Category: POSTS

They show such love upon their faces, a smile that warms the bitter cold. A gentle whisper spoken to calm the weary soul, or a helping hand to reach another. Random acts of kindness & simple words of encouragement to meet the needs of others. Upon their knees they kneel & pray, to find the strength at the Masters feet. Not afraid to show they care with open arms they hold the ones who can’t stand strong. Perhaps a loving father, devoted mother, big brother or sweet sister. Maybe a brave son or a thoughtful daughter; those who always care & only see the best in us. Could be a trusted comrade, kindred spirit, loyal love, or faithful friend; ones committed to our friendship to defend & always honor us. We know them well, they know us better & yet … they dearly love us still. Their presence fills an empty room, it leaves a lasting imprint to who we are today; we feel their distant absence when they’re not near or present. The precious moments shared together aren’t lost or fade away. Carried deep within our hearts we keep these lovely memories, gems of beauty, timeless treasures. Walks in the park, table top talks, strolls on the beach or a moonlight drink. Never a tear goes unnoticed or a call has gone unanswered, by these gentle ones in our life. When hard times come & the night is long we know who we can count on to always be here for us. Though hardships weigh unanswered questions or quaint occasions bring joyous celebrations, these ones will stand beside us & brighten life’s endeavors. I miss these ones who’ve left for grandeur shores to be with our Sweet Lord. But I cherish those who walk beside me & have stayed the course to always love me. I know I have a Savior who comforts my weary soul, but I’m thankful that He shows His love through the tender-hearted ones.

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A heavy heart can know the other side of grief. Through all the broken pieces, it feels the sadness, sees the sorrow, yet ….believes & hopes in a better tomorrow. “I once was young & now am old”, says the poet to the child. “But now I see the truth of time, beauty in love & joy from life.” We learn from life’s most tested times through the choices that we make. The decisions made along this path, decide the journey that we take. So we run this ragged race upon this weary road, try to hide our secret shame or escape from shattered dreams. Until we finally reach the end & lay our hidden burdens down. It’s time to start, change our plan, begin to grow & see new hope. What we do, how we live & where we go, can make us who we are; good or bad, the choice is ours to choose. But we’re destined for much more, than we ever knew or planned. We must stop & seek direction from the Masters hand. We’ll realize our potential in what we can become, as we’re sharpened by the jagged edges, softened by the broken pieces. We learn to love deeper, find beauty through the ashes, see joy from overcoming the many tempting trials. I’m changed by the tears I’ve shed, losses I’ve felt, laughter I’ve shared, loved ones I’ve held. One by one the pieces have made me who I am today. I know that God has carried me through the longest years. In all those desperate times, I have seen His love & mercy. I may be broken, but I’m never alone. I am stronger when I am fallen & weak, as I place my trust in the One who keeps me together…. all my broken pieces.

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We stand strong as we patiently wait. Make a new dream, prepare a good plan, build upon our hopes. I fill my day with needs & wants, yet know I’m on the lam again… to run from what I really feel. Tears run deep from untold stories. Hidden down beneath our sorrow, lies the unspoken, unwritten, unchartered course. Do we dare expose the tattered scars we try to keep suppressed? Afraid to break the dam that might come rushing through, if all is said or read from winters bitter past. Like a tender wound once throughly cleansed must be undressed, to breathe the air & slowly start to heal. Life happens, people hurt, children cry, yet good still exists as these seasons come & go. Not so fast, the pilgrim speaks, as if to slow his pace will stop the hands of time. We try to live, attempt at play or constantly work till the day is done. We say we’re fine, we don’t ask why. We think that nothing could be wrong, if we’re able to stay strong! If only fairytales & storybooks could tell the tale that really is. It’s not so easy peasy, but quite contrary to the story! So how does time just heal this sorrow? Self reflection is ever lonely, when traveled alone down that darkened road. I cannot wait upon my thoughts or hope that time will heal myself. There’s grandeur hopes in honest trust, upon the One who calms the soul & mends this broken heart. A daring task it surely is, but so much more He shall reveal, to those whose hearts are openly real. There’s power in prayer as the Masters hand, takes our fears & brings us peace from the weary years. I can’t continue to keep this hidden. I must run to the One, who patiently waits… for me.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:2‬ ‭NLT

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A cool winter day. Here I sit, deep in my thoughts, snuggled up warm from the heat of my home. I look out the window & once again, I am captured by what I behold! The clouds on a mission to go where they’re blown & the wind stirs the trees with a subtle slight breeze. Though the hills are still scarred & the land lay barren, a few sprouted saplings have pushed through the earth. The small flower bud that burst its way out, by traveling around a rock above ground. To the struggle at hand, it never surrendered in fear or defeat. It never gave up & it wouldn’t give in.

