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.....
When we stop and breathe in the air around us, we do more than just fill our lungs. We fill the areas of our lives that are not complete. This can be accomplished by appreciating the fragrance of fresh linens, or the aroma from a flowers first opening to the world. Truly, a breath of fresh air does one good.
Another example...watch a robin as it looks for a fresh worm. All the senses bestowed upon it are awake and alert. The focus is flawless; the goal set. Must find food. Simple, right? Yes, it is. Knowing what your purpose is in the moment is essential. Do you know yours?
When we simply set our minds 'on' enjoying the moment we begin being our true selves 'in' that moment. Take a deep breath. Exhale. Repeat. Not much thought in this on a regular basis but when given attention, it is noted as part of the Joys of Being. Find the next moment & exist to your highest level of you. Nice, isn't it. :)
How big is your love?
How much value do you weigh towards the affections of your heart?
Is there a way to measure the value of true love that is unconditionally given? It’s true, when that love first enters your heart, you will never be the same.
I am a nature lover. I like the antics of little squirrels, chipmunks, you know- those who scamper across the ground in pursuit of happiness & maybe a little dinner.
And then there are the home pets…the puppies, kittens, bunnies & the like. Their nuzzlings of affection when snuggling against their very own human surely wiggles its way into the human hearts with very little effort.
When you need to experience the tenderness and the sensitivity of a heart, take a walk in the park, or embrace your pet in your arms. Be still. Watch the reaction they have to the attention you give. Whether you are an observer of their life or the shoulder they rest their head upon, you will discover unconditional affection.
How do you measure that? I don’t know. All I know is it’s a valuable shared visit of time to be respected, embraced & folded in to a beautiful page in your book of living. Enjoy.
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.
For
those we know who have lost a loved one, it is my prayer that the song at the conclusion of this writing will bring you comfort in
your time of sadness & loss. The words are amazingly beautiful. The
celebration of life is a daily thing. Sadly too often we let everyday situations
muffle our voices of appreciation. Too often we are too busy holding on to
silly disagreement that we later find we exchange peace for arrogant pride.
Why? Tell others how you feel. Don’t wait. Share your heart in love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRwGXz5qaqY (Please Remember)
Make
each day a word for the eulogy you leave with others to share afterward.
Knowing
your eternal destination is essential (1 John 5:12)
After all, no one or thing is worth eternity in hell. So, if you lose earthly
friendships or associates because of your decision to accept Christ into your
heart, rest assured by your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal Savior &
Lord, you will have eternal peace & forever be safe in the arms of Jesus.
For those who truly know you in this life, who you are in your spirit is how
they will remember you in the farewell hour. Will they know more of Jesus
because of you? What difference has your life made? Has God's love been seen in you?
Heaven waits for you...
Please ~ don’t wait too long... Forever is forever. Joy is in living your eternal life now & celebrating for all time-safe in the arms of Jesus... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r--V2dKXrsw (Safe In The Arms Of Jesus)
Consider: 1 John 5:11-13: "And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life. I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life" (NLT). God wants us to know we have eternal life. These verses clearly share that those who have believed in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as their personal savior have eternal life. Eternal life is just that -- eternal Romans 8:38-39 say, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing can separate a child of God from their Father. Jesus tells us personally that He gives us eternal life and nothing can take that away: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one" (John 10:27-30).
Salvation is a gift of grace. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Romans 10:13. Let us also be secure in knowing that "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved"
Having this knowledge gives us hope. We can know Christ will claim us as His for all time. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
If you are struggling with questions of doubt, pray a prayer similar to this: “Dear God, I’m not sure if I am Your child. I believe that you sent Your Son Jesus to earth to die for my sins. I believe that He rose from the death and is offering me eternal life. I accept Him as my Savior. Thank You for forgiving me and giving me life with You eternally. Help me to have assurance that You have answered my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
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'
“Yes, the edge of hatred is still hatred & it cuts deeply
with harsh words, abuse & pompous self righteous behavior. So, for just a moment
imagine that this child was your child.
Open the door of your mind, & sweep out the dust of ridicule & self
righteous bigotry. Attempt to see the message for what it is...prejudice &
bullying from a perspective you may find...interesting. Do we not see that all form of hatred is wrong?
Pray
for the hearts of our children that they will not continue the breeding of a disease known as
'disrespect for life'. Far too many people have camouflaged themselves regarding 'equality for all within our
society' for fear of rejection. Yet, willingly & pridefully applaud the pain of another in order to be accepted in the mainstream with the 'puffer fish of phoniness'. For the injured spirit is disrespected
for being themselves & are bearing the scars.These wounds are often caused by the edge of hypocrisy’s sword while being withdrawn from
the character of another. Do we not see that all form of disrespect for life is wrong?
