pray for their intervention over and over again. 

There are many hurt people out there searching for something to ease their pain. If they would only look to the one Healer capable of taking that pain away forever, but they  have to do the work. Are they willing? Are you?

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Simply Meatless

                                                                       Everyday is a brand new day,
                                                                        everyday is a journey.






Time was, I shrank from what was right, 
From fear of what was wrong; 
I would not brave the sacred fight, 
Because the foe was strong. 
But now I cast that finer sense 
And sorer shame aside; 
Such dread of sin was indolence, 
Such aim at heaven was pride. 
J. H. NEWMAN.



I've noticed something really weird lately. When I do eat some meat, my tummy hurts afterwards. I just don't enjoy meat anymore or at least, certain types of meat. I guess I just don't need it anymore. My body has become accustomed to the fruits and vegetables sustaining my needs. 

Now that doesn't mean I'm here to bash people who love to eat meat. Absolutely not! You can eat all the meat you want. This is about me and my body. You know, I was listening to Dr. Vernon J. McGee talk about how he believes that we were vegetarians here on earth until the great flood of Noah. Then we became carnivores. That actually makes sense to me. In the Garden of Eden, people and animals of every sort got along. No one felt threatened in any way. 

Anyway, I do still enjoy burgers very much. That is my number one choice of meat. Of course, that doesn't mean that I won't eat meat if placed in front of me. I just won't eat a lot of it. I don't need it. I don't miss it. I can do without it. 

I feel as if I have progressed a little further along in this healthy lifestyle/diet journey of my life. I want to take care of this body since God gave me a second chance. I want to do whatever is necessary to live a healthy sustaining and preventive life. God determines the length of my life, but I choose how I plan on living that life and in what condition.

Have a blessed day everyone.

Summer Favorites

                                                                     Everyday is a brand new day,
                                                                      everyday is a journey.




Now, Lord, what wait I for?
    On Thee alone
  My hope is all rested,--
    Lord, seal me Thine own!
  Only Thine own to be,
  Only to live to Thee.
        Thine, with each day begun,
        Thine, with each set of sun,
        Thine, till my work is done.
ANNA WARNER.

We love Summer foods! There is such an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies that Winter cannot provide. There is nothing better than a fresh tomato right off the vine. Mmm, I miss that the most. Let's not forget the fresh smelling fragrance of herbs that fills one's nostrils with an invigorating scent. Who wouldn't want a sprig of basil, mint or parsley atop their favorite Summer dish?

One of Emily's favorites happens to be fresh fruit, especially berries. I buy them all. I get a huge bowl ready and slice up some strawberries, kiwis, peaches and throw in some blackberries, grapes, raspberries, blueberries into the mix. Sprinkle a small teaspoon of sugar on top and viola, fresh fruit salad.

This fruit salad is a great snack or as a side dish on a hot day. There is always a huge bowl in the frig ready to go. In fact, when Fall arrives, Emily is always crestfallen, because all the delicious fruit will be gone for a few months.  We could buy some during the Winter Season, but they don't taste the same as they do while in Season. 

What are some of the fruits and veggies you look forward to during Summer? I, myself, love watermelon and could exist on it everyday. Then there are the tomatoes, fresh herbs, papaya, pineapple etc. I could go on and on. 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Count Your Many Blessings

                                                          Everyday is a brand new day,
                                                            everyday is a journey.



Earth gets its price for what it gives us;
The beggar is taxed for a corner to die in,
The priest has his fee who comes and shrives us,
We bargain for the graves we lie in;
At the devil's booth are all things sold,
Each ounce of dross costs its ounce of gold;
For a cap and bells our lives we pay,
Bubbles we buy with a whole soul's tasking;
'Tis heaven alone that is given away,
'Tis only God may be had for the asking.

--James Russell Lowell.

I wish I could begin today's post full of positivity, but truth be told, the week has been extremely difficult. This is nothing new in my life. In fact, this is the same re-occurring trigger that haunts me from time to time. I can place a band-aid on it, but it's just that a band-aid that eventually falls off without healing the wound. I don't know how to heal this, but I do know I need to ask the Almighty for help. I have locked myself away this weekend, trying desperately to rejuvenate the spirit. 

