God, where do I find you? Show me where you are, God.I need to see you and feel your presence within me. Please answer me, God. Where are you?
I can remember this day when I was searching for my God, my Lord and saviour. I knew He was with me, but that particular day I was feeling lost and I couldn't seem to find God. This was years ago where we lived in a beautiful mobile home park. I decided to take a walk. (Did I decide, or was it God?)I grabbed my walkman, put on my walking shows and started out.
The first thing I noticed was the beautiful palm trees lining the streets of my park. They were so majestic, and stood so tall and straight, with their top branches looking up toward the heavens. I saw God in the beauty and splendor of those trees.
As I walked on I heard a strange sound but a familiar one from atop one of the ttrees.It was an owl perched so delicately on one of the trees highest branch,Surely God was there with the owl. He looked so wise in the treetop as he voiced he
I see you in the sunset that evening.The blues and pinks and purples are beautiful together. Thank you for the splendor of that sunset.
I see You in the baby that a new Mothers is walking in a stroller. She is adorable, making those cooing sounds,The baby is dressed in a pink and white outfit, down to the lace on her socks.How anyone can look at a baby and not believe in You is so strange to me.
I am feeling much better now that I have found you in so many places. You are in the rain, the thunder, the snow, the sunshine. You are the sunshine, God. Please let others see You in me, God. Let my light shine for you. et my every action tand word I say reflect You.
As I head back to my home, I also realize that God is in my home, my heart, and is my everything...my all in all, my saviour.
Thank You for showing yourself to me in somany ways, God. You are loved by me.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
Animals and Serenity
Animals have a way of creating serenity and peace when one sits quietly near them. I was very blessed to have had animals choose our home to be a "safe haven" for them. I am talking about 4 cats ranging in age of almost 3 years to 21 years. No, that is not a typo. Our calico cat, TAFFY lived to be 21 years old. She had been an indoor cat since we adopted her at approximately 8 weeks old. That was in 1984. She helped us through our grief of having to put TYKE, our 12 year old Abbysinnain (SP)to sleep after he developed a personality disorder and would attack us with his claws and teeth, Our vet encouraged us to put Tyke out of his misery for his sake and ours a well. It was so sad. When he would attack, almost immediately he would hang his head and lower his tail.We agreed with our dear Vet, Dr.James Barrie, whom we liked and respected very much. He not only treated the animals that were brought to him, but the animal's "parents" if you will, as well. We had complete trust in his suggestions. So TYKE was sent over "The Rainbow Bridge."
We moved from Tampa to Zephyrhills in 2000, and we were greeted and welcomed by TIGER along with his owner, Nancy. He lived with Nancy right next door, which is separated by a chain link fence. Well, it seemed Tiger liked it better at out house and hangs out in our yard. We think he is about 12 or 13 years young. A very pleasant cat,and is a reddish blonde color.
He used to go back and forth freely at will and ate at both places. What a life!
Then Nancy had to move and she asked us to keep TIGER as she was afraid he would try and make it back to our house and more than likely would not make it since he had to cross a very busy highway. Of course we said yes, and it didn't take TIGER long to realize there was no more food on the others side of the fence,so he is content to lounge around either in our yard or on the screened porch when it rains.
Then another cat showed up in our yard, and he decided to stay as well. He is a honey-beige color, so we named him SANDI. He is a very sweet cat, and "chirps"when he meows. He and Tiger get along rather well as long as there is some space between them. Tiger sometimes sleeps on top of my car, and Sandi will be under it.
Almost three years ago now this coming September there was a Hurricane named Jean.who came to visit our area. She did damage to our neighbors garage and our fence when a tree fell and knocked power lines down and one caused my computer's surge protector to burn, but saved the computer. A few months later in December a little kitten arrived and wouldn't let my husband Arjay or his friend Cleve alone while they were working on a project together in the yard. This little kitten kept demanding attention. My husband and Cleve both felt this was one very special and very intelligent kitten. He would walk right up to you and be in your face like he knew no fear. So Cleve picked him up and brought him in on the screened porch and handed him to me,
saying as he was handing me the kitten, "Here Elayne, Arjay wants you to have this kitten." . Arjay's response was, "Thanks a lot, Cleve." but he let me keep him. I then introduced him to Taffy. (Remember, Taffy is 21 and has been Queen of the roost.) Well, Taffy soon took a back seat and this strange kitten took right over. We decided to name him THOR, after the Norwegian god of Thunder. A perfect name for him. Turns out he is, according to our Vet, a cross between a Maine Coon and an OSICAT, resembling the wild side of an Oscilot cat in the wild. He has stripes and spots. There is a thumb print of spots down his back bone. He has the dark red nose, and when he purrs he sounds like a big cat! When I took him to the vet we discovered he was 3 months old, so that would make him a Hurricane Jean kitten born that September. We took him in on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 2004. I sometimes found it hard to remain serene as I was pulling him out of the branches in our Christmas tree. He and Christmas decorations were a challenging time in our getting acquainted time! But, we all survived. Wonder what he'll be like this year. Hmmm.
