Inspirational – Long walks and dark chocolate

The little foxes

September 15, 2013 1 Comment

English: Common foxes in the snow. Français : Renards roux dans la neige. W.Kuhnert. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mom used to repeat that long-ago penned slice of wisdom originating from The Song of Solomon; “It’s the little foxes that spoil the vines”. In my younger days, when I had never yet set my gaze on a real live fox much less these vineyards he desired to spoil, it didn’t make much sense to me. A lot of things didn’t then.

But, oh have I found that saying to be accurate and worth adding to my arsenal of proven truths.

We expect trials and tribulations to manifest in some big, easily recognizable way. We presume that when we enter throes of temptation, we will always show up, eyes wide open, prepared and completely alert.

However, it starts with the little things…

That one phrase spoken in a sugar sweet voice, laced with black, dark, hate.

That tiny wound that rages red, becoming infected with revenge.

That look of contempt, the kind where a disgusted shaking head follows.

Sometimes it starts as a barely noticeable disengaging from life, a slow giving in to despair.

A pinch of jealousy, fertilized with just the right mix of self-loathing and insecurity can turn into an ugly beast, hard to control.

One small plank thrown up to shelter a tender heart can turn into a fortress.

Yes, I am confident that a lot of the “little things” become very big things if we don’t catch them and deal with them immediately.

The little foxes do spoil the vines, but only, if we let them.

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: Fox, heart, little foxes, problems, song, Song of Solomon, the little things, unforgiveness, Vine, vines

Daily Prompt: Regrets, I’ve had a few

September 6, 2013 5 Comments

What’s your biggest regret? How would your life have been different if you’d made another decision?

This prompt spoke to me in a big way this morning, causing me to reflect on my life thus far. I can’t say that I have one regret in particular and since I believe all things happen for a reason, I believe I am exactly where I am supposed to be today.

With that said, I have many regrets:

• The times I withheld forgiveness instead of forgiving freely and quickly and completely.
• The times I chose to clean house instead of making mud pies.
• Every minute I spent in the mirror criticizing my appearance, and especially the times in front of my girls.
• For the careless word spoken that wounded, sometimes deeply.
• The conversations I merely endured that should have been feasted upon.
• The years I spent running from God.
• The “I love you” left unspoken and the phone calls never made.
• Every hour wasted on hatred, jealousy, anger and strife.

And finally, the time I have spent dwelling on past regrets instead of choosing to leap past them, learn from them and strive to live out the remainder of this life with fewer of them.

This was a great writing prompt and it’s good to force yourself to think back sometimes and glean from past mistakes, to remember where you came from and who you have become. Of most importance though is to move forward and live this beautiful life out loud, with great expectations, faith and hope. May we all fully implement the lessons learned that they never influence our lives negatively again.

Filed Under: Family and Home, Inspirational, Photography Tagged With: Bible, children, Christianity, God, motherhood, regret, Religion and Spirituality, Sin

It’s a bad day, not a bad life

August 8, 2013 5 Comments

The alarm woke me up angrily as if to say there is no time to spare, not another blink of sleep is to occur on my watch! The door reached out to clobber me in the side of my head as I dragged a less than cooperative body to the bathroom. The water was cold as it bitterly splashed my awakening skin, and my eyes simply refused to focus properly; then the scale was particularly hateful.

Off to the kitchen where the red light on my keurig flashed impatiently, shouting, “refresh me or else”!

Finally seated in front of my computer, I attempted to begin my work day. Of course on days like this, fingers fail to move where your mind tells them to go and logins are incorrect.

It was as if my blood pressure was rising while my patience was waning and it wasn’t yet 6:00am.

As the day schlepped on, ever so slowly, it was one irritating thing after another. There was the way my bank (for reasons still unclear to me) locked out my online banking feature, and the only way that I could prove that I truly was who I proclaimed to be was by me knowing the amount and date of my very last transaction.

This may seem a walk in the park to you, but since I was dealing with my hubby’s business account, I knew my getting this right was as likely as him remembering to tell me he even used the card; therefore, highly unlikely. I was so amazed when the last receipt he had thrown in a crumpled up pile on the counter actually matched. I could have cried tears of joy! Yes! I had received my first miracle of the day.

Even after this turn of events, my mood continued to darken and my appetite threatened to destroy my resolve against all things unhealthy. My husband and daughter felt the tumultuous waves of my hormonal raging. I even had to make one apology…harrumph!

About this time one of my co-workers and I were discussing a timeline for a future fix and something she said shook my resolve to be angry today. I made a negative comment and she said, “hey, you’re always the positive one”. Ouch! God was showing me, crystal clear, that my attitude needed adjusting. But, I didn’t heed at that point; I was too deep in the yuck-mode.