This month, specifically May 25, I have celebrated 11 years of being diagnosed and living with stage 3 ovarian cancer. During these years, my main goal has been to deepen or begin relationships with all the people in my life. I wish I could say that it has been very easy to do so, because it hasn't. The reasons why vary from the person to person. Some are way too difficult and make it hard to love them. Others don't have the same desire as I do. There are those who harbor past issues and cannot forgive nor let go. 

These have been my struggles and I have written about them many times. It seems that all of you also have these same struggles as you've written back to me with your own stories. I can't help, but wonder why, because it wasn't always like this. My mom's generation held onto long term relationships, but she is also a product of World War Two. She was born during that time, a time that shook the very foundation of what life was all about. People in return valued marriage, family and friendships a great deal more, because of what happened in that era. 

What is going on in the world now is me, myself and I. Nothing else seems to matter to people anymore. Not relationships, not partnerships, not even a relationship with God. People don't want to work out problems anymore, they just divorce you. Couples divorce themselves, parents divorce their children and friends divorce each other. It's so much easier to just cut off the relationship than it is to sweat out the problem. That would mean we would have to take a deep look at ourselves and we don't want to do that. 

I cannot change what is going on out in the world, but I can change how that world affects me. I cannot have anymore weeks like that, I refuse to have them. I'm working on myself with a partner and His name is Jesus. I will count the many blessings I have experienced and will continue to do so. Life is good. Life is what I make it. My life is with Jesus. 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

The Comedy Hour

                                                             Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey.

  



Save us from the evil tongue,
  From the heart that thinketh wrong,
  From the sins, whate'er they be,
  That divide the soul from Thee.
ANON.

I cannot even begin to tell you how stressful, frustrating and emotional week I have had. Let's add the horrible weather that has left my arthritic joints in agony and sleep virtually impossible, this week seemed like a week above all others. We all struggle. Some of us in that one particular area where it seems we cannot win over. 

All I want to do is drain all of me out from the past week and fill myself up once again to the brim of Jesus goodness. The essential oils are flowing profusely helping my mind and body regain it's strength. I'm staying in and enjoying the peace and quiet of my sanctuary. 

I don't want to cry today nor feel anything in particular. I just want to be. Let's enjoy some clean and healthy Christian jokes. May God be with you in all you do and may He never leave you. Enjoy. 

1. Joke 

A priest, a minister, and a rabbi want to see who’s best at his job. So each one goes into the woods, finds 
a bear, and attempts to convert it. Later, they all get together. The priest begins: “When I found the bear, I read to him from the catechism and sprinkled him with holy water. Next week is his first Communion.”

“I found a bear by the stream,” says the minister, “and preached God’s holy Word. The bear was so mesmerized that he let me baptize him.”

They both look down at the rabbi, who is lying on a gurney in a body cast. “Looking back,” he says, “maybe I shouldn’t have started with the 
circumcision.”

2. Joke 

The last time we changed from daylight saving time, a preacher friend posted, “For those who habitually show up 15 minutes late to church, allow me to remind you that tonight is the night you set your clock back 45 minutes.”

3. Joke 

Gary was having a yard sale. 
A minister bought a lawn mower 
but returned it a few days later, 
complaining that it wouldn’t run.

“It’ll run,” said Gary. “But you 
have to curse at it to get it started.”

The minister was shocked. “I have not uttered a curse in 30 years.”

“Just keep pulling on the starter rope—the words will come back to you.”

4. Joke

Three guys are fishing when an angel appears.

The first guy says, “I’ve suffered from back pain for years. Can you help me?” The angel touches the man’s back, and he feels instant relief.

The second guy points to 
his thick glasses and begs for 
a cure for his poor eyesight. When the angel tosses the lenses into the lake, the man 
gains 20/20 vision.

As the angel turns to the third fellow, he instantly recoils and screams, “Don’t touch me! I’m on disability!”

Have a blessed day everyone.

May In Review

                                                           Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey.





Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear;
 rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, 
whose you are, will deliver you out of them. 
He has kept you hitherto,--do you but hold fast to His dear hand,
 and He will lead you safely through all things; and, when you cannot stand, 
He will bear you in His arms. Do not look forward to what
may happen to-morrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you to-day,
will take care of you to-morrow, and every day. Either he will shield you
from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at
peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES.

May came in with a gorgeous day filled with sunshine. One could see moms pushing strollers and joggers hitting the pavement. People walking around outside with a milkshake or a cold brew in their hands. Oh Yeah, Spring has definitely arrived!