As you can see, I am a cat lover. When I would sit down and pet and or brush the two inside cats, I was so peaceful and serene, and at one with my Higher Power. I am so grateful God provided these animals to me so I can enjoy their beauty. I feel the same way about the outside cats.
In March of 2006 Taffy died in my arms at the age of 21. If he had lived until May, she would have been 22 years young. That is almost unheard of in the cat world. She was well cared for and will be missed greatly.
In December of 2006, SANDI was killed by a car while he was attempting to cross the street to get back home. I found him laying off the road in the grass where someone had gently laid him. That was a very hard time for me losing to cats to The Rainbow Bridge in 9 months time. So now we have 2 kitties buried in our yard.
TIGER remains with us, and now we have a white Siamese kitty with blue eyes who is feral. It took me a year of really working with him so he would not run away whenever someone approached him. He now let's me feed and pet him while he feeds, but that is as far as it goes. There is no picking him up, that's for sure. But at least I have the satisfaction that I have helped him today stay happy and with us a little longer.
I've been around dogs, horses, goats, llamas, camels, pigs (including pot bellied ones) birds, cows, bulls, zebra horses (Yes, there are Zebra Horses) I love them all.
They all show unconditional love. They can teach us how to love other people unconditionally. If only we would listen and see. We need to "TALK TO THE ANIMALS"
We moved from Tampa to Zephyrhills in 2000, and we were greeted and welcomed by TIGER along with his owner, Nancy. He lived with Nancy right next door, which is separated by a chain link fence. Well, it seemed Tiger liked it better at out house and hangs out in our yard. We think he is about 12 or 13 years young. A very pleasant cat,and is a reddish blonde color.
He used to go back and forth freely at will and ate at both places. What a life!
Then Nancy had to move and she asked us to keep TIGER as she was afraid he would try and make it back to our house and more than likely would not make it since he had to cross a very busy highway. Of course we said yes, and it didn't take TIGER long to realize there was no more food on the others side of the fence,so he is content to lounge around either in our yard or on the screened porch when it rains.
Then another cat showed up in our yard, and he decided to stay as well. He is a honey-beige color, so we named him SANDI. He is a very sweet cat, and "chirps"when he meows. He and Tiger get along rather well as long as there is some space between them. Tiger sometimes sleeps on top of my car, and Sandi will be under it.
Almost three years ago now this coming September there was a Hurricane named Jean.who came to visit our area. She did damage to our neighbors garage and our fence when a tree fell and knocked power lines down and one caused my computer's surge protector to burn, but saved the computer. A few months later in December a little kitten arrived and wouldn't let my husband Arjay or his friend Cleve alone while they were working on a project together in the yard. This little kitten kept demanding attention. My husband and Cleve both felt this was one very special and very intelligent kitten. He would walk right up to you and be in your face like he knew no fear. So Cleve picked him up and brought him in on the screened porch and handed him to me,
saying as he was handing me the kitten, "Here Elayne, Arjay wants you to have this kitten." . Arjay's response was, "Thanks a lot, Cleve." but he let me keep him. I then introduced him to Taffy. (Remember, Taffy is 21 and has been Queen of the roost.) Well, Taffy soon took a back seat and this strange kitten took right over. We decided to name him THOR, after the Norwegian god of Thunder. A perfect name for him. Turns out he is, according to our Vet, a cross between a Maine Coon and an OSICAT, resembling the wild side of an Oscilot cat in the wild. He has stripes and spots. There is a thumb print of spots down his back bone. He has the dark red nose, and when he purrs he sounds like a big cat! When I took him to the vet we discovered he was 3 months old, so that would make him a Hurricane Jean kitten born that September. We took him in on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 2004. I sometimes found it hard to remain serene as I was pulling him out of the branches in our Christmas tree. He and Christmas decorations were a challenging time in our getting acquainted time! But, we all survived. Wonder what he'll be like this year. Hmmm.
