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Butter Rum Lifesavers and Black Jack Gum

26 Dec

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.   1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT

Sometimes Heroes come into our lives, not the SuperHeroes with magical powers, but the person who can see into your smallness, aloneness, fearfulness, and breathe peace, hope and true love into your situation. That hero was my Grandfather!

Harold Zimmerman Paddock 2/15/1906 – 1/20/1980

My life began with a wonderful, delightful circumstance that I wish every toddler could experience. My parents and I lived in the house directly behind my grandparents, they were always present in my young life. In the morning I would have breakfast with my mom, then walk over to Grandma and Grandpa’s place and have breakfast with them. Lunch worked the same way. I spent as much time, perhaps more, at my grandparent’s home than I did at mine.

My grandfather was very ill all the years that I knew him. He could not breathe well, always wheezed, sometimes gasping for air. His emphysema kicked up at the least amount of dust, even from baby powder in a blanket. He lost 1 ½ lungs to Black Lung from working in a coal mine when he was younger. He had a corkscrew scar that wrapped around his body and he wrapped an elastic cloth tightly around his scars to keep the pain down. I don’t remember his ever complaining. 

When I was little he was in bed a lot. I would climb up on the bed and take him my books. He would read them to me, over and over again. One time, I am told, he was very, very sick and he could not read to me. So, I climbed up in that bed, as close as I could get without hurting him, and with my book upside down I read to him. Word for word! I had memorized them from all the times that he had read to me.   

Some time later we moved away for my birth dad’s work. Every time we came back to visit my grandparents, my grandfather would take my little hand and we would walk a block to a house on the corner that had a little store in one of its rooms. He would always buy me a package of Butter Rum Lifesavers and a pack of Black Jack Gum, for as many years as I can remember. I have a pack of Black Jack gum on my kitchen table near my computer so I can see it every time I work. Butter Rum Lifesavers and Black Jack Gum. Memories, it always makes me smile.

He always wore Flip Flops, what we called Zorries back then, and in the summer he wore Hawaiian shirts (loose and flowing) In the winter he wore Flannel Shirts, usually blue. Over the last 10 years I have collected a few Hawaiian shirts, and most recently, well over a dozen flannel shirts. I sit and run my hands along the flannel as I work. I knew collecting them was tied to a memory, but I couldn’t make it out for the longest time. It was Grandpa! 

Grandpa had a warm infectious smile that turned you sad moments around without a word. Just being near him you knew it would all be ok. No matter what the battle was. Grandpa always lit up when he saw my grandmother. Making her smile was his joy. Grandpa grew flowers and roses for my grandmother, a special gift. He would work in the garden to be sure there were always flowers blooming. Grandma loved them. He made sure that she had a fresh flower in a little juice glass on the kitchen table where she set her plate to eat. Over the last few years Ihave bought myself small bouquets and I always cut a few out of the bunch to put in a tiny vase near my computer. I’m pretty sure how having those flowers made grandma feel, I feel it too.

When grandpa was feeling stronger he loved to work in his shop making wooden gifts for the grandkids. He made me a miniature kitchen hutch, all working doors and a slide out cutting board. He made my youngest brother a beautiful rocking horse. And he made each one of the grandkids wooden chairs with hearts cut into the back. They matched the wooden table that he put together, one for each household. I remember how we all appreciated them back when he gave each one of us our chair – I think I appreciate it more now because I knew how difficult it was for him to even stand up in that shop and make them. 

Several years later Grandpa was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa and his eyesight failed. He could get around the garden and house, but couldn’t drive or read. My grandmother bought the entire collection of Zane Grey Westerns and every night she read those books to him. I never really thought alot about how that blessing did a full turn – first reading continually to us as children, and then her reading to him in his golden years. I think that’s rather beautiful.  

Grandpa loved music. I don’t remember him ever singing, but I remember him closing his eyes to listen and smiling, a very peaceful smile. Music played from the moment grandma woke up until they all went to bed. She had so many albums, played on the old HiFi/Record Player. Always music. Grandma loved to shuffle dance around the kitchen and living room when certain songs came on. I remember thinking those were the most peaceful times in my life. It was the love. It was the joy. It was them together. 

My strength came from my Grandmother who had to become the family provider and raise 3 strong-willed boys and a strong-willed daughter, my mother. She was the family Matriarch. But my compassion came from my Grandfather. Through all of his pain and illness he was Peace! He saw Hope. He saw Beauty in the sky, the flowers, the music, all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but most of all in my grandmother.. Grandpa was love.

 My grandparents were C&E Christians, not real churchgoers. Easter, Christmas, Weddings and Funerals, that was about it. They said they were Methodists and that’s where they went when they attended. They never really spoke of God, but they prayed at every meal, prayers of thanksgiving. Grandma brought all of the family together every Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Their modest home was filled with card tables and folding chairs so that everyone had a place to sit. 

The family was very close and whenever there was a need they all came together. When I was 9 my birth father died and my grandparents and uncles drove to where we were, packed us into their cars and took us to live in my grandparents home. My Mom and 4 children moved into my grandparents 2 bedroom home with a Jack and Jill Bathroom. It was tight and it was cozy. I still remember the towering Oak and Walnut trees in the backyard and how we gathered walnuts into nut bags for what seemed like months. They were wonderful to eat, not as much fun to collect and sort. 

About 9 months later we all moved into a 3 bedroom home, all 6 of us. We didn’t stay together long, not as long as I had hoped, or as the adults expected. My mother remarried and my grandparents moved to a home of their own. A bigger home where our now rapidly growing families could all come together on Sundays and Holidays.

The family always moved together, always living just a few blocks apart, except for mine. My grandparents and all 3 uncles with their families moved to the small town next to the town we lived in. Several years later we followed my stepfather’s work and moved to another state. When we did the rest of the family moved to a very small town in another state, all of them except us. I missed them so much when we moved apart. I still miss them today, maybe even more than ever.

I came upon a Christmas book my grandparents gave me the year I was born. Such a precious inscription inside. They attended all of my plays, graduations and special events. Encouraged my art, my music and my writing. They were my encouragers. When being a teenager in the 60s was so crazy, they were my strength. Those smiles, the love, the encouragement when no one else did. 

They knew that I became a strong Christian, but never knew that I became a Pastor and taught so many, adults and children, about the Bible and Jesus. They never were able to see me publish my first 3 books. They aren’t here to encourage me as I am ½ way through my 4th book. But all I need to do is close my eyes, run my hand across the soft flannel of my shirt and I see their faces and amazing smiles. Everything will be okay!

Thank You God for blessing me with my Grandparents. Thank You for encouraging me to take their legacies forward.

