One Word, Pleasing Smile

“One word or a pleasing smile is often enough to raise up a saddened and wounded soul.”

~Therese of Lisieux

I started an additional blog. Prayers, Praise and Photographs. I wanted to offer prayer, praise and photographs. With everything that has gone on this past couple weeks I felt it is what I needed to do.

Last week was heartbreaking for many. A church member and friend Cheryl S. received the results of her scans. The news was not good. She and her family are a light in a dimly lit world. It breaks my heart the pain in which they are going through. But I believe in the power of our father. Her children are updating her Caring Bridge journal daily (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/cherylsnyder ). They update for her when she can't. I have been praying for this wonderful family and friends. Our Pastor (Pastor Vic) has been tirelessly visiting them and several others currently in the hospital. Pastor Vic, Barb and many many others has been keeping us all updated on our Church family members. Assisting this family is a gift. 

Many years ago I had a group of friends I would hang out with when my girls were gone for the weekend. This group of people welcomed me with open arms. They accepted me for me. They were fun to be with and kept me laughing instead of crying. We spent many weekends around the pool. Lots of laughter was what I needed (thank you Jaime). As time went by I went about my way, but always thought of them. I am so appreciative of them. This past Wednesday Jaime called to tell me that Jerry and his wife were dead. Both Jerry and his wife Amy were gone. It is so hard to believe especially hearing the story. The circumstances of their death is unbelievable for us that know (and knew) Jerry. Not knowing why is hard for my friends (that still hung out with Jerry and Amy). My heart goes out their families and friends. Some questions will never be answered. My heart hurts for these families and friends.  Not one word will answer these questions, but a smile and a hug go a long way.  Words in Prayer....go a long way.

I have posted my prayer at Prayers, Praise and Photographs. Iwant to encourage you to post your prayers and praise...not sure how you could post a photo, but your prayers and praise are welcome. You all mean so much to me. Thank you for being a light for me in this dim world. I praise God for giving me a light that I may help light up this world.  Remember that your smile or kind word may help others through difficult times.  The person you help could be a stranger.  Treat the world with kindness.  Treat your friends and loved ones with care.  Pray for those who consider you an enemy.  Pray for those who you consider an enemy.  Pray that pride will not win over love.  You never know the plan.

ALL IS GOOD!!

"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life."
~Charles Darwin

I hope all is well with you. All is good here. We have experienced some ups, downs, disappointments and happiness this past couple of weeks. I have laughed a lot and prayed a lot since my last post. I am so lucky (truly blessed) through it all. I am so thankful for my life…which includes all the ups, downs and obstacles. I have learned to let the people go that just don’t care about me or who chose not to be in my life (for whatever reason-they are their reasons). I have enjoyed each loving moment with my family and friends. I enjoyed the laughter shared with my Mom, Michael, our girls, my brother in law + his family and my friends. I am joyful of the recovery of Mandy (who spent the day in the ER) and Brittany (who should have been in the ER). They are both still recovering, but they are recovering (stay well my girls-you had me worried). I have enjoyed our visits to my see my father in law (who is recovering beautifully -thank you for your prayers). I enjoyed hearing the news about my father’s good health. No more tests for 5 years…YEAH!!! I am enjoying day dreaming with my Mom...Lexus or 1st class...LOL I am enjoying the gorgeous weather. I actually enjoyed the rain a bit. I am not too sure about Grace’s new doggy cut. I won’t have to have it cut that short again. But like I said ALL IS GOOD HERE!!!

We had the pleasure of keeping our Grand~Angel this past Friday night. She is only 5 and full of personality. She has a beautiful smile, soul and mind. She has an answer, a plan and a story for every occasion. She talked to me about the Psalm she learned at school and its meaning. She showed me the pictures of Jesus she had colored, the letters she was practicing and what she could read. She told me about all her friends and how much she liked them. On the drive home she told me she was going to “have two jobs” when she gets older…she was going to work at Chick-Fil-A and be a teacher. WOW! I asked her about Chick-Fil-A. Her response was, “Nanny, it just looks like it would be fun.” I told her how I always wanted to be a teacher and still planned to teach. She wanted me to teach her. When I told her that wouldn’t be a good idea-she told me she would move to Venus so I could teach her. She assumed it was because we lived in different cities. I explained I was not sure she would listen and really learn from me as she would from a non-family member teacher…her response was “if I promise to learn.” I laughed and told her I was a teacher to her now. I am a Nanny teacher and have different things to teach and show her about life. She still wanted me to be her school teacher too. She looked out the car window and commented “it is such a beautiful day.” We played, she played with Grace, she played with GanPa and had powder donuts for breakfast. We shared much laughter, serious talks, lots of hugs and quality time. What wonderful moments we had with her. ALL IS GOOD HERE!

