Leaves
jaywalking across the street; only to hide from one another against the soul of
a passerby. The raindrops race to their divine destination delivering a droplet of hope to
smallest of seed.
A rumbling avalanche chases it's echo. A storm grumbles &
complains as it is asked to leave that corner of the sky.
The leaves clap their hands & the meadows bow low.
It is the goodnight kiss of nature.
Trees submit to the calmness from within their branches as the storm subsides. The evening sun gives one last look upon the edge of the sky as she slips out for a night on the town.
The night's sky is dressed in her black dress that
glistens with wonderment. All eyes are upon her as she makes her entranceway to midnight's grandest
ballroom.
Nature has tucked her youth under the blanket of restfulness.
The sun silently enters through morning's open door then gently folds back the cover from another day.
Meanwhile the leaves are waiting for another breeze to escort them across a path.
The rain is preparing for another new life to begin. The trees have stretched their arms; the meadow awaits for her turn to embrace the wind.
Your invitation to eternal life is now. Look upon the grandeur of God's gift alive in His creation.
Behold, the Prince of Peace will return to escort His Bride home. Will you attend? Are you aware of His message in all of Nature? He loves you. The festivities begin the moment you accept His personal invite. RSVP Eternity awaits.....
Today as I was driving to a client's home, I noticed a dog
that had been recently struck by a car struggling to get up as it lay on the
side of the road. My heart broke. I went passed & turned back to see how to
best help this little creature. A female Jack Russell terrier, about 6 years
old, looked up at me in desperation.I
was able to cradle her in my arms, spoke gentle reassuring words to her
& noticed the dog's eyes were responsive as I held her; it was like she understood that someone had
come to help. I prayed that she would be ok. Although there was a little blood
in the nose & eye, she appeared to be comfortable being held close. As I approached the closest home's front
door the person who open their door to me told me the dog belonged to the
neighbor across the highway. She stated that she had helped them fix their
fence so the dog would stop leaving the yard. Her words of disappointment in
the lack of concern from the owners towards their pet was obvious. The owners
could care less & what she feared would happen had. I thanked her & went to see the owners
whotook the dog inside with little
intention of additional care to its wellbeing. Now all I could do was pray for the little pup
that could not speak for herself as to what hurt. ( My goodness people...take
the little one to the vet. Be responsible.) I waited in my car for a while then
went to inquire of the dog's name & condition. The woman who had taken the dog
from my arms stated that the dog was eating ok & that her daughter was
calling the vet.My schedule meant I had
to leave...there was nothing else I could do. 'God please take care of your little
Jackie & thank You that I could give her a little TLC in her despair. ' At this time I do not know what happen to
Jackie. But in that brief moment when I
lifted her from the road in my arms, I knew it was part of God's plan for our
lives. God had me there for her.
When I returned home,I immediately
embraced my dog, Gizmo & I cried. He knew my heart was tender at this time. Everyone has
a purpose. Today God showed me one of mine...I had held her in my arms, close
to my heart. For that time, she knew she was cared for. Feel better soon, Jackie.
Never attack or alienate someone because they don't view
their life successes or failures as you do. It is their life- they are the only one with the ‘right’ to
decide how they live it. No one has assigned you responsible for changing them
to fit a preconceived expectation you have carried on their behalf. Lay it down. Let it go!
They
have created their own levels of success, carry different values of importance & dreamed dreams that you will never know; many that will
forever elude you. Therefore, don't presume that you have the right to criticize them. Is this belittling attempt done with
the purpose of justifying your own lack of pursuits? Rather- build another up
with the bricks of believing in their talents rather than trying to bury their
ambitions under the dirt of demeaning. Remember-it’s not all about you.
For when people cast another
stone upon those who they judge please be sure to not drop that ‘better than you’
boulder upon their own foot. Be the difference.
Pray for those who judge your short-comings differently than they
do their own.
'The values & ethics you establish in your youth will be
seen in your adulthood. True leadership is how you make decisions in the
moment. What you choose reflects what you value. Are you fighting battles that
are not your fight; losing your strength, your energy & motivation with
people whose words do not affect your destiny? Do you care more about being
seen as a victor rather than fulfilling your purpose? Who do you contribute
your success? Remember your values. Should your personal victories be most
important to you; the priority of societal position & recognition...you may
have misplaced your values.’
As he flipped over the hourglass to begin, his concern for time lost its focus. Surely, there would be plenty of time to be successful. With lightning speed he completed the first few moves on the board & then stole a
glance at the timer.The sands appeared
to have stopped - but how? Surely there had to be more time to finish the game- to live more of his dreams-
make his wrongs -right. What had happen...what had he missed... Maybe he would just start over.Time had stood still. Or had it?It was then that he noticed the sands of time had stopped.