Later, once I got off work and sat basking in the afternoon sun, remembering that today is my Friday, I looked back on today and actually smiled. Okay, I admit it was one of those wimpy, embarrassed smiles, but it was a smile nonetheless.

Somehow, at that point, I quickly repented for my negativity and forced myself to realize (once again) all that I have to be thankful for in life. I heard the words, “it’s a bad day, not a bad life” resonate from somewhere deep within.

Yes, I can blame SOME of it on hormones, but this selfishness, thinking it’s all about me, forgetting the blessings, is something I feel I will be blogging about over and over until I get it. And, then maybe I will continue until others get it as well. If you’ve had a bad day, get alone somewhere quiet, say a prayer, read a verse, breath in and out and begin to count those blessings. It will do you good!

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: almost 50, Banking Services, be positive, counting blessings, Friday, God, hormonal issues, I'm sorry, menopause, moodiness, Online banking, selfishness, thankfulness, workday

Shuffling a little slower now

August 3, 2013 11 Comments

-Elderly couple comfort each other (Photo credit: Gordon T Lawson)

They walked out of CVS together, cars impatiently waiting for them to make their way slowly through the crosswalk. I watched the struggle with empathy, silently imagining what their long history together might have entailed. They both approached the car and she slowly and carefully got in the passenger side. He opened the driver’s side car door wincing, as if the mere action of pulling it open caused him pain. Then, he took his time to gently fold himself down into the seat. After several minutes, they were on their way.

My eyes see an elderly couple; the lady had white hair and a matching polyester outfit gracing her petite frame, full makeup and glasses and sensible shoes. She had a plastic bag sporting the store logo in her hand and the contents, 2 boxes of frosted flakes,were visible. I smiled. The man was stooped over, bald and moved as though arthritis or some other painful disease was taking its toll on him. I could see the vexation in his eyes as he struggled to do the small tasks that only a few years ago were likely very easy for him.

As they drove away, their mouths moving in conversation, I began to wonder if they felt as old as they looked. I wondered if there are things they can no longer do, and if that frustrates them greatly. I thought about children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and wondered if they had any of these and if so, did they visit? Were the boxes of frosted flakes for them or their grandchildren? Were their lives happy ones or did they face each day with increasing loneliness or fear at what the future holds?

I remember a time, not long ago in the grand scheme of things, when my first thought may have been that they probably shouldn’t even be driving and I may have been one of those impatient drivers in the crosswalk, rushing about. As I grow older myself, my patience increases and my compassion grows. I am reminded once again, that life is short. We need to live out every moment and love the ones God has placed in our lives, to tell them and to show them each and every day. Life can be stressful and we are all too busy with so many things that don’t really matter. Can we show more respect, love and appreciation to the elderly in our community?

I know how it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Sometimes you do make the time to reach out and love. You may call or visit or write, yet, the person on the receiving end doesn’t seem to appreciate it or you feel like it’s never enough.

Whatever the case, do it anyway. Make a day brighter, help quench the pangs of loneliness. For you and I, my friends, will be there soon enough.

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: growing old, Old age, Relationships, Shopping, showing love

Deposits in our children

August 1, 2013 Leave a Comment

Ayda at Disney 2011

As I look back on the past 47 years of my life, I am convinced that of all of the lives I have touched, the biggest impact has been on my children.

Knowing this, I contemplate the failures which sometimes seemed as plentiful as the successes. For this, I can promise, you will fail at times, more than once or twice. You will find though, that how you handle the failures is the most important part. There is no shame to be found in saying, “I’m sorry”; this is teaching your children to do the same. You also have to forgive yourself and move forward.

I recall many times that they called me out on something that I had taught them not to do or also the times when I beamed with pride at the awesomeness of their character shining through. There were times I was impatient and didn’t give them the chance to explain, or completely misread a situation and found myself at their bedside asking forgiveness. There were also times that I know I rocked; that I gave them praise and their smile and hug told me I had got it right. Those are the times your heart feels as though it will burst.

I have found that patience is mandatory throughout their lives; not just during the terrible twos and sassy teenage years. Your complete and undivided attention is a must and forgiveness a necessity. Praise is essential and should be used in far greater quantity than negative remarks.

The words that are spoken should be carefully chosen, the looks you give always filtered by love and the example that you set should be stellar. If it hasn’t been thus far, make the rest of the years count!

Yes, there will come a time when they will make their own choices. However, you will want them to make good ones, based on the things you have taught them and shown by example. The little sponges will soak it all up, so make your choices wisely.

