God – Long walks and dark chocolate

Mama’s helpers

May 8, 2015 1 Comment

Good morning, on this beautiful sunny Friday!

I have shared some thoughts and pictures about my Mom this week via various social media, as I always think about her even more during this week. I didn’t want to be remiss in mentioning my “other mothers”. Mom would want me to as well.

I’ll begin with my precious mother in law, who has supported me through thick and thin, defended me like I was her own and loved me with that “mama love” for over 20 years now. She has been a blessing to me in more ways than I could count. She loves her family fiercely and unconditionally.

I’m also grateful and blessed to have my aunts who are there for me whenever I need them and have taught me so much about life and love. Their hugs, advice and enduring love have been available to me for as long as I can remember and I cherish them.

My former Pastor’s wife showered me with love and advised me with wisdom on many matters of the heart. She will always be precious to me.

There have been others through the years; the friend’s mom, church family members, even a neighbor who just knew when I needed that “mama love”. You know what I’m talking about; that hug, that little nugget of truth spoken into my life, the promise of prayers. God has blessed me with many of these relationships. He cares for His children and knows I have needed that in the years since Mom passed.

Thank you to God for sending them and thank you to all of these ladies. Without you, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

I love you dearly.

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: blessings, God, Mother, Mother's Day, mother-in-law

Seed of faith

January 10, 2015 3 Comments

Photo from : http://www.onlinejewelryclass.biz

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “In Good Faith.”

Describe a memory or encounter in which you considered your faith, religion, spirituality — or lack of — for the first time.

I was raised to have faith and I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have it. Thankfully, my mom and grandmother took me to church faithfully, and taught me to read the bible.

One memory I have that brings back a smile is when I received the gift of a mustard seed necklace. I don’t remember who it was a gift from, but I think it was on my birthday. It was a little gold chain, sporting a tiny orb which contained an even tinier mustard seed. The mustard seed may have been tiny, but it helped ingrain in my young mind the scripture promising that even a little seed of faith moved mountains.

I loved wearing it and if my memory serves me correctly, I believe it broke and was put to rest somewhere beneath the spinning ballerina in my jewelry box. I suspect when I was a little older, I thought I was too cool for a mustard seed necklace and chose to throw it away instead of fixing it.

In my almost 50 years, with all the bumps in the road, and the ups and the downs, I have often thought about that little necklace and what it symbolized. The promise has proven true time and time again.

Linen rose

Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: Bible, Daily Prompt, faith, God, mustard seed, necklace

Goodnight December

December 31, 2014 5 Comments

I’m sitting inside, a couple of hours away from 2015, enjoying my Christmas tree for what will probably be the last time this season. As much as I look forward to what the new year will hold, it always saddens me to pack away the Christmas decorations. There is just something about Christmas; the spirit of love that is in the air, people are nicer, and family members and friends seem more appreciative of one another.

The hubby and friends are outside playing corn hole, there are fireworks blasting in the distance, and other faint sounds outside of parties and traffic in the neighborhood. Being the introvert that I am, I would rather spend my time quietly reflecting on the past year and meditating on God and what His will is for me for 2015.

This has been a tough year in many ways for many people. The news has been overflowing with sad stories and bad news and full of fear inducing possibilities. I hear it said that we could say that at the end of every year, but I have to disagree.

The thing I know to be true is that when I place my faith in God, all of the worry, fear and hopelessness vanishes. When everything is falling down around me and I feel the strength of the waves of oppression and the heat of the battle, I have an Advocate. This coming year, that is what I will hold on to. No matter what situations may arise, God always has a plan. It might not fit into my self-established agenda, but if I will follow it, all things will work for my good.

Have a happy and blessed New Year – Find out what God’s plan is for you and adhere to it and experience the joy that will follow.

Love and Blessings,

Lisa

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: God, hope, love, New Year, peace

A Worthy Celebration

April 5, 2014 8 Comments

Today I attended a beautiful “Celebration of Life” for a sweet lady who now resides in God’s presence.