———-

Written by Linda J. Humes – 12/26/24

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Dear Friends

25 Oct

”Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

We all have memories; some wonderful, some good, some bad, some nightmare grade. We don’t dwell on those memories, unless we get together with family and friends and the “remember when\s” start up. Once in a while something triggers a memory that takes you back; a smell, a touch, a glance at something similar, or maybe a dream.

I was looking at my one bookcase of books and study materials that remain in my small home. Books have always been dear friends to me. They took me away on incredible adventures, or to a world I would never be able to see in person. They answered questions that no one nearby could reasonably explain. They helped me see into the heart, mind or soul of a person, place or event; some imaginary, some real. They inspired me to think!

If it was a story book or a poetry book, the pages had to stay clean and unwrinkled. No folded corners or marks, except for a date on the front page indicating when I had read it, and my name and address if I had loaned it out. If it was a study book, the pages would be highlighted and notes in the columns and sides of the page of thoughts to remember. Notes to teach from, notes to write from. Books – dear friends and precious teachers.

Those memories that I spoke of are the root of every writer’s story. The memory that started this piece was how much I loved the first day of school. Stepping through the classroom door and smelling the fresh coat of wax on the floor, the stack of freshly sharpened pencils, the inky smell of the tan/brown paper with stout royal blue lines, and a new textbook. The first thing I would do is open the book and put my face deep into the pages, breathing in the rich printing press smell. Dear friends that take me far away from the trials and the challenges of today and into a place of hope and promise. Dear friends that took me places I could not go to and taught me things I did not know.

A little over a year ago I moved into the smallest house I’ve had. I made the decision not to keep a library. I kept my one bookcase of materials to teach and counsel from. I have been on an incredible faith journey since March 1988, when I met Jesus in an intimate and personal way. Books have helped me along the way.

I thank you Lord, for the words you have placed in people’s hearts to share with the world. Words they may never realize made a difference in the lives of others. Words of a tale, words of a concept, words of history, or words of encouragement, helping us to step forward a little stronger every day. Thank you, I am truly grateful.

——– Update:

Since this writing in 2012 I have moved into a much smaller home – and rebuilt my library. Not as large as it once was, but delightfully larger, and hope to build bookcases in my second bedroom to accommodate these books and more to come!!!

Written by Linda J. Humes

10-21-2012

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When Your World Stands Still

26 Jul
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After retiring, and then developing a debilitating chronic illness, I realized how very difficult it was to continue any sort of a “normal life”. When you spend 50 years up at 6am, off to work by 7am, home by 6pm, meals to prepare, chores to do, kids to help, events to plan, meetings to prepare for, go, go, go, go – and then all of the sudden – STOP – you get lost. You lose your purpose. You don’t know why you are alive anymore. You fall into depression.

This article is about how to continue to feel useful. It’s about how to make purpose out of your non-working life. It’s about realizing how very important your days, hours, minutes and seconds are; not just to you, but to so many other people who have been waiting for someone like you, someone who cares.

After I recognized how to pull myself out of the “why should I even get out of bed” syndrome I noticed that I wasn’t the only “mover and shaker” lost in the transition. Not everyone was a retired person, some were people who had lost jobs, graduated from college and didn’t have something to shift into right away, became ill, or had children and chose to stay home to care for them. Each battled an “importance” in their lives that had to be developed by retraining what was REQUIRED of them, to what was NECESSARY for them to feel their value.

This is a list of things that helped me, and I hope will help you, to restart your time clock to your new “normal”. These steps will help you find focus, purpose, and a new way of seeing your value. I encourage you to take the time to read and consider these suggestions.

How Do I Get My Life Back:

