tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19916338259945511352024-02-07T10:38:06.485-06:00Two White ButterfliesLoving relationships heal the soul.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-4708212555350520732016-07-11T20:19:00.000-05:002016-07-11T20:19:05.484-05:00When the Last Leaf Fell<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know how much longer our marriage will last,” I
said. “I don’t know what will happen to my marriage,” I said to the woman who
was sitting across from me. And then, as I finished my sentence, a yellow leaf,
fluttered to the couch and down to the floor and I said,” Is that an omen?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I do not know,” she said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I sat there with tears streaming down my face. My
thoughts swirled past thoughts and memories of thirty-nine years together and
our dating and friendship years before that. The joys and sorrows, mixed
feelings, school, work, kids and raising a family, and now we were here, aged,
senior citizens, grandparents, and the life between us sucked. We barely could
speak, without one of us becoming uncomfortable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The leaf falling had to been an omen. The death of our
marriage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or, was it? Was the leaf signifying the death, the end of
what we have known in marriage? Could it be that we are heading for a dormant
season of winter, that looks so bleak that even the birds fly south and we are
left alone, stark, lonely, accepting the winds of time, and needing to weather
the blizzards and cold winds and sleet that will come our way and even break
off branches or major boughs that we have treasured? Can I? Can he? Can we, together,
weather this storm that has come before us? Can we? Will we make it? Can I make
it through another day? Another winter? Will he be able to do the same? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The thought occurred to me that a falling leaf, even the
last one, doesn’t signify death. It only signifies the end of a season and God
created trees with the resilience to be able to flex in the winds and during seasons
of storms. So also, I must grow deep roots in the loving soil and deep,
refreshing, and nourishing waters of God’s love, His Spirit, and His Presence,
to know and abide in and with Him. Apart from God, I am nothing and can do
nothing of eternal value or significance. I’d just be a stick in the ground or,
one could say, a “stick in the mud.” With God, on the other hand, I can do all
things that He has created and designed for me to do and be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although my tree may look bare, as the last leaf has fallen,
I do believe that spring follows winter, and in His perfect timing, I will bear
fruit, the fruit of His Spirit and have leaves that do not fade. I will drink
from His nourishing wellspring of Love and, eventually, transform into an
evergreen tree, growing by His everlasting stream of love, grace, forgiveness,
mercy, and truth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, until I am more fully transformed, I will
accept this season of desolation and despair, with these bleak, dark, and dreary
branches, knowing that, in time and in due season, my branches will show forth
buds of life and bloom with the fruit of His Spirit!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peace to you and God bless you, as well!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sincerely, and in His Love,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c. 2015</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>P.S. I wrote this last
summer on August 20, 2015. I’m very grateful to say that my husband and I have weathered the most difficult storm of our lives and were able to recently
celebrate our 40<sup>th</sup> anniversary, with joy and delight, having grown
with the help of others who came alongside us, with prayers, working together,
and allowing and trusting the work of God’s Spirit in our lives, as well. Thank
you to all who have supported us on our journey together. We are forever
grateful.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-61765874972210505052015-12-20T23:59:00.000-06:002015-12-21T01:02:06.900-06:00My Grandma's Love<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I celebrated the home going of my beloved grandma. She
died suddenly on December 20<sup>th</sup>, when I was twelve. It was a
difficult time for me, and yet, today, after many decades of missing her, I can
celebrate her life and smile because I know my grandma loved me and I believe
her love lives on in my heart and life today. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I grew up, my family lived on the east coast and we traveled each summer to visit my grandma and my other grandparents in Wisconsin
for a couple weeks. Grandma always greeted me with a big hug after our two day
trip. She had her delicious date-filled, oatmeal cookies waiting for us,
along with her homemade pan of “Mounds Bars,” that tasted just like the candy
from the store! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember when Grandma purchased a red, metal, <i>Radio Flyer</i> wagon for my sister, two
cousins, and me to play with when we visited her. We’d pull each other in the
wagon, or better yet, push each other, so we could take turns sitting in the
wagon, while steering with the handle and experience the sense of driving on
the sidewalks around her block! What fun that was!! Grandma wasn’t concerned
about which toys boys or girls played with. I enjoyed playing with her
assortment of plastic army men and trucks and jeeps, too, as well as whatever
else she had around for us kids.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes, Grandma would ask my older cousin and me to walk
two blocks to Timm’s Dairy, a corner grocery store, to pick up some bread or
milk. It was extra fun, when she’d give us money to each buy an orange push-up!
What a cool and refreshing treat! She also allowed me to water her grass, one
year, when it was extremely dry. I stood at the corner of her front walk, where
it met the main sidewalk, and watered a two-foot square section of brown grass
until I could “see” it turning green! It took a long time and I think it mostly
looked like mud, but that was fine with Grandma!! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 13.5pt;">J</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember, when I was young, telling my Grandma that our
time zone was an hour behind hers, since we lived on the east coast and she
lived in the Midwest. I believe she probably gently told me the correct answer
and when I disagreed, but she didn’t argue with me or try to force the correct
answer on me. Instead, she just listened to me and let me figure it out and
learn it for myself, when I was able to understand it better. I cherish that
memory and look back with appreciation at her kind and wise response. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I still remember visiting Grandma’s house and finding an
old, hand-wringer washing machine in her basement and thought it was strange
and funny. I remember the large, metal keyholes in her bathroom and bedroom
door locks that were so big, you could look through them. They needed a large,
black, metal key to lock or unlock them. I remember the round, table set in the
corner of her dining room where my sister and two cousins ate, while all the
adults sat around a very large dining room table. Those were such good times to
share together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was surprised when I visited the 3<sup>rd</sup> grade
Sunday school class at my Grandma’s church. The teacher asked the children if
they had been reading their Bibles during the week. I didn’t even know I was
supposed to be reading a Bible, even though I went to church and Sunday school,
every week, with my parents. My parents had a Bible sitting on an end table.
They said to never set anything on it because it was an important book and we
were to be sure to dust it before the pastor visited. I realized, later, that
Grandma went to a church that believed and talked about God’s word and faith in
God as being important, real, and personally meaningful.<span style="color: grey; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 128;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was happy when we moved from New Jersey to Illinois and
were able to see Grandma for Christmas. How exciting it was to see her and my
other grandparents, and many other relatives, too! The second year, we looked
forward to visiting her again! Mom talked with Grandma, a week before
Christmas, and they talked about us driving up to see her. Grandma was all
ready for us, with her presents wrapped and sitting under her Christmas tree,
and her baking was done, including her delicious date-filled oatmeal cookies. A
couple days later, my sister and I walked four blocks to Central Park in our
town to see Santa Claus. As we waited in line, a neighbor lady came up to us
and said we had to go home right away. We found out that my beloved grandma had
died, five days before Christmas, and we would not be seeing her at all, not at
Christmas, nor ever again. I remember sitting on our living room couch, looking
up at the ceiling, trying desperately to keep my tears from falling down my
face, while our pastor visited us that evening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a very difficult Christmas for all of us. Even though
I was twelve, I was not allowed to go into my Grandma’s house, and wished I
could have visited, one last time, to take in more memories to add to the ones
I had. The strange thing for me was that my other grandparents had paid for a Santa
to visit us at their house on Christmas Eve and we were supposed to sing for
him before he would give us any presents. I didn’t feel like singing that year.
I missed my Grandma!!! Then, on Christmas morning, my little brother had to
have emergency surgery to put tubes in his ears to help with his ear infections!
It was a different Christmas for all of us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember going to Grandma’s funeral at church and being so
surprised to see someone who looked just like my grandma!!! It turned out to be
my great aunt from Montana, my grandma’s sister, whom I had not met. I think I
thought Grandma had come back from the dead; they looked so much like! I was
disappointed that I couldn’t go to the cemetery site to see Grandma’s body laid
to rest. I think I had to stay in the nursery to take care of my younger
brother. It was also pretty cold outside. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNymP2zL123Xu_7SpHJe4GNs8rT-cxhDeEhGCydH9vkvzX8B0gGN_pS76v162CfGG3zZUcX7bqx4p__Flstn8SgUlWRKk5Gytda0Y0y28rG5Xxte2L7QmR3W6-a4Z8T6vIwzvISde4hpm/s1600/IMG_20151220_111224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNymP2zL123Xu_7SpHJe4GNs8rT-cxhDeEhGCydH9vkvzX8B0gGN_pS76v162CfGG3zZUcX7bqx4p__Flstn8SgUlWRKk5Gytda0Y0y28rG5Xxte2L7QmR3W6-a4Z8T6vIwzvISde4hpm/s320/IMG_20151220_111224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even to this day, I still treasure the gift that Grandma had
sitting under her Christmas tree for me that year. It was a pink and white pin
cushion, with a two-inch, crocheted, lace-like edge around it. She had pinned
it to a piece of cardboard and wrote, “To Linda, from Grandma” with the year on
it. That was her last note to me. Oh, how I miss her and cherish that note and
gift!!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I learned two other things about my Grandma, after she died,
that told me about her faith in God. At her funeral, I learned that her
favorite song was, “I Come to the Garden Alone” by Charles A. Miles. The words
of the song are: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal;"> </span></i><!--[endif]--><i>I come to the garden alone,<br />
While the dew is still on the roses,<br />
And the voice I hear falling on my ear<br />
The Son of God discloses.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 15.0pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 10pt;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i>Refrain:</i><i><br />
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,<br />
And He tells me I am His own;<br />
And the joy we share as we tarry there,<br />
None other has ever known.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<a href="http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/In_the_Garden/">http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/In_the_Garden/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
These
words tell me of a person who talks with God, as a friend – honest and true –
and one who trusts God, in the morning and the evening, and all day long.
Grandma became a widow, with two daughters and a son, ages 16, 11, and 7 to
raise on her own. Although my grandfather had owned and run a candy store in
town, with homemade candies made from his special recipes, he had no recipes
written down, and my grandma could not continue the business. I am sure that my
Grandma’s faith, ingenuity, and strength of character are what kept her going,
especially, at that time, and in the years that followed. My grandma was able
to continue living in her home by making the upstairs of her two-story house
into an apartment that she could rent for income, while she and her children
continued to live on the main floor. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
Another
interesting story that helps me know more about my grandma’s faith is what my
mom told me about the events at the time of Grandma’s death. Grandma lived
alone and we were all glad that she didn’t die alone, especially in her
basement, where she may not have been found for several days. Apparently, my
grandma had called a friend, around supper-time, to say that she wasn’t feeling
well. The friend had been stirring her soup on the stove and felt an urge to
stop what she was doing and go over to my grandma’s house right away. She
turned off the stove and went to see my grandma. Grandma answered the door and
they sat on her couch, talking about Christmas. Then, Grandma said she was
tired and died in her friends arms. I can’t think of a better way to pass from
this life to the next, especially when you live alone. I am so glad that
Grandma’s friend, trusted the nudge that she had from the Lord to go and be
with my grandma, at that time. I’m grateful for them having such a remarkable
and close friendship, and that each of them trusted God enough to listen to His
“still, small voice” and were led by His Spirit in their lives. To me, this is
a testament of my grandma’s faith in God, as well as her friend’s faith, too,
and of their very special friendship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
Grandma
was the only person who loved me with such an amazing and unconditional love. I
remember one time I was visiting at her house, and was looking out her window,
trying to see what the three girls in her neighborhood were doing, across the
street. As I got closer to the window, my forehead bumped the window and
cracked the glass! I was very surprised and also petrified that I’d be in
trouble and get yelled at, but no, Grandma took me in her arms and loved me all
the same. I will never forget her kind gesture towards me that day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
Interestingly,
as the years went by, and I grew up, I missed my grandma tremendously. I missed
her when I graduated from high school and went to college. I missed her being
present at my wedding. I missed being able to tell her about being pregnant and
sharing the joy of each of our four children born into our family. I missed
being able to tell her about my children, as they grew up. I missed her every
single Christmas, and when December 20<sup>th</sup> arrived, I’d think of her
and miss her even more. I drove past her house and around her block, where she
had lived, many times. I’d also visit her gravesite and those of her husband,
sister, parents, and other relatives. As time went by, I’d also be at the
cemetery where she was buried, for the burial of other relatives - my other
grandparents, my aunts, a great aunt, and others, and I’d always stop at her
grave afterwards, even if I had to search and look for her gravestone, under the
snow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
After
missing my beloved grandmother terribly for over 43 years, I went to a six-week
class on grief and realized that she was the primary, loving parental figure in
my life. Then, I understood why she meant so much to me and why I experienced
such a deep, ongoing loss, for all of those years. I was finally able to grieve
her death fully and appreciate her for who she was and what she meant to me and
still means to me. Since I believe that love never ends, I believe her spirit
of love lives on, not just in heaven, and not just within my heart, but I
believe I can sense her presence of spirit with me - when I picture her sitting
with me or walking or talking with me; especially, at times when I need her
loving presence, even just briefly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WGKWpJvxhS4ROQZyPakxMUk1EHAc1olhVBu8tJQdiUkBmOgXX36L19gWzNrZnhXF1KZKXRm_PttmdybJcioOwmnQTrmZZg72zmNpy132vb-INAv1PsvuoG4OHEu6MNjgn8IG0wRG__5n/s1600/IMG_20141216_040533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WGKWpJvxhS4ROQZyPakxMUk1EHAc1olhVBu8tJQdiUkBmOgXX36L19gWzNrZnhXF1KZKXRm_PttmdybJcioOwmnQTrmZZg72zmNpy132vb-INAv1PsvuoG4OHEu6MNjgn8IG0wRG__5n/s320/IMG_20141216_040533.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent;">In time, I have learned to celebrate her life and be
grateful for her. I smile when I think of her, and yet, there are still those
moments of sadness, when I miss her being here, in the flesh. Each year, just
before Christmas, I set the gifts she gave me, the ones I still have, under my
Christmas tree. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">It’s a way for me to remember her and to remember her love for
me, and to celebrate her life and how she touched mine and made such an impact
on me and my faith, as well. I set out my favorite stuffed animal, a monkey
named Chippy, with brown fur and a plastic face, hands, and white tennis shoes.