“Many eyes go through the meadow, but few see the flowers in it.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

So much to consider, as I ponder our path; where we have wandered & what we have done. Sometimes it’s good to reflect on the past, learn from mistakes & see growth in ourselves. The good, bad & ugly all have their purpose; to smooth & refine our rough & tough edges.

“… Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬

It’s the baby steps, small moments & little things that happen, which build up our faith to become stronger within. As I open my heart with my eyes to see, listen with ears that hear, I’m amazed at what is before me… this beautiful miraculous life! I want to grow where I am planted, be all that I can be, see the beauty through the ashes… wherever I go!

“Where flowers bloom so does hope.” – Lady Bird Johnson

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A new day, a New Year! Where do all the four seasons of our life come & go? It feels sometimes like time has wings that soar past the long-lasting horizon. It can change in a second or move ever so slowly, counting the minutes, one by one. Watch & wait for the clock to move its two hands & ticktock around! Our life drifts on by, as we measure the moments & count out the days of our lives… like the sands of an hour glass bulb. I picture a quaint quiet place to store up our memories, in the rooms of a thin paper house; where the walls are all painted & the doors swing to open or close. Paper dolls, paper clothes, special times & events, as never a dull moment unfolds! But soon the house must carefully go, as the test of time wears its welcome. Many fond moments are treasured & gathered, from joyful days & simple pleasures! Mementoes of love fill the rooms of our hearts, as Father Time turns to grace us with a new younger face. Begin something new… build a bridge, cross the gap. Set a goal, pay the toll, make a dream, start afresh. Laugh at loud, enjoy life & love with a passion! Creating these visuals of lasting impressions stands up through the trials of harsh winter storms. Though the struggles can wear & tear, even break our dear hearts, they strengthen & deepen our souls. Paper houses… they always come & they quickly go, yet we cherish those moments we’d so fondly adored. We can’t stay in the past, we have to let go, move on to a different tomorrow. Yesterday’s gone, but it’s left us its memorable songs. Say goodbye to the old, shed a tear for those precious Paper Houses. Bring in some good cheer, say hello to today & shout out to all, a Happy New Year!

Somedays I just sit. As if I’m waiting, maybe watching for something different. Perhaps I’m in a daydream, or quietly thinking of better days ahead, instead of what’s behind. I have to stop those tireless thoughts & hold onto the memories of what was never lost; those precious times & tender moments that fill my heart & deepen my soul. Who’s to say we cannot fly as we ride the wings of dreamy nights or gaze up at the star filled lights! I often tell myself to never, ever, forget. I need to remember the good & be thankful for the blessings that He gives. I look upon a moonlit sky & think back on all those sleepless nights. Awakened from my comfy bed, I’d hear the sounds of my crying baby’s blues, or listen to his brothers giggly toddler moods. The joyful sound of pitter patters running wildly down the stairs, hoping to find Saint Nicklaus gifts, underneath the Christmas tree. How fast they grow, we’d all been told. But on the day it happens, we feel… well, quite honestly… old! A candy kiss by our children’s lips could only taste so sweet. Those cute & cuddly snuggle-buns, so innocent & young. Those were days that never ended, but now I dearly miss! The ghost of Christmas past, leaves memories of such joyful laughter. Yet during these precious times of sweetness, there often comes some hardship with a bit of bitterness. Maybe that’s the way we learn & grow. We’re challenged to rise above the struggle & be all that we’re created to become. Look at that 1st Christmas night our Savior entered in. His parents traveled long & far, to only be rejected. From an inn that sent them to, a common stable barn. What questions we can all surmise of our Creators plan to give us life, through His Sons birth into this world of strife. It’s a mystery, a miracle, a beautiful scene of hope & faith. When I look into a newborns eyes, I can’t help but see the hand of God & think; how perfect that little one’s made, with so much beauty & love from God! That’s what I want to see when I think of timeless moments, simple dreams & distant memories at this time of year. The reason for this season is a precious gift of love… God’s love to us, we give to others & we share this Christmas story… a beautiful scene indeed! May you have a Blessed & Merry Christmas!