  • Set your alarm – get up by ______. It doesn’t have to be 6am anymore, but it has to be a time that you are accountable to adhering too. I found that I was usually awake early by habit because of my years of working, so I made that automatic wake up time my alarm time. Laying in bed leads to overthinking and depression.
  • Make your bed. Once your bed is made it is harder to just climb back in and lay there thinking about what used to be. Make it and walk out of the room. Go have coffee at the kitchen table or in the living room; anywhere but the bedroom.
  • Change out of your pajamas. It is so easy to live for days in those soft wonderful PJs, but it is hard to not think of returning to bed or vegging on the sofa when you are wearing them! Get dressed. Wear something that you would wear if you were heading to town. Start your day with deliberate anticipation.
  • Eat breakfast by _____. Just like when you worked away from home, you need that most important meal of the day – Breakfast!! Get up and eat. You will feel more determined when you are ready for anything that may come. A good breakfast will give you the energy and soundness of mind to tackle whatever chore you have placed on your calendar.
  • Computer time. It’s great to get on the computer and connect with folks from far and near, but it isn’t okay to spend all day surfing memes and accomplishing nothing! Determine a time for social media. Determine a time for research. Determine a time for game playing. Determine a time to turn the computer off. The computer is a tool that can become an addiction if not monitored carefully. You are the only one who knows what is a healthy time and what is not. You may be on the computer more than others if you have decided to write a book, or research a whole new area, or ???? But you need to decide what is enough and set a healthy boundary.
  • Contact and encourage people in their best way. Each person relates to other people in different ways, and each of your friends relates to you in different ways. I was homebound, not allowed to be around people for many years (immune system problems), and I had little to no phone service. The best way to stay in touch with me was to email or text me. Each of your friends have a different preference, be sure to reach out in the way that they relate to the best. You don’t have to contact people every day, but find a day (or days) of the week dedicated to reaching out. I have several people that I text every day, first thing in the morning, to encourage them. Some people I will send a note, or an email of interest, or a snail mail letter as often as once a week, or as rare as once a month.
    • Email
    • Text
    • Messenger
    • Phone call
    • Visit in person
    • Mail a card or a letter
  • Eat lunch by _____. Don’t let the day go by and realize that you have forgot to eat because the folks you usually ate lunch with aren’t there. Make an actual lunch, not just a handful of chips!! Make a lunch date once every week or two, nothing better than spending 45 minutes to an hour visiting with a friend over a meal. I have found that setting alarms in my phone for stopping for a meal, or exercise, or ??, truly helps.
  • Read – Write – Study. Set a time for yourself to accomplish these areas and write what you have accomplished in a calendar or journal. Don’t rely on your memory to keep track of everything, there are just too many distractions in a day. Write it down and every once in a while, go back and see what you have accomplished.
  • Learn something new every day. Doesn’t matter what it is, it keeps your mind young and your memory strong. It could be as simple as the color of a particular flower, to a process of accomplishing a chore, or to the history of the American WWII fighter pilots. Write it down!!
  • Volunteer at least once a week at a non-profit or church. You have valuable skills that others need. There are so many agencies that need help and so few volunteers. You age isn’t usually an issue, it’s the helpful attitude that makes the big difference.
    • Animal shelters need people to love on animals, take them for walks, give them a bath, even read stories to them.
    • Senior Centers often have kitchens where you can prepare meals, deliver meals, cook, or wash dishes. They also generally have a thrift shop where you can help sort items and price them for sale.
    • Libraries have story hours and are always looking for people to read to the children.
    • Men’s and Women’s shelters need people to help clean, encourage, and research for resources for the people in their care.
    • Food banks always need volunteers to stock shelves, fill food boxes, deliver to the shut ins, and pick up special donations.
    • Churches always need people to help clean and prepare the rooms for classes, services, and special projects in the community.
    • Many companies have on staff Chaplains that are volunteers. They help with employees experiencing life changing events.
    • Hospitals have needs for volunteers to help patients get to their area of care. Directing people, pushing wheelchairs, comforting a spouse or child dealing with very difficult emotions from the loss of a loved one.
  • Eat dinner by _____. Just like when you worked, dinner is the “end of the day meal” that makes the break from “Work” to “Pleasure”! Set the table, make a full meal, sit down, take the time to relax and reflect on your day, just like you have always done. Don’t grab something cold out of the refrigerator and hang over the kitchen sink to eat it. You are more important than that. You deserve the extra time for a favorite meal with soft music and candle on the table. Set a time – not just whenever!!
  • Visit others. Remember when you wished you had the time to go visit a relative far away, but you never did? Schedule a time. Make plans and have an agenda for when you get there. Pick up those travel brochures for the area they are in and make plans to visit a number of sites each day. Make it a special event, not just a drive by, say “Hello!” and off again. Make it special.
  • Take a class. What have you always wanted to learn but never had the time to go to a class to learn it? Drawing, painting, a foreign language, auto mechanics, computer skills, gardening, animal husbandry, so many other subjects are out there to choose from. Go online and find where they offer those sorts of classes. It could be a college, a library, a business that offers evening classes, it could be online classes. There are so many options. The more you challenge your mind, the younger it stays.
  • Start a hobby you always wanted to try. Wow, that’s such a huge base, I wouldn’t even know what to suggest. In my case I wasn’t allowed to exert myself, so I started to watercolor. I tossed a whole lot of paintings in the trash at first, but now I actually sell some! I learned from online tutorials and purchasing my supplies online that were delivered to my door. If you really want to do something, you will find a way to make it happen.
  • It’s ok to watch TV, as long as it isn’t taking over your day. Set a boundary for yourself for normal day viewing. There are always those stormy weekends when you want to curl up in a soft blanket and binge watch something. That’s okay, as long as it isn’t every day. I don’t turn my TV on until after 6pm. It keeps me from losing focus on what I have set for my daily practices to keep myself strong mentally and physically.
  • Go to the library, museum, bookstore, and/or school. I always wished that I had more time to go to these places. Grab out your calendar and plan a day a month, or a week, to go enjoy. Learn as you explore. Journal what you found and how you felt when you were there.
  • Invite friends and family over to play board games. Pop the popcorn, make the Kool aide, clear the table, get ready for a few hours of laughter and challenges. I have found the greatest joy in board games. Everyone just becomes themselves – vulnerable and silly!!
  • Invite folks over for a meal. If you think that you are the only one who wishes that they had someone else to talk to for a bit, you are sadly mistaken. Many wonderful friendships have developed over a hamburger and French fries!! Having people to your home requires planning, setting up, and preparation. If you can only invite one person because of financial constraints, then just invite one, or you could organize a monthly potluck where everyone brings something. The more the merrier! Provide the place for people to gather. You will be surprised at how many people are looking for others to spend time with, just like you.
  • Meet a friend for coffee. If you don’t have a local friend, make a new friend at a coffee shop, or a safe place. It may be brief, or it could start out as a short visit that turns into a life changing event. Offering encouragement or listening to someone going through a difficult time is such a blessing for both of you. You may be listening this time, but next time you may be the person who needs a listening ear.
  • Bake a dessert for a family or someone who is shut in. This is something that has almost been lost over the generations. I remember when I was a child that people would bring us a dessert when we moved into a neighborhood, or when one of the family took ill. It doesn’t take much time to bake something, and if you aren’t skilled in that area, there are lots of desserts to choose from at the grocery store. The important thing is that people will realize that you care and are willing to be there for them when they feel so alone. What better feeling is there than that.
  • Send cards and letters to folks who mean something to you, or even a stranger that someone has made you aware of that is going through a difficult time. The years of Birthday Cards and Christmas Cards through snail mail are almost gone. I paint cards for people to say thank you, bless them in an event, or just to let them know that I am thinking of them. I always receive a wonderful response, it blesses me as much as it does them.
  • Start a blog. It isn’t that hard and there are folks who can help you get it going. Share your story. Your story may seem unique to you, but you will be blessed and surprised at the responses you get from others who are going through the same or similar situations. Share the wisdom you have developed over the years. Teach through your blog. Encourage through your blog. Offer questions of intrigue on your blog.
  • Write a book. It isn’t as hard as you think. It could start with your blog, then compiling the blogs into a format that others would enjoy. You could probably take a class that could help you develop the skills to share the story that has been in the back of your mind for years and years. It could be a paper book or an eBook or a coloring book or a children’s book or a book of your photos or illustrations. But it will never exist until you take the time to sit down and write out an outline and then fill in the gaps with the journey and characters and unique storyline that only you can share.
  • Plant a garden and can the overflow. I love gardening and have always had something growing. At some of my homes it was small. At some of my homes the plants grew so well that I had to give away fruits and vegetables, and in a few places I was able to can my fruits and vegetables for sale and storage.
  • Raise chickens and ducks and sell the eggs. This is one of my favorite things to do. Those little lives all have their own little personalities and quirks! Plus, I made a good income from the sale of fresh cage-free eggs. Double benefit!!
  • Find something you are interested in and learn everything you can about it. Visit it, write about it, teach about it. Find your passion. I know that I have repeated this several times in this article, but it is critically important. What makes you excited to get up for? How can you share and teach that excitement to others? You used to HAVE to get up, now you need to find something that makes you WANT to get up. What is it???
  • Drive to a lake to reflect and journal. I love doing this. Just finding a place of peace to review where I am in life, how it relates to where I have been and where I want to be. Journal your thoughts.
  • Go on a hike. The time it takes you walk has so many benefits. Physically it helps you stay in shape and strengthen your lungs and heart. Mentally you reflect on what you are seeing, how it relates to where you are in life, where you can go to build on the desires you have had, but never had time to do before.
  • Find an accountability partner. This is the best thing that I have ever done. Someone who keeps you accountable to the things in life you want to accomplish, and those that you don’t want to fall back into. Your accountability partner could be the person you have lunch with, coffee with, invite over for dinner, or email when things get tough. It is someone that you trust with your dreams and your failures. It is someone that you give permission to correct you, or encourage you, or turn you around when you are heading in the wrong direction. My closest friends and family are my accountability partners, but who you choose depends on your personality and who you feel safest speaking too. It could also be a counselor or a priest.
  • Join a gym. You definitely need an accountability partner here! Someone to challenge you and make sure that you don’t skip out on your scheduled time to exercise and grow. Plus, we all feel so much better after getting a good workout. Warning – it could result in the purchasing of a new wardrobe! Nothing wrong with that!!
  • Find a group to join that meets at least once a week. Find a subject that you want to know more about and find a group that meets about it. You will find people of like minds in subjects that you can share your expertise in and that you can learn from. What a better way to make new friends with your same interests and desires.