I have been truly blessed with waking up early just as the sun has risen. It doesn't mean I actually get up at that time, but I do listen as my neighbors leave for work and the children leave for school. The sounds of life are very welcoming. I have been reading the life of Richard Proenneke who lived in the Alaskan wilderness all by himself and yet, even there were sounds of life. The birds, squirrels and all other types of animals were heard all throughout the day. We are surrounded by life.

So I just finished the book WHY HER by Nicki Koziarz who so reminds me of my Aubs. Funny thing is that I'm in the Bible study of David and one of the chapters dealt with jealousy. I couldn't help, but notice the coinciding topics I was studying between the two. All of this made me focus on my relationships with the people in my life. I kept asking myself how we were doing in this friendship/relationship that we share. May certainly was the month of deep reflection, especially in the relationship arena.

It has been raining almost every night this month. These are the first two days without any rain we have had this month. I can see that we are not alone in this as the other states are reporting the same. Now, I love the rain and I love how it looks after it rains. My problem is that my body can no longer appreciate the Winters and the rainy Season. I have been battling my joints/arthritis/charley horses since December. I occasionally have a good night's sleep, but they are extremely rare. At least, my tree at work is growing and filling out beautifully from all this rain.

Well, I didn't tell you, but those wild neighbors below me have left like thieves in the night. Remember them? They stayed up all night partying, playing music, arguing among other things. This single mom has moved in from Springfield, Illinois! What a coincidence! 

Anyway, our laundry situation has increased where everyone is using it, especially on the weekends. The Association takes care of the laundry machines in each building and they only pick up the coins once a month. Our machines are completely full! This only happened once before and I went to the laundromat. They are so pricey now. It is much cheaper in our building. I have used mom's facility a few times, but honestly, who wants to drag all these bags full of clothes. I am truly spoiled. 

When I run out of clothes and they still haven't emptied the coin slots, maybe I will go to the laundromat. That hamper is also filled with baby blankets, hats etc. that have to be washed before delivery. I was hoping to make a delivery this Holiday weekend, but obviously that won't happen. That's my current situation. 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Just Share It: Holley Gerth

                                                          Everyday is a brand new day,
                                                           everyday is a journey.



It is not growing like a treeIn bulk, 
doth make man better be;
Or standing long an oak, 
three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
A lily of a dayIs fairer far in 
May,Although it fall and die that night--
It was the plant and flower of Light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measure life may perfect be.

--Ben J.

This isn't the first time I've posted one of Holley's stories. I really like her as a writer and many of her life's experiences resonate with me in one way or another. 

Her struggles in life were with fertility and mine with cancer. They may seem miles apart, yet the pain and hurts are the same. I, also, have been asked many questions on my cancer. People ask me, because they want to believe in hope. They want to believe, especially when they are hurting. I hope you enjoy. 

Hurt, Hope and Making it through Life’s Hard Times Holley, 25 Apr 05:30 AM  {my graphics are free goodies for you} The other day someone asked me about our infertility. It felt a bit like being asked about an old scar, one that has faded and become so familiar it feels more like a freckle. This question was part of a radio interview; the host wanted to know what I would say to a woman in a similar situation. I paused for a very long time, reaching back into those memories like one might a trunk in the attic. I pulled out a single memory like a brightly colored scarf. I held it up to the light and watched the dust drift down. The scene on it was a particular Christmas morning. We were visiting my in-laws and I felt certain I was pregnant. I jumped out of bed and practically skipped to the bathroom only to be devastated again. My husband found me and put his arms around me, my tears soaking his t-shirt. I could sense the silence on the radio line. I cleared my throat. “Feel the hurt,” I said to the interviewer, “It is real. Cry the tears. Yell into the pillow. Be sad and mad and confused.” Then I thought of another memory in my life, a morning curled up under the covers, Bible in my hand, coffee next to me. God took me to the third chapter of Genesis where Eve is called the mother of all living. I began to understand in that moment all women are mothers because all women bring life into the world in some way. I started to believe my story might be different than what I imagined—but it could still be good (and it is). “Feel the hope,” I said to the interviewer, “It is real. Embrace the unexpected. Trust the story is still being written. Be curious and strong and brave.” You may not have walked through infertility but if you are alive on this spinning earth then you know what it is to have trouble and heartbreak. You know what it is to be disappointed or discouraged or tired. I think in those moments we tend to choose one of the options above. We ignore everything but the hurt. Or we ignore everything but the hope. We do this because we’re afraid. We think if we don’t hope then we can’t be disappointed. Or if we don’t hurt the pain can’t overcome us. We might have some mixed up spiritual ideas—that God doesn’t like certain emotions (even though He created them all) or that pure suffering somehow brings Him more glory. But the reality is hurt and hope are part of every hard experience. “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!”(Psalm 42:5). Hurt reveals our emotions to us so we can heal. Hope gives us the strength to persevere through that process. The wound slowly transforms. Then one day someone asks us about it and we’re a bit startled because we suddenly realize what once felt like it might kill us has, in fact, taught us something about being fully alive. We don’t have to be afraid of hurt. We don’t have to be afraid to hope. They are both part of what makes us who we are, part of our beauty and strength and scars. XOXO Holley Gerth