As you can see, I am a cat lover. When I would sit down and pet and or brush the two inside cats, I was so peaceful and serene, and at one with my Higher Power. I am so grateful God provided these animals to me so I can enjoy their beauty. I feel the same way about the outside cats.
In March of 2006 Taffy died in my arms at the age of 21. If he had lived until May, she would have been 22 years young. That is almost unheard of in the cat world. She was well cared for and will be missed greatly.
In December of 2006, SANDI was killed by a car while he was attempting to cross the street to get back home. I found him laying off the road in the grass where someone had gently laid him. That was a very hard time for me losing to cats to The Rainbow Bridge in 9 months time. So now we have 2 kitties buried in our yard.
TIGER remains with us, and now we have a white Siamese kitty with blue eyes who is feral. It took me a year of really working with him so he would not run away whenever someone approached him. He now let's me feed and pet him while he feeds, but that is as far as it goes. There is no picking him up, that's for sure. But at least I have the satisfaction that I have helped him today stay happy and with us a little longer.
I've been around dogs, horses, goats, llamas, camels, pigs (including pot bellied ones) birds, cows, bulls, zebra horses (Yes, there are Zebra Horses) I love them all.
They all show unconditional love. They can teach us how to love other people unconditionally. If only we would listen and see. We need to "TALK TO THE ANIMALS"
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Serenity is Being Married To Your Best Friend
"Serenity Is Being Married To Your Best Friend ."
I can hear the boos and hisses already by those who are tired of the romantic, kissy, kissy kind of relationship or marriage with pda's (public displays of affection) and later finding out that those couples have broken off their relationship. I admit I was like that when I was younger. However, there is something to be said for mature relationships/marriages. I know from experience. Maturity brings serenity. No,I am not a marriage counselor. I can only share my experience.
July 22, 1972
I was married the first time when I was a very young, immature 24 year old, but I thought I knew it all. The man I married was 26, and he too was immature. My parents tried to talk me out of marrying him, but, of course I would show them they were wrong, and things would be wonderful. So what if we had nothing in common except physical attraction. Opposites attract, right? Well, not always. So what does one do but try and "change" that person to your interests.
He liked country music, I liked classical. I was a social person and he preferred staying home and watching TV. I likes to dance, he didn’t. I liked to read, yep, you guessed it. He didn't. We couldn’t carry on a conversation with each other about current events, or anything else, really.. Very sad indeed.
We argued a lot because I had to have my way. I was very selfish then but didn’t know any better. I had to have instant gratification. To make a long story short, we divorced two and a half years later. I definitely did not experience Serenity in that relationship.
October 12, 1975
Columbus Day that year. I met my present husband on that day by chance. We talked and discovered we had a lot in common. Music, books, writing, concerts, dinners, you name it; we were so much alike. Even down to having both been divorced. Our parents knew of each other in the community. In fact, my husband’s Father taught my Grandfather’s Sunday School Class. Things happened quickly. Our first date was that night! We became best of friends and went together 4 years before we decided to get married.
Since we both had been married once before, we talked about what we both wanted in a marriage, and what mistakes we wanted to avoid this time around. Some things we agreed on were:
1. We wouldn’t try to change one another.
2. We would try to honor and respect each other always.
3. We would build each other up rather than having a contest to see which one of us could tear the other one down the most.
4.We would be supportive of one another,
5.No name calling. That only shows our lack of communication skills and immaturity.
5. No lies...Ever.
6. This is the best of all...Always remain best friends and treat each other the same way one would treat another "best" friend.
We were married on Christmas Eve, December 24,1979.
Have we kept all of those promises to one another? Well, I'm happy to say most of them. No we are not perfect. We are human like every other couple. We do have our moments, believe me. BUT, we do not yell, scream, call each other names, or get in the car in a fit of anger and drive off putting not only ourselves in danger, but every one else on the road. Thank God we are more mature than that. We can talk things through for the most part. It is important to say I’m sorry and mean it. Even if you have to swallow your pride and say it first, just do it. Life is too short.