I hope this writing has encouraged you to take control of your life when things around you seem to be crashing down. You can make the changes you need to find your purpose once again. You can make the change to start a new career, or begin a new endeavour that you never had the time to begin before. You can find a reason to get out of bed every morning with enthusiasm for what you are about to encounter and learn. I believe in you, believe in yourself.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences about your journey to your “New Normal”.

—

By Linda J Humes

written 1-2-2021 Republished 7-26-2021

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What Are You Going To Do About It?

12 Jul

Well, Did You?

Revisited 7-12-2021

So, I am going to share a little of my point of view. Folks are sharing posts saying that they believe the Rapture is almost here – I disagree. I firmly believe Genesis 50:20 –

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Yes, these times have been hard and even a bit unfair – but God!!

  • How many times in years past have you said that you wished your family was all together for meals? Able to spend time together playing games and just talking? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times have you prayed to God for more time to pray, seek, read the Bible and study? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times did you say that you wished you had time to try new recipes or start canning or make a bunch of different sorts of desserts? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times have you said (or thought) that you wish you had more time to connect with distant family and friends – send a card, send a letter, start a texting conversation? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?
  • How many times did you wish that you had time to start a backyard garden or re-pot house plants or start a new hobby that you have always wanted to start? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

I understand the oppression and depression that has come with this time of our lives, I really do – I fell right in with everyone else. I had to stop watching the news on TV. I had to block pages on my FB that was FB spamming all sorts of negative things. I had to tell myself to get out of bed and make a difference in this chaos!

What can YOU do? Get out a piece of paper. Make a list of all of the things that you wished you could have done in the past, but never had the time to do.

  • If you don’t have the supplies for some of the, post a note on FB or the Online Yard Sales for supplies for – for instance – painting. Make a note that you needs inexpensive supplies – I bet folks will send them to you for free or for very little. You would be surprised at the number of people who will step up along side you – because – well – they are in the same pandemic as you !! Also, the dollar stores always have a small section of crafting supplies for really cheap – then as you get better you won’t mind spending a little extra on good supplies.
  • Send an encouraging email – or MEME on FB – or a text message to someone every day! Doesn’t have to be the same person, just pray and see who God puts on your heart.
  • Read a new book – lots of your friends will give you suggestions of great books to read, I have seen it over and over again lately.
  • Bake that dessert!! YUM.
  • Google a recipe for something you have always wanted to try – you will get a dozen hits! Read through to the ones that find your fancy and give it a shot.
  • Build that tent fort in the living room and gather the family for story time or desserts or old fashioned kids songs or ??? Well, just take a nap!!
  • Get that Bible out and a good Bible Study (hundreds are online) and a good “read the Bible in an year plan” – And Get Started!!
  • Your Turn: Put suggestions in the comments below – be “G rated” please.

What are you waiting for? What if you find out that there are actually wonderful things you can do while locked in at home. Yes, it is scary at times. Yes, financial burdens can be overwhelming. Yes, it isn’t always fun being alone.

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?!?!?!?!

I am praying blessing over you. I am praying an enhanced imagination over you. I am praying peace over you. I am saying “Seize the time!” Refuse to live in fear. Refuse to live in depression. Refuse to live in oppression. Make every day count.

—–

Original Written 7-12-2020

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Musings From A Princess Bed

6 Jul

I was awakened by a bright light coming through the curtains. It was the moon, brighter than I had ever seen before. 4:00 AM!

“Good Morning Lord! Speak to me, why have you awakened me with the moon?”

“It’s time to write My daughter,” He said.

We shared a sweet time of prayer and reflection. I walked outside, the scripture echoed inside of me, “To him that made great lights: for His mercy endureth forever. The sun to rule by day: for His mercy endureth forever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for His mercy endureth forever:” Psalm 136:7-9

His Mercy Endureth Forever!! Selah!!

 We all begin new journeys. Some journeys are amazing. Some journeys are enlightening. Some journeys are very difficult. All journeys help us grow, in one way or another. We can grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and (ahem!) physically!! And some journeys are . . . well . . . adventures in disguise!!

I have been on so many journeys in my lifetime. I like to believe that we all begin a new journey every year on our birthday, those are the journeys of home and growth, entwined with dreams and planning for the future. But then there are those journeys that sort of begin without warning and take you to places that test you to the very core. I started one of those journeys several months ago; walk with me for a while!

The Journey Begins

I sold my home in Snowflake, AZ in March of 2021. I felt that I had received a fair price for my home, I had taken very good care of it and it was on a nice piece of land. I had to rehome some of my farm animals; I won’t kid you, that was very hard. I had all of the possessions at my home moved to Chino Valley, AZ where I planned to purchase another home and settle into the last home I will purchase (Note: I told myself that on the last 2 purchases too). What I didn’t understand was that the homes in Snowflake were much less expensive than the homes in Chino Valley and surrounding cities, and to purchase a home here of the quality I had there would be $100,000 more than I received for my home there. 

I hadn’t found a home to purchase before I left Snowflake and there weren’t any meeting my needs up for sale. My time was fast approaching to leave my home in Snowflake and go . . . where??  I posted on Facebook and asked everyone in the area to keep their eyes open for me as I was soon going to be in quite a predicament with 4 dogs and a 20 pound cat and only my van to stay in.  All my possessions were in 2 storage lockers, one in Chino Valley and one in Snowflake. 

A dear friend contacted me and said that I could stay with her. I kept reminding her of my fur family and she said it was okay. As the days approached I would text her every day and ask again if it was ok, the answer was always yes. I really don’t think she understood exactly what she was getting into. All of my animals are rescues and very nervous with change and new people. They sleep as close as they can get to me and never leave my side during the day.  Thankfully, since they have all been in shelters and around a lot of other animals they were good with the new environment and the additional cats and dogs when I arrived. What a blessing that was. 

My new temporary home was a 10’ x 10’ bedroom, minus a door. There was plenty of room for the floor blankets and suitcases and 2 pet carriers. The interesting part of the room was that the only bed was a princess bed. Yep, hand built by the lady of the house for her young daughter. This princess bed was to be my place of rest for the next several months. 