He shook the
timepiece with the hopes that the flow would continue...success. How much time
had he lost? Could he recapture that time? What was played was played...there
was no starting over... for he had taken his turn & waited too long too make
the most important decision of all.
The opponent...time.... had placed him in ‘check’. The
pieces of the game were rearranged; awaiting his next decision. As he
reconsidered, rationalized, & decided he had plenty of time to make that
most significant move, the last granular of sand came to rest on the small mound.
The reality became clear.
He was out of time...The game was over. His waiting had been his ultimate demise.
Before you reach the end of the time given you....please- decide. It's your move...eternity waits...don't be left behind. Check-mate !
If you are like most folks you have an extremely low tolerance for controllers, abusers, & people who are
experts at manipulating. To many these traits are an art form one has perfected
over the years. Those with years of experience are rarely, if ever, aware of
how good they are at the 'blame game'. They are lost in the thrill of engaging
another into playing, setting them up for the kill, & all the while casting
the net of guilt over the playing field.
So, what do we do in this situation?
You have been there, I'm sure...we all have. Basic rule of thumb... Don't do
it. Don't open your mouth & give words for the volley to continue. Let it
go. Move on. The word 'OK' is usually the only word that will stop the madness.
Often we know when it is happening & still find ourselves on the defensive. When retreating from the pre-planned battlefield use caution. You may have just rolled the wrong dice in
the most recent game of got cha'. O God - help us to know when to ....stay.... when to walk away & most importantly.... when to keep our mouths shut.
What time
IS your appointment?
Ever asked someone that question? They usually can give a specific time as an
answer. An appointment is a designated predetermined time to be somewhere or to
engage in a task that occurs just for us. And we try to keep it, right? Often the
more prestigious the appointment or the person, with whom the appointment is
with, indirectly enhances the value of keeping it. Rescheduling may not be an
option.
What happens if you know you are to have an appointment, and then try to show
up without one? Do you explain the reason you did not comply with the
arrangements or that you are somehow worthy of being a welcomed walk-in? Aren’t
you special? Well, think again, my friend.
No matter
who you 'think you are' in the big scheme of things - heaven requires a ‘prearranged-
in advance- no exception to the rule- invite RSVP from the Creator of all
events, God Himself. He loves you so very much that He wants you to be perfect
in a perfect place that He has personally prepared just-for-you. When you
accept God’s Son, Jesus Christ, as your personal Lord and Savior, you are now
one of God's children, inheriting all He has. What reason would you say no?
And yet, we think we know best; we think that time is on our side so, we procrastinate. This
is one VIP meeting you will not be late for, nor be able to ‘talk your way out
of’ and you will definitely not be able to ‘talk your way in to’ the heavenly
realm. Those without a reservation will have plenty of time to think about
their error in judgment. They will sit in regal regret as they realize knowing
the Creator personally determines where you spend all of eternity. You deny
Him, He denies you. A pretty simply stated fact. And should you wish to 'risk it'....well, that also is your CHOICE. Free Will is a gift that God has given us.
We have been given a promise of Eternal Life....You chose between Heaven
and Hell. Be certain of the answer for there are no do over’s, no second
chances, no explanation that will change the ultimate destination.
God is giving you the opportunity to know. You are responsible to accept or
risk the destination alternative- Hell should you decline the invite. It is a
once in a lifetime event...don’t be late...don’t wait...you can’t say you did
not know.
Imagine - you can enjoy the life
you have to its fullest by knowing the One who Created you & wants to give you all of His
blessings. And then, enjoy the eternal experience in Heaven. So...ask yourself the one question that is asked by the One who is waiting by the door to the celebration of Love... Y-U-B-W8-N ?
ENJOY A WONDERFUL MOVIE that will have you on the edge of your seat. What happens when no one answers & all you have is a dialtone. Excellent film! Simply click on the links below, sit back & listen for the dialtone.
may us pause to acknowledge life's many blessings.
Embrace the moment.
In order to hold on to love, we must first empty our hands of hurtfulness.
Lay down the weapons loaded with words of self righteous criticism towards others. As these expressions lay silent upon the fields of a furrowed brow, listen for the sounds of hope on the horizon. As we empty our egos of expression against the elected, realize that they are in the center of God’s will. This plan is far bigger than yours.
Spend less time sharpening your valid points – those words that hurt. It is when we have accepted a need to-be-right that we discover the hidden unspoken pleasure of carrying gurneys of animosity & arrogance away from a battle we wanted to win yet feared the fight.