We Are Not Alone

                                                         Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey.

It is not much

To give a gentle word or kindly touch

To one gone down

Beneath the world's cold frown,

And yet who knows

How great a thing from such a little grows?

O, oftentimes,

Some brother upward climbs

And hope again

Uplifts its head, that in the dust had lain,

Gives place to morning's light.

--E. H. Divall.

When life becomes difficult, we have to push through the hard times. We take it breath by breath, step by step, especially when it feels as if no one understands or is there for us. We are not alone. Even though we do not see Him nor hear from Him for awhile, He is there right beside us. 

That's why it's so important for us to mingle with others and socialize. Let me tell you of someone I used to work with a few years back. There were times where I gave her rides both to work and back home. Whenever we came close to her condo, she had me park at different places each time all because she was extremely paranoid of her neighbors. She didn't want them to know anything about her. 

I would look at her as if she was nuts. How can a person live like that? I'm sure none of those people ever gave her any reason to be so suspicious of them. I am also sure that they would have loved to get to know her better, but she never gave them a chance. Folks, sometimes, we choose to be alone and then we wonder why no one stands for us. 

I would love to tell you that she changed and became a sociable person, but that would be a lie. In fact, quite the opposite. She was a very bitter person who had nothing good to say about anyone. Imagine if she offered even a small bit of herself to someone. I'm sure life would have been a wee bit better for her. Or at least, happier. 

The Lord knows, I love to be alone, but it wasn't my solitude that got me through 4 bouts of ovarian cancer. It was the love and support of many people, some I've never met. The more people we know, the more people can pray for our intercession. We need other people. We need Jesus in our life. We are not meant to be alone. We choose to be alone. That is a completely different thing altogether. As much as I value my privacy and alone time, I love to have a chat about a project or something important to me with someone else. Wouldn't you?

Have a blessed day everyone. 

The Chore Of It

                                                          Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey.





Come, children, let us go!
We travel hand in hand;
Each in his brother finds his joy
In this wild stranger land.
The strong be quick to raise
The weaker when they fall;
Let love and peace and patience bloom
In ready help for all.
G. TERSTEEGEN


Good Lord! I don't know how this microwave got this dirty, but now I have no choice, but to clean it. I detest cleaning. If I added up all the times I had to clean in my lifetime, what would that look like? I'm not sure if I want to know. Why get depressed? 

I wish I knew how to keep the place spotless at all times. I think every housewife out there has been contemplating this issue for decades, maybe even centuries. That's one reason why I want a small place. The bigger  the place one has, the more cleanup it involves. 

My fellow co-worker, a mother of four, exclaimed that she has no idea if ever her home was completely spotless. As soon as one room gets cleaned, another gets messed up. I guess the more people living in a home, the bigger the mess.  Does that make me feel any better? No, I still have to clean up my mess.

So what do I detest to clean the most? Ugh, the bathroom and the refrigerator. For my Aubs, it's laundry. I think we all have that one or two chores that we dislike very much. Yet, we keep on trucking. Then one day, after being in house full of people, we find ourselves living alone. Funny thing is, we actually look for something to clean then. 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Simply Coffee Pt. 2

                                                                         Everyday is a brand new day, 
                                                                         everyday is a journey.



Mine be the reverent, listening love 
That waits all day on Thee, 
With the service of a watchful heart 
Which no one else can see. 
A. L. WARING.



A few months back, I wrote a post on coffee and the benefits/harmful effects it has on our bodies. I gave it up cold turkey and became a tea toddler instead. At first, it was very difficult for my body to become accustomed to the lack of caffeine. I couldn't find a substitute for that flavor to sustain me nor satisfy my thirst. I tried all types of teas and it took quite a few weeks for my body to become accustomed to my new routine, but it did. 