I learned a lot while sleeping in that bed! Let me share some of those “Musings” with you. Place yourself in that setting and smile with me on this journey.

The Unique Qualities of Sleeping in a Princess Bed!!

There is a definite stacking order when getting fitted into the princess bed. Largest participant should be first (that’s me), then the next sized participant (that’s my 20 lb cat), and then the smallest – my little 4 pound dog, Joseph Moses! He often gets moved around until we all fit like puzzle pieces, and once installed NO ONE MOVES;mostly because we don’t want to squish Joseph Moses. There are railings all the way around the Princess bed and there isn’t any chance of anyone falling out! I guess that’s good – right?? Poor Joe.  **sigh**

When you have dogs they always want to be right next to you – when you eat, when you watch a movie, when you write and especially when you sleep. It is complicated enough to get out of a princess bed at my age, let alone have the only exit blocked by 3-4 dogs at any given time! **sigh**  All Princess Beds should come with servants to help you get in and out!

I think I need a big Princess hat (the pointy one with tulle dangling) and Princess shoes (the ones with the curled up toes)! Wait! Uummm, maybe not – Scratch that!!

When you climb into a princess bed you can feel every bruise, scratch and “ouchie” on your hands, wrists and knees. Being the graceful grandma that I am, face-planting is not unusual! I have lots of experience in yipping “ouch” with every inch across the bed to the top. **sigh**  I think I need to consider a bubble-wrap suit.

Pain is still pain in a Princess bed. It isn’t better, it isn’t worse, it just is. Physical, emotional or psychological pain doesn’t give way to how fancy your bed is, it just doesn’t. I guess that’s just for the fairytales!

I have discovered that trying to sleep with all those pillows in the corner of the Princess bed is not as easy as it seems it might be. I start out on top of all the pillows and end up underneath them all. Not sure what happens in the middle of the night to end up with that result. I generally wake up early in the morning (blame the dogs dancing around) with a Trump hairdo!! Yay! Actually, he wears it much better than I do. **sigh**

I went to get my haircut so it would actually look nice and found out that all hair cutting personnel are not created equal!! In this area of the world it took 2 different hair stylists and 3 tries, to attempt to make something of my mop. The first one did such a bad job that the second one threw up her hands after a half hour and said “That’s the best I can do!” Note to self, may be time to look into wigs for such a time as this!!  **sigh**  I am definitely not princess material!!

Dreams don’t change in a Princess bed. You don’t dream of Knights or castles or dragons, or even of a handsome prince. You still have the crazy dreams you always had that rarely made sense. But, if you blame it on the bed others will likely nod in agreement, because, most likely, they don’t have anything to compare it to. I guess that can be good! Right?

There’s a silver cherub face glued to the wall opposite the wall with the Princess bed. It appears to be blowing silver stars across the wall. If you shine a flashlight on it in the dark it reflects up and the stars glow on the ceiling. That makes me smile every time. Why do I have a flashlight in bed? Because the light switch is on the same side of the room as the cherub face. **sigh**

If you think changing sheets on a regular bed is a pain, try changing sheets on a Princess bed where the mattress is wedged in so tight that you have to really manipulate the sheet to get it to go between the rails and the mattress. Consequently most of the sheet and covers lay on top of the mattress and on those “toss and turn” nights (everyone must turn in unison) all the covers end up in a big pile in the middle of the bed. Poor Joe – he’s usually at the bottom of the pile somewhere.

Must I even bring up the issues of drinking too much water before bed and having to get up and visit the “facility” in the middle of the night?!?!?! **sigh**  I didn’t think so.

One nice thing about sleeping in a Princess bed is that you actually have 2 roofs over your head! So in the event that we ever get rain (it is Arizona after all) and it leaks through the first roof, I have a little more protection! Maybe. HHHmmmm????

Getting in and out of a Princess bed is the biggest challenge of sleeping in one. There are 2 possible methods: Crawling across on your hands and knees and scooting across on your behind. Crawling can be hard at this age, but scooting can be quite embarrassing if you aren’t careful (literally). I generally crawl. Enough said!

Shiloh, my biggest dog (130 pounds) has always awakened me by licking my toes, which generally stick out at the end of the covers. One morning was quite cold and I had pulled up into a ball to stay warm under the covers. Shiloh “had to go!” What’s a dog to do??? In she hopped and started digging in the covers to find my toes! Nothing like slimy toes at 4 in the morning. UUGGHH!! Plus a quick retreat to the yard to solve the original issue. Really looking forward to a yard with a fence and a gate! **sigh**

Sleeping in a Princess bed doesn’t automatically make you a Princess. If it did I would have control of the Mariachi music playing at 2am almost every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If it did I wouldn’t have to do a daily pooper scoop of the dog doo!! If it did I wouldn’t have to do any chores. No, sleeping in a Princess bed definitely doesn’t make you a Princess. I still think it should come servants. 

What do I love about sleeping in a Princess bed? I get to be close to my dear friends. I get to look for my new home in person instead of online. I have a place to live and have all of my dogs and Cat (that’s his name – Cat) with me. And most of all, I get to attend a church that I have missed so much for 10 years and it is still so on fire for Jesus that you can almost see the flames on top of the church building. And that makes sleeping in a Princess bed all worthwhile.

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When Your World Stands Still

2 Jan

After retiring, and then developing a debilitating chronic illness, I realized how very difficult it was to continue any sort of a “normal life”. When you spend 50 years up at 6am, off to work by 7am, home by 6pm, meals to prepare, chores to do, kids to help, events to plan, meetings to prepare for, go, go, go, go – and then all of the sudden – STOP – you get lost. You lose your purpose. You don’t know why you are alive anymore. You fall into depression.

This article is about how to continue to feel useful. It’s about how to make purpose out of your non-working life. It’s about realizing how very important your days, hours, minutes and seconds are; not just to you, but to so many other people who have been waiting for someone like you, someone who cares.

After I recognized how to pull myself out of the “why should I even get out of bed” syndrome I noticed that I wasn’t the only “mover and shaker” lost in the transition. Not everyone was a retired person, some were people who had lost jobs, graduated from college and didn’t have something to shift into right away, became ill, or had children and chose to stay home to care for them. Each battled an “importance” in their lives that had to be developed by retraining what was REQUIRED of them, to what was NECESSARY for them to feel their value.

This is a list of things that helped me, and I hope will help you, to restart your time clock to your new “normal”. These steps will help you find focus, purpose, and a new way of seeing your value. I encourage you to take the time to read and consider these suggestions.