My sister and I each received a monkey for Christmas from Grandma, with
slightly different colored fur. When my sister thought it was hers, we both
pulled on him and his plastic hand fell off. She no longer wanted him, but I
loved him all the more, and still do, even though my youngest sister played
with him while I was at college and he has very little fur </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">now. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4V0YMYxtlY5IzHu5ZdB5xW7RD42Luhjw_OUx8t7MbVDauPaahuZUoZuSVjwo-JJECTdN2G0i-UkFRVPCc_W_TsnRSZKBBY6x4tqWRxHBP2jqs8dgzSPgPYg6k5JFR9O9Env1tuxw9OWY/s1600/IMG_20141216_040518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4V0YMYxtlY5IzHu5ZdB5xW7RD42Luhjw_OUx8t7MbVDauPaahuZUoZuSVjwo-JJECTdN2G0i-UkFRVPCc_W_TsnRSZKBBY6x4tqWRxHBP2jqs8dgzSPgPYg6k5JFR9O9Env1tuxw9OWY/s320/IMG_20141216_040518.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="background-color: transparent;">I also set out
two coloring books from her – one of fashion hats and one of RinTinTin. Then, I
set out a G.I. Joe doll that has </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">always seemed strange to me, because he wasn’t
as much fun to play with as my Barbie dolls. I also set the beautiful pink and
white, crocheted pin cushion doily with the piece of cardboard, on which
Grandma had written my name and the year, in her own handwriting – her last
note to me, tenderly under my Christmas tree. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaxsyL1o7-PyUrWWPr2gC9PYN2acMboRiXEjbMnDlcC8AnrmCpFynTtWG_jFMpQYnCINuaiaK36LOXiTsY-mspX-3ZHWktR15rFcNnuTY8yhsdJA1m-eFokB_BWAVKLMzX_SGAGay9O0y/s1600/IMG_20141216_040558+-+Copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaxsyL1o7-PyUrWWPr2gC9PYN2acMboRiXEjbMnDlcC8AnrmCpFynTtWG_jFMpQYnCINuaiaK36LOXiTsY-mspX-3ZHWktR15rFcNnuTY8yhsdJA1m-eFokB_BWAVKLMzX_SGAGay9O0y/s200/IMG_20141216_040558+-+Copy+2.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></div>
Lastly, I set out a black and
white photo taken <span style="background-color: transparent;">of my Grandma and me, the summer before she died, standing in
front of our family station wagon, just before we drove back home. We have our
arms around each other and I can see she’s hugging me, as always, with genuine
love for me, as I look at the indentation of her hand against my sweater. I know my grandma loved me!!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year, as I continued my new tradition of remembering
and celebrating my grandma’s life, I sat, looking at the monkey, the coloring
books, the G.I. Joe doll, the pin-cushion, as well as, at our picture together,
sitting under our Christmas tree, and thought of her. And, then, for the first
time ever, I had a new sense and appreciation for my G.I. Joe doll! I realized
what it had probably meant to my grandma!! She had been a widow for several
years, having lost her husband, father, and sister in one year, when her only
son went overseas, during WWII, and she did not know if he would come back
alive or wounded, or at all. I had a new respect and understanding of my
grandma that day, and empathized with her possible feelings, of having her son
away, in the war, and appreciated her amazing strength and deep and abiding
faith that must have helped her get through extremely difficult times. I felt
like she had shared a deep and personal part of her life with me. I felt closer
to her then, and still do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, I also appreciated again, the “red, Christmas
boot” with plastic mistletoe from my grandma</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LGPqhpgyoFiDSmp4yAlemUNpVuQkhTDa8otZi_VaHgH5klGyseGnO57JYOhCQT6dqvKaQsjI7xZz475Q3O92c9TLbr4F_GcnWL47Dws3XDZK1YWDEzelvPhLDwkTSb5cpd8s_VwraNK3/s1600/IMG_20151220_111113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LGPqhpgyoFiDSmp4yAlemUNpVuQkhTDa8otZi_VaHgH5klGyseGnO57JYOhCQT6dqvKaQsjI7xZz475Q3O92c9TLbr4F_GcnWL47Dws3XDZK1YWDEzelvPhLDwkTSb5cpd8s_VwraNK3/s320/IMG_20151220_111113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
that I set out every year on our
piano and the two small, wooden ornaments from my grandma – one of a red cardinal
and one of two angels singing.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My grandma’s spirit of love touches me, even to this day. I
know her love for me is with me, on this day and always!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Thank you, Grandma,
for your amazing gift of love for me and for sharing your deep faith and
tremendous compassion with me and with others. I will always remember and
appreciate you and your gift of love for me. I look forward to when I can see
you again, on the other side, when I, too, have been transformed from this body
of flesh, to the new one that God will give me, at that time. Until then, I
love you, Grandma!! (2015-12-20)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda, c. 2015</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-17820065735160892862015-10-09T15:50:00.001-05:002015-10-09T22:50:26.917-05:00Finding Gratefulness in Difficult Moments of Life<div class="MsoNormal">
This week, I became aware that it’s possible to transform old
experiences from memories of something painful into memories of learning
something new and for which I can be grateful, and by developing my integrity,
which can only happen during times of conflict or stress. Needless to say, this
is not something for someone who runs away from fearful or troubling memories
or is unable to act out of courage and faith.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Monday, in a community education class, <i>Gratitude Castle, </i>I learned that a
gratitude journal provides a way to record past or present experiences from a
perspective of acceptance and appreciation. It provides an invitation to view
difficult experiences from a perspective that’s different than the one used at
the time of an incident. It allows the brain, the mind, the body, soul, and
spirit to integrate into a collective understanding, with a sense of knowing
that whatever happened was for a reason, for a lesson to be learned, and was
for one’s ultimate good, and for experiencing abundance in this life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can choose to remain stubborn and remain stuck with the
memories and feelings of a past incident, forever rehashing what happened, from
my perspective, at that time, only to relive the same feelings and thoughts
over and over. I could continue to ask myself, “Why did it have to happen that
way?” or “What if it hadn’t happened?” or Why me?” or “How can I get past
this?” or tell myself, “I should have known better!” but each of these
responses only digs the rut of those same thoughts and feelings deeper and
deeper.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I learned about keeping a gratitude journal,
I heard about how I can practice “living through gratitude,” as a way of being
and looking at the universe, the world in which I live, including the spiritual
aspects of life. I recall Bible verses I have known and sought to live by,
including: “Give thanks in all circumstances” and “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
(See: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Philippians 4:4) I have interpreted these
verses to mean, “Try to do this! Try to look at the positive side. Try to see
the silver lining in every cloud,” but after a while, darkness sets in,
thoughts and feelings repeat, and a rut is formed. It’s very difficult to get
out of a well-worn rut, especially during storms when the rain is pelting down
so hard that it just makes the mud deeper and more slippery. There is no or
very little traction found in a muddy rut, especially during the difficult
storms of life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend and teacher, Linda Abbott, explained how life’s
experiences, no matter how difficult or unbearable, become our life’s lessons
and it’s those lessons that become our memories. Our memories, no matter how
painful, can be transformed from shock, terror, disappointment, disillusionment,
unbearable grief, deep loss, and heartache to something totally new,
surprising, even joyful… such as what I wrote in <i>My Grandma’s Love, </i>where, after forty-three years of grieving my
grandmother’s death, five days before Christmas when I was twelve, I was
finally able to celebrate her life, each year, and every moment I think of or
remember her. I am also able to sense new things about my grandmother and her life, and
imagine her loving presence with me, when I need a grandma’s love. Learning how
to fully grieve her untimely and sudden death, decades after being unable to,
has taught me that I can find ways to let go of other deeply personal and
difficult emotions from old hurts and wounded places in my heart, mind, body,
and soul. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his book, <i>Rock the
Boat, </i>Resmaa Menakem wrote: “Integrity only appears when there is conflict
or stress. It doesn’t take integrity to do the right thing when nothing stands
in your way.” This, too, fits my need and desire to take an honest look at old
memories that have not yet been transformed, bringing my heart, mind, soul,
spirit, and body into full agreement in what was meant to eventually be an
integral learning experience for my good and for the good of others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With these things in mind, I look forward to continuing with
this class and learning from one who has lived through extremely difficult
times and found ways to transform the ashes of her difficult experiences into
beauty, with love, truth, faith, hope, acceptance, and gratefulness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what I want to do, as I seek to allow God’s Spirit
of love and light to shine into my dark and hidden places, revealing truth and
lessons to be learned, as I choose to look at and ponder these things from more
than my single-minded, myopic perspective.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe, as I allow the Spirit of Love to enter more and
more of my being, acceptance, trust, hope, and faith will grow, and that’s when
and where I will see transformation happen!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda, c. 2015</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-88233661514130567082015-06-15T20:48:00.000-05:002015-06-15T20:50:24.591-05:00A Different Perspective!<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuElcf8qkIbiqc02V6cJfxonDLAdTYwc_3R7w0hZfYbXCfzcZ85WP-d1cXoQTIaU_qKhiulAFTx2IeTC3AqHKXV3QZ8tbbovb16dQHOQkKnyE8wKiR13ZhxGr6Kz55tLdnabwzci7FOoq/s1600/Thnis+may+go+worng+today+but+focus+on+what's%2Bgoing%2Bright.%2BStay%2Bpositive%2Band%2Bkeep%2Bgoing..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuElcf8qkIbiqc02V6cJfxonDLAdTYwc_3R7w0hZfYbXCfzcZ85WP-d1cXoQTIaU_qKhiulAFTx2IeTC3AqHKXV3QZ8tbbovb16dQHOQkKnyE8wKiR13ZhxGr6Kz55tLdnabwzci7FOoq/s320/Thnis+may+go+worng+today+but+focus+on+what's%2Bgoing%2Bright.%2BStay%2Bpositive%2Band%2Bkeep%2Bgoing..jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
The words
of this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lessonslearnedinlife/photos/a.109979089073806.15189.109759299095785/975575085847531/?type=1&theater">poster picture</a> went straight to my heart, when I was experiencing a
difficult time in my life. The message struck a chord of truth for me. I stopped
to allow the words to permeate deep within my mind. They continued to seep into my
heart and found their way to my soul and spirit. I was able to refocus my
thoughts and my feelings flowed. With
a renewed spirit, I was able to begin moving forward again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141823;">When something
doesn’t seem right in my life or something unexpected happens, i</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;">t's so easy to focus on my half-filled cup</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;">. It's as if something's missing, needs to change, or something's wrong. I begin to wonder
why others appear to have filled cups and I don’t. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;">I’ve tried filling my cup with activities or
relationships that are important to me. Sometimes, I fill it with food or other things I have purchased. I’ve prayed for myself and others, and have written out my conversations with
God, to help me slow down and listen to what I think He would say, if He were next to me. This helps, sometimes, but eventually, my cup continues to
appear half-filled.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141823;">If my cup were filled to the top, I think I’d probably
be sloshing it around and spilling it all over, as I live my life, and end up
with a half-filled cup, anyway. </span><span style="background: white;">Perhaps,
we were created to have cups that are only half-full so the rest of the cup can
be filled with something else – maybe even something invisible! Perhaps, there’s
more to this world than what we can see with our eyes.<span style="color: #141823;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">I’m
beginning to think we were created to carry the unique parts of ourselves in
our cups – a combination of our physical and mental traits and abilities,
personality, and experiences - and then allow God to fill our cups to
overflowing with His Spirit – a spirit of love, joy, peace, goodness, mercy,
and forgiveness. Perhaps these two unique and different parts were meant to come
together, such that the seen and unseen parts mix and combine, until something
new is created – a new creation! I believe we can welcome the work of God’s
Spirit within ourselves to transform us, through faith-filled decisions, or we
can remain stuck in our old ways of thinking and doing things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">For
now, I will choose to consider the difficult times in my life as “blessings in
disguise” and trust they are part of God’s loving plan for me to grow and
mature. He gives me ample opportunities to make faith-filled choices, again and again,
so I can grow up, little by little, in faith and love and, thereby, witness the
wonderful transformation and blessings He has in store for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">Sometimes,
it seems painstakingly slow, to watch and wait for the growth to be seen. I
think it’s similar to a farmer or gardener, who prepares the soil of their field
or garden before planting the seeds, knowing and hoping that most of the seeds
will sprout, take root, and grow into something not yet seen. In the same way, I
will trust that God will do His amazing and unseen work in my life, as I allow Him to fill
my cup with His Spirit of love and, as I make decisions that allow His Spirit to take
root, deep within my heart, mind, soul, and spirit. Hopefully, with patience
and faith-filled choices, I will eventually see more and more of the wonderful
fruit of the Spirit that God desires to grow inside of me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">I
hope and pray each of us will experience the peace and blessings of our
cups overflowing with God's amazing love, grace, and wisdom, mixed together
with all that He gives us to carry for His beautiful purposes. May we truly
experience the privilege of witnessing miraculous transformations in our lives,
and in the lives of those around us, as we choose to allow His Spirit to fill
and permeate our cups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">May God bless
you and me, with His amazing love, peace, and Presence, today and always! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white;">Precious
Linda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-39798531907883008452014-12-14T23:47:00.000-06:002014-12-16T01:02:47.365-06:00A Tree of Christmas Love <div class="MsoNormal">
I recently heard two friends say they did something different this year with their Christmas trees. Instead of having a tree with matching colors, ornaments, or themed ornaments, they each decorated their tree with ornaments that brought back memories. I couldn't help thinking about our tree and the joy it brings me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJzSgBmu_qXz21k0q4zLPtDTancJMz8rpUD7C7eRLKkKSG8_HBy5HCBQmzfJIGh3mncryf1Dx9LkzGKJAXnEvrdi-jEcjkjDhRl3bxdo9xWC09Cob0YpSx87B8eva6ai_GJPUtqnJyimb/s1600/IMG_9496+-+tree+with+lights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJzSgBmu_qXz21k0q4zLPtDTancJMz8rpUD7C7eRLKkKSG8_HBy5HCBQmzfJIGh3mncryf1Dx9LkzGKJAXnEvrdi-jEcjkjDhRl3bxdo9xWC09Cob0YpSx87B8eva6ai_GJPUtqnJyimb/s1600/IMG_9496+-+tree+with+lights.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love my Christmas tree. It’s a memory in and of itself. My husband and I bought it the first year we were married, at a garage sale in August. He said it was too early to think of Christmas, but I knew that for a couple of newlyweds who needed to be frugal, a $3.00 Christmas tree, including the stand, was a good deal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Believe it or not, almost every year since then, I have set up that tree, with its two, pole-like sticks as a trunk, and branches of varying lengths that slide into holes in the trunk, some of which don’t fit as snugly as before. Then I add small, almost bracelet-like greenery that fits around the trunk to hide the pole and make the tree look real. I think it’s beautiful, once it’s loaded with multicolored lights and lots of ornaments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My kids still laugh and almost groan when they see the tree we still use, over three decades later. They comment about how spindly it looks and how they can see right through it, but I figure that it lets in more light from the window <u>AND</u> I can see the ornaments hanging all the way through to the back of the tree!! There are more ornaments to see!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKgaB7gO4FRGeb1F7VI61ulSLMvc41V2g0vBd_8TUQ05aG1WHtoJ7BI0zkRNfpMYyR8MsAoOGwBVRwJYPBZFAM56VFU8IJExShL4PVV8YuXAAqmZZhiqWdlsQw_SsSWw9WOkUqs0tNGqj/s1600/IMG_9490+-+star+and+the+angels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKgaB7gO4FRGeb1F7VI61ulSLMvc41V2g0vBd_8TUQ05aG1WHtoJ7BI0zkRNfpMYyR8MsAoOGwBVRwJYPBZFAM56VFU8IJExShL4PVV8YuXAAqmZZhiqWdlsQw_SsSWw9WOkUqs0tNGqj/s1600/IMG_9490+-+star+and+the+angels.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Every year, I top the tree with the yellow, construction-paper star with gold glitter that my oldest child made in Sunday school when she was three. I lovingly hang up two, small wooden ornaments – two angels singing and a wooden, red cardinal – both gifts from my beloved grandmother who passed away, five days before Christmas, when I was twelve. There are other favorite ornaments such as the ones celebrating our older two children’s first Christmases, with fabric-covered bulbs showing pictures of snow and young children, or the ornament for our youngest son’s fifth Christmas, with a Teddy bear and two candy canes sticking out of a Christmas stocking. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyImnJ_PmbB5GMSFVp8GQcqywJ0jHqndDsZxGs2rI-KueAazwnUl14g1TMdIasJMpC6QkmcnTwBiQhD6KmDSD7aguDQj7YfqnhijDb7Fjbfl7h9HGDMKde5boQwNOtQELMzGaembIZzpTr/s1600/IMG_9417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyImnJ_PmbB5GMSFVp8GQcqywJ0jHqndDsZxGs2rI-KueAazwnUl14g1TMdIasJMpC6QkmcnTwBiQhD6KmDSD7aguDQj7YfqnhijDb7Fjbfl7h9HGDMKde5boQwNOtQELMzGaembIZzpTr/s1600/IMG_9417.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