How have I matured to have Serenity in my marriage? Well, I work really hard on not being selfish. I try to remain positive no matter what. It is so unhealthy to think in the negative all the time. I have learned to be a helpmate rather than a "mother" to my husband. I try to make sure I am supportive in all of my husband’s endeavors. Even though we feel each one of us is an equal partner, I believe in supporting my husband’s decisions concerning a major change in our lives such as a major purchase or a move. After God, my husband is head of our household.
Serenity and Peace in my marriage? You bet. See it is possible. We are living proof.. Always marry your best friend and remain friends for ever and ever. Remain best friends for Eternity.
I can hear the boos and hisses already by those who are tired of the romantic, kissy, kissy kind of relationship or marriage with pda's (public displays of affection) and later finding out that those couples have broken off their relationship. I admit I was like that when I was younger. However, there is something to be said for mature relationships/marriages. I know from experience. Maturity brings serenity. No,I am not a marriage counselor. I can only share my experience.
July 22, 1972
I was married the first time when I was a very young, immature 24 year old, but I thought I knew it all. The man I married was 26, and he too was immature. My parents tried to talk me out of marrying him, but, of course I would show them they were wrong, and things would be wonderful. So what if we had nothing in common except physical attraction. Opposites attract, right? Well, not always. So what does one do but try and "change" that person to your interests.
He liked country music, I liked classical. I was a social person and he preferred staying home and watching TV. I likes to dance, he didn’t. I liked to read, yep, you guessed it. He didn't. We couldn’t carry on a conversation with each other about current events, or anything else, really.. Very sad indeed.
We argued a lot because I had to have my way. I was very selfish then but didn’t know any better. I had to have instant gratification. To make a long story short, we divorced two and a half years later. I definitely did not experience Serenity in that relationship.
October 12, 1975
Columbus Day that year. I met my present husband on that day by chance. We talked and discovered we had a lot in common. Music, books, writing, concerts, dinners, you name it; we were so much alike. Even down to having both been divorced. Our parents knew of each other in the community. In fact, my husband’s Father taught my Grandfather’s Sunday School Class. Things happened quickly. Our first date was that night! We became best of friends and went together 4 years before we decided to get married.
Since we both had been married once before, we talked about what we both wanted in a marriage, and what mistakes we wanted to avoid this time around. Some things we agreed on were:
1. We wouldn’t try to change one another.
2. We would try to honor and respect each other always.
3. We would build each other up rather than having a contest to see which one of us could tear the other one down the most.
4.We would be supportive of one another,
5.No name calling. That only shows our lack of communication skills and immaturity.
5. No lies...Ever.
6. This is the best of all...Always remain best friends and treat each other the same way one would treat another "best" friend.
We were married on Christmas Eve, December 24,1979.
Have we kept all of those promises to one another? Well, I'm happy to say most of them. No we are not perfect. We are human like every other couple. We do have our moments, believe me. BUT, we do not yell, scream, call each other names, or get in the car in a fit of anger and drive off putting not only ourselves in danger, but every one else on the road. Thank God we are more mature than that. We can talk things through for the most part. It is important to say I’m sorry and mean it. Even if you have to swallow your pride and say it first, just do it. Life is too short.
How have I matured to have Serenity in my marriage? Well, I work really hard on not being selfish. I try to remain positive no matter what. It is so unhealthy to think in the negative all the time. I have learned to be a helpmate rather than a "mother" to my husband. I try to make sure I am supportive in all of my husband’s endeavors. Even though we feel each one of us is an equal partner, I believe in supporting my husband’s decisions concerning a major change in our lives such as a major purchase or a move. After God, my husband is head of our household.
Serenity and Peace in my marriage? You bet. See it is possible. We are living proof.. Always marry your best friend and remain friends for ever and ever. Remain best friends for Eternity.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Forgivness: A Key to Serenity
It all started on an absolutely beautiful Saturday morning. The weather was sunny and the humidity was down. This was truly a perfect day for one of my favorite pastimes.... Going yard sale-ing. I love looking for hidden treasures that I might one day take to The Antique Road Show to be appraised and find out that it’s worth millions! Yea, I know I’m a dreamer but that’s ok.
Well I stopped at yet another yard sale to see what I could find to consign at an auction my husband and I frequent on Wednesday nights. (It’s our weekly date) What did my wandering eyes see as I walked up the driveway on that perfectly awesome Saturday? A cool looking wooden base and the porcelain top to hold one of those large water bottles. Hmmm....if I had bottled water delivered to my home I would like to have a stand like this. Perhaps I can re-sell it at the auction.