How Do I Get My Life Back:

  • Set your alarm – get up by ______. It doesn’t have to be 6am anymore, but it has to be a time that you are accountable to adhering too. I found that I was usually awake early by habit because of my years of working, so I made that automatic wake up time my alarm time. Laying in bed leads to overthinking and depression.
  • Make your bed. Once your bed is made it is harder to just climb back in and lay there thinking about what used to be. Make it and walk out of the room. Go have coffee at the kitchen table or in the living room; anywhere but the bedroom.
  • Change out of your pajamas. It is so easy to live for days in those soft wonderful PJs, but it is hard to not think of returning to bed or vegging on the sofa when you are wearing them! Get dressed. Wear something that you would wear if you were heading to town. Start your day with deliberate anticipation.
  • Eat breakfast by _____. Just like when you worked away from home, you need that most important meal of the day – Breakfast!! Get up and eat. You will feel more determined when you are ready for anything that may come. A good breakfast will give you the energy and soundness of mind to tackle whatever chore you have placed on your calendar.
  • Computer time. It’s great to get on the computer and connect with folks from far and near, but it isn’t okay to spend all day surfing memes and accomplishing nothing! Determine a time for social media. Determine a time for research. Determine a time for game playing. Determine a time to turn the computer off. The computer is a tool that can become an addiction if not monitored carefully. You are the only one who knows what is a healthy time and what is not. You may be on the computer more than others if you have decided to write a book, or research a whole new area, or ???? But you need to decide what is enough and set a healthy boundary.
  • Contact and encourage people in their best way. Each person relates to other people in different ways, and each of your friends relates to you in different ways. I was homebound, not allowed to be around people for many years (immune system problems), and I had little to no phone service. The best way to stay in touch with me was to email or text me. Each of your friends have a different preference, be sure to reach out in the way that they relate to the best. You don’t have to contact people every day, but find a day (or days) of the week dedicated to reaching out. I have several people that I text every day, first thing in the morning, to encourage them. Some people I will send a note, or an email of interest, or a snail mail letter as often as once a week, or as rare as once a month.
    • Email
    • Text
    • Messenger
    • Phone call
    • Visit in person
    • Mail a card or a letter
  • Eat lunch by _____. Don’t let the day go by and realize that you have forgot to eat because the folks you usually ate lunch with aren’t there. Make an actual lunch, not just a handful of chips!! Make a lunch date once every week or two, nothing better than spending 45 minutes to an hour visiting with a friend over a meal. I have found that setting alarms in my phone for stopping for a meal, or exercise, or ??, truly helps.
  • Read – Write – Study. Set a time for yourself to accomplish these areas and write what you have accomplished in a calendar or journal. Don’t rely on your memory to keep track of everything, there are just too many distractions in a day. Write it down and every once in a while, go back and see what you have accomplished.
  • Learn something new every day. Doesn’t matter what it is, it keeps your mind young and your memory strong. It could be as simple as the color of a particular flower, to a process of accomplishing a chore, or to the history of the American WWII fighter pilots. Write it down!!
  • Volunteer at least once a week at a non-profit or church. You have valuable skills that others need. There are so many agencies that need help and so few volunteers. You age isn’t usually an issue, it’s the helpful attitude that makes the big difference.
    • Animal shelters need people to love on animals, take them for walks, give them a bath, even read stories to them.
    • Senior Centers often have kitchens where you can prepare meals, deliver meals, cook, or wash dishes. They also generally have a thrift shop where you can help sort items and price them for sale.
    • Libraries have story hours and are always looking for people to read to the children.
    • Men’s and Women’s shelters need people to help clean, encourage, and research for resources for the people in their care.
    • Food banks always need volunteers to stock shelves, fill food boxes, deliver to the shut ins, and pick up special donations.
    • Churches always need people to help clean and prepare the rooms for classes, services, and special projects in the community.
    • Many companies have on staff Chaplains that are volunteers. They help with employees experiencing life changing events.
    • Hospitals have needs for volunteers to help patients get to their area of care. Directing people, pushing wheelchairs, comforting a spouse or child dealing with very difficult emotions from the loss of a loved one.
  • Eat dinner by _____. Just like when you worked, dinner is the “end of the day meal” that makes the break from “Work” to “Pleasure”! Set the table, make a full meal, sit down, take the time to relax and reflect on your day, just like you have always done. Don’t grab something cold out of the refrigerator and hang over the kitchen sink to eat it. You are more important than that. You deserve the extra time for a favorite meal with soft music and candle on the table. Set a time – not just whenever!!
  • Visit others. Remember when you wished you had the time to go visit a relative far away, but you never did? Schedule a time. Make plans and have an agenda for when you get there. Pick up those travel brochures for the area they are in and make plans to visit a number of sites each day. Make it a special event, not just a drive by, say “Hello!” and off again. Make it special.
  • Take a class. What have you always wanted to learn but never had the time to go to a class to learn it? Drawing, painting, a foreign language, auto mechanics, computer skills, gardening, animal husbandry, so many other subjects are out there to choose from. Go online and find where they offer those sorts of classes. It could be a college, a library, a business that offers evening classes, it could be online classes. There are so many options. The more you challenge your mind, the younger it stays.
  • Start a hobby you always wanted to try. Wow, that’s such a huge base, I wouldn’t even know what to suggest. In my case I wasn’t allowed to exert myself, so I started to watercolor. I tossed a whole lot of paintings in the trash at first, but now I actually sell some! I learned from online tutorials and purchasing my supplies online that were delivered to my door. If you really want to do something, you will find a way to make it happen.
  • It’s ok to watch TV, as long as it isn’t taking over your day. Set a boundary for yourself for normal day viewing. There are always those stormy weekends when you want to curl up in a soft blanket and binge watch something. That’s okay, as long as it isn’t every day. I don’t turn my TV on until after 6pm. It keeps me from losing focus on what I have set for my daily practices to keep myself strong mentally and physically.
  • Go to the library, museum, bookstore, and/or school. I always wished that I had more time to go to these places. Grab out your calendar and plan a day a month, or a week, to go enjoy. Learn as you explore. Journal what you found and how you felt when you were there.
  • Invite friends and family over to play board games. Pop the popcorn, make the Kool aide, clear the table, get ready for a few hours of laughter and challenges. I have found the greatest joy in board games. Everyone just becomes themselves – vulnerable and silly!!
  • Invite folks over for a meal. If you think that you are the only one who wishes that they had someone else to talk to for a bit, you are sadly mistaken. Many wonderful friendships have developed over a hamburger and French fries!! Having people to your home requires planning, setting up, and preparation. If you can only invite one person because of financial constraints, then just invite one, or you could organize a monthly potluck where everyone brings something. The more the merrier! Provide the place for people to gather. You will be surprised at how many people are looking for others to spend time with, just like you.
  • Meet a friend for coffee. If you don’t have a local friend, make a new friend at a coffee shop, or a safe place. It may be brief, or it could start out as a short visit that turns into a life changing event. Offering encouragement or listening to someone going through a difficult time is such a blessing for both of you. You may be listening this time, but next time you may be the person who needs a listening ear.
  • Bake a dessert for a family or someone who is shut in. This is something that has almost been lost over the generations. I remember when I was a child that people would bring us a dessert when we moved into a neighborhood, or when one of the family took ill. It doesn’t take much time to bake something, and if you aren’t skilled in that area, there are lots of desserts to choose from at the grocery store. The important thing is that people will realize that you care and are willing to be there for them when they feel so alone. What better feeling is there than that.
  • Send cards and letters to folks who mean something to you, or even a stranger that someone has made you aware of that is going through a difficult time. The years of Birthday Cards and Christmas Cards through snail mail are almost gone. I paint cards for people to say thank you, bless them in an event, or just to let them know that I am thinking of them. I always receive a wonderful response, it blesses me as much as it does them.
  • Start a blog. It isn’t that hard and there are folks who can help you get it going. Share your story. Your story may seem unique to you, but you will be blessed and surprised at the responses you get from others who are going through the same or similar situations. Share the wisdom you have developed over the years. Teach through your blog. Encourage through your blog. Offer questions of intrigue on your blog.
  • Write a book. It isn’t as hard as you think. It could start with your blog, then compiling the blogs into a format that others would enjoy. You could probably take a class that could help you develop the skills to share the story that has been in the back of your mind for years and years. It could be a paper book or an eBook or a coloring book or a children’s book or a book of your photos or illustrations. But it will never exist until you take the time to sit down and write out an outline and then fill in the gaps with the journey and characters and unique storyline that only you can share.
  • Plant a garden and can the overflow. I love gardening and have always had something growing. At some of my homes it was small. At some of my homes the plants grew so well that I had to give away fruits and vegetables, and in a few places I was able to can my fruits and vegetables for sale and storage.
  • Raise chickens and ducks and sell the eggs. This is one of my favorite things to do. Those little lives all have their own little personalities and quirks! Plus, I made a good income from the sale of fresh cage-free eggs. Double benefit!!
  • Find something you are interested in and learn everything you can about it. Visit it, write about it, teach about it. Find your passion. I know that I have repeated this several times in this article, but it is critically important. What makes you excited to get up for? How can you share and teach that excitement to others? You used to HAVE to get up, now you need to find something that makes you WANT to get up. What is it???
  • Drive to a lake to reflect and journal. I love doing this. Just finding a place of peace to review where I am in life, how it relates to where I have been and where I want to be. Journal your thoughts.
  • Go on a hike. The time it takes you walk has so many benefits. Physically it helps you stay in shape and strengthen your lungs and heart. Mentally you reflect on what you are seeing, how it relates to where you are in life, where you can go to build on the desires you have had, but never had time to do before.
  • Find an accountability partner. This is the best thing that I have ever done. Someone who keeps you accountable to the things in life you want to accomplish, and those that you don’t want to fall back into. Your accountability partner could be the person you have lunch with, coffee with, invite over for dinner, or email when things get tough. It is someone that you trust with your dreams and your failures. It is someone that you give permission to correct you, or encourage you, or turn you around when you are heading in the wrong direction. My closest friends and family are my accountability partners, but who you choose depends on your personality and who you feel safest speaking too. It could also be a counselor or a priest.
  • Join a gym. You definitely need an accountability partner here! Someone to challenge you and make sure that you don’t skip out on your scheduled time to exercise and grow. Plus, we all feel so much better after getting a good workout. Warning – it could result in the purchasing of a new wardrobe! Nothing wrong with that!!
  • Find a group to join that meets at least once a week. Find a subject that you want to know more about and find a group that meets about it. You will find people of like minds in subjects that you can share your expertise in and that you can learn from. What a better way to make new friends with your same interests and desires.