I want to thank everyone who has sent me emails, text and phone calls in regards to my last posts. I never expected the response I received. You all are a gift to me. Thank you to my neighbor who literally ran across the street to give me a hug. That was a beautiful, heart felt and “you are my friend” hug. I needed that. For my friends and family who sent those “I Love It,” I Love You,” “Ha Ha…the filter,” “you and Karma (both good and not so good.)” and “that is so you” THANK YOU. Thank you for respecting my blog prayer and for praying for us all. Thank you for being my friend, my family and loving me unconditionally. Thank you for developing your own thoughts about me and not relying on others. Thank you for accepting me for who I am. I guess you all can tell I really appreciate your kindness, friendship and love. ALL IS UNEXPECTEDLY GOOD HERE!

I do have some prayer requests. A special lady found out this past Monday she has cancer. She is a lovely person with a beautiful family. They are such a Godly family. A dear sweet friend lost her mother in law this past week. She and her husband have been (and still are) unconditional friends to me and my family. Please continue to lift up my family members and friends in prayer as they continue their road to absolute recovery. All are doing well….better than first expected. WITH PRAYER ALL WILL BE GOOD HERE.

Father, I lift those suffering from illness, heavy hearts, financial burdens, and those that do not know your goodness up to you. I lift them up to you with a sincere heart. I pray for my friends and family that they find the goodness in your word. That I receive your guidance without question. I pray you will show the truth to those who do not see it or seek it. I pray for the health, well-being and for healthy loving hearts for myself, my family and friends. I pray for the continuous healing for those that have been and are ill.

Father, Thank you for giving me another day. Thank you for each moment of my life. Thank you for the obstacles that open my eyes. Thank you for allowing me to suffer in order to find there is goodness. Thank you for my family and friends. Thank you for my parents and all the laughter we share. Thank you for showing me ALL IS GOOD. Thank you for loving me all the days of my life. I will see you in heaven. In your name I pray. AMEN

Be Blessed and Bless Others

Attitude and New Endings

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ~ Maria Robinson


The past 2 ½ weeks have been emotionally trying for me. A family member became extremely ill, diagnosed with cancer, had successful surgery, faces some chemo and came home today. Two friends were diagnosed with cancer, had successful surgery and are home recovering beautifully. A friend is going through hard times and feels alone. A friend’s mother is in the hospital waiting on answers. Someone I love dearly is struggling with fear and uncertainties. I found my previous blog unintentionally offended a few people-I am truly sorry. I found myself tired, struggling and emotionally drained. On Thursday, Feb.11th I chose to start a new day…to make a new ending. It is all about attitude.

All is good or at least how it is suppose to be at the moment. I can’t change the hearts of others or remove their burdens. What I can do is sincerely pray, offer comfort, a smile, a hug, forgive, have compassion, understanding and share the gifts of wisdom (shared with me). I can be there if and when they need me. I can work on becoming a better person, friend and family member. I am renewed. It is all about attitude.

The recent events had me writing down the things I have learned throughout my life. I am so grateful to my parents, grandparents, siblings and children who gave me the gifts of their wisdom (They taught me and I have passed it along):

Not everyone is going to like me or love me and that is okay.
I determine myself worth-no one else does.
No matter what happens find a positive or create a positive outcome/result.
Don’t mess with your KARMA!
Life is hard, but worth it.
Things always get better.
Ask yourself “What are my choices?”
We can overcome any obstacle with the right attitude.
Everything happens for a reason.
How we react says a lot about our character.
When people talk negatively or gossip about me, I am important to them.
Family is family.
There is a time and place for everything-most of the time it is not in public.
Having integrity and being honest is the best human quality you can pass on.
Giving your word is the best thing you can offer-so stand by it.
Ignoring problems solves nothing.
Think about it before you say it or do it. (AKA “The Filter”)
Don’t expect forgiveness. Ask for it, then humble yourself when it is given.
Say “I Love You” from the heart.
A good hug can make things better and good things great.
Wake with a smile and share it.
I am responsible for my own happiness.
Don’t hate anyone. Forgive them.
Avoid using the word hate-it spews anger and gives you wrinkles.
Take responsibility for your actions-don’t make excuses.
Don’t toot your own horn.
Don’t do anything expecting anything in return.-Give from your heart.
Work hard and have good ethics.
When I am weak, prayer will give me strength.
When I leave earth my last thoughts will be of the love I have for my family and friends.
When I am angry or hurt my last thought should be to leave-not my first thought.
Lead by example.