I continued to spook around a bit and then walked up to the seller and asked what she wanted for the water bottle stand. She told me $4.00 and I said, "Great! I’ll take it" and proceeded to give her the money. The sale was completed. It was about that time we heard the woman standing next to me watching the whole procedure say, "NO, NO. I WANTED THAT." The seller then said to her that she never indicated that she definitely wanted that. "I asked you for the price," the woman said. She was then informed that she had walked away without another word. Just asking for the price doth not a sale make.
Because I use a cane to walk with for support, the seller’s sister helped me trek the item all the way to the end of the driveway to my car. I placed my cane along side of the car while we each took a side and loaded the stand and jug into the back seat of my little Eclipse. I then turned to retrieve my cane and I couldn’t believe my eyes, but it was no where to be seen! We re-traced my steps all the way back to where the sale was made. It had vanished. Or did it? We both just looked at each other and couldn’t imagine that anyone would be so mean to take away someone's cane in revenge. Could they? Oh well, I thanked her for her help and continued on home. What else could I do without my cane?
When I arrived home and was lamenting to my husband about the whole scene, I called that woman a name I am not proud of and immediately looked up to the heavens and asked the Lord’s forgiveness. (Why upward I’ll never know because my Higher Power who is my Lord lives within my heart and is with me always. I only have to look within my self)
It was then the most wonderful feeling came over me. I forgave that poor woman. After all she must have been having a bad day to have reacted like she did. I have no way of knowing what her life is like, or what emotional problems she may be having. It is not up to me to judge. So, I just simply forgave her and that was that.
Forgiveness........ another key to ............ Serenity.
Well I stopped at yet another yard sale to see what I could find to consign at an auction my husband and I frequent on Wednesday nights. (It’s our weekly date) What did my wandering eyes see as I walked up the driveway on that perfectly awesome Saturday? A cool looking wooden base and the porcelain top to hold one of those large water bottles. Hmmm....if I had bottled water delivered to my home I would like to have a stand like this. Perhaps I can re-sell it at the auction.
I continued to spook around a bit and then walked up to the seller and asked what she wanted for the water bottle stand. She told me $4.00 and I said, "Great! I’ll take it" and proceeded to give her the money. The sale was completed. It was about that time we heard the woman standing next to me watching the whole procedure say, "NO, NO. I WANTED THAT." The seller then said to her that she never indicated that she definitely wanted that. "I asked you for the price," the woman said. She was then informed that she had walked away without another word. Just asking for the price doth not a sale make.
Because I use a cane to walk with for support, the seller’s sister helped me trek the item all the way to the end of the driveway to my car. I placed my cane along side of the car while we each took a side and loaded the stand and jug into the back seat of my little Eclipse. I then turned to retrieve my cane and I couldn’t believe my eyes, but it was no where to be seen! We re-traced my steps all the way back to where the sale was made. It had vanished. Or did it? We both just looked at each other and couldn’t imagine that anyone would be so mean to take away someone's cane in revenge. Could they? Oh well, I thanked her for her help and continued on home. What else could I do without my cane?
When I arrived home and was lamenting to my husband about the whole scene, I called that woman a name I am not proud of and immediately looked up to the heavens and asked the Lord’s forgiveness. (Why upward I’ll never know because my Higher Power who is my Lord lives within my heart and is with me always. I only have to look within my self)
It was then the most wonderful feeling came over me. I forgave that poor woman. After all she must have been having a bad day to have reacted like she did. I have no way of knowing what her life is like, or what emotional problems she may be having. It is not up to me to judge. So, I just simply forgave her and that was that.
Forgiveness........ another key to ............ Serenity.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Love Can Bring Peace To The Land and To Ourselves
I love this thought-- Love Can Bring Peace to The Land and To Ourselves.How can Love do that? Isn't love intangible? Well,yes and no.Can you put your hand out and touch love like a car or an apple? No,not really. But what about that special,warm feeling you and I get when we are with that special someone in our life? What is that emotion? When you and I reach out and touch each other what do we feel? I believe that feeling is love. It's hard to describe, but it's very tangible in out heart, soul and mind.