I hope this writing has encouraged you to take control of your life when things around you seem to be crashing down. You can make the changes you need to find your purpose once again. You can make the change to start a new career, or begin a new endeavour that you never had the time to begin before. You can find a reason to get out of bed every morning with enthusiasm for what you are about to encounter and learn. I believe in you, believe in yourself.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences about your journey to your “New Normal”.

By Linda J Humes

written 1-2-2021

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Merry Christmas

24 Dec

Praying blessings over each and every one of you for the New Year. 

This year has been a tremendous challenge for so many in the United States and around the world.  Peace comes through clinging tightly to the hem of His garment and believing that He will watch over and care for us, making provision as each of our needs arise.

God Bless you all.  Thank you so much for always encouraging me to continue teaching and lifting up others through my writing. 

 

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Pandemic 2020 – What Should You Do??

12 Jul

Coronavirus: What is a pandemic? - CBBC Newsround

 

So, I am going to share a little of my point of view. Folks are sharing posts saying that they believe the Rapture is almost here – I disagree. I firmly believe Genesis 50:20 – “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Yes, these times have been hard and even a bit unfair – but God!!

* How many times in years past have you said that you wished your family was all together for meals? Able to spend time together playing games and just talking? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times have you prayed to God for more time to pray, seek, read the Bible and study? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times did you say that you wished you had time to try new recipes or start canning or make a bunch of different sorts of desserts? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times have you said (or thought) that you wish you had more time to connect with distant family and friends – send a card, send a letter, start a texting conversation? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times did you wish that you had time to start a backyard garden or repot house plants or start a new hobby that you have always wanted to start? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

I understand the oppression and depression that has come with this time of our lives, I really do – I fell right in with everyone else. I had to stop watching the news on TV. I had to block pages on my FB that was FB spamming all sorts of negative things. I had to tell myself to get out of bed and make a difference in this chaos!

What can YOU do? Get out a piece of paper. Make a list of all of the things that you wished you could have done in the past, but never had the time to do.

* If you don’t have the supplies for some of the, post a note on FB or the Online Yard Sales for supplies for – for instance – painting. Make a note that you needs inexpensive supplies – I bet folks will send them to you for free or for very little. You would be surprised at the number of people who will step up along side you – because – well – they are in the same pandemic as you !! Also, the dollar stores always have a small section of crafting supplies for really cheap – then as you get better you won’t mind spending a little extra on good supplies.

* Send an encouraging email – or MEME on FB – or a text message to someone every day! Doesn’t have to be the same person, just pray and see who God puts on your heart.

* Read a new book – lots of your friends will give you suggestions of great books to read, I have seen it over and over again lately.

* Bake that dessert!! YUM.

* Google a recipe for something you have always wanted to try – you will get a dozen hits! Read through to the ones that find your fancy and give it a shot.

* Build that tent fort in the living room and gather the family for story time or desserts or old fashioned kids songs or ??? Well, just take a nap!!