My husband and I have special ornaments, too - a woman wearing a fancy dress and her motoring hat, sitting in a green, wooden car; a man with a mustache, suit, and his motoring cap, sitting in his red car; a round, wooden ornament with an old-fashioned car in the middle, with the year of our second Christmas, as husband and wife; and a Papa Bear and Mama Bear, hugging, as the Papa Bear kisses her cheek, with the words, "I Love My Honey!"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir2xBjqyAu-AGQXV3XP5fYbpfdpS2ySw-6_LcheB4wmF-QbuDHoNesv8jnmWPXADAC8dD6_cedLU1bGqv6U5dVQjH3lBp3LigHggXR4Z4YeDQy0a8_BGDaaB7zEUJvxRtLeIPvO51tjWG/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir2xBjqyAu-AGQXV3XP5fYbpfdpS2ySw-6_LcheB4wmF-QbuDHoNesv8jnmWPXADAC8dD6_cedLU1bGqv6U5dVQjH3lBp3LigHggXR4Z4YeDQy0a8_BGDaaB7zEUJvxRtLeIPvO51tjWG/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>I enjoy placing several angels on our tree, including a few handmade by friends; a ceramic bell that actually rings; and a girl on a swing from a Hallmark employee who enjoyed seeing me come to the store with my little, curly-headed daughter in a stroller, many times, and gave the ornament to my daughter, as a gift. There are also the first Christmas bulbs we bought for our tree – bright red, unbreakable, fabric-covered bulbs. When our first child helped us decorate the tree, she placed all four of her bulbs on one branch that she could easily reach. Oh, that tree is filled with so many memories!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the years, ornaments have been added that remind us of special memories of when our children were growing up at home. There are the ornaments the kids made at school, including: pictures of our third child and a classmate, framed with toothpicks; a candy cane made out of beads; and baked dough in cookie-cutter shapes. A friend gave me a handmade, triangular-shaped, yarn ornament of a knitted face that says, “Squeeze me.” When you squeeze the cheeks, you see a chocolate, candy kiss inside. My uncle made us three, beautiful wooden ornaments that he intricately cut with his a scroll saw in the shapes of a manger scene, a bell, and an ornate ornament. I treasure those ornaments made with love for us. I smile as I think of the many other special ornaments we hang on our tree each year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjEjrOcYf07GJ11NPTpQJkZz6EIALt8kLYMQq12zNmXarsOvvGJzv1q2nYb8eQPDHDYpdcJHiGewe08Na8L0Ux0Ksdmy52GF_Ia4jV9Npm75nTkIy_NG51RBYN9WLQJuK251bMMu7L3UV/s1600/IMG_9413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjEjrOcYf07GJ11NPTpQJkZz6EIALt8kLYMQq12zNmXarsOvvGJzv1q2nYb8eQPDHDYpdcJHiGewe08Na8L0Ux0Ksdmy52GF_Ia4jV9Npm75nTkIy_NG51RBYN9WLQJuK251bMMu7L3UV/s1600/IMG_9413.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, that tree is filled with memories and I shall always enjoy seeing it, year after year. In fact, sometimes, I’ve left it up until Easter, or once, for an entire year. I enjoy remembering the love of God and others for me and for my family, and the love God gives us to share with others – a love so deep and wide that it fills us to overflowing with His Spirit of Love, through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, who lived and died so that we may know that, together with Christ, we, too, will also rise again, from life on earth, through faith in the One who made this all possible – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - one God, who calls us to be one in love with Him in spirit, and with one another, as well. I can’t think of any gift greater than that, except for His people sharing that amazing gift and spirit of love with others!<br />
<br />
I wish you and your loved ones a very happy and blessed Christmas! Happy Holidays, too!! God bless you all!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Precious Linda, c. 2014</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-68749147152406432492014-10-25T10:56:00.000-05:002014-11-08T20:47:06.806-06:00I Wish I Could Die!<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">I
wish I could die and not feel all this pain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I
wish I could fly over rocky road shame.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I
wish I could never be trampled on again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I
wish I could end it! When will my life end?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I’m
helpless, it’s true! It makes me feel blue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Yellow-bellied,
lily-livered, through and through.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
My
life is a waste. Don’t tell me, “Somehow,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
It’s
worth it to live and I’ll take a bow.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
My
parents don’t love me; they don’t seem to care. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I
feel like an orphan or soiled underwear. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
My
friends are too busy, or don’t really know why<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I
avoid them, and tremble; and then, I just sigh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Others
in this world have it better than me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Some
others have it worse - a lot worse, I see.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Perhaps
I’m in the middle of the “Yuck-o-Meter” now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I
wonder if I can find my way out of this, somehow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I've
heard it said in the really Good Book:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Sometimes
you need to stop, and just take a look<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
At
what’s really around you, and not too far<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
From
the place you are standing, just where you are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<i>It
needs to be okay to be where you are.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<i>You've come
a long way, so follow your Star.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I
can’t find it! I can’t see! It’s way too dark for me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<i>Then turn on a light, or follow One
closely.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<i>It really doesn't matter; just get on
the move<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<i>To become unstuck and to find your
groove!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
My
breathing has settled; I’m much calmer, you know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
There
was so much pent-up energy, I had to let go!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I
thank you, profusely, for letting me vent;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I
hope I didn't ding you up, or give you a dent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Sometimes
my emotions and feelings go wild.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
It
truly wasn't easy for me, as a child.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Sometimes,
I get triggered and really confused,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Mixing
past hurts and present ones, with similar cues.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
For
now, I will breathe, and relax for a while,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Sit
down, and enjoy a much calmer lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
And
then, I will get up and realize somehow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
That
I am a bit different; I do not know how. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I’m
glad I took time to listen to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I’m
no longer the same; I’m happier, you see,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
‘Cause
I've made it past another big hurdle today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
With
practice, it will be easier, come what may. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Precious
Linda, c. 2014</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<i><br /></i>
<i>I slightly edited and revised this poem and posted it here on November 7, 2014.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-14921181882682254072014-07-23T14:00:00.000-05:002014-12-14T23:23:20.554-06:00Take It or Leave It – Truth is a Choice – PG 13 - Finding Light in Unusual Places<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I've been a prick… a finger-pointing, judgmental, a$$h0le… a
“chip off the old block”… a “goody-two-shoes” who has lived a façade or in an
internal prison for most of my life. I’m “coming out”… not in the current,
cultural way that it usually means… but I’m tired of living in an internal
prison, locked within my old mindsets, my old ways of doing things and
thinking. Perhaps you could liken it to a very, very, VERY belated “teenage
rebellion” which, for me, while living at home, was equivalent to annihilation
and the only way I could survive was to go under… hidden… for fear of what
would happen, if I didn't.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, yes, there’s been the church-going, Bible-believing,
praying part of me, too. And, yes, I truly believe there is an awesome God who
loves… others… and I've tried to believe He loves me, too, but when you've
lived underground for so long, it’s sometimes hard to believe there is a place
called, “Daylight.” I've been seeing shimmers of that “Light” and love and care
and kindness in some most extraordinary ways. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Believe it or not, I have found a community of kind people,
who welcome me as part of a family, in an online, model car club. It’s uncanny
what a kind word or a thank you can mean to me. It’s weird to truly build relationships
of trust with other people who I don’t even know and to believe they aren’t
going to hurt me… at least, not intentionally. I learn from them that, even
when life isn’t a bunch of roses, and the thorns in life “hurt like hell,” life
goes on. Many live with internal or external pain or disabilities or difficult
life situations, and yet, they each find a way to go on with their lives and be
encouraging and kind to one another. This is new for me, and I’m sitting here
in tears, letting the pain of living in an internal prison of fear and survival
be released, as I realize, that this is how life has been for me, but there’s
more to life, beyond the pain, beyond the fear, beyond the internal prison, I
have lived in for years - for decades, in fact.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning, I saw the following “poster pic,” posted by a
Facebook friend, and it really made me begin to think about how I've been living
in an “internal prison.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAkP4y-hkAmPw96lhbDumvTIn-HkYGekPplFDfOo0UCK56zvidsEBn4OyXYals2-xvelrd2-elLnLFFqdLhyHiBOgB_LS3sJN9jCiHAX6y8qBlAPD_1dn00JF2R8UudZcrU8ahEuSCtDB/s1600/Sometimes+you+just+have+to+close+your+eyes,+count+to+10,+breathe,+remind+yourself+to+not+be+in+prison+stripes,+smile,+and+walk+away..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAkP4y-hkAmPw96lhbDumvTIn-HkYGekPplFDfOo0UCK56zvidsEBn4OyXYals2-xvelrd2-elLnLFFqdLhyHiBOgB_LS3sJN9jCiHAX6y8qBlAPD_1dn00JF2R8UudZcrU8ahEuSCtDB/s1600/Sometimes+you+just+have+to+close+your+eyes,+count+to+10,+breathe,+remind+yourself+to+not+be+in+prison+stripes,+smile,+and+walk+away..jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I pondered it and thought about how it applied to me,
I wrote: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #EDEFF4; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">“I believe this is true, but for me, it
sounds easier said than done. Instead of being in a literal prison, I have
sometimes felt as if I were in an internal prison. Internal ones are a bummer!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After that, I saw this, which caught me by surprise and I had
to think about it for a while, too:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrIRqp9ExU1MczCZ9q99EFRMK7pbM68zs0aXd8kL9yCu21bK6pfQ8VueYYwtWen5lbUsSeB_hsinO8uoHcMeNkQSKii6gaA1BgSTnsg7WqoE8y_dWsFsG9-xxfTp6Wvj6R7ZRV-BHCtVd/s1600/I+learned+to+give+not+becuase+I+have+a+lot,+but+because+I+know+what+it+feels+like+to+have+nothing..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrIRqp9ExU1MczCZ9q99EFRMK7pbM68zs0aXd8kL9yCu21bK6pfQ8VueYYwtWen5lbUsSeB_hsinO8uoHcMeNkQSKii6gaA1BgSTnsg7WqoE8y_dWsFsG9-xxfTp6Wvj6R7ZRV-BHCtVd/s1600/I+learned+to+give+not+becuase+I+have+a+lot,+but+because+I+know+what+it+feels+like+to+have+nothing..jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>After thinking about it for a while, I wrote a response that
surprised even me!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; color: #4e5665; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">“What an interesting quote! I always thought
that I enjoyed sharing love, joy, and encouragement with others because it felt
and was good, for me and the other
person, and it was kind, but now I can also see how not experiencing those
things or experiencing much negativity and disrespect has given me a reason to
share the opposite with others. Thanks for the interesting quote!” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; color: #4e5665; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: #fafbfb;">Then, I was “hit” with another one that
took some moments to “wrap my head, heart, and soul” around.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJe64zW8TbiElIq7-_8-yPrHi7gtbpxwH4TsXnIv72K8WEf411-PEns_9kB-a8tdtNJH-qDAsTAfBWVJdpllkY1gY5F2rQrbSeoRFHSAxW_P_axlCJUHi4_vjArXmbPi1Xt_Ln4xcM_4j/s1600/The+nicest+people+tend+to+often+be+the+one+who+have+been+mistreated+the+most..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJe64zW8TbiElIq7-_8-yPrHi7gtbpxwH4TsXnIv72K8WEf411-PEns_9kB-a8tdtNJH-qDAsTAfBWVJdpllkY1gY5F2rQrbSeoRFHSAxW_P_axlCJUHi4_vjArXmbPi1Xt_Ln4xcM_4j/s1600/The+nicest+people+tend+to+often+be+the+one+who+have+been+mistreated+the+most..jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Again, I wrote a response that surprised
me, but it’s the truth, I believe:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #EDEFF4; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">“Wow! You have some very interesting quotes
here! I've never looked at life this way, probably because I'd rather forget
the ‘not so nice stuff’ but perhaps this is true! Thanks for giving me much to
ponder!<span class="apple-converted-space"> “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #EDEFF4; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After this, I
was in tears. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #EDEFF4; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Someone touched
my heart in areas that have been bruised and hurt, with lovingkindness and
gentle humor, with silly things, like this:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #EDEFF4; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9XN2LKbxSFTpyToSlgGa9hXCsKhop3vWpOU7X2uTFbfPCoPayxgNEREVF1a4w7VvDeMIO0V3QaVxOsEXYBJqdwH-5mtMsyWft6Z-NHMaLRyfHhfh5qKpQ40qxEXrCSUtxr5vy_rO2EoF/s1600/Happy+Birthday...+now+for+your+spanking!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9XN2LKbxSFTpyToSlgGa9hXCsKhop3vWpOU7X2uTFbfPCoPayxgNEREVF1a4w7VvDeMIO0V3QaVxOsEXYBJqdwH-5mtMsyWft6Z-NHMaLRyfHhfh5qKpQ40qxEXrCSUtxr5vy_rO2EoF/s1600/Happy+Birthday...+now+for+your+spanking!.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fafbfb; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">or:<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fafbfb; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeisVARAryBJvNwTD2AqHm-iDhGSZPGEzglxs7c2Hcdr5GRbYaihOvGHxJQg_AjptIRyMIEdJcRs7geEr0g6jX_u0acuNE7FHswf_jNZxtLvDAZslEOsbdKCA8jwC3Z1ChSUiC6r6OIve1/s1600/I+brot+youz+a+flower...+But+I+eated+it....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeisVARAryBJvNwTD2AqHm-iDhGSZPGEzglxs7c2Hcdr5GRbYaihOvGHxJQg_AjptIRyMIEdJcRs7geEr0g6jX_u0acuNE7FHswf_jNZxtLvDAZslEOsbdKCA8jwC3Z1ChSUiC6r6OIve1/s1600/I+brot+youz+a+flower...+But+I+eated+it....jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fafbfb; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: #FAFBFB; color: #4e5665; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="background-color: #fafbfb;">Of course, I laughed and smiled. Someone cared
enough to send me these personalized messages. Many members of the model car
club community joined in to participate at my impromptu birthday party at the
make-believe location where we have cruise nights, drag races, and fun at the
campground, lake, mud hole, etc. They
joined in with stories of their own, cruised by in their cool cars, or told stories
about car keys being stolen by a large monkey, who eventually finished up all
the food in the picnic area!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I began looking at inspirational quotes online,
and more tears just kept flowing and flowing - from places of deep and hidden
pain and darkness, tucked away “for posterity” but now, finally finding a way
to be released - with a good release of pent-up, unnamed and unprocessed
feelings from long ago, that have waited for the right time to be felt. These
feelings began to flow and release me from the dark prison in which I have
found myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I found inspirational quotations (*) such as:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Life
is so much brighter when we focus on what truly matters…”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Pay no attention to those who talk
behind your back, it only means that you’re two steps ahead of them.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Your life is a result of the choices you
make… If you don’t like your life it is time to start making better choices.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Pain makes you stronger. Tears make you
braver. Heartbreak makes you wiser. So
thank the past for a better future.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And other quotations </span><span style="background-color: #fafbfb;">(**) </span><span style="background-color: #fafbfb;">such as:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“The tallest oak in
the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Believe you can & you’re halfway there.” – Theodore
Roosevelt<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“To strengthen the muscles of your heart, the best exercise
is lifting someone else’s spirit whenever you can.” – Dodinsky (NOTSALMON.COM)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to
breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.” – Mandy Hale<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Your opinion is not my reality” – Dr. Steve Maraboli<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Stars can’t shine without darkness.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Pain doesn’t just show up in our lives for no reason. It’s a sign that something in our lives needs
to change.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“You are only confined by the walls you build yourself.” </span></i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">[OOPS!! This sounds like what I have been writing about!!