Yet, I became very lethargic. I should explain that this past Winter I had probably for the very first time, the blues. I really suffered from not having the sunshine that we need. That may sound ridiculous to you, but several people felt the same way I did. I became lethargic, terribly fatigued.

Now I know that my body has undergone tremendous damage from all the years of having cancer. The treatments of chemo and radiation have taken a toll on my body and it will be a very long time until my body will recover fully. I understand all that and believe me, I am very well aware of my body.

All of that brings me to the conclusion that I need that cup of coffee in the morning. I went back to having a cup of coffee every morning. I have to be honest that I don't enjoy coffee anymore. I love drinking my tea, especially the mint flavor. 

Like I said before, there are a multitude of benefits as well as
harmful effects from drinking coffee. The point here is that we can distinguish which one either aids in or harms our health. If you are having problems with your heart, you shouldn't be drinking coffee. In fact, none of us should be drinking coffee all day long. Anything that is taken in over indulgence isn't good for us. There has to be a perfect balance in all we do.

I've always been very honest with all of you with my journey here to better manage my cancer. I wanted to bring this before you, because I didn't want anyone to think I didn't live what I preach. There are many times that I have fallen off the path, but I do get back on track. 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Another Typical Tuesday

                                                               Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey.







Be useful where thou livest, that they may
  Both want and wish thy pleasing presence still.
  ...Find out men's wants and will,
  And meet them there. All worldly joys go less
  To the one joy of doing kindnesses.
G. HERBERT

I awakened way before the set time on the alarm clock ever beeped 6 a.m. It has been raining for the last week or more, especially at night. I needed to drop off my mom at the bus station and I was afraid the road connecting our homes was blocked, because of flooding. Luckily, it wasn't. 

The air hung with moisture. One could feel more rain was coming. Last night, at both Emily's and mine work, the lights went out. It was thundering and lightening struck violently across the darkening sky. It was a bad storm. That's exactly how it felt this morning as I headed out to mom's place. There was another storm coming. 

Tuesday has been quite a busy day for me for the last couple of weeks. Finishing my task with mom, there was enough time left for a quick shower and breakfast before heading out to my Beth Moore Bible study. These mornings go by so quick and the next thing I know, it's time for work. Tuesday is just busy!

I spent my Mother's Day evening at home attempting to watch "Unforgotten" on PBS. I say attempting to, because I couldn't turn on the darn television. I was all set with my tea and crocheting on the coffee table. We have like all these remotes. One for the telly, one for the games, one for the cable and on and on. I'm pressing all of them and I got as far as turning it on, but I couldn't get the right input. 

Frustrated, I call Emily at work. 
Emily: Vero.
Me: How do you turn on the t.v.?
Emily: Really mom? I have a line of people waiting on the busiest day of the week and you can't turn on the t.v.? 
Me: Just tell me.
Emily: I don't have time for that. I have angry, impatient customers waiting.

She was absolutely no help to me at all. Hope you have a wonderful and blessed day.

Another Breakfast

                                                          Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey.


Come hither, lads, and harken,

For a tale there is to tell

Of the wonderful days a-coming,

When all shall be better than well.

Come, then, let us cast off fooling,

And put by ease and rest,

For the cause alone is worthy

Till the good days bring the best.

--William Morris.

I really love our Women Breakfasts. After being away from Church activities for so long, I find this to be a blessing. Just the fact that it's available when I am off work is enough for me to quickly sign up every month. I have a been praying for activities such as this one for years. 

It never fails that whenever the day arrives there is a major weather forecast. Either there is a major thunderstorm or in the last case, a blizzard. So far, it has been a perfectly sunny and beautiful Saturday morning. Talk about the devil trying to keep us away. 

Only once have I gone by myself. All other times, I have two lovely ladies who love to join me. One is my mom and the other a young lady named Cindy. There is also a theme speaker for that morning and I love hearing what each one has to say. Just the fact that I can meet the different staff members of this mega Church is big for me. I can hear what they stand for and see them in person. 

This is the first Breakfast since I made the decision to come every two months alternating between my Ministry and this Women's Breakfast. It seemed as if it was months and months since I've been here. I missed it for sure. In fact, I wasn't even planning on going to this one, but one of my girlfriends was interested. Talk about last minute decision making!