* Get that Bible out and a good Bible Study (hundreds are online) and a good “read the Bible in an year plan” – And Get Started!!

* – Your Turn: Put suggestions in the comments below – be “G rated” please.

What are you waiting for. What if you find out that there are actually wonderful things you can do while locked in at home. Yes, it is scary at times. Yes, financial burdens can be overwhelming. Yes, it isn’t always fun being alone.

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?!?!?!?!

I am praying blessing over you. I am praying an enhanced imagination over you. I am praying peace over you. I am saying “Seize the time!” Refuse to live in fear. Refuse to live in depression. Refuse to live in oppression. Make every day count.

Feel free to share!

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INTEGRITY

29 Sep

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.  

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.  

Psalm 127:3-5

…..

The Shuttle that draws the thread

in the tapestry of a child’s life.

..

Pulled by the anointing

of compassion.

 

 

Written 1/9/2003

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A Prayer For My Children

29 Dec

 

mother-praying

My Children.  You are my breath and depth of life.  You help me find joy in darkness and peace in chaos.  My day starts with prayers for you, continues with prayers for you, and ends with prayers for you.  You are each so different, in your own quirky ways, and yet so alike in your humility and compassion.  I could not be prouder.  God blessed me and trusted me with your lives, and for that I will be forever thankful.

I pray that in each day you will see and receive Hope in every situation.  Hope for today, Hope for tomorrow, Hope for eternity.  And in those moments, I pray that you will reach out to help another find Hope in their circumstances, for in giving Hope, your Hope will grow brighter.  “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13

I pray that every day you will receive Grace for every situation, and in return, you will give Grace to those who have come short of your expectations.  Grace allows people to err and yet be restored once again for any inabilities or lack of judgment in their lives.  Grace is our greatest gift from God.  For through all of our failures He continues to love us and encourage us, and for that our lives are richer.  “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:2

I pray that each and every day you will receive Mercy, and in return, you will give Mercy to each and every person, animal and situation you encounter.  Mercy is the very compassion that we receive, no matter our circumstances or what brought us to those circumstances.  With Mercy we see the soul inside of another that may be hidden deep within a hardened exterior, and forgive the trespass.  “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”  Matthew 5:7

I pray that Joy will infuse your life so fully that it overflows into the paths of everyone you meet, and captures them in the moment, permeating them for their lifetime.  I pray that it will overflow your every action, every word, every step and every essence of your being.  I pray that the very Joy within you shines so contagiously that it doubles back and reinfects you over and over again.  “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”  John 15:11

I pray that in all things you will receive the gift Patience from others, and in turn, you will give the gift of Patience to those struggling to figure things out in this life.  More than others, I pray that you will grant Patience to yourself when you are trying and trying to figure out a life lesson and have failed at it over and over again.  Patience can seem quite small at times, but most of the time it stretches every muscle and sinew inside of us, putting us on the edge of frustration and anger.  Realize that you are not, and never will be a perfect human being and you have permission to fail, many times, in many areas.  As long as you are Patient and continue to try, you will never be a failure.  “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”  James 1:4

I pray that people will always show you Kindness, and you will honor that gift by showing Kindness to others.  Kindness is stepping back and recognizing that everyone has difficult days and it can all be turned around by a simple smile, an offered hand, an opened door, or a simple gift.  Kindness embraces sympathy and empathy, without requirement of return.  Kindness does not have to cost anything more than a moment in time, and we have a lot of those to share.  “For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.”  Psalm 117:2

I pray that you will be surrounded by Goodness, and that in that loving atmosphere, you will show and lead others into Goodness in all that they do.  Respect follows goodness and paves the way for all good things.  Goodness always receives ultimate favor among men, cherish it.  “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:10

I pray that your life will be surrounded by people of Faithfulness and that you will find and live in Faithfulness all of your days.  No matter what character a man has, if he is not found faithful to his convictions, he has lost all.  Remain faithful to your beliefs, to those who surround you, and most importantly, to God.  “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23

I pray that as you walk through your life you will be treated with Gentleness, and in return you will treat other people, animals and situations with Gentleness.  No matter how big, strong, smart or creative you are, Gentleness is a gift that cannot be ignored.  Gentleness can turn the heart of the most hostile around in a moment’s time.  Gentleness can defuse anger, bring confidence, turn tears to determination, and give another the courage to continue.  “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” Titus 3:2-3

I pray that you will recognize the strength inside yourself, and that your strength will give you the confidence to maintain Self-Control.  So many things in life can drastically change in one moment of lost Self-Control, things that cannot be recovered, things that cannot be fixed, things that are forever lost.  I pray that your courage in exhibiting your Self-Control will give others the strength and inclination to maintain their Self-Control.  You will be an example to all around you, whether you recognize it or not, and your choices will help others in making their choices, good or bad.  I pray that you will always choose wisely.  (Self-Control – The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites).  “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance (self-control) patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  2 Peter 1:5-8

 I pray that you will always walk in the presence of Peace, Peace that surpasses all understanding.  Peace that allows you to stand strong in the challenge of fear, in the heat of angry men, in times of eminent danger, in the absence of understanding and the face of the unknown.  May Peace overwhelm you and cover you with a shield so graceful, so dense, so all encompassing, that nothing can penetrate it.  It will be your defense in the face of all odds.  “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79

Most of all I pray that you will always feel and receive Love.  Love is the very center of every person’s being.  Love is a feeling that cannot be explained with words.  Love is a presence that cannot be shown with actions.  Love is something so deep that it can only be experienced.  Love can be a feeling between friends, spouses, animals, nature, and the entire environment around you, but it can also be something inside that is very personal between you and God that no one else can share.  Love is the very foundation of who you are.  Love is your integrity.  Love is your humility.  Love is your sun and moon and stars.  Love is your very breath.  Love brings you to tears at the sound of music or the sight of a child.  Love turns giants into gentlemen and weaklings into giants.  Love makes us go farther that we ever expected we could or would.  Love boasts pride and breaks hearts.  Love is the greatest gift to mankind by our most wonderful God.  I pray that you will never try to harness your Love.  I pray that you will always let Love guide you and set your path, for by Love, your path will always be straight.  I pray that your Love will be strong.  I pray that your Love will be deep. I pray that you will always remember the source of your Love and will praise God for that precious gift.  “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and Love—and the greatest of these is Love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13     “And we have known and believed the Love that God hath to us. God is Love; and he that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”  1 John 4:16

This is my prayer for you.  I thank God every day for giving me the honor of being your mother.  I speak these words over you, and through you, with deep conviction, knowing that the God who created this universe hears every word and answers my prayers with His most gracious wisdom.  Never forget who you are or the difference you were called into this world to make.  God Bless You.

 

12-29-2016

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