No one has the right to harm or judge. Hatred is still hatred no matter how
many ‘amens’ you mutter on Sunday morning. Hypocrisy is one's claim for credit where none is worthy. Accepting does not mean condoning. Our Lord associated with everyone & related His love to everyone. Does this not mean we are to do likewise? Where your heart is ~ is where it is.
So, draw the line in the sand of your own consciousness ~ you that have no sin
yet wish to cast the first stone. Oh, do be very careful not to drop that stone on your own foot."
"Sometimes I think the Lord creates specific little animals with precious expressions on their faces just so we can have a unique idea of Him. When you look in the eyes of this little Fennec Fox, your ♥ sighs a warmth of 'ahhh'
I imagine God's tenderness, His beauty, His gentle ways of loving us by being The One that knows how to touch our heart in just that manner...in everyday life. I believe God places a lot of His beautiful character in all living things & nature.
As a pet owner, I know this feeling every time I am greeted by Gizmo when I walk in the front door. How does this relate to God? I know God gets excited when we come to Him, embrace His unconditional love for us, & share our day with him. Think about it...if you have a dog or cat, etc...you experience this affection when in their presence; I bet you talk with your pet.
Yeah, now you get the picture. God knows our hearts ♥ He knows what touches our emotions. And when we let Him strum the strings of our ♥ s I would not be surprised if He smiles & may even say out loud "Yeah, I knew you would like this. It's Me saying I love you, my child. All are precious in My sight."
In my quiet time moments, often the Lord will reveal Himself in the most interesting of ways...Even a picture like this one can be used in the hand of the Almighty to speak to one's heart ♥; tell me, isn't this just the cutest little fellow;
imagine the joy that God must have felt when He first saw this little face. Truly, creating such sweetness is an Almighty ♥ ‘Ahhhhhhhhh’ moment.♥ “
Every morning I feed my little dog, Gizmo. Usually he has his dry dog food mixed with some baked fresh chicken breast fragments. I give him a little taste of the chicken as I am placing them in the dish. He likes to pretend he doesn’t want it, lets me drop it between his paws as he lies on the floor watching me. He eats it as I return to the task.
Placing his dish & fresh water on his mat, I retire to the living room, coffee in hand, ready to have my morning quiet time.
In my home I have a wall fireplace in the living room that looks through to the dining area also. I can see him as he lays there waiting to see if this is it or should there be more food to be offered. He doesn’t see me, but as he stares at the hallway & back at his dish eventually something registers with him that that is all. Mosey over to the dish, & enjoy. When he is done, I can hear the little slurp sounds of the wash it down water, and then he proceeds to stroll to the living room, and purposely brush against my hand to say thanks, as I reach down to touch his head as he passes by me.
Japanese chins make little gurgle sounds & this one likes to lick his lips, nose, & paws as he takes his resting place upon a small homemade landing at the edge of his sofa.
The morning is young. The blinds are still pulled. No one is up in the house except us.
It is quiet, peaceful, & an anticipated moment of the day. So, we share the morning routine- Gizmo with his interesting reviews of the cuisine he enjoys ending in a power nap, content with his world. And me...my coffee, my quiet moment alone with the Lord...and Gizmo, I pray that we may learn to take a lesson from our pets we are entrusted with to love & care for ... accept and enjoy what we are given - For the Lord provides our daily bread, just what we need & when- the blessings of each day. We can rest confidently on His provisions.
We are fed by the Word of God...Are you tuned in? Or waiting for more of...what?
Yubw8n? Dig in! It's good for you...
This has to be one of the sweetest videos of uninhibited enjoyment with life & the tastes of amazement that I have ever seen.
I am a fan of these little creatures that God created for our entertainment & to watch this surely brings a smile to my heart. Watch the video within the link. http://www.wimp.com/peanutbutter/
I hope you enjoy the unspoken 'Happy' that is seen from the beginning to the end.
I would like to share some thoughts with you for the New Year...I hope they inspire & encourage you...:)
*As you go through your passions, do so with purpose.
It is true that you may be noted for your victory, or maybe not.
If someone is there to notice & give you praise, great ...
if not, then be grateful for the jar & what you discovered on your own.
*Remember, no one gets anywhere alone.
But sadly, many end up alone when they get there.
*Be kind to those who believe(d) in you & have opened the jar of joy at one time or another in your life.
*And just like a lid that is stuck, when you close yourself off, no one really knows the joy that is inside you. Loosen the lid a little, share your heart with others.
*Always try to make a mends, forgive & accept forgiveness...life is too short to prefer being 'right' over being 'real'. Unnecessary stubbornness is only to be kidding yourself & shortening your joy & peace. :o)
...and finally....
