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Light, Love, Hope

Light in the Darkness Surrounded by Love with Hope for those in need.

Shirley

About Shirley

https://lightlovehope.com

Shirley is the proud mother of two beautiful young ladies. She enjoys spending time with them on their ranch in the deep South with their three paint horses. Always looking for an adventure, she looks forward to hikes in the mountains chasing waterfalls, or scouring the coast for beautiful lighthouses! Shirley writes to encourage others and often times shares things that motivate and inspire her. She believes in living life to the fullest because no one is promised the gift of another day. Join her as we honor our bodies, minds, hearts, souls, and our Almighty Creator, God above!

Posts by Shirley :

Our Visit To “Pretty Place”

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You may have heard people talking this week about how there was going to be a Super Moon on Saturday night.  My family and I went in search of the Super Moon on the side of a mountain with a spectacular view.   We visited “Pretty Place” Chapel at the YMCA Camp in Greenville, South Carolina.

Our story began a year ago when we took a chance and ventured out on a day trip to the Greenville area.  Being the planner that I am, I packed a full day’s worth of sightseeing and picture taking of waterfalls in the area.  I read about “Pretty Place,” but I had never seen it for myself so I just “had” to do that while in the area.   It was the same night that a Super Moon was to appear last year as well.

We made our way around the mountain last year with visions of what it would look like when we arrived.   We hadn’t checked the weather forecast, and even if we had, it was so high up that the weather is so unpredictable at that level.   We took a chance anyway.  Once we reached the top, there it sat in all of it’s glory; “Pretty Place!”

Once out of the vehicle, and still very much in awe, we walked slowly to the chapel that stood before us.   As if showing reverence, we bowed our heads as we entered the structure.  There were pews like a regular church, only this was open on the sides, unlike a regular church structure.  At the very end stood a magnificent wooden cross.

Pretty Place2

The weather started to quickly change just as the sun was setting, but we waited still with others who had gathered that evening to catch a glimpse of the Super Moon.   As we waited, we met a gentleman and his girlfriend.  They were a friendly couple, and we struck up a conversation about our cameras.  He shared his camera with me and how it worked, and immediately I fell in love with it and knew I HAD to have one just like it.  He provided the name and where to get a good deal, and that very week I set off in search of a camera just like his for my very own!

Disappointment set in as we realized that storms were rolling in.  Just at the time we had hoped to see the Super Moon, we saw clouds and fog rising instead.   Then the rain started pouring down, and we were forced to vacate “Pretty Place” and make our way down the mountain.  We couldn’t be too upset, though, for we spent the evening with some mighty fine people.   They lived in the area and had attempted to photograph the Super Moon three times already without any luck.  However, they did take some pictures prior to our arrival, and they said they would email those to us since our pictures only captured the rising clouds and fog behind the cross.  Sure enough, the next week, our new found friends emailed pictures, and we connected on Facebook!   That night, we certainly did make two new and precious friends!

Pretty Place

We went to “Pretty Place” expecting to see something spectacular, when what actually happened is that we ended up feeling it instead.  We felt the sacredness of the chapel, the strong connection to God at that elevation, and our hearts were humbled.

We made new friends that night, and they weren’t just friends in passing.  No, they have proved to be true as THIS year when we heard of the dates of the Super Moon, we sent them a Facebook message asking if they were going to try for the fourth time to capture the Super Moon at “Pretty Place.”  Sure enough, they were planning on trying again, and they said, “See you there!”  That was all it took, and a road trip was on!

All week long I looked forward to this event, and I made sure to pack my camera with an extra battery “just in case.”  My oldest daughter is really getting into photography now, too, so she had her camera ready as well!   Then, we set out Saturday for our adventure.

As we arrived, the same feelings enveloped us as we made our way to the chapel.   Sure enough, our friends were there waiting with their camera in hand.   He, wearing his cowboy hat, with her seated just a little ways from him knitting.   These people just make me smile.  They are the nicest people, and who would have ever thought a friendship could have been formed like this!   It has been, though, and we couldn’t be happier!