Now I want to look at 1 Corinthians 13:4 to 13 on love and see what the Bible is telling us about love, and how we should live with mankind. as well as in a relationship. I am going over what love is and is not because I will be traveling on Saturday (aka flying through the air and clouds) to Pa, to visit my family. I have nephew graduating from HS on Thursday, and I want to do what I can to be the best I can be for God. I want to watch my conduct so I can show my love to my family as well as others I may meet. Why, because I want to be proud of me and proud of how my Mom and Dad raised me. I can't thank them enough for the way they raised me. It was through the eyes of love.
1.Love is patient.Oops.How many times have I said an unkind word or became upset and impatient when things aren't going my way fast enough? What about the person in front of me that I think is driving to slowly? Do I mutter things to my self or do I send that person a blessing?
2. Love is not conceited, rude and does not act unbecomingly. Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is nor self-seeking: it is not touchy or fretful or resentful.WOW, thank God I don't carry resentments. I was taught not to be self-centered, jealous, arrogant, or insist on my way rather than God's way. However, I need to constantly work on these actons within me.
3.Love pays no attention to a wrong suffered. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but REJOICES WHEN RIGHT AND TRUTH PREVAIL. See, that goes right back to my previous blog on honesty and integrity.
4. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready believe the best of every person. Its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening.
5.Love never fails. What a wonderful affirmation to hang on to. I agree for me, Love never fails but people's action do at times.
I believe to start peace in this world we must start with ourselves. I need to remember to love my neighbor as myself. If I don't love myself first, how then can Ilove my neighbor. Kindness and love starts at home within each of us.
I feel I am now ready to take my trip to Pa. and enjoy my 2.5 hr. plane trip, and enjoy my family with pure love. Then when I return home, I must do the same for others around my home and in the community.
God has commanded me to love one another. I must let faith, hope and love abide in my heart forever and always I can show my true affection for God and mankind.As God also commanded, the greatest of these is LOVE.
Now I want to look at 1 Corinthians 13:4 to 13 on love and see what the Bible is telling us about love, and how we should live with mankind. as well as in a relationship. I am going over what love is and is not because I will be traveling on Saturday (aka flying through the air and clouds) to Pa, to visit my family. I have nephew graduating from HS on Thursday, and I want to do what I can to be the best I can be for God. I want to watch my conduct so I can show my love to my family as well as others I may meet. Why, because I want to be proud of me and proud of how my Mom and Dad raised me. I can't thank them enough for the way they raised me. It was through the eyes of love.
1.Love is patient.Oops.How many times have I said an unkind word or became upset and impatient when things aren't going my way fast enough? What about the person in front of me that I think is driving to slowly? Do I mutter things to my self or do I send that person a blessing?
2. Love is not conceited, rude and does not act unbecomingly. Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is nor self-seeking: it is not touchy or fretful or resentful.WOW, thank God I don't carry resentments. I was taught not to be self-centered, jealous, arrogant, or insist on my way rather than God's way. However, I need to constantly work on these actons within me.
3.Love pays no attention to a wrong suffered. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but REJOICES WHEN RIGHT AND TRUTH PREVAIL. See, that goes right back to my previous blog on honesty and integrity.
4. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready believe the best of every person. Its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening.
5.Love never fails. What a wonderful affirmation to hang on to. I agree for me, Love never fails but people's action do at times.
I believe to start peace in this world we must start with ourselves. I need to remember to love my neighbor as myself. If I don't love myself first, how then can Ilove my neighbor. Kindness and love starts at home within each of us.
I feel I am now ready to take my trip to Pa. and enjoy my 2.5 hr. plane trip, and enjoy my family with pure love. Then when I return home, I must do the same for others around my home and in the community.
God has commanded me to love one another. I must let faith, hope and love abide in my heart forever and always I can show my true affection for God and mankind.As God also commanded, the greatest of these is LOVE.
What Ever Happened To Kindness, Honesty and Love?
My husband and I were talking the other evening about all that we had seen and heard on the news that night. The subject of honesty cam up regarding our politicians today, and how they think nothing of not just stretching the truth, but openly lie about what they have an issue with, or a situation to make them look good so they can win the election. Or win any other reward they are working towards with the people's support, which also means you and me. We are drawn into the fray unwillingly. We become a part of it either way through the mediums of our learning about the news of the day. We have to look at our government's make up. The Government of the United States is made up of people, ordinary people like you and me, who at some point in their life have either decided to become dis-honest, unloving and without integrity.They have gone astray like lost sheep and hence their actions are hurting our country. Our country is losing the respect and trust it once had.