After all, you want to look back with more good memories than bad ones and you want to know you have done your very best.

Filed Under: Family and Home, Inspirational Tagged With: children, forgiveness, memories, Parenting, praise, setting an example

The ripple

July 30, 2013 7 Comments

Duck at Reservoir Park in Southern Pines NC

When I took the picture of this duck, I caught myself looking at the ripples. It never ceases to amaze me how that if we let God’s creation teach us, it never fails. There is a lesson in every scene.

As the duck paddled its legs beneath him, the water rippled out revealing motion. The display of the ripple varied based on his movement. When he was still and quiet, the water barely moved, but when he flapped his wings and flailed around as he took his bath, there were splashes and ripples and noise.

So, of course I began to wonder, “What is my ripple?” How does it look and what does it convey about me.

Do I thrash about wreaking havoc all around me? Or perhaps I am so quiet and unmoving that I am barely noticed at all. Or maybe, slow and steady is my way. It makes you think, doesn’t it?

I hope to be steady and sure, confident and moving forward. I pray that the impression I leave as I make my way through this world is a good one.

God Bless and Goodnight!

Filed Under: Inspirational, Photography Tagged With: birds, duck, Environment, God Bless, Goodnight, Ripple effect, water

Vultures of the human variety

July 24, 2013 2 Comments

White-backed vultures (Gyps africanus) feed on a carcass of a wildebeest in Masai Mara National Park, Kenya (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Several times a week I walk, at least a 2 mile stretch, sometimes more. Today was my “lunch walk” so I only had 30 minutes and was determined to make it count.

I was clipping along at a rapid pace, my body already on melt down alert from the blistering FL sun, when I smelled it.

It was a rotten, dead animal smell that caused me to pick up my pace even more. This was partly because of the horrid smell and partly because of the large assemblage of hideous vultures beside the road gawking at me as if I were after their dinner.

As I continued around the bend, happy to be rid of the stench and the stares, I began to think about buzzards. We all know that they are scavengers. What I didn’t know that I read today and found interesting is that a group of vultures is sometimes called a wake. Very fitting! Another note is that although they rarely attach healthy animals, they may kill the wounded or the sick, which brings me to my point and what I was pondering during the remainder of my walk.

Have you ever noticed that some people are like vultures, looming over a mess, waiting for their opportunity to run and congregate to observe catastrophe close up, feasting on bad news and then regurgitating it (like the vultures do to feed young or when scared) wherever they go. It smells even worse by then, I imagine.

Sometimes these people take a weak or injured individual and try to finish them off just to satisfy their appetite. They thrive on rottenness and death, walk all through it, supping until they are full and there is nothing left.

When someone is weak or downtrodden, they need encouragement and when every situation around them reeks, they don’t need more gossip and exposure.

They need understanding, love and a true friend; someone to defend them when they can barely stand beneath the weight of despair.

I am so blessed to have friends like that and a God who watches over His children. One of my prayers today is that I will never feast on someone else’s pain, but instead that I will come alongside and share the burden.

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: buzzards, death, depressed, grief, hurting people, sad, vultures, wounded

Too blessed

July 18, 2013 4 Comments

City Park, New Orleans

We are finally home from vacation and although I had a wonderful time and wouldn’t take back the beautiful visit and fun times and laughter, I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.

I was browsing facebook earlier and saw that a very wise, young lady posted a status that said, in essence, ‘lighten up, everyone has depressing statuses today”.

Her status reminded me once again how very fortunate most of us are. I had to stop and reflect on this trip and how many times I made silly negative comments about a late cab or a long drive or even (as ridiculous as it may seem) about eating too much.

As soon as these utterances leave my mouth, I regret them. I think of the family living in a car because they have lost their home, or people who can’t afford to go on vacation this year because they have too many medical expenses. What about the starving children? What if they could be a bug on a wall as we rubbed our bellies, filled with all manner of delicacies while exclaiming, “Wow, I did it again; ate way too much”. I would be embarrassed.

So what can I do? I can start by making sure that I voice good things, that I focus on the positive, and that I remember at all times how very much I am blessed. For me, it’s about remembering from Whom I get my strength, hope and peace.

I truly believe that what we say can influence for good or bad. If I grumble and complain, that propagates more of the same. And seriously, isn’t life arduous enough at times without me broadcasting the bad like the ratings-hungry news media does?

So, once again I vow to try to remember those less fortunate than me when I find myself in a far from horrid situation that beckons a complaint or murmur. I will silence the fuss with praise or a blessing!