They greeted us as they saw us enter the chapel to walk down to take our seats.   The gentleman said they almost had given up on us due to how close it was to the time for the moon rise.  We explained about our long travel to reach our destination, but we were determined to be there for this Super Moon.   He, then, said that pictures would be up to me that night as his batteries were dead.  I reached into my bag and produced an extra battery for him to use, since we now have the same camera, and his face lit up!  He thanked me for “saving the day!”  And within a few minutes, as we waited with our friends and several others that had gathered, the Super Moon made it’s presence known.  It was subtle at first, slowly rising faintly in the sky, to which I wanted to squeal with delight when I saw it before our friends did!   Then this beautiful moon, in all of it’s brilliant colors, rose higher in the sky and appeared closer as it positioned itself perfectly in the sky.   We were in awe!    How absolutely marvelous it was to see the Super Moon in all of it’s glory at “Pretty Place” surrounded by our family and friends!   How reassuring to know that our Father in Heaven made ALL of this with His strong and mighty hands, and yet gently formed us, every detail of us, even knowing how many hairs we have on our heads … there are no words!

The Super Moon

In the distance you could hear all of the wondrous sounds of nature as if the creatures were celebrating alongside us and praising God by raising their voices as well.   We sat quietly listening, allowing it to calm us and speak to our very souls.

Pretty Place1

Then …

The ranger came to advise us that they needed to shut the gates, so we would all have to vacate the premises.  Ah, but it was so very beautiful while it lasted, and our friends were successful on their fourth trip to “Pretty Place” and were able to finally capture the Super Moon!   We were thrilled that we were able to do so on our second trip!

We took one more glance, one more picture …

Pretty Place

We followed our friends down the side of the mountain, and halfway down, they turned off to a place called Bald Rock.  They messaged us, and soon we turned around and joined them.   We thought “Pretty Place” was breathtakingly beautiful, and it is … but standing on top of Bald Rock looking out at the vastness of the sky and the depth below us with this giant spotlight of a moon above us … it was absolutely amazing!    My youngest daughter was so taken with Bald Rock, she said it was as if she was walking on the moon for the rock had “craters” that you could imagine being like those on the moon.   We decided to lay on this massive rock and just “be” … be one with nature, be one under the beautiful sky with our family and friends, be one with God!   What a wonderful feeling to just “be” surrounded by such beauty and such love from God.

We had a wonderful evening and could not wait to share “Pretty Place” with you!   If you are ever in the Greenville, South Carolina area, whether it’s on a night of the Super Moon or not, please be sure to check this jewel out!   Be prepared and forewarned as it will take your breath away!  Pictures do not do this place justice!

Pretty Place3

I will lift up my eyes to the hills … Psalm 121:1

Belong

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The Five Minute Friday prompt word is:  Belong

Ready to write for five whole minutes without regard to getting it just right?   I am! (Which takes a lot since I’m a perfectionist at heart – Eeeek!)

Set? (Come on, set your timers!)

Go! (Let it rip, girlfriend!)

There’s nothing we want more than to belong – in a group, to be accepted, loved for who you are, to have a sense of belonging, to be among friends, to belong to someone special.   It’s a longing deep within our being to belong.  Why is it so difficult then?

There are times we feel ostracized.  We feel left out in the cold.  We feel as if every one else has a place on the face of the earth but us.  We feel that everyone serves a purpose, has a calling, other’s lives are intertwined and yet there we are floating through time alone.

Why can’t we fit in?  Better yet, why would we WANT to?  We were made to be uniquely different from everyone else, and yet, we all want community.  We want to fit in, to be included.  We don’t want to spend the rest of our lives looking in on other people’s lives and the fun they’re having.  We don’t want to wish for that special someone or that best friend that everyone seems to have but us.

We want to be fulfilled … to fill a place in someone’s heart so that they feel that they belong as well.

And then it happens.  Two people that are floating through time feeling the exact same thing at the same time but thinking they are alone in their thoughts.  Yet, finally one speaks, and the other says, “Me, too!” and instantly a bond begins to form and they belong!  The day they have been waiting on has arrived, and they have a sense of belonging like they never have before.

Because they do!

Now they belong to each other.

STOP!

Angel

The Words of A Friend

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We all need to talk things out at times, and who better than with a valued and treasured friend, right?   Well, not so fast.

Our family has been going through an ordeal for the past two months, and it has been so very hard at times to find any sunshine when the storms were raging in our lives.   There are times that I get quiet, and people mistake my quietness with anger.  In reality, I am quiet because I am hurting deeply.  There is a big difference!

Often times, I internalize things rarely speaking of what is causing so much pain in my life.  When I do venture out of my shell and confide in people, it helps to have a friend that will build me up instead of tearing me down.