There was a time when I was a little child of about 9 or 10 years of age, and I wanted a diary to write heaven knows what in it, but I wanted it so badly and i didn't have any money with me. I went into this little gift shop that I had eyed the diary in and went right to it. I looked around and didn't see anyone around me watching, so I slipped the diary into my purse.I then went and chatted with Mrs. Pritchard who owned the gift shop, and she me well, and everyone in the town knew her as well. Anyway, back to the diary. I went home and went right up to my room and
hid the diary under my mattress. I thought I was in the clear. A little later in the evening there was a phone call for my Mother which I though nothing of because she was always getting phone calls it seemed to me.
Mom turned to me (we were in the kitchen just before dinner) an asked me point blank,"How did you get the money for the diary you took from Mrs. Pritchard's gift shop?" Of course I tried to cover my tracks, but Mom knew the truth. I finally ran upstairs and retrieved the diary and took it to my Mother.Mom never yelled, or hit me or any of that. She had the best "punishment" I could have received. I had to take the diary back to Mrs. Pritchard and tell her what I did. Talk about scared and embarrassed. That was the slowest walk I ever took to Mrs. Pritchard's shop.I went in and luckily there was no one else in the shop, so thank God we were alone. I went up to her and while telling her what I had done wrong by stealing that diary,I handed it over to her.
Mrs. Pritchard was a very kind lady, and just asked me why I did it. She said if I had wanted it she would have set up small payment for me from my babysitting money.She forgave me on the spot, and I cried and cried and cried. Finally I was all cried out, and she wet a paper towel and gently dried my tears and lovingly sent me home. I learned a valuable lesson that day and I never stole or lied again since that day.Thank you God for a conscience, and for a loving Mom and a loving shop owner, Mrs. Pritchard.
I'm often wondering what I can do for mankind today to make this world a better place, I'll tell you what I think I can in my next blog. Maybe all of you will decide to you want to help as well. It all starts with one person. You, and you, and Me.
There was a time when I was a little child of about 9 or 10 years of age, and I wanted a diary to write heaven knows what in it, but I wanted it so badly and i didn't have any money with me. I went into this little gift shop that I had eyed the diary in and went right to it. I looked around and didn't see anyone around me watching, so I slipped the diary into my purse.I then went and chatted with Mrs. Pritchard who owned the gift shop, and she me well, and everyone in the town knew her as well. Anyway, back to the diary. I went home and went right up to my room and
hid the diary under my mattress. I thought I was in the clear. A little later in the evening there was a phone call for my Mother which I though nothing of because she was always getting phone calls it seemed to me.
Mom turned to me (we were in the kitchen just before dinner) an asked me point blank,"How did you get the money for the diary you took from Mrs. Pritchard's gift shop?" Of course I tried to cover my tracks, but Mom knew the truth. I finally ran upstairs and retrieved the diary and took it to my Mother.Mom never yelled, or hit me or any of that. She had the best "punishment" I could have received. I had to take the diary back to Mrs. Pritchard and tell her what I did. Talk about scared and embarrassed. That was the slowest walk I ever took to Mrs. Pritchard's shop.I went in and luckily there was no one else in the shop, so thank God we were alone. I went up to her and while telling her what I had done wrong by stealing that diary,I handed it over to her.
Mrs. Pritchard was a very kind lady, and just asked me why I did it. She said if I had wanted it she would have set up small payment for me from my babysitting money.She forgave me on the spot, and I cried and cried and cried. Finally I was all cried out, and she wet a paper towel and gently dried my tears and lovingly sent me home. I learned a valuable lesson that day and I never stole or lied again since that day.Thank you God for a conscience, and for a loving Mom and a loving shop owner, Mrs. Pritchard.
I'm often wondering what I can do for mankind today to make this world a better place, I'll tell you what I think I can in my next blog. Maybe all of you will decide to you want to help as well. It all starts with one person. You, and you, and Me.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
De-cluttering For Serenity
Games are fun. So, let’s play a game. A feelings game about getting organized once and for all. Come along with me. .We are going to start de-cluttering our home by shredding two boxes of paper first. The things I saved and don’t need. Why is this a feelings game? Because I will feel great when the clutter is gone one piece of clutter at a time. This way it’s not too overwhelming. Serenity and Peace of Mind are beginning to show a little.