Words wound. What is the purpose to inflict intentional harm upon another unless it is self gratifying to the one taking aim? Life is far too precious. Appreciate.
...Give thanks to God...
for you have the right to elect & to pray for the ones in present leadership. You choose whether to take that opportunity or simply elect to cast the ballot of blame upon another.
Remember to:
Pray... for those who stand in preparation to guide the future generations.
Let go of the past... for it is now folded in the pages of history to be learned from & for future decisions.
Don’t just pray for a better world for our children to inherit...pray for our children that our world will inherit better citizens, honorable people with Godly character. May their character & integrity take them beyond what we have experienced. Let the words of thanksgiving tumble from your tongue. We are given the privilege of embracing life & all the miracles. For as 'day is done...gone the sun', night becomes a heavenly curtain upon the sky. As you gaze upon the sparkling colors of courage, confidence, & gratitude...be aware. Listen to the bombs bursting in air...these are sounds of freedom. Yet in some countries these very sounds are ones that blanket fear.
May we be more grateful& less hateful!
Let the words of Praise & Peace be in & on your heart. If this very moment, this very day, this very statement were to be your last, what difference would your existence made to another? Do you know truth? Do you have freedom in your being?
It’s your trust in the Divine Truth that sets you free.”
~gaining knowledge~ ~accepting help~ ~lifting another's spirits~
~giving an encouraging word~ You are not alone...
When you are learning to ride a two- wheeler for the first time, having someone
there to support the bike as you are attempting to maintain balance provides assurance that you are not alone.
A parent teaches their child how to balance themselves on a two wheel bike
while running alongside them as they accomplish their goal. Encouragement is a
great form of exercise.
When you are trying to carry something that is too large for you it is wise to
ask for another person to lend you a hand. Having someone on the other side adds
balance to the process. Share the weight of a burden with another...
Have you have ever found yourself without a way to get to where you are
trying to go? Maybe a wall is too high to scale or a valley to wide to cross. Yet
having a kind soul offer to give you a lift is a welcomed gesture. Knowing
that for the time of your travels you are not alone on that journey or left to
fend for yourself in the elements of the moment can bring peace of mind to a
tired body & a weary soul.
Feelings are the emotions reasoning of what is actually happening. When you
feel down, discouraged, distraught, or disillusioned by what you are facing in
a situation that seems far too big to handle, having a friend give you an
encouraging word can clear your mind of worry.
Knowing you are not alone; that
another person has been where you are, has felt as you feel, & has fought
the temptations you are waging war against...helps you to reconfirm & maybe
readjust your ability to get a handle on reality.
Invest the time & reach out to others... let them know you care. Yubw8n? You can be the difference !
If you have ever lost someone or something that you care about you will
understand the following. Lost has many faces; many names.Lost... as in misplaced? Lost... as in
gone? Lost... as in searching? And so on...
We have lost loved ones, friendships, occupations, &
'things' - like our keys, our car in a parking lot, our cell phones, our kids, our minds...Ok
so maybe not the kids or our minds but now you get the idea. We no longer claim to have lost our train
of thought. Yet, it is when we are lost emotionally that we find ourselves seeking
advice, solace, confirmation & general assurance.We have a tendency to wander about looking inward as we categorize, analyze, & rationalize the areas of ourselves that we believe
need to be readjusted in order to be found acceptable. But ask yourself this: by whose standard of measure are you comparing yourself? Have your guidelines become blurred on the pages of society's status quo?
May I introduce Grace. As I go about
my day, Grace & I communicate. I like to share things with her; areas of
life that have me perplexed & times of celebration that have me celebrating the
understanding my purpose. Grace always listens. She is my heart's guide. She always assures me of my Father's love. Grace is my companion on the path I travel.
Who is Grace? When we spoke of losing things, you naturally presumed
that we had eventually found them. How would you feel if the lost were never found?
When we spoke of decisions that face us daily how many of us realize we are responsible for the choices
we make. There is a better way. For it is by Grace that we are able to see clearly that which is given
to us - when we walk through life by Faith. While it is true that all have been lost & fall
short of the glory of God, it is just as true that all can be found. No exceptions. It is your gift to accept...or not. Once you know & accept the gift...by the 'Grace' of God, you are on the road to your Divine Destiny.
American Standard Bible (Ephesians 2:8)'For by grace you have been saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God...'
When you find yourself lost for answers, questioning yourself, your reason for
being & what comes next, simply ask the Guide of your Heart for help. God
will give you Grace. And Grace will lead you home....