I am still learning and welcome each day with open arms. I am blessed. I am thankful for each of you during good times and bad times. It is all about the RIGHT ATTITUDE!

“Father, I pray that you will continue to grow within and guide me. I pray for the health and well-being of all our children, grandchild, family and friends. I pray that you lift the burden of hurt, discouragement, loneliness and worries from our hearts. I pray you offer us a peaceful heart and youthful eyes….that we love and appreciate each day and the people in our lives. I pray we each learn from the obstacles in our lives and truly forgive those who have offended us. I pray for the acceptance of the life which has been laid out before us…that we will make the best of it according to your word. I pray for continual recovery of my many friends and family going through illness and tough times. I pray for strength, compassion and an open heart. I pray for healthy bodies, minds and hearts. I lift all up in prayer to you.

Father God, thank you for my wonderful parents. Thank you for bringing Mike into my life. He is a gift from you. Thank you for our children and giving them each special personalities and gifts. Thank you for giving inter-peace to me. Thank you for giving me the honest ability and power to pray and to forgive. Thank you for the light you have given me. Thank you for Pastor Vic and his comforting words. Thank you for our Church Family. Thank you for bringing the youth into my life that reminds me of your incredible power.

I may not always feel worthy of your love and forgiveness, but you show me I am worthy. You show me by the miracle of snow, sunlight, children, a stranger’s smile, photographs of family and an unexpected hug. Thank you for loving me all the days of my life. I will see you in heaven. In your name I pray. AMEN”

Be Blessed and Bless Others.

Clarification

I guess I need to clarify my last post. I mentioned people say someone is not a Christian and how it made me feel. My post was about me questioning myself....Hence the title: did I witness and did I share. The word "I" is me. Instead of getting angry and reacting negatively I questioned myself did I do what I should do as a Christian. Not just once, but many times.

I sincerely apologize to those who took it personal. This was not an attack upon you or your beliefs. I did not mean to hurt any ones feeling.

Lesson Learned:
All you fellow bloggers when posting about others or events in your life be prepared.

Did I Witness? Did I Share?

“God enters by a private door into each individual.”~Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior it was an intimate act/moment for me. I was overjoyed, filled with love and security. I walked knowing no matter what I was not alone. I didn’t run out and tell every stranger or person in my life I had been saved. What I share is the miracle of our God. I tell everyone of how I felt God’s presence and healing hands upon my daughter in December 2003. Our God is amazing. When accepting Jesus Christ as your lord and savior you are allowing God to enter by a private door into you. You are no longer alone.

Who is to say whether or not someone is a Christian? This past week I encountered the words (written and spoken) “someone is not a Christian.” How it hurt my heart to read/hear these things about people I love. I kept asking myself: Why is it necessary to publicly publish or speak this statement? After all, they may be like me. How do they know? What insight do they have? Have they spoken with these individuals one on one to know? When was the last time they talked to this person? Called or visited about anything? Talked about God, about salvation or being a Christian? Shared their miracle moment with God? What is their definition of a Christian? Are they living without sin? STOP!!!!!

I was angry and hurt. I wanted answers. THEN…..I realized I am in the beginning stages of an Emotional Tornado (ET), again. I had to refocus on God. “I can only imagine.” My love for all of these people is far greater than the hurt others may cause unknowingly.

I had to remember they are entitled to their opinions, judgment and thoughts. Just, as I am entitled to mine. It is not my place to find out their definition of being a Christian, to have answers to all my questions or to judge them. It is my place to shine with love and forgiveness as God has placed upon me. It is my place to witness as to the miracle of God. It is my place to share.

I am committed to living my life with the light in which God provided within me. I have failed many times to let my light shine, but I have been forgiven. I will shine.

I am not without sin, but with prayer and meditation with God I can become the light in which I am meant to be.


“Father, I pray that you will continue to grow within me and guide me. I pray your light will shine brighter with each passing moment as I try to live according to your word. I pray that you will protect the hearts of those I love. I pray for your healing hands on my many friends and family that are going through trying times. I pray for your forgiveness during my time of anger and you give me the ability to deal with those who do not know the heart of others and me. I thank you for my children, my husband, my family and my Church family. Thank you, Father for your son. Thank you, Father for loving me at all the times in my life. In your name I pray. Amen.”


Be Blessed and Bless Others.