Now that I have started with the biggest pile of clutter first, I now can introduce you to the next game. Pretend we are moving far away to another state such as Arizona or New Mexico to get away from the hurricanes here in Florida. Suppose we decide to sell the house and every thing in it minus a few things we can’t live with out for practical reasons as well as sentimental and be adventuresome. We couldn’t leave our two kitties and possibly one outdoor male. "This is not serenity" you cry. Well, yes it is. We don’t have to worry about moving lock, stock and barrel again like all of our other moves. We were exhausted. The last move from Tampa to Zephyrhills just about killed us.
This way we don’t have to hurry because we have another step to do before we really get looking for a home. That is to find out how much our home is worth today tn the growing bedroom community. Then we’ll know how much we have to work with. See...more Serenity. We also don’t have a time line to do all this yet until we get a home...maybe via the internet. One never knows..
Next we decide to auction our possessions, hold our own moving sale, or maybe sell the home furnished and get rid of the excess. We figure the winter months are is the most profitable for sales. Once that decision is made, more Serenity follows.
In this game of feelings I’m feeling pretty good right now. Things are moving along nicely.
Now comes the next part of the game. Looking for a new home." Oh no", you cry. That’s so much pressure. Well, yes if you do it yourself. If you have a good real estate broker working for you, It’s not hard at all once they know what it is you’re looking for. They do all the work. Yes, even as far away as Arizona or New Mexico.
It’s 6 months or a year down the road, and you want to stop the game and enjoy your new adventure. That can either mean having the means now to keep your home de-cluttered, or learning not to clutter your "new" home for at least another 5 years!
No, we are not moving at all. It was, after all, only a game. But now our home is de-cluttered and we can enjoy our home and it will be easier to manage now. Why is it we save so much stuff anyway? We can't take it with us to Heaven. Besides, we won't need it. God has a new home for us more beautiful than anything here on earth. How do I know? He told me so in his book, the Bible. We are told to not lay treasures here on this earth, but we do anyway. I guess that's part of being human.
The game I played was a good way to start to clean and de-clutter my home. It is a good motivator. Now that the clutter is gone I have found Freedom, beauty and peace. This is another form of Serenity I can enjoy. How about You. Are you next?
Now that I have started with the biggest pile of clutter first, I now can introduce you to the next game. Pretend we are moving far away to another state such as Arizona or New Mexico to get away from the hurricanes here in Florida. Suppose we decide to sell the house and every thing in it minus a few things we can’t live with out for practical reasons as well as sentimental and be adventuresome. We couldn’t leave our two kitties and possibly one outdoor male. "This is not serenity" you cry. Well, yes it is. We don’t have to worry about moving lock, stock and barrel again like all of our other moves. We were exhausted. The last move from Tampa to Zephyrhills just about killed us.
This way we don’t have to hurry because we have another step to do before we really get looking for a home. That is to find out how much our home is worth today tn the growing bedroom community. Then we’ll know how much we have to work with. See...more Serenity. We also don’t have a time line to do all this yet until we get a home...maybe via the internet. One never knows..
Next we decide to auction our possessions, hold our own moving sale, or maybe sell the home furnished and get rid of the excess. We figure the winter months are is the most profitable for sales. Once that decision is made, more Serenity follows.
In this game of feelings I’m feeling pretty good right now. Things are moving along nicely.
Now comes the next part of the game. Looking for a new home." Oh no", you cry. That’s so much pressure. Well, yes if you do it yourself. If you have a good real estate broker working for you, It’s not hard at all once they know what it is you’re looking for. They do all the work. Yes, even as far away as Arizona or New Mexico.
It’s 6 months or a year down the road, and you want to stop the game and enjoy your new adventure. That can either mean having the means now to keep your home de-cluttered, or learning not to clutter your "new" home for at least another 5 years!
No, we are not moving at all. It was, after all, only a game. But now our home is de-cluttered and we can enjoy our home and it will be easier to manage now. Why is it we save so much stuff anyway? We can't take it with us to Heaven. Besides, we won't need it. God has a new home for us more beautiful than anything here on earth. How do I know? He told me so in his book, the Bible. We are told to not lay treasures here on this earth, but we do anyway. I guess that's part of being human.
The game I played was a good way to start to clean and de-clutter my home. It is a good motivator. Now that the clutter is gone I have found Freedom, beauty and peace. This is another form of Serenity I can enjoy. How about You. Are you next?
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