The internal, prison walls!!]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Whatever you believe about yourself on the inside is what
you will manifest on the outside.”</span></i><span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> [OOOOHHH!!
Interesting!!]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #fafbfb;">Thank you to all who have been part of my
healing process. Yes, my healing will continue, but with friends who love me
and care about me, just as I am; there’s nothing better. Interestingly, I have
rarely found this type of friendship at “church.” Yes, “birds of a feather,
flock together” but as another friend mentioned recently, some of us just
“don’t fit” into the current, regular mold. In fact, since we are ALL unique,
there truly isn't</span><span style="background-color: #fafbfb;"> another person, just like you or just like me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m going to spend the rest of my life,
getting to know me and letting you get to know me, too! And, I will do my best
to show acceptance and compassion towards you and your uniqueness, too! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Precious Linda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I originally wrote
this in July 2014, and will change the date of this post, in a couple weeks, to
reflect the date I completed it.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I have decided to
share this piece with you, my blog readers, as a way of sharing my life experiences,
learning, struggles, and journey.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I hope you enjoyed the uplifting quotes and
poster pics, too! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I rated this writing
as PG13 because of some of the language. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Precious Linda
(2014-11-26)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>CREDITS:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first three poster pics are from: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/inspiring.posts/timeline">https://www.facebook.com/inspiring.posts/timeline</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cat picture can be seen at: <a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t34.0-12/10564613_1444446125819244_1780294187_n.jpg?oh=61ef57754d1169918a1603f43a3900c9&oe=54788444&__gda__=1417187093_e6dc03500b18dd2062eaf2342659d153">https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t34.0-12/10564613_1444446125819244_1780294187_n.jpg?oh=61ef57754d1169918a1603f43a3900c9&oe=54788444&__gda__=1417187093_e6dc03500b18dd2062eaf2342659d153</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The photo with the flower that was eaten
can be seen at: <a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/10581366_1444707382459785_1396412739_n.jpg?oh=061bda08dcc0c7483efb2ff1662fb406&oe=5478EA5E&__gda__=1417216746_c767b1f78738b67811e94dfe4d15f253">https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/10581366_1444707382459785_1396412739_n.jpg?oh=061bda08dcc0c7483efb2ff1662fb406&oe=5478EA5E&__gda__=1417216746_c767b1f78738b67811e94dfe4d15f253</a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FAFBFB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(*) The first set of quotations is from: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=inspirational+quotes+about+life&tbm=isch&imgil=CBKgfujxynqL5M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-%20tbn0.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcRRO2eksBnegtflOeLAbOkRJ1NMwquHHPlrWNN0HJGYah1S_2UIcA%253B660%253B660%253BXmHUslchBMPYMM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Frishikajain.com%25252F2012%25252F04%25252F08%25252Flife-quote-2%25252F&source=iu&usg=__44g7lPZ6iFLvAuLHPZP8lX942ls%3D&sa=X&ei=DpzPU9Zkxe2gBIb3goAD&sqi=2&ved=0CDEQ9QEwAQ&biw=1232&bih=870#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=CBKgfujxynqL5M%253A%3BXmHUslchBMPYMM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Frishikajain.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F05%252F417306_279654318770491_266307820105141_599462_1302102688_n2.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Frishikajain.com%252F2012%252F04%252F08%252Flife-quote-2%252F%3B660%3B660">https://www.google.com/search?q=inspirational+quotes+about+life&tbm=isch&imgil=CBKgfujxynqL5M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-%20tbn0.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcRRO2eksBnegtflOeLAbOkRJ1NMwquHHPlrWNN0HJGYah1S_2UIcA%253B660%253B660%253BXmHUslchBMPYMM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Frishikajain.com%25252F2012%25252F04%25252F08%25252Flife-quote-2%25252F&source=iu&usg=__44g7lPZ6iFLvAuLHPZP8lX942ls%3D&sa=X&ei=DpzPU9Zkxe2gBIb3goAD&sqi=2&ved=0CDEQ9QEwAQ&biw=1232&bih=870#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=CBKgfujxynqL5M%253A%3BXmHUslchBMPYMM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Frishikajain.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F05%252F417306_279654318770491_266307820105141_599462_1302102688_n2.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Frishikajain.com%252F2012%252F04%252F08%252Flife-quote-2%252F%3B660%3B660</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #fafbfb;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #fafbfb;">(**) The second set of quotations is from: </span><a href="http://www.dumpaday.com/random-pictures/inspirational-quotes-week-32-pics-2/">http://www.dumpaday.com/random-pictures/inspirational-quotes-week-32-pics-2/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<i>This was originally written on July 23, 2014 and published on this blog on </i><i>November 11, 2014 at 7:52 p.m. Today, December 14, 2014, I will list it as published on July 23, 2014. </i><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-34609388676294893142014-07-22T17:17:00.000-05:002014-12-15T01:43:55.474-06:00Encouraging Poster Pics!I've come across many "poster pics" on fb that I find encouraging and thought-provoking. I'd like to share a few that I found today at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/">Words of Wisdom</a>, along with some comments and additional links. Enjoy!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p1qI7-9N5no6I1UzT_Sn3M2g4axAokfWoZTft1Qioq1oiQ9CXT6Y_pyPrUrBn_tCVOeBlNSyt1x6BXLjq0ux-cAuq7maxsF4UhfenuGw0nKRae7D1Cu0fQQNQS-FDZQGjIwLkCw3kCv4/s1600/Learn+to+love+with+all+your+heart..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p1qI7-9N5no6I1UzT_Sn3M2g4axAokfWoZTft1Qioq1oiQ9CXT6Y_pyPrUrBn_tCVOeBlNSyt1x6BXLjq0ux-cAuq7maxsF4UhfenuGw0nKRae7D1Cu0fQQNQS-FDZQGjIwLkCw3kCv4/s1600/Learn+to+love+with+all+your+heart..jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406004709./689572804458764/?type=3&permPage=1">Poster Pic 1 - Learn to Love</a><br />
This poster pic reminds me of a story about thorns and being thankful for the thorns in our lives. If you wish to read it, you can read it here: <a href="http://www.heavensinspirations.com/thankful-for-thorns.html">Thankful for the Thorns</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUuYaLbXgFXISMGsxcgZOs9xE7_ZdF2mRZF58I6nlUbSXPKva5BWlsCUTZfGVUbTPkbBeBNb5ca8eo0DShqAwUgOV4j9uzVsJs8qv9YPaOzDyIrVrhlsuvaVvOa2K2h3cb7xoYKgqhZAe/s1600/God+will+never+leave+you+empty..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUuYaLbXgFXISMGsxcgZOs9xE7_ZdF2mRZF58I6nlUbSXPKva5BWlsCUTZfGVUbTPkbBeBNb5ca8eo0DShqAwUgOV4j9uzVsJs8qv9YPaOzDyIrVrhlsuvaVvOa2K2h3cb7xoYKgqhZAe/s1600/God+will+never+leave+you+empty..jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406003501./692302910852420/?type=3&permPage=1">Poster Pic 2 - God will never leave you empty.</a><br />
This reminds me that God loves us and knows what's best for us. If He asks us to let go of something, or even chooses to "prune" us, it's because He has something better in mind for us and for those whose lives we touch. God knows how to give the perfect gifts to us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE91Q8kkOmzaSzdDk4B1HrGQIWmoq69S4K1Dv7-dKUnjmKGqFOcNM84ttlfY6u7TdQjBNaMAatWnzq2lqyBImrC2WDVFXE4T_BQOhdy39ysFO37rgeIdhO1M_Cg2U-1rZvhyyo2_Um54Tl/s1600/If+you+are+searching+for+that+one+person+that+will+change+your+life,+take+a+look+in+the+mirror..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE91Q8kkOmzaSzdDk4B1HrGQIWmoq69S4K1Dv7-dKUnjmKGqFOcNM84ttlfY6u7TdQjBNaMAatWnzq2lqyBImrC2WDVFXE4T_BQOhdy39ysFO37rgeIdhO1M_Cg2U-1rZvhyyo2_Um54Tl/s1600/If+you+are+searching+for+that+one+person+that+will+change+your+life,+take+a+look+in+the+mirror..png" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="255" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406003454./694220307327347/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-xpf1%2Fv%2Ft1.0-9%2F10516782_694220307327347_5134135162183591825_n.png%3Foh%3D692eb4a9c6c51b3fd64cc1ade66c464d%26oe%3D54497ACB%26__gda__%3D1414666913_6a3ec95d49b3b95d35d5b4a7d813e7de&size=511%2C640&fbid=694220307327347">Poster Pic 3 - Searching</a><br />
What a great reminder that I am the only one who can make changes in my life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5o3KrWg_1AAEUqACBmIGt1hvViwTJnXnMoK_zhcWn3Q4nWjao_D6lUWZ57AWppd-_HVIUYEqOtSEGRFd_KyfzuE8IRVccj3roDOcfj2iaSETdQQoEqW0QmmIihLZLMedwZiwbPGms-0-/s1600/7++Rules+of+Life+-+Make+peace+with+our+past+so+it+won't%2Bscrew%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bpresent.%2BWhat%2Bothers%2Bthink%2Bof%2Byou%2Bis%2Bnone%2Bof%2Byour%2Bbusiness..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5o3KrWg_1AAEUqACBmIGt1hvViwTJnXnMoK_zhcWn3Q4nWjao_D6lUWZ57AWppd-_HVIUYEqOtSEGRFd_KyfzuE8IRVccj3roDOcfj2iaSETdQQoEqW0QmmIihLZLMedwZiwbPGms-0-/s1600/7++Rules+of+Life+-+Make+peace+with+our+past+so+it+won't%2Bscrew%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bpresent.%2BWhat%2Bothers%2Bthink%2Bof%2Byou%2Bis%2Bnone%2Bof%2Byour%2Bbusiness..jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406006028./679104632172248/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-xfp1%2Fv%2Ft1.0-9%2F10336680_679104632172248_5739724466245797988_n.jpg%3Foh%3Dea550fcc557ea305c83523bff9f10b3a%26oe%3D54480B10%26__gda__%3D1414998681_7134d365040394183f9e9e3ee9444ffb&size=600%2C600&fbid=679104632172248">Poster Pic 4 - 7 Rules of Life</a><br />
It's taken me quite a while to learn these rules. Some of them, I'm still learning. Even so, I believe they are all true.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs9shsCQIEkU5Yfr4s6W_47ydhRJGHV_JtQxjdZVcc7IG5KvTmRTs_D6MywWy2cRIjHu2nzZy9_2ds5JjJ3IiC47hKXNVhP4kraHHrkLWTTcdCauoL2hbeh6elyHC607spTlbHLg7D0Yd/s1600/The+Best+Place+in+the++World+is+in+the+arms+of+someone+you+love..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs9shsCQIEkU5Yfr4s6W_47ydhRJGHV_JtQxjdZVcc7IG5KvTmRTs_D6MywWy2cRIjHu2nzZy9_2ds5JjJ3IiC47hKXNVhP4kraHHrkLWTTcdCauoL2hbeh6elyHC607spTlbHLg7D0Yd/s1600/The+Best+Place+in+the++World+is+in+the+arms+of+someone+you+love..jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406003454./694218783994166/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-xpa1%2Ft1.0-9%2F10513520_694218783994166_1293553425229065802_n.jpg&size=500%2C656&fbid=694218783994166">Poster Pic 5 - The Best Place in the World</a><br />
What an amazing and special place to be.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBWtpNEd5KF03t8Q6_0-dGIerHxL1mSL4M3rb0a0acdST8gpBPKFx88hyphenhyphengkgIOJUupoT0ZVZJ7zQ6ACK3OcJeJzVVOlHsTKaBh3gfdE3NYRE-NRVN37G0Z_gfEFNaXVbbcAZ6Nu0F7_jr/s1600/Going+to+church+doesn't%2Bmake%2Byou%2Bany%2Bmore%2Ba%2BChristian%2Bthan%2Bgoing%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bgarage%2Bmakes%2Byou%2Ba%2Bcar..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBWtpNEd5KF03t8Q6_0-dGIerHxL1mSL4M3rb0a0acdST8gpBPKFx88hyphenhyphengkgIOJUupoT0ZVZJ7zQ6ACK3OcJeJzVVOlHsTKaBh3gfdE3NYRE-NRVN37G0Z_gfEFNaXVbbcAZ6Nu0F7_jr/s1600/Going+to+church+doesn't%2Bmake%2Byou%2Bany%2Bmore%2Ba%2BChristian%2Bthan%2Bgoing%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bgarage%2Bmakes%2Byou%2Ba%2Bcar..jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406005375./686248208124557/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-xpf1%2Fv%2Ft1.0-9%2F10151900_686248208124557_8563728689087266245_n.jpg%3Foh%3Df59f0df8b42d4458e11028c2d52a9bc0%26oe%3D543BFD82%26__gda__%3D1412889832_05b24c65e1bb7945927ecdd6e59eaf20&size=641%2C466&fbid=686248208124557">Poster Pic 6 - Actions Speak Louder Than Words</a></div>
This is a great reminder of how what we think is not seen and our actions speak louder than words. It also reminds me that "faith without works is dead." I need to be sure my words and actions and thoughts are the same and coming through in my interactions with others.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hQMPhTzKju5r4dyZzh4-qeh1pZ-56-hHVwwbJZMn4i9fgELEhtWiR7URuRjhpNASK1Zt1dMIPjLnGSp-JUJEcgxjtwl_6M_icQdaWBIVuylRShPPRs2xVJzGHpmpXIlav4fq6t05HKOv/s1600/I+am+your+parent+-+I+will+hold+you+tight,+support,+guide,+teach,+hug,+protec,+and+love+you+with+all+my+heart+and+soul..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hQMPhTzKju5r4dyZzh4-qeh1pZ-56-hHVwwbJZMn4i9fgELEhtWiR7URuRjhpNASK1Zt1dMIPjLnGSp-JUJEcgxjtwl_6M_icQdaWBIVuylRShPPRs2xVJzGHpmpXIlav4fq6t05HKOv/s1600/I+am+your+parent+-+I+will+hold+you+tight,+support,+guide,+teach,+hug,+protec,+and+love+you+with+all+my+heart+and+soul..jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406004709./689572371125474/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-xpf1%2Ft1.0-9%2F10374028_689572371125474_1686160226247452199_n.jpg&size=774%2C899&fbid=689572371125474">Poster Pic 7 - I am Your Parent</a><br />
I believe this is true of GRANDPARENTS, as well! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSmD9p4fjwKf_Ta1ZHRX9tyM4TIkiU3Al2uWpVnP9ZMITr_Jp199g-yH2-Gu-KyiZ1fHpft7oLULu_XDGuU7cS1AlNqHZGV4cS6TEE3TSL25NtM4PFtX1KCxmtgc59cQ8VomNOa3GOY5B/s1600/Beautiful+has+nothing+to+do+with+looks.+It+has+to+do+with+how+you+are+as+a+person+and+how+you+make+others+feel+about+themselves..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSmD9p4fjwKf_Ta1ZHRX9tyM4TIkiU3Al2uWpVnP9ZMITr_Jp199g-yH2-Gu-KyiZ1fHpft7oLULu_XDGuU7cS1AlNqHZGV4cS6TEE3TSL25NtM4PFtX1KCxmtgc59cQ8VomNOa3GOY5B/s1600/Beautiful+has+nothing+to+do+with+looks.+It+has+to+do+with+how+you+are+as+a+person+and+how+you+make+others+feel+about+themselves..jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406003341./698935393522505/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-xpa1%2Ft1.0-9%2F75965_698935393522505_6238866569394409866_n.jpg&size=665%2C613&fbid=698935393522505">Poster Pic 8 - Beautiful Has Nothing To Do With Looks</a><br />