I've discovered that I actually need this time for myself. We spend so much time being everything to everyone else that we forget to feed our souls. We are so good at taking care of our loved ones, but never ourselves. I've enjoyed myself immensely. I look forward to the next one. 

Let me encourage each of you to go out there and do something for yourself. It doesn't matter what that may be. It could just include a walk in the park or a coffee in a shoppe. What feeds your soul? What relaxes you? I encourage you to find it and live it. 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Supper Time Is Sacred

                                                                               Everyday is a brand new day,
                                                                                everyday is a journey.


Pitch they behavior law,
thy projects high,
so shalt thou
humble and magnanimous be
sink not in spirit who
aimeth at the sky,
shoots higher than he that
means a tree.
George Herbert


It's always incredibly funny to me that both of my children love to sit down at the kitchen table for Supper. No television or phones or any kind of devices are allowed, just family conversation. I think it all has to do with the fact that I've worked second shift during their childhood and that was something we rarely did as a family. I wasn't around at Supper. I was at work.

It's no surprise to me at all that even though Emily has been working on Sunday religiously, she still wants that Supper time. We've made accommodations to have lunch together on Sunday before her schedule to work. 

Funny thing is that people I know think that's crazy. Their belief is that families don't sit at the kitchen table anymore. I'm afraid they are correct. I can remember far back when I was a young girl going over to my friend's house. Supper was spent in total silence. They might have sat at the table together, but no one spoke a word. Her mom would read a book. Her dad the paper. My house was no different. Both my parents were away at work, so us kids would eat wherever and whenever. 

Those were the times and we turned out fine. Yet, it seems my kids wanted more and changed our whole Supper routine for the better. Where did they get all that smarty stuff? I wish I was as smart at their age, life would have been better. Or at least, smoother. What does Supper time at your house look like? 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

When Push Comes To Shove

                                                               Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey. 

Where our Captain bids us go,
'T is not ours to murmur, "No,"
He that gives the sword and shield,
Chooses too the battle-field
On which we are to fight the foe.
ANON.

Sometimes, God just keeps pushing us into a place where we don't want to go. That doesn't stop Him at all. He pushes even harder. That's where I'm at lately, in a place where I'm fighting not to be in. 

It's more about acceptance than anything else. Is my will the same as God's will for me? A lot of times, we are on two separate wavelengths. I always ask myself that question, because just in case we are not and it's wishful thinking on my part. It's always fine when we both want the same thing, right?

It's also about trust, trust in God that He has our best interests and He knows me better than I do myself. Trust that His plan is far better than anything I could ever do myself. It always is even when it doesn't seem that it could be, until it actually happens. Only then, do we see the why.

So what is God pushing you towards right now? Are you resisting? Are you wondering why you are where you are at? I ask myself these questions all the time, especially when it comes to two areas in my life: my work life and my children's requests. Why oh why are we at where we are or most importantly, when are we getting out of this path? 

The fact is that when God pushes me and I finally do what He wants from me, things are better in my life. I feel better and wonder to myself, why haven't I listened from the beginning? If we only knew ahead of time . . .. 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Letters Of Encouragement Pt.5

                                                             Everyday is a brand new day,
                                                             everyday is a journey.




Though man a thinking being is defined,
Few use the grand prerogative of mind.
How few think justly of the thinking few!
How many never think, who think they do!

--Jane Taylor.

I really love re-reading these letters. When one is feeling down, wondering if anyone is listening or reading, it lifts my spirits to know that someone was touched by my story. That's the entire purpose here. It's not the glory, the recognition or what a great writer I am. Can my story help someone else? I want this blog to help others, to somehow provide hope in a dark season. I hope you enjoy the following letter.

Joey,
Yesterday, you gave some insight about how you felt alone when you found out the news about your mother's cancer. Then you led your listening audience to the promises which are abundant regarding Christ's presence in the Bible. 

Well, my children can definitely relate to your loss because it's because it's been nearly 6 years since their father, age 42 went to the Lord. Trials after trials have been an unwelcomed visitor in our family, but always with a purpose in God's plan. I would need to write a book to be able to compact all of the ways in which God has used this situation. I'm glad that God has used you to share with others about the hope that lies in His promises. 

Thank you for being transparent with your experience so that it could benefit people like me. May God continue to ease your pain and look forward to an eternity with your mother. 
M.R.

Have a blessed day everyone.