Little blessings… (girlthingstore.com)

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: Blessing, God, Good News, help, hope, peace, People, positive, praise, Requesting Help, Travel

Beneath the surface

July 12, 2013 6 Comments

Today as I looked out over the black, murky waters in the swamp at Jean Lafitte National Preserve, I thought about how you have no idea what is under the surface. In the picture above, the gator popped up and started swimming toward us. One minute the water was calm and the next, he surfaced and caused a wake, the black water rippling out around him as he swam right toward us.

My husband and I are both Florida natives and are no strangers to alligators and their habits. We aren’t afraid of them as some people are, but we respect them. However, as my husband knows, I’ve never been a fan of swimming in the swamp like a lot of people do on occasion. This is definitely because I am not privy to what is below the surface. In my most likely, overactive imagination, I envision not only gators, but snakes; and not just a snake, but nests of them and all manner of slimy creeping things and flesh eating parasites. This is in all probability not the case, but until I know that for a fact, my body will stay above, thank you very much!

The water makes me think of people and personalities and how unless we know them extremely well (and sometimes even when we do), we don’t always know what is beneath the surface. We don’t know of the private struggles, the personal failures, the pain kept inside.

We are only able to observe and glean from that which surfaces. It’s only then that we see the emotion, thoughts and actions they allow to break through the outer wall and be felt and heard and viewed. For many people, more walls go up with every infraction felt against them, so what we see may be very carefully wrapped up and concealed.

Knowing this, I often wonder why we aren’t all more patient with people. We generally judge from first glance, make our minds up after a first encounter. Have we even unveiled the first layer at this point? I know I am thankful for the friends and loved ones in my life who took the time to search me out, to find the gems and ignore the ugliness. It reminds me of how our heavenly Father takes the time to search our hearts; He doesn’t look on the outside, but at our heart. Of course, we don’t have the privilege to look there with omnipotent, all-seeing eyes, but we can take the time to at least search it out to the best of our limited human ability.

I know I’ve touched on this before here, but it bears repeating. Why don’t we try to take more time with people, to show love and kindness, offer consolation and prayer and who knows, we might unwrap something of vast beauty!

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: alligator, Jean Lafitte, Jean Lafitte National Park, Louisiana, love for people, national park, New Orleans, Patience, swamp

They hurt, so we love

June 24, 2013 4 Comments

Teardrop on Fire (Photo credit: tj.blackwell)

Why can’t we see that people are hurting? Why do some people rush to spread bad news, but don’t bother to take the time to clear up a nasty rumor?

We are all touched by pain, turmoil and tragedy, are we not? We all suffer so how do we forget what that feels like. How do we forget what would have made us feel better and then not offer that instead of judgment and gossip?

Please know that I am searching my own heart as I share. I hate gossip and try to stay far from it, but don’t we all get roped in sometimes? Aren’t we also partakers even if we just listen? Isn’t that just as bad? And how does that help, what does it accomplish?

When I think on the times that I have felt ravished and torn by life’s trials and troubles, I quickly remember the friends who showed up, who covered me in prayer; the ones who stood up for me and my family. I think of those who quickly discerned that it wasn’t a time for observation and speculation, but a time to show love and concern. They realized that it was a time to love and hold and listen.

I have been studying the book of Job, and just like everything else God does, this was divine timing, because it has been helpful to apply some of what I have learned to hurting people. It is teaching me to be a better friend. One who understands that there is a big picture and I can’t figure it all out and I don’t have all the answers. Sometimes the most helpful thing I can do is to pray for them and listen. Notice I said “listen”, not always speaking, not always thinking I have all the answers.

Most of us, by the time we have reached my age, have experienced the death of a loved one, severe illness in ourselves or others, financial difficulty or even ruin, marital discord and sometimes divorce, problems with children and grandchildren, and the list goes on and on.

God help us to remember some of those times; the way we felt, the people who cared and the things that counted. What made us feel better, what caused a smile to tug at the corners of our mouth and what made us feel loved and warm inside? May we remember and pay it forward.

Job and I (iamlvl.wordpress.com)

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: Christianity, Facebook, friendship, God, Grief Loss and Bereavement, Health, hurting, Job, Mental health, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality, trials

The little foxes

Daily Prompt: Regrets, I’ve had a few

It’s a bad day, not a bad life

Shuffling a little slower now

Deposits in our children

The ripple

Vultures of the human variety

Too blessed

Beneath the surface

They hurt, so we love

Goodreads

Show me some love

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Goodreads

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Archives

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Check out some of my most popular photos and ramblings

Blogs I Follow

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