The carefully chosen songs and words spoken were filled with love and emotion. More than once I heard phrases like, “never an unkind word” and “found the good in all”. It occurred to me that it wasn’t hard to understand why she was loved by many. She obviously made many feel loved.

After the service, her family and friends reminisced over plates laden with fish and all the expected sides. There were words of comfort spoken, tear stained cheeks, and hugs. There was laughter as funny memories were shared and there was a feeling of family and familiarity that permeated the gathering.

Looking around, I saw faces of people who have known each other since birth or at the very least shared memories for decades. As we shared stories and laughter, I was reminded once again that I am thankful for our small town. Most of the people who were conversing share memories that span at least two generations. We are like a large family, replete with the fussing and fighting and making up. We know more about each other’s business than is convenient. We know family histories, be they good or bad and some recollections are pristine while others are exaggerated.

One thing I have noticed though; when heartache is felt by one here, for the most part, it is felt by all. When my family has been hit the hardest, I have found sincere words of concern, loving arms to hug and hold, warm dishes delivered to comfort and we have felt the ardent prayers for our peace.

When I was younger, I always flippantly voiced my burning desire to leave this boring, gossiping town and never come back. As a matter of fact, my parents did decide to move, the summer after my 9^th grade year. Ironically, when the time came, I departed kicking and screaming and vowing that I would never, ever appreciate our new abode. I spent the entire summer making sure my parents knew they had ruined my life.

As life would have it, a few years and many addresses later, I made my way back. I understand why people say they hate it and how they get weary of the drama and gossip. I have been there and I would encourage young ones to spread their wings and fly after their dreams. However, if you find yourself lonely and broken, you might make your way back home again. Yes, everyone will know your story (and might even embellish it), but many will be there to embrace and comfort you.

Today, I was inspired by the words that were spoken. We can be a kinder, gentler community that looks for the good in all. We should never delight in another’s troubles, but in all things show love and mercy. I’m thankful for the sense of community and am reminded that to be a part of a community you must interact. We often find ourselves too busy to care for the wounded and the broken, or even to show up to acknowledge an accomplishment.

This dear, sweet lady may be gone, but today’s look back at her actions and interactions in the memorable life she lived have compelled me once again to re-evaluate my priorities and make sure they line up with my Father’s will. For that, I am truly grateful.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: celebration of life, God, good people, goodness, kindness, love, mercy, Prayer

Weekly Writing Challenge: Threes

March 3, 2014 21 Comments

This week the challenge at the Daily Post said; In this week’s writing challenge, you’ll write a post using three photographs for inspiration. I choose three photographs by Sue Nash whose blog is Heavenly Raindrops.

I pulled my car into the parking lot and checked once more to make sure I had placed my new beach permit within clear view. Just a few more moments and I would be walking on the beach, wind whipping my hair while the sea air cleared my head.

A beautiful peace ensued as soon as my bare toes met with the gritty sand and I breathed in a deep cleansing breath of salty air.

It was a quiet day on the beach, just the way I like it. The only sounds were the boisterous kiss of the waves on the shore and a few hungry seagulls searching for a hand out.

As I walked, I found I wasn’t completely alone as I noticed a couple of others meandering along the shore. I wondered for a moment if they came here to make decisions too.

Since I was a small child, there is something about the ocean that calms me. I have found that in a pinch that other bodies of water will do, although the ocean along with the sound of the waves is my preference.

I feel so close to God when I stand in awe of His creation and I needed to feel that way now. There was a lot riding on the choices I would soon make, and I desperately needed to hear from Him.

I stopped and flopped down in the still warm sand, just far enough away from the waves to stay dry. I thought back on all the prayers uttered here and gave thanks for those answered and the ones God chose to answer in a different way than I could have imagined.

I knew as I squinted towards the sky that I would leave here knowing what to do and having a deep peace about it. As I looked out across the ocean and began my prayer, the sun was beginning to sink a little lower.

Moments later, my heart full of peace, I got up, brushed off my jeans, dipped my toes in the water and felt a smile tug at the corners of my mouth. As I walked past the fences, placed there to keep people out, I was glad nothing kept me from God. Ever.