Memories. Sometimes they feel so distant… then I catch a glimpse of someone’s tear filled eyes & all those mixed emotions come flooding back again. Life has a way of doing that. We walk along on shallow ground till suddenly, we feel the depth of life’s surprises when we least expect it. It stings a bit. Can bite beneath the hardened shell we hide behind, that protects us from these deep demises. How often time can cover up our sullen numbness, like a blanket that comforts the chill & warms our toes. But we cannot escape the facts of life & face our fears, if we always stay bubble wrapped in our safety zone! I do that. Don’t want to deal with what I feel. I grasp for a word to express this empty tone… solemness. Like a picture of a faceless painted man wandering into nowhere land. A fantasy of sorts but it captures a vision of those distorted inner thoughts. Perhaps reality is less exciting, when we’re digging in the trenches. Working hard to escape the past & searching for a way to find our future. I can accept that. I know these fleeting moments will quickly come & go. Whenever I’m worried, troubled or afraid, I know I can depend on the One who is always with me… however I am, whatever I feel or wherever I go. He gives me peace of heart & mind that only comes from Him. I’m standing under the shadow of the Almighty, praying to stay in tune with whatever He plans for me. Everyday life. It’s putting one foot in front of the other, no matter what my path shall be. I’m trusting in the shelter & safety of His love & whatever He has for me!
“If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:9-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Here we stand. Our hearts still feel that sting of grief, yet we are strong when we are weak. Our lives, this journey, long & weary. We breathe, relive, debrief, move forward… one step at a time. If shattered dreams awake tonite, I shall continue through this fight. I will not dance with mindless fear or tempt my feet to run from here. This is my plight, I cannot stop. I must believe, I have to trust! So here the pilgrims progress meets the crossroad of anxious, tired, tattered foes of thoughts, that cause this doubt. If Gods creation could speak, it would moan in disbelief. What once was beauty now lies in ashes. What stood so glorious now weeps in sorrow. Oh such grief must stir nature’s silence, as she stares at mans despair & her vacant land a-hollow. We must dig deep within our souls, to find that seed of faith that sprouts & blossoms to renew our hope. We are resilient, on this broken road that stands alone against the odds & opens paths to new horizons. We remember the past, not forgetting the importance of its purpose; healing, recovery & acceptance. Through this haze & maze of reflection, we are never alone as we open our tender hearts to prayer & search for that peace that passes all understanding.

May the trail rise up to meet you. May your heart rejoice in song. May the skies be fair above you. As you journey ever on.*

Travel well, dear ones, kindred spirits & bonded friends. We stand together as we walk upon… Survivors Road.

*Lyrics by: Dan Fogelberg

She’s looking out the window, standing… with a sharpened sword in hand. Nothing much is left in the midst of all the chaos. Out of the smoke He arises, she catches a glimpse of Him. His arms are carrying some & He’s holding up the others. The weary, weak & tired, who’ve crossed this rugged road in this battlefield called, “Home”. She sees these brave, courageous ones who’ve fought this trying battle; survivors of the fearless, who’ve stood the test of time. The tears, the pain, the sorrow, like a war that never ends. But victims of a tragedy, a loss or broken heart, is never just a quick fix or an easy fight to win. She cannot lead their destined path nor step into their shattered dreams of midnight strolls down darkened roads. They’ve traveled on those lonesome trails of wandering thoughts & deep regrets of disappointments of the past. Now she stands, her hand tightly grips the strength of a cold steel blade. It keeps all safe within her care as she secretly walks beside them & quietly defends. It was cut & made by the heat of a flame & shaped by the Masters hand. It breaks the cords that bind the hearts to release the pain & calm the storm. She stares in the distance, the shadows lurk in the still of the night on this moonlight watch. She sees the ones that bear the test of being pressed on every side, but they’re not crushed beneath the weight. Though perplexed in trials, they’re not left in deep despair because never are they abandoned by God. These are the ones who are held by the Lord of Heavens Armies. She is that one, their Guardian Angel, who stands in the gap to guard these precious ones she calls… Brave Hearts.

We all wondered when we were younger. “What will we be?”… when  we grow up & get older. Then here we are, already there… living the Dream! Perhaps it’s not exactly, how we quietly imagined or perfectly envisioned. Maybe you took a little detour off the map, only to find yourself having to backtrack. I often thought that my passions & dreams would happen someday, somewhere, someway. But, life always changes & time never stands still. It’s always passing. Tick tock, round the clock we go, where it stops nobody knows! Before we know it, yesterday’s gone, today is here & tomorrow will come. It plays no favoritism to life or pays any respect for age. Sometimes I have to stop myself, forgive my disappointments, accept a new vision & remember the good that has come along the way. All that is lovely & true, beautiful & amazing, precious & real. These are more important to focus & ponder on. It’s not hard to see the bad times & ugly events of the past. But it’s better to seek for the truth, see the blessings & know that sweet peace that passes all understanding. We have to be willing to roll with the punches & let the chip on our shoulder roll down off the sweat of our back. I’m learning to be okay with that; willing to give up what I’ve got to let go. Because these are the days that are making it count; my choices, this moment, our time & these steps. I’m not just tumbling along down the road, as the song, “Like a Rolling Stone” sings. But I’m changing the tune, making a home in my heart, wherever I go. Unlike the verses, that speaks of a meaningless purpose, I need to have some meaningful direction & soulful connections. I might feel like the songwriter speaks of being on my own, but I know I am never alone or even a complete unknown. So I’m building a bridge across all the deep losses & making a path from these hard stepping stones. Like the Potter forms the clay of the earth to the wheel, He is able to make something more beautiful from this! Shake the dust from the man, shape a life with a plan, I am like a rolling stone; but I am created & held in the palm of His hands.