Within the past two months, I have encountered friends that have done a variety of things when I have dared to bare my soul to them regarding our struggles. There’s the one friend that doesn’t know what to say or do, so they just say that they are sorry and begin sending care packages to let me know that they are thinking of us and that they care about me and my family.   They are available to talk when needed, and they will try to keep their opinions to themselves if it is not something that will help me heal.   They do not lie to me, don’t mistake what I’m saying here.  They will give an honest opinion if it will help the healing process.   They will not just agree with me or say things that support me in my thinking.  They listen to the entire situation (because I can’t just tell one thing, I have to tell you every little detail so you can get a clear picture of what has taken place so you will be equipped with all of the knowledge about the situation before you feel compelled to give any advice or speak in any way for or against what has happened).

There are others that say they care about me, and I honestly believe that they do, but they are harsher in their words and judgment of the situation.  Granted, the situation may have involved a repeat offender in my life, in their eyes.   They view the situation differently, and I respect their different perspectives on the situation.  I truly do.   However, they do not have to live with the consequences of what they tell me to do when this goes against what my heart is saying to do.   They think they can very easily rationalize their advice and reasons that they are talking against  giving someone another chance when, in their eyes, the offender has already had too many chances through the years which haven’t been taken seriously by the repeat offender.   I understand their point of view.   BUT … my heart is saying to give it yet one more try … give this person one more chance … give them the benefit of the doubt because in my heart of hearts, I truly believe that people CAN change if they want to!   I believe this person, this “repeat offender” honestly wants to change now.   I do!   And I have faith that they will.

This week I have had two different people tell me things that hurt me deeply in regards to this situation.  (I know it doesn’t help that I’m being so vague about what happened and what, exactly, the situation is that I’m referring to but I’m doing so in an effort to protect privacy and also because it hurts … deeply!  Thank you for understanding.)  One openly speaks out every chance they get, often talking over me when I’m trying to explain things, because they just do not want me getting hurt further.  I understand that, but what this person is saying … every single time we talk … IS HURTING ME, TOO!   If you feel worse after talking to someone or reading their emails, that should be an indication right there that you should no longer confide in this person.   When you call or email a friend looking for support and what you get back in return is venom toward the person in the situation, that is a clue right there that this individual should not be the one that you go to for emotional support with the situation at hand.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.  Proverbs 27:9

The words of a friend:  Do they build you up or tear you down?

I would like to offer several things to consider when someone comes to you with a problem or a situation that is troubling them or hurting them deeply:

1.  Listen to them.  Honestly push aside any ill feelings that you may have toward the people IN the situation, as hard as that may be at times, and actively LISTEN to what the person is saying to you.   Don’t sit there anticipating your next opportunity to interrupt them with your harsh words.  Instead, allow them to speak – to talk as much as they need to about the situation.   Listening involves TWO ears.  Your mouth should not be engaged at this point at all if you are actively listening to your friend or family member.

2.  Consider if they are actually asking for advice or if they simply need a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold.   Maybe all they really want at that point in time is to vent, get it off of their chest, or to release it into the universe having chosen you for the vehicle in which to do this.  Maybe that is all that is required for them to feel better at that point.  Once it’s out of their minds and into the universe, they may feel completely relieved from the stress and anxiety so that nothing further is needed at that point in time.  You simply helped them by listening and allowing them to get it out!

3.  If they ARE seeking advice, be gentle with your words!   What do you hope to accomplish here?  If you know the person is coming to you for advice on what to do, then please proceed with caution and be as gentle and as tender as you can with your words.  Remember, their hearts are already hurting and are so fragile.  What you say and how you say it could shatter them.

4.  Before you open your mouth, ask yourself if your words will help or harm them in any way.  Will it help build them up in this situation or will it tear them down?

5.  Put yourself in their shoes BEFORE you tell them straight off the cuff some quick response that is “sure” to end all of their troubles.  For example, if someone is having marital issues, don’t just say, “Kick the bum out.”  No, think about if this was YOUR marriage.  It’s so easy to say things like this when we’re not the ones that are left with the broken lives.   Think about that before you spout off harsh words.  Would it not be better to ask the person if they honestly love their spouse?  And if so, are they willing to do whatever it takes to work things out?   If they can’t imagine their lives without their mates, why encourage them to end the marriage or the relationship when their heart wants to hold on?   I’ll take it a step further here and ask you to put yourself in the shoes of the person that you just so quickly were ready to dismiss.   What if your spouse or your mate went to someone else for advice and THEY were told such things that you just spoke to your friend in their time of crisis?   How would you feel to know that someone said not to give YOU another chance or to kick YOU to the curb or that YOU were not worth it.  See what I  mean?  That wouldn’t feel too good, now would it?