He was 27 years old when the doctor handed him a bundle of joy
– a life he would share with mom for the rest of our days. As the doctor
said...'Glen, you have a healthy baby girl...congratulations.'I’m sure he held
me close, kissed my forehead, kissed my mom, & whispered I love you within
his heart as he welcomed me. For that very split second, he was holding the
youngest life on the planet...As time
passed, another life came to us, my sister,Brenda & our family was created. Over the years, we
shared times of laughter, discovery, tears, disagreements &
reconciliations. We talked at the dinner table about our day. Mom & Dad
always took time to be there when we needed them, encouraging us along the way.
We learned about respect, family values, & God.
When I was very young, dad worked swing shift at Luke Mill. He would get up
early & have breakfast with Mom - I would join them at the breakfast bar. We
would welcome the morning over coffee (yeah, I started young) As he be walking out the door on his way to work...I would say to him: “I love you, Dad -Tell Brooks & Gus, I said hello,”
He would kind of wave to me with his lunch box, & while placing his hat on
his head, he’d reply “I will & I love you too, Chum.”As the years passed, I looked forward to our time together after his late shift
from work. Usually after everyone was in bed, we would share a laugh at one of
the many Benny Hill’s antics. And he would tell me about his day & I would share mine.
We would share talks & plans for life while
standing under a chassis of his car, & later with my car on the ramp. From our time together, I learned
about the care & art of detailing cars, business & life skills & how to stand on my own...
There are many moments that I remember ...yet one memory I would like to share
that is very special. The look on Dad’s face when for Father’s day one year, I presented a model car
I had completed from looking at a photo of him with his 54 Chevy Bel Air. It
was a project completed in love. He kept that car for 30 years....the model,
that is. As long as I can recall,we have always shared a passion for the antique, classic, & vintage automobiles. For this model car was a gift that touched his heart, a common bond between father
& daughter that would later have a spiritual meaning...
A couple of months ago I was home visiting dad. It was good for we had time to
talk, & share our final goodbyes. But at night God shared dreams with me. And
this one specific dream really was a message to my heart. In the dream I took
dad’s bel air to the mechanic because it was rusting, the headlights were dim, there
were creaking sounds that indicated a need for service & the engine was not
performing well.
The mechanic informed me after contacting the manufacturer that
dad had accepted the lifetime warranty extended from the original designer of
this model. He would only have to return the model he presently has - no matter the
condition - for a brand new one. So he did. My dad had accepted the Lord &
exchanged his old for the new. Now - He has a new body, new heart, new
eyes...and probably some hair...no bald tires in heaven, right. :o)
The next morning I shared this dream with Dad, Mom & Brenda ... it was awe inspiringly comforting. As I felt the Spirit
reveal to me the message behind the dream. I cried.
For 53 years ago my relationship with my earthly father began when he was
handed a small frail body, completely dependent upon him & mom for everything.
We loved one another from the very first breath.
Recently my dad experienced the very same dependency as
his earthly body grew frailer by the day. He was loved to his last breath.
Now, I can imagine him resting in the arms of His Heavenly Father. No longer is
Dad a small, frail body that had no choice but to submit to the decease that
overcame him....
He is whole. He is perfect. He is complete.
His were the first
arms to embrace me. He is the man I called Dad all of my life. I called him that as I kissed his forehead one
last time. And with a peaceful goodbye I am sure that heaven extended a joyful
hello.
As I was writing this...I spent time looking at old snapshots taken over a
lifetime. Christmas of 1997 Mom & Dad gave both Brenda & I each a box filled
with family pictures & memories.
On the underside of the lid, dad had penned this poem to
me:
"When you are busy & on the go;
And life doesn’t seem to be much fun.
Take time & look at these old snapshots.
And don’t forget you are always our ‘chum’." Love, Dad
So, Dad, I love you too & for old times’
sake,"
Please...tell Brooks & Gus, I said hello." I will miss you & will
never forget you. If I could remember that first day in your arms, I’m sure I would have felt
that love...Yes, I will always be your little girl...'Chum'.
I Love You, Dad. Sharon
“God, our heavenly Father, thank You
for sharing Your Son with us so that we may share our lives with You. May we
appreciate the moments we are given, the lives we are to live, the blessings
You wrap around us. May others may see You living in us. Thank you for giving
us Your gift of love & eternal life, & for patiently waiting by heaven’s door to welcome us home.
Lord,
You have given us peace, assurance & comfort in our spirits as we place
our Dad, & husband & friend in Your arms.Amen"
Cecil G. Dawson 11/24/1932 - 05/29/2013
Dad...here is one of our favorite tunes... 'Sugar Blues'
Leaves
jaywalking across the street; only to hide from one another against the soul of
a passerby. 
The leaves clap their hands & the meadows bow low. 
glistens with wonderment.