I like this saying. If someone knows that they are loved, they will be more open to listening to another and even, perhaps, look to them as a role model or mentor. These types of people, those who love us and we know we are accepted by them, no matter what, are remembered forever... just like my grandmother who died when I was twelve. Since love never ends, I know her love continues for me, too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqwqIey6pcyW0i6hkAyshfc8UTIJ1xt8Lwc9Lp4I-dtA8FnWyI4O21xXQo0rXe3tnNPwAdMuL-TpZmHvmfPsOr4Ef6fAYVcNIQ3MOeh5Tc8hhiEsfsqicN3Uvy8YwHBh7bGleMcHdziWj/s1600/Faith+is+taking+the+first+step,+even+though+you+can't%2Bsee%2Bthe%2Bwhole%2Bstaircase..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqwqIey6pcyW0i6hkAyshfc8UTIJ1xt8Lwc9Lp4I-dtA8FnWyI4O21xXQo0rXe3tnNPwAdMuL-TpZmHvmfPsOr4Ef6fAYVcNIQ3MOeh5Tc8hhiEsfsqicN3Uvy8YwHBh7bGleMcHdziWj/s1600/Faith+is+taking+the+first+step,+even+though+you+can't%2Bsee%2Bthe%2Bwhole%2Bstaircase..jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406011586./705064896242888/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-xpa1%2Ft1.0-9%2F1044283_705064896242888_3580143329893238450_n.jpg&size=581%2C618&fbid=705064896242888">Poster Pic 9 - Faith is Taking the First Step </a><br />
Sometimes, I can be afraid to take the next step... in doing something new or in doing what I need to do. Interestingly, when I take that "one step," it opens up a whole new set of steps and opportunities that I didn't have before! Although, I don't necessarily know where my "first step" or the next one will lead to, I can take those steps with that God know where they lead. If I follow His lead or His "still, small voice," I know He will be there beside and within me, giving me the strength and wisdom to do what He asks of me and "make my path straight." I hadn't really thought that "just one step" can also be a step of faith, when we don't know where we are going or what will happen. Even so, the Lord is with me and also with you, if we just acknowledge and trust Him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwv2rzWQ1oJOn4sJgyQX2L0pjWjg8_j0sPLRGwQOfMs93D4MhTNqJQG4VMq7ZnOpIde8pcX_H4E1PwUeK-6uxjvzYRbhIz_x2iO-iF5PYOFBGByBjYZoCj9Vl3XAnTF5pgD2ufLX-7x2y/s1600/We+all+have+those+special+people+in+our+lives+-+friends+we+love+as+family..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwv2rzWQ1oJOn4sJgyQX2L0pjWjg8_j0sPLRGwQOfMs93D4MhTNqJQG4VMq7ZnOpIde8pcX_H4E1PwUeK-6uxjvzYRbhIz_x2iO-iF5PYOFBGByBjYZoCj9Vl3XAnTF5pgD2ufLX-7x2y/s1600/We+all+have+those+special+people+in+our+lives+-+friends+we+love+as+family..jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406014657./704610946288283/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-xpf1%2Ft1.0-9%2F983719_704610946288283_3661885448427788265_n.jpg&size=550%2C550&fbid=704610946288283">Poster Pic 10 - Friends That are Like Family</a><br />
On days when my family seems distant or far away, it's nice to know that friends who love me and show me trust, honesty, love, and respect are truly "family" to me and will always be family to me! Thank you to those of you who are friends like that to me!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vasfb3_aKAVt5cW9y2y9qJr9la47kNASyZIN7UNpBcMVH_Mn9pCKlNqxpibRVqlNhHPgojRSU0dgXzV1BVIAXiKrID3infG1oVdj2yE1wBMki_DrW23w6WGs7QfaeUOeAbA2S3GD_qFi/s1600/8+Things+to+Give+Up+-+Doubting+yourself,+Negative+thinking,+Fear+of+failure,+Criticising+Yourself+and+Others,+Procrastination,+Fear+of+Success,+People+Pleasing..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vasfb3_aKAVt5cW9y2y9qJr9la47kNASyZIN7UNpBcMVH_Mn9pCKlNqxpibRVqlNhHPgojRSU0dgXzV1BVIAXiKrID3infG1oVdj2yE1wBMki_DrW23w6WGs7QfaeUOeAbA2S3GD_qFi/s1600/8+Things+to+Give+Up+-+Doubting+yourself,+Negative+thinking,+Fear+of+failure,+Criticising+Yourself+and+Others,+Procrastination,+Fear+of+Success,+People+Pleasing..jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406014657./704614642954580/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-xpa1%2Ft1.0-9%2F10509587_7046146429">Poster Pic 11 - 8 Things to Give Up</a><br />
This is a great reminder of things to give up... not necessarily" just for Lent" or for a season, but in order to be a healthy, integrated self. I'm still learning how to "give up" these things and probably will always need to make conscious choices to choose to think differently. I think it would also be helpful for me to replace these choices with confidence, thankfulness, courage, encouragement, affirmations, making decisions and moving on, humility, and self-awareness and acceptance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgprJ3OrcZXfxcnAnAUPbtqfSRWznGawoQmtQ1rZ6A1RH0LyojMJq_d43dLvp0LgA17FBMeOasEpHNDXfZ7MTsOnkqiaq7IBhudWH0N9c6FGcDp1KXchdUdxQFgOfpSiYJShd9ZeSgvzbK/s1600/The+most+beautiful+people+we+have+known+are+those+who+have+known+defeat,+suffering,+struggle,+loss+and+found+their+way+out+of+the+depths..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgprJ3OrcZXfxcnAnAUPbtqfSRWznGawoQmtQ1rZ6A1RH0LyojMJq_d43dLvp0LgA17FBMeOasEpHNDXfZ7MTsOnkqiaq7IBhudWH0N9c6FGcDp1KXchdUdxQFgOfpSiYJShd9ZeSgvzbK/s1600/The+most+beautiful+people+we+have+known+are+those+who+have+known+defeat,+suffering,+struggle,+loss+and+found+their+way+out+of+the+depths..jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Daveswordsofwisdom/photos/pb.197995260283190.-2207520000.1406014657./704625999620111/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-xaf1%2Fv%2Ft1.0-9%2F10372502_704625999620111_7009825836451191721_n.jpg%3Foh%3D0ee630b0dcd2ed58472ad226153bf6ce%26oe%3D544C91E7&size=800%2C554&fbid=704625999620111">Poster Pic 12 - The Most Beautiful People</a><br />
Oftentimes, we do not know the stories behind the lives of people, even when we think we know the person well, and the struggles and difficulties they have gone through or are going through. This poster pic reminds me of a poetic story, <i>The Most Beautiful Flower, </i>by Cheryl Costello-Forshey. It has an unexpected twist that I think will touch your heart. May you find it beautiful, too, and may you find yourself, becoming more and more beautiful on the inside, as well! You can read it at: <a href="http://www.mastermason.com/bridgeportlodge181/POEMS31.HTM">"The Most Beautiful Flower" and other poems, too!</a><br />
<br />
Well, that's all for now! I hope you enjoyed these poster pics with me!<br />
<br />
<i>Precious Linda</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-42698535600661758242014-06-23T19:56:00.001-05:002014-06-23T19:56:13.924-05:00Clichés and Half-Baked Truths<div class="MsoNormal">
A lot of sayings have been passed on from generation to generation. Many have nuggets of truth and wisdom. Others, however, are only partially true or
not true at all. Perhaps someone has
encountered a “dumb blonde,” once in a while, but it certainly doesn’t mean
that all blondes are like those depicted in the “dumb blonde jokes.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One saying I have heard and used is, “Parents have eyes in
the back of their heads!” Yes, parents do have a way of knowing things that go
beyond what they can see with their own two eyes. They hear things and listen
well to the words between what is said or they watch the body language or
facial expressions of a person. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even so, as I contemplated talking with a friend about things
I’d rather not remember, things that might fall under the category of family
secrets, I found myself saying, “I can’t say anything about what I feel or
think.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why not?” she asked? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Because parents have eyes in the backs of their heads,” I
replied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She looked at me and asked, “Is that true?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” I answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are they here?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No,” I answered, again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So, they won’t know unless you tell them or I do. I won’t
and it’s your choice, if you tell them.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was right. Parents do <u>not</u> have eyes in the back of their heads, so some clichés, although partially true, may not be true at
all!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda, c. 2014.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-60571557164941298052014-04-20T06:59:00.001-05:002014-12-14T22:59:32.767-06:00Happy Easter and Merry Christmas!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Without Christmas, there is no Easter. That’s why I still
have a brightly-lit Christmas tree sitting in my living room. This year, its 1 1/2
feet tall. It reminds me that Jesus came to this earth as a baby, to be the
Light of the world, to show us the way to His Heavenly Father-God. Not only
that, He came to set us free from the ongoing lies of the evil one… thoughts in
our minds that gnaw at us, day and night, trying to keep us from believing the
One who can actually rescue us from those lies that drag us down to the depths
of despair, loneliness, bitterness, unforgiveness, like heavy weights and
baggage hanging around our necks, ankles, or carried in our hands or on our
backs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqztIuFB7ChqNiXXNwKRGz4qXz5_323sgrJTKBdY_lPbdVVWIZrFF07b0VN1vix2sgAocRxgtHf_ipC4E5o0bwnDB7oOkTJVD-Ava0V67zYRJ3wE2si_JL5fHkG2vkTFi4xi5zb0CzORE/s1600/IMG_4512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqztIuFB7ChqNiXXNwKRGz4qXz5_323sgrJTKBdY_lPbdVVWIZrFF07b0VN1vix2sgAocRxgtHf_ipC4E5o0bwnDB7oOkTJVD-Ava0V67zYRJ3wE2si_JL5fHkG2vkTFi4xi5zb0CzORE/s1600/IMG_4512.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p>Jesus came… not just to die... but also to live, to show us a way
to live above and beyond our circumstances, to give us hope and life, not just
for this life, but with our Father-Creator who longs for us to return home to
Him… to a place of love, without judgment, to a place of love that redeems us
and has paid the ransom for believing and trusting the one who is a liar,
instead of the One who is Truth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I look at this small, Christmas tree and remember God’s amazing
love… to send His only begotten Son, not made or created, but the very essence
of Himself… to live in this world, which is being assaulted with the
lies of the evil one. God's Son came to bring us Truth… the message and hope of love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
Not only that, but to those who believe that He is truly the Son of God and the
Son of Man, the One who came to free us from the bondage and yoke of constant, fruitless
unbelief…He has come to break those chains and set us free, once and for all. He offers us the gift of the Spirit of Life, of Love, of forgiveness and mercy…
to truly give us life… eternal life, through the power of the resurrected
Christ, a gift to us, the Holy Spirit who lives and dwells in each one who
believes that Jesus Christ, came to bring us out of living in darkness to the
place of living in Light, eternal life with Him!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May you enjoy a blessed Easter, as you celebrate Christmas,
whether it’s today or tomorrow or years from now. I pray that this will truly be a day of joy, deep, deep within your heart and soul, not just on the day you
say or said, “Yes!” to Christ, but every single moment of every day, that you,
too, acknowledge the Power and Presence of His Spirit with you, within you, comforting
and directing you, and doing what you could never imagine, in and through You!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you, now and
always!! Amen!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Happy
Easter and Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Hallelujah! The LORD is RISEN!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He
is Risen, indeed!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda, c.2014</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Sitting next to my
little Christmas tree is the painting from my friend. To learn why it’s sitting
there and what it means to me, you can read my previous post at:</i> <i><a href="http://twowhitebutterflies.blogspot.com/2013/03/two-white-butterflies-watercolor.html">http://twowhitebutterflies.blogspot.com/2013/03/two-white-butterflies-watercolor.html</a>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You may also wish to see
y Christmas tree and what I wrote last Easter at: <a href="http://twowhitebutterflies.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-easter.html">http://twowhitebutterflies.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-easter.html</a>. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-21920761300602446272014-04-18T22:37:00.002-05:002014-04-19T22:05:31.577-05:00I Saw Something Funny about Easter Eggs, Today!<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I know Easter eggs have nothing to do with the true meaning of Easter (unless it's an empty one), but the "poster pic" shown below hit me as FUNNY!! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA9vLsbmZ9usjGKmYQ6qR7X9_7VtnE4oyk_p7b3hfVFTmD0YmwolKmJCkIFe8VNjRhy9k1fFmNMOAklbUap0bvkEpFQpJUkRmQMtz4_IKfMv7d-eVeXyerkqtJIalP4SdhGi9jvgHpGfN/s1600/White+Easter+eggs+hidden+in+snow!!+-+10262214_10154038860095015_4232249288341401457_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA9vLsbmZ9usjGKmYQ6qR7X9_7VtnE4oyk_p7b3hfVFTmD0YmwolKmJCkIFe8VNjRhy9k1fFmNMOAklbUap0bvkEpFQpJUkRmQMtz4_IKfMv7d-eVeXyerkqtJIalP4SdhGi9jvgHpGfN/s1600/White+Easter+eggs+hidden+in+snow!!+-+10262214_10154038860095015_4232249288341401457_n.jpg" height="400" width="276" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The "rules" in our family have always been to hide eggs (plastic) such that they can be seen from "one angle!" Eac</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">h person has their own color of eggs to find so they can remain in the game, without their eggs being picked up by someone else. We adjust the "challenge" to the age and ability of the person. Every year, it's a challenge to hide eggs for those "young-at-heart" people who still love to find eggs... including me!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The picture and idea shown above would truly be a challenge!! It reminds me of doing puzzles that are all yellow pencils or a scene of trees in the fall, bursting with one shade of brilliant yellow, or maybe a puzzle with a picture of marbles. Maybe this hunt would be like "Where's Waldo?" except he would be masquerading as a white ghost or something. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />For those of you who are tired of seeing "white" on the ground and are wondering when winter will be over, maybe you can have fun with this idea!!<br /><br />I wish you all much love, joy, and peace in your hearts and lives, at this Easter-time, and always.<br /><br />I wish a Happy and Blessed Easter to those who believe Jesus rose from the dead and offers new life to those who believe in Him, as Lord and Savior! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">For all of you, I wish you much joy, peace, and love, always!!</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Precious Linda, c. 2014</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>I found the "poster/pic" shown above on Facebook at: h</i></span><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>ttps://www.facebook.com/353739560014/photos/a.10151237768610015.797948.353739560014/10154038860095015/?type=1&relevant_count=1.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-55013977550581152112014-04-08T23:20:00.000-05:002014-04-08T23:20:44.655-05:00Phantom Pain<div class="MsoNormal">