“Either way you look at this, it is a giving thing...of thanks. We set aside this time to do just that. So, for that time...even if you do this wonderful expression often...let’s pause & seek to discover the moments, people, & purpose that is your reason for a grateful heart.
When the Lord is the center of our appreciation, we are no longer strapped to the economy that waivers & causes wondering worry of what will happen next. God never changes. After the festive feeding frenzy of thanksgiving...people have already established a plot, plan, & proposed agenda in order to purchase some-‘thing’ to give to someone else. Have we really taken the time to evaluate the priority of that gift? For it is not the price that is important...if it paupers you later, the cost will continue to haunt you for months to come. The richness & prosperity of a person is weighed in the value placed in the relationships they are given, not the gifts. A gift is free.
So, as you stand at the check-out line, really look at your ‘pile’ of presents in the cart. Ask yourself: Was there frustration or freedom in your spirit as you reviewed the names of those you ‘wanted’ to give some token of thankfulness? Or was there a sense of satisfaction knowing that what you have for them is truly something they ‘need’ in their everyday living? Is yours a relationship that is not only wide in understanding but also deep enough to determine their true lack & you wish to provide the present that will fulfill their need? There is satisfying warmth in true giving- not to get-but to complete.
If you buy just for the sense of buying, you have taken the joy away from yourself. It is not how many or how costly the presents...but rather the sentiment, sincerity, & satisfaction in knowing that what you gave was exactly what the person(s) really- really- really need in their life. This is how Thanks-Giving continues throughout the year...not just for the one day we have titled it to be.
For God so GAVE HIS ONLY Son....
The Lord knew what we needed & gave His very Best.
May you know the joy of accepting HIS GIFT with a Thank-Full Heart...”
Yubw8n? Give thanks always....
When the activities of the youth were limited to one after school event,& vacations were to the local state park to take in the sights. Even the thrill of staying in a motel was an event in itself as we stopped the travels in mid-afternoon so we could spend family time in the pool. Then we would dress for dinner at the Howard Johnsons buffet.
These days have been overshadowed by the glitz & rah-rah of expectation & never being satisfied with the simple things of living. As we grow older, we reflect back on these times. Often we are not happy with the transitions. We see our lives moving too fast & time invested in the life of another has diminished, if not almost nonexistent. We place our loved ones, who are now no longer independent, in the care of a stranger or in a home that is not their own.
Then we rarely visit or call. We are too busy. When we invite time to be the enemy we fall victim to the theft of memories we cannot hold on to. We cast blame on the government, the schools, & even the church whether they are a part of the issue or not. Could it be that we are too busy to notice where the blame really is hiding? Take a look in the mirror.
Let’s propose a challenge. Make three appointments to keep for one month; each week no matter what. Make a date with the people in your life that matter the most: one with yourself, one with your spouse or best friend, & one with your parents and children if you are a parent. Rearrange your priorities for a month. Say no to intruding interruptions of your sleep, relaxation, recreation, & quiet times. Turn off the TV, the computer, & stop playing with the phone, apps, & texting. For this time - Just STOP the unnecessary distractions in your Life.
Interesting how the word 'NO' is becoming less spoken to children, young adults, and even to ourselves when wanting (not needing) the most recent 'toy' whether it be electronics, or automotive.
We have placed ourselves outside our 'comfort' zone & grown numb to our self imposed debt, disrespect, & delusion of what we can afford physically, financially, emotionally, & economically.
“Life was simpler when we were children.” Each generation states that fact as they mature & become dishearten by the following generations. We either ‘remember when’ or we will ‘regret then’. Think about it.
When I was a youth, a box of crayons & building blocks were our iPod. Two cans & a string were our cell phones. It was a soapbox derby that was our car & listening to bedtime stories, our wide screen imagination.
I am blessed to have been a participant in the era I grew up in. Imagine the inner thoughts & memories that your parents who are in their 60-90s must cherish. They have seen so very much. I am blessed to have a strong family & values.
God knows the heart & in my heart are moments of gratitude. We need never take anyone or anything for granted. Memories are to be cherished...not misplaced or replaced. Start today to create your memories of 'remember when' Yes,regret is a choice.
There will be obstacles to overcome. Paths to cross that can be hazardous to your health. Branches that may appear strong yet are frail under the weight of your goals. Pavement that is hot beneath your feet of forgiveness.
Focus on the journey the Lord has set before you...Enjoy each step, for its purpose is to help you arrive at your destiny. Exercise your trust & stretch the muscles of your faith
Here is another beautiful day- on your mark...get set...prayerfully- GO! Look both ways before challenging the roads occupied by fast moving, quick talking humans...just a suggestion from those who cross these highways of life on a regular basis- please, try not to harm them...Rather ~ learn from them.
Sometimes, God will speak to you through the innocence of His creation...Are you paying attention?"
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.
