~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'
“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."
“Come to Me, all you who labor & are heavy-laden, & overwhelmed, &
I will cause you to rest.
[I will ease, relieve, & refresh your soul] Matthew 11:28 AMP
Whatever burden you have to carry, God will shoulder the better part of it. God
will take the greater portion of your struggle upon Himself.He will bear the extra weight & move with
you to resolution.
Imagine holding a glass of water & wondering how much it weighs. You don’t
know, but the longer you hold it, the more it seems to weigh. Hold it for a
minute, & its okay. But hold it for ten minutes & your arm begins to
ache. Hold it for an hour & you may need to call an ambulance. But if you
take the glass of water to a table & set it down, everything is okay again.
Whatever you are holding on to or simply carrying on your own strength...once you lay it down, let it go & ask God for His help, His strength, His guidance...your spirit will be filled with His peace.
God will take your burden off your back & give you rest.
Yubw8n?
"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...
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. 
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. 