Refreshed, restored and replete with God’s goodness, I made my way to my car, ready to meet the challenges head on.

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: answered prayer, beach, Daily Post, God, making decisions, threes, weekly writing challenge

Morning dew and joy

October 12, 2013 6 Comments

rain drops on hisbicus

The only light she saw was the blue dot on the DVR player and a soft glow from the computer screen. At 2:00am, it was dreadfully dark and silent except for the sound of the ceiling fan as it followed its infinite circular route.

It was time; time for prayer and quiet reflection, time to stop suppressing the angst and the pain; time to release the fear and let it all tumble out in salty cleansing tears.

She doesn’t like to cry, especially not this kind of cry; the heart-wrenching sobs that had threatened like a black and dreaded storm cloud for days now. She likes to show herself strong, capable, and unmoved by life’s jabs and pokes and knockouts.

But deep within, she knows that to give up on self, to let go and let God is the answer. That is when the healing can begin and joy will return. Not the “ha-ha” playground laughter kind of joy, but the deep-down to your soul kind. On her knees, pouring it out in sobs that are interrupted by deep gasping breaths, she lets God right things.

Then, peace ensues and a heart at rest can finally rest. The mind stops racing, and the once elusive sleep comes quickly.

Morning breaks with a sunrise of hope and goals and motivation afresh! Yes, joy does come in the morning.

Filed Under: Inspirational Tagged With: empty nest, faith, God, healing, Health, joy, peace, Prayer, tears of joy

Empty nest but a full heart

October 10, 2013 6 Comments

As the curtains gently sway with the beautiful fall breeze on this quiet Thursday morning, I sit in the midst of the leftovers from the wedding; the items that they couldn’t quite squeeze into the very packed black Jetta now bound for Texas; the one with “just married” fading on the back window.

As I take a few moments to reflect on the past several days, I smile broadly and my heart warms. She said, “The wedding ceremony and the reception were everything I wanted them to be”. (and wasn’t that the goal?)

We were blessed before, during and after the wedding with friends and family who smoothed out the potential wrinkles prior to their occurring with their support, love and encouragement. During the wedding ceremony, love permeated the crowd; the love between the bride and groom and also the love felt for both of them by so many family members and friends who came to share in the joy of their nuptials.

This now official “empty nester” knows that days will come when the sense of loss brushes across her heart in large, sweeping strokes. But, at this moment I feel nothing but excitement and thankfulness; excitement about all that God has in store for them and thankfulness that another daughter has found love and happiness with her soul mate.

Yes, mom and dad may be all alone now but as the youngest takes that final leap and clears the nest; we will look on and smile knowing she has been equipped to soar.

Filed Under: Family and Home Tagged With: bridal, empty nest, God, love, mother of the bride, nuptials, October wedding, Relationships, Texas, wedding

Remembering

September 10, 2013 4 Comments

Cover of 9/11 [Region 2]

I will always remember that violent day,

Where I was, how my heart broke, how we gathered to pray.

For the victims, I felt horror, for their families I cried.

On that day my belief in security died.

The pictures and video with power to haunt,

Most nations supportive, but others would taunt.

I always wonder about the heroes who died on that day.

If they could send us a message, just what would it say?

I believe they would say hold your family near,

And don’t let this continue to consume you with fear

Enjoy every moment of this life! Go and live it!

Lift up prayers for your country and those who protect it.

Yes, I’ll always remember no matter how long it’s been

As 9/11 rolls around again and again.

By: Lisa

My thoughts and memories of 9/11-FC (munchkinamor2014.wordpress.com)
Remembering 9/11 (ehubconnections.com)
Nine years after 9/11, and A Ridiculous Number of Responders are DEAD (secretsofthefed.com)

Filed Under: Poetry Tagged With: 11 September 2001, 9/11, God, heroes, New York City, September 11th, Terrorism, United States, USA, Victims and Survivors, Washington DC

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.