Once. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hurt. Bewildered. Terror-filled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No more. Never again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My body freezes. Remembering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My thoughts cannot. Remember.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tension. Debilitating fear!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart beats faster and faster.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neon lights of fear, flash</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ON & off, ON & off, ON</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
in a body </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
cannot </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
connect </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
body </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
memories</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
my </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
conscious </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
brain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My body remembers the past, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
my mind does not, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
triggering unconscious fears,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
pain, and shame.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neon lights of fear, flash</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ON & off, ON & off, ON.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
warning me, telling me</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of phantom pain;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
throbbing, itching, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
painful feelings</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
of what was once there,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
but is no more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neon lights of fear, flash</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ON & off, ON & off, ON.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phantom memories</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
surviving, surface.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gripping pain</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
holds on, tightly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pain remains, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
feelings freeze.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The neon lights of fear, flash</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ON & off, ON & off, ON</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
until others mirror the loss,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
my brain gently accepts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shame </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
shifts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
burps</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
puffs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
snips,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
bursting</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
heavy, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
dark </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
clouds,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
thundering</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
downpours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The neon lights begin to flicker</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ON & off, On & off, on</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OFF. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My body relaxes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart purrs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am free, once again,</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
to be at peace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Precious Linda, c. 2014</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-32273311712321777652014-03-21T00:43:00.000-05:002014-03-30T00:48:15.621-05:00Remembering Two, Great Men!!<div class="MsoNormal">
I was surprised when I heard what people said about two men
who died, ten years apart; one was almost 75 and the other had just turned 18.
Both were well-loved, by those who knew them personally, and, also, by people around the world whose
lives had been touched by them. The comment I heard about
each man was: “When you were with him, he treated you, as if you were the most
important person in the world.” When I heard the tribute for the second time,
it struck my heart and touched me deeply, as something remarkable. I realized
that both of these men had touched and changed my life, as well, even
though I had never met either of them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One man was Fred Rogers, best known as the television
producer and host of <i>Mr. Rogers’
Neighborhood</i> which ran for many years and continues to be seen on Public
Television. He was a caring, compassionate man who encouraged children (and
their parents, too!) to accept their feelings and uniqueness and to know they
are loved, just as they are. He was also an educator, minister,
songwriter, and author. The other, Zach Sobiech, is a lesser known man who, at the age of fourteen, learned that he had osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that usually develops in teenagers, when they are growing rapidly. He continued to live his life
as fully as possible for the next four years, while undergoing 10 surgeries and 20 rounds of chemotherapy. Toward the end of his life, his
mom suggested that he might like to write letters to his family members to remember
him, after he passed on. Instead, he chose to write and sing songs. One of his
songs, <i>Clouds</i>, became a hit song that
has touched the hearts of people around the world. Although Zach's life
was short, as compared to most others, he, too, left an amazing legacy of
showing compassion and care for others, treating each person and oneself with
respect, and living life to the fullest. Through various celebrations of Zach’s life,
money is raised to fund osteosarcoma research for children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am glad I was able to enjoy and appreciate Mr. Rogers’
kind and gentle ways of interacting with his TV audience, when my children were
younger, and being encouraged to love myself and others, as unique and special
human beings. It was also nice to know that Fred Rogers was the same off-screen
as he was on-screen. Although I never met Zach Sobiech, I see his spirit,
heart, and humble personality shine through, as I watch him on YouTube videos,
singing his songs and interacting with his family and friends. I appreciate his
compassion for others, his joy in living life to the fullest, and making every
day count.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am grateful for the ways in which Fred Rogers and Zach
Sobiech each used their time on earth to show compassion for others, to be
gentle, but strong leaders by example, and for encouraging each of us to live
our lives fully, doing whatever we know how to do and sharing it, as a gift of
love, hope, and respect for the people in the world around us... beginning with…
one person at time! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>My favorite links
about Fred Rogers include:</b></u><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>15 Quotes that Show That
Mr. Rogers was a Perfect Human Being - <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/quotes-that-show-that-mr-rogers-was-a-perfect-human-being">http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/quotes-that-show-that-mr-rogers-was-a-perfect-human-being</a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>10 Mr. Rogers Quotes
You Need to Read - <a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/10-mr-rogers-quotes-you-need-read">http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/10-mr-rogers-quotes-you-need-read</a></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>A <u>very fast & fun</u>
explanation of 35 fun facts about Mr. Rogers – “35 Facts About Mr. Rogers –
mental floss (Ep. 2) - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xck2ByutMg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xck2ByutMg</a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>My favorite links
about Zach Sobiech include: </b></u><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The video, “My Last
Days: Meet Zach Sobiech” especially from 1:04 – 1:19 minutes and 21:57 – 22:08
minutes on the link: Zach Sobiech, 18-Year-Old ‘Clouds’ Singer, Leaves The
World An Incredible Legacy - </i><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-18yearold-cl_n_3312838.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-18yearold-cl_n_3312838.html</a>
<i>(There is other information and videos on
this link, also.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Zach’s family and friends
lip-sync his song, Clouds, on a video collage, as a gift to him. See “My Last
Days: Zach Sobiech ‘Clouds’ Celebrity Music Video” at: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zxXAtmmLLc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zxXAtmmLLc</a>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Thousands of
Minnesotans Sing Zach Sobiech’s ‘Clouds’ at MOA - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2O1ZPeexcs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2O1ZPeexcs</a> (NOTE: MOA is the Mall of America in
Bloomington, MN.)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b><i><u>POSTSCRIPT, WRITTEN ON MARCH 21, 2014:</u></i></b><br />
<i>I didn't realize why I sensed such a strong desire to write and post this on my blog yesterday about two, great men. I learned today that it was Fred Rogers' birthday yesterday (March 20th)! Isn't that rather uncanny? I also like what a friend posted today about Mr. Rogers. See: </i><i>https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152244333450256&set=a.204442570255.129097.55715345255&type=1&relevant_count=1</i><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-1652975349679271712014-03-18T22:12:00.000-05:002014-12-15T00:08:08.015-06:00Losing a Ton!!<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been a pack rat for years, decades, in fact, and my
friend came up with the idea of joining together with twenty people such that
each person had the same goal of getting rid of ten pounds each day for ten
days. At the end of 10 days, we, as a group would have lost a ton!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend offered great ideas and suggestions. She suggested
that we save a location to work on that would be easy to get rid of ten pounds
in a day, for a day when we might not be feeling well or were too busy. She
encouraged us to wait until we could find ten consecutive days before we
started. She shared a list of sites that would take clothing, electronics,
food, baby clothes, household furniture, household items, and other things. She
also included some encouraging articles about simplifying, streamlining, and
getting rid of items we no longer needed or wanted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started this in January and got rid of or set aside over
124 pounds of clothes, household items, items I would “look at someday,” old
food, food I purchased but no longer planned to use, Christmas tree lights that
no longer worked, old telephone books, an unopened box with hanging files for a
file drawer, a small lamp, a stash of plastic containers that I had saved for
years, etc. It was wonderful to finally get rid of things I no longer needed or
used and finding places to give the new or gently-used items to people who
would enjoy or appreciate them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I especially liked the daily focus – 10 pounds. That was it.
The goal of ten pounds allowed me to have a limit so I could stop and leave
something for the following day, without spending the whole day on this
project. I also liked the encouragement and camaraderie and helpful tips shared
by other group members on the private fb group of “Lose a Ton!” I didn’t feel
like I was doing this alone. Some people posted, before and after pictures that
were encouraging. Others shared an area they were working on – the refrigerator
or freezer, under their bed, their VHS, DVD, or book collection, sheet music,
their kitchen cupboards, under the sink - that spurred some of us on to do the
same. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Interestingly, after my ten days were over, I was enjoying
this so much that I chose to continue, for another fourteen days. My friend
said, “As long as you’re on a roll, keep going!” After that, I took off some
Sundays. I even lowered the number of pounds per day, knowing I could always
get rid of more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another group member wrote and said, “It’s kind of addicting.”
She’s right… I am actually looking forward to cleaning up areas in my home
which have been packed tightly to accommodate more and more. No more!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, what do you know? I may even lose a ton on my own! <br />
<br />
<i>Precious Linda, c. 2014</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Postscript:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I completed my ten
days in January. Since I began, I’ve gotten rid of or set aside over 478
pounds!! The “set-aside” items will go towards a couple’s upcoming rummage sale
to raise funds for the adoption of their first baby. This has been a great
start for me. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I’ve slowed down a
bit. I think I especially liked the group idea, effort, and encouragement. I
also noticed that working on this project for ten, consecutive days, helped
keep me focused on “looking” for items around the house for what I could get
rid of, rather than my normal way of overlooking something, even as I walked
right past it. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>As the rummage sale
gets closer, I will probably start up again so I can end with a “grand finish!”