6.  Think of the consequences of the advice that you’re giving.  I touched on it above, but if your advice to a hurting spouse is to end the marriage, consider the consequences such as children that are involved that will ultimately be hurt in all of this.  Think of their little lives that will be crushed when their parents get a divorce.  Think of the tears that they will cry when Mommy and Daddy aren’t together any more.   I know you can’t stay together for the kids, and in some cases, it is necessary to part ways.  But, why not encourage them to try every thing humanly possible to work on the marriage?  Why not be sure that they have exhausted EVERY effort and gone down every avenue toward reconciliation?   Think of all of the family members involved that would have their lives completely shattered by your advice to “end it all because it’s not worth it …” maybe that’s where you’re wrong.  Because people are ALWAYS worth it.   Families are worth it.  Children are worth it.  Husbands and wives are worth it.  Marriage is worth it!  And love … as sweet and as painful as it can be at times all rolled into one … love is still worth it!

7.  Brainstorm with the person.  Ask what they have tried that didn’t seem to work.  Then offer suggestions that will help them.  If they would like to reconcile in their marriage, give them positive tips of encouragement and support to HELP them achieve this.  I realize that both parties have to be willing, and it takes both people in the marriage working on it for it to work and for it to LAST.  Your job can be to help them think of things that they haven’t yet tried that would help them.  If they’ve tried something one way, suggest approaching it a different way so that it has the result that their hearts are hoping for.

8.  Realize that it is ultimately their decision, and your job is not to place blame on either party in the situation.  It is to love and care for people … PERIOD.   We don’t need your judgmental comments.  What we really need are friends that come alongside of us at this very difficult time to love on us and let us know that they care about us.   Don’t get angry when your harsh words turn the person away from ever telling you anything ever again because of what they got back when they did try to confide in you and ended up in more pain than when they first started talking to you about it.  Respect their relationship or marriage and offer words of encouragement and support, not hateful words of doom and gloom over something so sacred and near and dear to their hearts.

Be there for your friends, yes.  Guard their hearts carefully from the world and from you, too, if necessary.  Your job is to show them love, care for them, support them, and encourage them.  Be truthful with them and speak honesty, but be gentle and kind when you do.   There is so much power in the tongue – you can build people up and tear them down in the same sentence.  Choose your words carefully.   Some times there really is not a need to interject “But …” after someone pours their heart out to you.  That’s something we can all keep in mind.

Be the encourager.  Be the supporter.  Be the one that speaks words of loving kindness.  Be the friend that builds others up.  Guard their hearts so that you aren’t the one tearing them and their relationships down.

Take Action Tuesday

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Today I’d like to call each of our readers to action in what I’m calling Take Action Tuesdays.  What I’m asking is in line with the Random Act of Kindness (RAK) that Gregory, aka The Quiet Computer Guy, mentions on Wednesdays.  Now instead of merely suggesting that you do a RAK, I’m insisting that you take action in some way today to show love and kindness to others.   As Greg has mentioned in previous posts he has shared on Wednesdays, it doesn’t have to be anything big – simply opening the door for someone or holding it open for the next person to go through is a small gesture that could brighten someone’s day.   Or, what about smiling intently at someone that looks as if they’re having a really bad day.  Just smile and let that smile linger to pierce their heart and leave a lasting impression on them the rest of the day.   Saying something nice to someone can go a long way, too.  If you see someone that looks as if they are struggling, give them a genuine compliment from your heart to theirs.

The point today is just to take action on this Tuesday.  Do something for someone without any thought of being repaid in any way, shape, or form.  Do it just because it’s in your heart to do for others.  Do it with the intention of brightening up someone else’s day.

If you have someone that you have been thinking of that you haven’t reached out to in a while, do it today.  Let them know you’re thinking of them.   You don’t have to have a lengthy conversation with them, just a simple “Thinking of you” will do.  If you’d like to go into more detail, then by all means, do!