(Or, is that two grand?) Maybe, I actually <u>WILL</u> lose a ton, on my own!!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-22780034855262183722014-02-04T19:04:00.000-06:002014-02-04T19:04:05.403-06:00Held in the Palm of His Hand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt1Kx2sRwO_NAmSl0i9JxsyaMI-BBzWB6oJNPDOzDRLKsPIAsqvA3fePMk4MtNakKOCwyY-Hj3t-bI6GAlFOJVp8-9_xbPrS1HFt4p7zdT-wJP236yAiTEuB14qIDn1rz0DNJ7XTt6zxb/s1600/IMG_3795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt1Kx2sRwO_NAmSl0i9JxsyaMI-BBzWB6oJNPDOzDRLKsPIAsqvA3fePMk4MtNakKOCwyY-Hj3t-bI6GAlFOJVp8-9_xbPrS1HFt4p7zdT-wJP236yAiTEuB14qIDn1rz0DNJ7XTt6zxb/s1600/IMG_3795.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I came out to the living room this morning, preparing to sit
and write in my favorite chair, when I saw the figurine a friend lent me
yesterday, sitting on the round table next to my chair. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod1d_ANoKJ509gf6t44iT6J2_uRJ9PFF_UXRm0ByVootUpJQlccCY3k7T-L32vIfLqSWLBOPNmuL-Eb4E3ayccbv17CeIoPIrdTqGsxL6wSQ0AuC5huVGarZuK4Nh7zxPeDv9kODR4hWf/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod1d_ANoKJ509gf6t44iT6J2_uRJ9PFF_UXRm0ByVootUpJQlccCY3k7T-L32vIfLqSWLBOPNmuL-Eb4E3ayccbv17CeIoPIrdTqGsxL6wSQ0AuC5huVGarZuK4Nh7zxPeDv9kODR4hWf/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>My eyes teared up with
joy and delight, a surprise to my system and being, as I thought of God’s love
for me, that He holds me such that nothing can ever snatch me out of His hand
and, also, as I thought of my friend’s expressions of compassion for me, knowing
that her thoughts are with me, wishing me the best, even when we aren't
together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz7c4Hx4-YggkJoCHGLqEgT9EKXzP962zkj7zIjpaMLPnk3Bj3Jn377M6zmWcLMMpxRbMrC5QieiHYHVpvEi2RZhwdrxveqZXzPAnl0goaP6JuC-UMVxNrm_m8OcrzXrDUA7ousjViUR1/s1600/IMG_3789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz7c4Hx4-YggkJoCHGLqEgT9EKXzP962zkj7zIjpaMLPnk3Bj3Jn377M6zmWcLMMpxRbMrC5QieiHYHVpvEi2RZhwdrxveqZXzPAnl0goaP6JuC-UMVxNrm_m8OcrzXrDUA7ousjViUR1/s1600/IMG_3789.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I gently picked up the small figurine and held it in my
hand, I pictured and sensed the Lord, holding me lovingly, cradling me in His
hands and arms and heart, with the love of a mother or grandmother for her beloved
child or grandchild.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lord, may I never lose sight of this thought, belief, and
sense of knowing that you will always hold me close in the palm of Your hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love You, Lord! Forever! Amen!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Linda</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The bottom of this
figurine is printed with the following:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG30-INkx20x0uXAr9m_ZEfG8CjuAyutIuKiFFf-WlbTmPIfcPyJi6PYAq7m9vY3__cNT9Hxu2YZmPaYkY3v3pa-Z4Hfh7T_oHH0EebOQa7eF4m2R0-moKkBx3a9Dk7wNQtpwd_VAhl5dq/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG30-INkx20x0uXAr9m_ZEfG8CjuAyutIuKiFFf-WlbTmPIfcPyJi6PYAq7m9vY3__cNT9Hxu2YZmPaYkY3v3pa-Z4Hfh7T_oHH0EebOQa7eF4m2R0-moKkBx3a9Dk7wNQtpwd_VAhl5dq/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><i>Palm of My Hand<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>See!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I will not<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>forget you…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I have carved <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>you on the palm<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>of my hand.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Isaiah 49:15<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>c. 1983, Roman, Inc.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>See also Isaiah 49:15-16
and the verse I was thinking about: John 10:28-29.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
You can find these verses at: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+49%3A15-16&version=NIV">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+49%3A15-16&version=NIV</a>
and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+10:28-29">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+10:28-29</a>.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-CGxaEeiJaZA%2FUvF9qIK_4VI%2FAAAAAAAAAOI%2FYEXjA0ty12s%2Fs1600%2FIMG_3793.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod1d_ANoKJ509gf6t44iT6J2_uRJ9PFF_UXRm0ByVootUpJQlccCY3k7T-L32vIfLqSWLBOPNmuL-Eb4E3ayccbv17CeIoPIrdTqGsxL6wSQ0AuC5huVGarZuK4Nh7zxPeDv9kODR4hWf/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-27305304401787371822014-01-06T16:28:00.000-06:002014-01-06T16:28:10.781-06:00If I told the truth...<div class="MsoNormal">
If I told the truth...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'd <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">have to face my fears...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I’d have to accept whatever happened to me as
real life, ugly and unbelievable as it was.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I’d have to find a way to accept my past, my
parents, and others who hurt me or neglected me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I’d have to own up to being not quite there…
here… in the moment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I’d have to come to the point of knowing that
TRUTH hurts – it damn well hurts and the past cannot be re-written, and yet, in
some ways, it can because, it’s over and will never happen again, to me, as it
did happen to me, as a child.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I told the truth, even to myself, I’d need to show
compassion to the young parts of me that got stuck in their development and,
basically, love and accept them and show tenderness to them. I’d need to
forgive the evildoers and those who did wrong to me and harmed me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I told the truth, I would need to accept myself as I am,
here and now, and do what I need to do to help myself, all of me, grow up in
the ways God intended and intends for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I told the truth? No, I will tell the truth and am
continuing to tell the truth. I will grow up!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda, c. 2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This was written last fall, while in a class, "The Lost Art of Personal Writing - Finding Your Voice," with the prompt of: "If I told the truth." </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-47991732913610702012013-12-31T02:19:00.000-06:002013-12-31T02:19:13.705-06:00A Letter to My Dying Aunt<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I learned my aunt had been admitted to the "Comfort
Care" wing of the hospital to spend her final days on earth. I was too
sick to visit her so I wrote the following letter and poem, hoping someone could read
it to her and she would be able to receive it. </span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dear Auntie,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I wish I could be there with you or even talk with you on the
phone, but I am sick with a cold and cough and my voice is rather raspy, so I’m
not sure if you could hear me well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I want you to know how much I love you and have always appreciated
your warm welcome to me and to my family, with a great big smile and a big hug.
You have always welcomed us with joy and grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you for your love and prayers for our family. (Thank you,
too, Uncle!!) We really appreciate them very much. Thank you for the many,
wonderful family reunions you and Uncle and your family have hosted. They were
always great times, with many special memories to cherish. Thank you also for
the delicious meals you have shared with us and with me, too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I have always been impressed with how your family loves, cares
for, and enjoys spending time together! Thank you for your part in raising your
kids, along with Uncle, to be such fine, wonderful, caring, and loving people
who love the Lord. Your love and theirs have been shared with so many other
people, with spouses and children, with students, with the kids at the Y, and
with so many others that I don’t even know about. Thank you for sharing God’s
love with others, in the many and meaningful ways that you have and still do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I love you and I’m going to miss you very much. I know the Lord is
calling you home, but I will still miss seeing you and spending our special
moments together. Thank you for showing me your knitting and telling me more
about it at A’s graduation. I am so glad you were able to be there and I’m
glad I could come, too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I don't have much more to say, except that I love you and I always will because love never ends! Isn't that great!!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Yes, I have tears streaming down my face now. I wish I could be
there with you and your family.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">God bless you, in this time, with His amazing Presence and peace
and with those who love and care about you, whether in person or in spirit. May
He give you comfort as He gets you ready to see the KING of kings. God bless
you in your homegoing journey and I look forward to seeing you when I get
there, too! If you are able, will you please say, “Hi!” to Grandma (L) for
me and let her know that her amazing love for me has been with me for all of
these years, too, and I look forward to seeing her when I get there? Thanks! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I love you, Auntie!! Very, very much!! I love you for always!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Linda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hello and love from T and our family, with thanks, and prayers,
too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A Short Poem for You, Auntie!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It won’t be long now, until
you see the face of our dear Savior!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">How wonderful that will be!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">To sit as His feet and listen
to His words of love for you!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">To see His beautiful face for
eternity!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">God bless you on your
journey!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I wish that I could come,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Along with you, now and
forever, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">But my work is not yet done.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Go faithfully, dear sister, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My very dear Aunt E,
too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Until I see you on the other
side…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I will think of and miss you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Go in peace, my dear one.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Our Savior is calling your
name.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It won’t be much longer until
<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Together, with Him, you will
reign!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Praise the Lord for His love
and goodness,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">For His amazing peace and
grace. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Find joy in His many
blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt; tab-stops: 191.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Until
you see Him face to face!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">God Speed and Happy
Homegoing, Auntie!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">With love and joy, as we
celebrate this blessed event in your beautiful life! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you for being such a
precious and wonderful YOU and for being a vessel to carry God’s amazing love
to others!</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I love you, Auntie E,
for always and forever!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In Jesus’ name, I pray,
praise, and thank God for you and for His amazing gift of love, seen in you and
through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit! May your homegoing be a time of peace
and joy! Amen and Amen!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Linda<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Precious Linda, 2013</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.2pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 1.2pt;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-35376724978285906582013-12-28T13:50:00.001-06:002013-12-28T13:50:43.246-06:00Santa and Mrs. Claus“Ho! Ho! Ho!” and “Hee! Hee! Hee!”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Santa couldn't find his Viking’s jersey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one for a boy named, Tommy LeRoy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who thought it was better than a brand new toy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He knew who to ask, when he was stumped;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His beautiful wife was such a trump!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs. Claus was always jovial like he</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And graced his presence with cookies and glee.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, the two were certainly quite a pair</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Living on cookies and delightful sweets to share.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They weren't too fond of venison, you know,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Cause Rudolph and the others would take that as a blow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs. Claus met Santa on his very first ride,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trying out his new sleigh when it crashed into the side</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of a tree and a snow bank, causing Mrs. Claus to fall</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Head over heels, looking like a snow ball.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Santa jumped quickly to save this young thing,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thinking she was beautiful enough to sing:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, what a delight to my eyes you appear!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you marry me and become my Sweetheart, you dear?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs. Claus was shaken and quite a bit surprised.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wiping snow from her face, she peered through her eyes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With surprise and delight and some mischief and fun,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She nodded to him and they became one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A team of love to share with others, far and near,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Christmas Day and every day, throughout the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you travel up north, you will certainly find</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two of the most delightful people, of any kind.<br />
<br />
Precious Linda, 2013<br />
<br />
<i>I originally wrote this at my Practice Writing Group, earlier this year. I published it on my "Writing for Fun" blog. Since it's Christmastime now, I thought it would be fun to share it here with you, too! Enjoy!</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-33642158334957278672013-12-20T14:33:00.000-06:002013-12-20T14:46:09.790-06:00Who Determines How to Celebrate Christmas, Anyway?<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to blatantly, agree with those who said or posted on
fb, “Keep Christ in Christmas!” or “Christ is the Reason for the Season!” but recently,
as I’ve been meeting new and different people in my various writing groups, I realize
that Christmas means different things to different people and it’s very
judgmental of me to think I know how someone else should think about Christ or
celebrate Christmas!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was easier and fun celebrating Christmas when the kids
were little. We sang Christmas carols and other fun Christmas songs, decorated
our tree, sometimes with a train under it, set out other favorite decorations,
and counted the days until Christmas, using a wall-hanging with a felt
Christmas tree and 24 pockets holding felt ornaments that each stuck to the
tree. A nativity set was placed on the top of a three-shelf unit, with the
animals eating from the manger and aluminum foil stars shining on the wall
behind it. Until Christmas Eve, the shepherds watched their sheep on the piano,
the wise men sought the star of the East from a distant, corner end table, and
Mary and Joseph and their donkey made their way to the stable, from the vantage
point of the top of a stereo system. (Baby Jesus was either hidden away, until
the appropriate time, or, in later years, He was wrapped in plastic or cloth
and attached to Mary with a rubber band… for the effect that she was actually
pregnant.) They all managed to convene at the stable on Christmas Eve, except for
the wise men who actually took longer to arrive. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Christmas Eve, we read the Christmas story from a
children’s Bible story book and acted out the Nativity story and went to a
Christmas Eve service, sang songs, and opened gifts from each other. Sometimes,
we watched <i>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
</i>or another Christmas movie. On Christmas morning, there were stockings filled
with treats and a gift or two from Santa. We decorated pre-cut cookies and ate brunch
together. Sometimes, we visited our families back home, spending Christmas Eve
with one family and Christmas Day with the other. As I look back, it was fun
and traditional for us, but in other ways, it was rather “formal,” stilted,
and, oftentimes, predictable, almost as if it were pre-arranged and a
production of sorts, planned mostly by me, with little room for spontaneity,
new ways of doing things, and barely accepting the changing feelings and
beliefs or desires of each child, as they grew towards and into adulthood. Now,
with our kids grown and some married, and one with a child, we have the
opportunity to find and create new ways to celebrate Christmas, as a family,
whether we are together in one location or have some family members far away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember one Christmas when I chose not to set up the tree
because I didn't see how it had anything to do with Christ or Christianity.
Instead, I set out a makeshift manger by using a cardboard, tote box with a
doll. However, my three-year-old didn’t understand why we couldn’t have a tree
like other people. I set up the tree the next year, with the tote box manger
next to it, and continued to do so, for many years after that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m learning that beliefs are very personal and we really
cannot dictate or teach them to others. We can only share our beliefs and
invite others to consider them. We can choose to accept the beliefs of others,
as true for them, at that particular time in their lives and realize that some
beliefs will change, over time, with knowledge, experience, deeper faith and
understanding. We may spend time with and work together with others who share
similar beliefs. However, if we only
hang out with those who think the same way we do, because we think we are
“right,” then I think that would be cliquish or acting Pharisaical. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not saying that it’s not important to consider who we
hang out with or who we choose as our closest friends. I wonder why some people,
and I have been one of them, become so afraid of changing how we think or act
that we feel as if we will fall out of a boat and become lost in a sea of churning
thoughts and ideas or be shunned by those who disagree with us. Perhaps, it’s
true and we’re afraid of changing the way we have thought or believed as truth
for such a long time. I realize now, it is very important to carefully consider
the truth of what we interpreted to be true, as children, and be willing to
clarify or even change the long-held values, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors
that we no longer believe are true for us today. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember, as a kid, reading or hearing Psalm 23 and being
afraid of the Good Shepherd who had a rod and staff. I thought those items were
used to hit and hurt those who were disobedient. That psalm certainly didn’t
comfort me back then. I didn’t realize the rod and staff were used by a
shepherd to protect the sheep from predators and to retrieve any sheep who feel
off a ledge. I was also fearful and confused about a prayer I said before I
went to sleep, as a child: “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul
to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.” I became
confused about which part of the prayer used “keep” and “take” and wondered what
would happen to me, if I said the prayer wrong. I also didn’t relish dying in
the middle of the night. It was not a calming prayer for me, as a child. Now I
know that God doesn’t care if I mess up the words of a prayer. He just wants me
to love and trust Him and become the unique and creative person He created me
to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m reminded of another verse in the Bible that says, when
we are children, we think like a child, but when we become men or women, our
childish ways pass. Well, I’m here to say that I have gray hair… no, <u>silver</u>
hair… and, although I’m no longer a child, I am still learning to become more
and more of an adult, seeking and learning truths and finding that many of my
beliefs were formed when I didn’t fully understand something, as a child, many
years ago. I’m also noticing that those thoughts and related feelings,
sometimes, pop up in my life, as reactions, and need to be addressed from an
adult perspective. I’m willing to set aside my childish ways and thoughts and
am making choices to grow and continue to mature in areas of showing
compassion, mercy, grace, and forgiveness towards myself and others, as well as,
serving others, things that weren’t expressed or taught clearly to me, while
growing up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One example of being more considerate toward others includes
how I act while driving. For me, this includes not only blessing those drivers
who zoom past me or cut me off, after the initial shock and adjusting my
driving to suddenly accommodate them, but realizing we are all driving
somewhere… as a community of drivers, driving in lanes around each other. I can
choose to be gracious and kind and allow safe, following distances and room for
another car to change lanes instead of tailing someone ahead of me, driving in
a reckless manner around other drivers, or basically, acting as if I own the
road. It may seem like something small to you, but for me, it’s showing
compassion for others who are on the road with me and a way of showing the
spirit of Christ to others, without being preachy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my heart and spirit, I can celebrate Christmas by
remembering, celebrating, and being thankful that God sent His son, Jesus
Christ, into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world through
Him. (For many, many decades, I believed that Jesus came to condemn the world.
This is another example of living with twisted Scripture or faulty beliefs. The
thought of God condemning the world terrified and terrifies me!) I can also be
mindful of others, their needs, worries, concerns, doubts, and joys during and
throughout this Christmas season and accept their beliefs as uniquely their
own. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter how, when, or if you celebrate Christmas or the
“holidays” this year, I hope you experience peace, joy, and love in your heart
and spirit, enjoying times of connection with others, in your home, at a bus
stop, mall or restaurant, at a gathering, or while on the road to wherever you
are going.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I ask God’s blessings for you this Christmas and holiday
season and throughout this New Year!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wishing Peace and Love to you, and to your loved ones, today
and always!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S. If you would like to know why I kept my Christmas tree
up all year and have celebrated Christmas and God’s love and the love of my
beloved, deceased grandmother, every day this past year, you can read about it
and see pictures at: <a href="http://twowhitebutterflies.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-easter.html">http://twowhitebutterflies.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-easter.html</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also wrote about dealing with grief over my grandmother
passing away on this day, December 20<sup>th</sup>, over four decades ago, in
this post: <a href="http://twowhitebutterflies.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-end.html">http://twowhitebutterflies.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-end.html</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-73694203306194910702013-12-14T15:38:00.000-06:002013-12-14T15:38:21.605-06:00Surprised by Sounds of Music!<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll never forget the joy and surprise I experienced on my
first trip to Europe, while traveling with my daughter, during the summer
between her undergrad and veterinary school studies. In addition to the many
wonderful museums, sights, historical places, and amazing architecture we saw
and the variety of interesting people we met, what surprised me the most was
the unexpected music we heard, beginning on the RER ride from the Charles de
Gaulle airport to downtown Paris. While riding on the light rail, a man walked
into our car, set his hat on the floor, and began playing a wind instrument of
some sort. It was painted in muted reds and greens and was, perhaps, a
recorder. I was mesmerized by his hauntingly beautiful music. Then, as suddenly
as he had appeared, he stopped playing, held out his hat to collect tips and
moved on to another car. What a fun and unusual way to begin my experience in
Paris.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later on our trip, as we strolled through Vienna, looking
for interesting sights, I was stopped in my tracks by the sound of beautiful
music. It appeared to be coming from the entrance area to a great castle or
mansion. We crossed the street and approached the large structure to find two,
young men playing their violins. They played together as one, playing harmoniously
off the sounds of each other, weaving and intertwining their individual sounds
of music into one beautiful piece. They were truly practiced musicians who enjoy
playing together, whether for their own enjoyment or for the audience of a king.
I totally enjoyed standing there, hearing them play together, as their
beautiful music reverberated within the walls of the concrete or brick
structure around them, as if in an amphitheater. It was difficult to leave this
beautiful concert of music, but I was happy to contribute to their open violin
cases, waiting for tips from passersby. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a different, rainy, cloudy day, my daughter and I walked
along cobblestone streets and sidewalks of Salzburg on a quest to see some sort
of castle or large mansion. After walking for quite a while, I was discouraged
that our damp, nondescript map wasn't helping us navigate through brick walls,
private property, and other obstacles and felt quite tired. We continued on, as
best as we could. At one point, we heard the music of someone practicing their
violin. We looked for the source and found it coming from an open window in a
nearby alley. The music itself wasn't difficult or well-played but the joy of
hearing sounds of music coming from that open window on a rainy day was such an
amazing surprise and delight to me that it brightened my soul and put a spring
in my step! With a lighter heart and more walking, we eventually made it to our
destination. Interestingly, I was blessed with a lasting, beautiful memory that
came more from our rather, dismal, “less than perfect” journey than in reaching
our destination. That joyous memory of music will be with me forever! I am also
grateful to the person who was practicing their violin on that rainy, Saturday
morning, with their window open, of course!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last, special memory that still brings me tears of joy,
surprise, and delight, occurred when my daughter and I visited a musical
instrument museum in Paris. It was fun to see the various forms of older and
archaic instruments, but what stands out most to me is what happened as we
began to leave one room to walk into another. A group of about five or six,
young, Japanese women had begun gathering around a display of several sheets of
music, placed under glass, around the edges of a round table. Suddenly, they
burst into harmonious song, as they read and interpreted those notes to the
ears of those who were privileged to hear their beautiful voices singing in a
spontaneous concert. I stepped back into the room, watching and listening in
awe and wonder, as these professional-sounding women, who appeared to have sung
together, many times before, produced such beautiful, vocal music, in a foreign
country to others who were foreigners, as well! It’s a memory I will always
cherish!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went to Europe expecting to see new sights, learn some
history, enjoy some amazing architecture and breathtaking scenery, meet new
people, and to share a unique experience with my daughter, all of which
happened, but I was blown away with the myriad of sounds of music that touched
my heart and soul during our trip abroad. It was an amazing experience to
remember and behold!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda, 2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>After a time of
writing with some friends, I wrote this piece about a special memory of
a trip to Europe, in 14 minutes. Interestingly, however, it took hours to
slightly edit it to this final form.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-36626983164826631242013-12-11T21:19:00.000-06:002013-12-11T21:35:49.336-06:00“Present Moment” - Don’t Keep Your Mouth Shut Tightly!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I wrote this as a
“present moment,” first writing with some writing friends today, in 5 minutes,
as a warm-up to additional writing. They thought it was funny and since I
usually don’t write humorous pieces, I’ll share this with you, slightly edited.
<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deep breath! I made it. If it wasn't planned, I wouldn't
have come. For some reason, I’m so tired. Maybe I’m finally learning how to
relax my jaw and face… and my body needs time…lots of time… to just be at peace
and relax.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not at peace as much as I’d like. Sometimes, I feel
tense at home with my husband working at home every day or when I add more to
my list of things to do than I cross off. I rarely have time to myself unless I’m up in
the middle of the night, but that backfires for me now… pretty much like
burning a candle at both ends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn't know that I’m not supposed to keep my teeth
together when my mouth is shut. I thought it kept my teeth growing to the right
height, especially if I've had some dental work done. Apparently, it causes
stress to my jaw and face muscles such that it hurts when a doctor, dentist or
physical therapist pokes it. So, if nobody pokes my face, what’s the big deal? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess holding stress in my face isn't a healthy idea.
Perhaps that’s why I prefer smiling or talking. It’s less stressful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Precious Linda, 2013<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-31873946608391956632013-11-10T17:51:00.000-06:002014-12-15T00:07:21.066-06:00Peeling Paint and Internalized Symptoms<div class="MsoNormal">
How often have you seen peeling paint and realized that
something isn’t right…either the paint has aged or there’s something going on
with the surface on which the paint was applied… perhaps, there was no primer paint used or
perhaps there was some rotting wood or seepage of some sort going on. In any
case, if repairs are to be made that will last more than a season, one needs to
get down to the inner parts of that house or object that needs to be painted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So also, it is with people. How often do we go around with a
plastic or practiced smiley face which hides the truth of the feelings and
fears and thoughts that we hold inside? Or, worse, how many people aren’t even
aware of the thoughts and feelings that cause them to show forth internalized
symptoms that come across, at times, as “peeling paint”… odd behaviors,
eruptions of anger, un-understandable fears, terror, etc. triggered by
something from their past that has been so deeply hidden that they are not even
aware of it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One type of person like this might be someone with PTSD and
repressed memories who, when experiencing a present event or hearing of one,
ends up with triggered memories that have been deeply internalized and shows up
as symptoms of great fear and terror, extreme sadness or grief, or a myriad of
other emotions that surface without reason.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, as in handling peeling paint and working on the
foundation, so also, these people need to become more and more aware of their internalized
symptoms that begin to manifest as bodily feelings and emotions they hardly
know how to define or identify, but once they do, these old, old feelings, like
rotten wood, can be replaced with feelings in the here and now and, as wood or
a foundation that is repaired, so also a person with internalized symptoms can
begin to see healing of their soul and enjoy the myriad of feelings and
emotions and the development of an integrated self – of body, mind, and soul,
and enjoy the rainbows of emotional colors and thoughts, and live in and enjoy
the present moment, living in relationships with others, without the anchor and
hooks to the past that once kept them in a pit of despair and hopelessness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda – 2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Written with the
prompts of “peeling paint” and “internalized symptoms” for 12 minutes at my
Practice Writing Group.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-15822627800126948572013-09-14T17:25:00.000-05:002014-12-15T00:06:12.975-06:00My House of Cards Fell Today<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This was originally
written in July and became rather long so I am only sharing the first part with
you. I think you’ll understand the idea of what happened, as just being a part of
life and growing up.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My house of cards came tumbling down,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sat there and just looked around,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As things that once I thought I knew,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What once, I thought was really true,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I saw now as only a bunch of air.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked and wondered what had happened</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make my house of cards fall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was it faulty nails or glue or tape?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or, maybe storms or an earthquake?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sat there, not really knowing why.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, then, I heard a voice from a quiet guy,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You know, a house built on rock will stand forever;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While a house built on sand will always quiver.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Foundations are important, you know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At least, you’re learning this. So, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What will you do next, my friend?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s really your choice and not the end.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Staring into space, I turned and asked, “Why?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why didn’t I know this before?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Because you weren’t born as a full-fledged adult,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But only as a teachable kid.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What you learned from your folks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is hard to decipher,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When all you want is</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be like him or like her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Precious Linda, c. 2013</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-84397025838947426132013-08-03T12:58:00.000-05:002014-12-15T00:08:56.581-06:00Some Things are Too Funny Not to ShareThis past week, I began cleaning out e-mails that have accumulated in my inbox and folders for many years... thousands and thousands of them. Yesterday, I finally cleaned out my inbox and most of the e-mails in my many folders. <br />
<br />
I was surprised, when I set up an e-mail account on my new tablet and saw eleven e-mails in my inbox. As the tablet synced with my computer, the e-mails disappeared and a white, empty inbox appeared... until I received the message seen in the photo. It was such an unexpected and pleasant surprise! I've been laughing ever since and wanted to share this joyful surprise with you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcJcHlSLT0leodfPgtqoY3YJCAVuntTLgx7K_Hge4MqMfvn6DF-DEdAjrVnPsgLg5_0u6L-VxF_hWzjllQBf9hdYhPMJsfkqontn1zQQt73rPs2LoinOWMQ6sEmywZAEFc9SOlOLMc9tC/s1600/Yahoo+Message+-+IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcJcHlSLT0leodfPgtqoY3YJCAVuntTLgx7K_Hge4MqMfvn6DF-DEdAjrVnPsgLg5_0u6L-VxF_hWzjllQBf9hdYhPMJsfkqontn1zQQt73rPs2LoinOWMQ6sEmywZAEFc9SOlOLMc9tC/s320/Yahoo+Message+-+IMG_1060.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Precious Linda - 2013</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1991633825994551135.post-70651194041627799352013-06-24T16:36:00.000-05:002014-12-15T00:10:13.806-06:00Space and Margins - Providing Room for Grace to Grow<div class="MsoNormal">
How often do we leave extra time for reaching our
destination or for completing a task?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How often do I wait until the last minute, in order to provide
a “built-in” deadline?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How often do I procrastinate because I think, “Whatever I am
planning to do won’t be good enough?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Am I missing out on something? Am I allowing room for grace
to grow in my life and look for opportunities to share grace with others?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without leaving space and margins of time and energy, when
planning my day and executing it, I believe, I lose the ability to exhibit
responsible “self-control” over what happens to me and my thoughts, both internally
and externally. I give up my ability to thoughtfully choose what I think or
what I will do and, instead, become reactive to what happens to me, as if I am
a victim of my circumstances or “lack of time.” I also give up responsibility for
my emotional well-being. I no longer leave room to deal with, or even to
accept, my emotions and what’s happening to me and do not see or accept interruptions
as opportunities for personal growth and expressions of faith and grace but,
rather, as if someone threw a monkey wrench in the works.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without space or margins, I am only living “on the fly,”
like a hamster on a wheel, mindlessly trying to catch something that is
impossible to catch, or trying to do something that is impossible to do, such
as taking on too many tasks or trying to achieve too many goals, for which
there is not enough time to complete. I have “put off until tomorrow” something that I had hoped to
do today, only to find out that “tomorrow” already has enough to do. It’s as if
I am trying to “borrow time” and end up with a “credit card debt” of time that
can never be paid back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do I do this? Could it be that being “busy” with
anything is a way to distract me from conflicting thoughts or feelings, from
the present or the past, that I prefer to keep pacified, at bay, caged up, or
buried? I am slowly realizing that until I allow myself to feel the feelings
that I am avoiding, they will not go away, but will remain “harbored” in my
body, as an emotional cancer, eating away at my mind, my heart, and my soul,
causing havoc within my spirit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, as I contemplate and experience my day, I am learning
to pay attention to the feelings that surface and to determine whether they
relate to the present moment or to something from the past. When I choose to
identify the feelings and allow them to flow, like water over a dam, they
actually dissipate and pass on by, leaving me relaxed, calm, peaceful, and able
to understand the thoughts behind them and make choices without fear or angst.
My spirit is free to soar again in a state of peace and love, and I am able to
show grace and compassion to myself and to others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Precious Linda, c. 2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03662572726421802755noreply@blogger.com0