As I think about the “good ole days,” I recall the times when I’d take a letter out of the mailbox and allow my fingers to feel the different textures of the paper while visualizing the person sitting at their desk writing as carefully as they could to leave a lasting impression with their penmanship.   It felt good to receive a hand written letter back then.  Now with texts and emails, it’s rare to get a hand written letter.   How about taking the time to write to someone today?   Go ahead, you know you can find some paper and a pen … now use it!   Pour yourself into what you’re writing, and imagine how your words will leap off of the page and touch the heart of the recipient!

If there is someone that you may have wronged in the past that you need to ask forgiveness of, why not take action now toward a possible reconciliation?   You may not have control of how the other person will perceive your apology or the intentions behind such, but what you do have control of is yourself and how you can reach out to them at this time.   All you can do is apologize and ask for forgiveness, and it will be up to the other person if they will grant this forgiveness.   If you sincerely apologize and mean it with your whole heart, hopefully the other person will feel it and will give your apology serious thought.    It is our hope that they will accept your apology and the relationship can be mended.  It may not be exactly like it was before whatever took place to cause the falling out between you, but it simply won’t get any better if you refuse to address it.   Take action and reach out to ask for forgiveness.

We want to encourage you to take some form of action today toward a better life, a better you, a better bond in your relationships.   If your prayer life hasn’t been what it should have been all of this time, take action by being intentional with your prayers and reaching out to God.  Don’t just go to Him when you’re in trouble.  He’s there and wants you to seek Him even when the sun is shining brightly in your life.

Take Action Tuesday is brought to you by the Encouragement Team at Light Love Hope.

Finding Freedom In Our Stories

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I love being a part of the (in)courage community.  At a time when I felt at my absolute lowest, these group of ladies stepped in and filled a large void in my life.  When I was hurting, they were there waiting to offer beautiful words of support to soothe my aching heart.   They were prayer warriors standing in the gap for me and my family.

As time marched on, I was given the opportunity to serve as an (in)courager!  I had a chance to give back to ladies around the globe.   This was huge for me to come full circle like this.   Now it was MY turn to love, support, encourage, and pray for precious ladies that became a part of the (in)courage community.

One thing this community has made clear from the very start is that everyone has a story, and everyone’s story matters!   It truly does.   I have found such freedom in being able to share my story, and just as we’ve tried to always do here at Light Love Hope, we want you to share your story as well!   We know that there are times that things just hurt, and to share your story would mean to touch that hurt once more.   We shy away from re-hashing the gory details because of the pain involved.  We have already experienced it one time, surely re-living it will only intensify the pain, we think.  However, there is an overwhelming amount of freedom that comes in sharing our stories.  It releases the hold that the pain of the past has on us.   Yes, we have to walk through the pain to get through the other side, but once you do this, guess what?  You are a survivor!   You have not only survived, but you’ve thrived!

When you once felt like all you had was a great, big mess, God has taken your mess and has made such a powerful message out of it.

Think of the impact that telling your story could have on others around you.  Maybe you have felt so alone in what you’ve had to endure on your journey, but you know what?  I’d be willing to bet that you’re NOT alone and that someone somewhere right this very minute needs to hear your story!   Telling your story, sharing all of the details, will release the hold it has on you, and it will also help someone that needs to hear that they’re not alone, you’ve felt this way, too, you’ve struggled, you’ve cried, you’ve  prayed, pleaded, begged, and have even gotten angry at times, but you’ve lived to tell about it … and they can, too!   If they only hold on a little longer, a little tighter.  If they only grab a hold of your hand, you’ll help them … even if all you can do is listen, pray with them, and pray for them.  That is something right there that is so very powerful!

I read a quote a few weeks ago that touched me because it rings true!   I even put it on my Facebook page as a status update because I love things that make you think but also that encourages and helps you along this path.

When you can tell your story and it no longer hurts, you know you have healed.  ~Anonymous

There is such power in these words.  Yes, it hurts to tell your story initially, but in doing so, it is helping you to heal.  It encourages others struggling with the very same thing, and your story gives others hope!

When once your story was almost completely emotionally crippling to tell, you have walked the path, and on your journey you have armed yourself with faith, love, hope, and your greatest weapon has been prayers to your Almighty God above!   Now you can tell your story without the gripping pain in and through your heart, and in doing so, you find such sweet freedom from what once held you hostage.

All of the writers here at Light Love Hope and everyone at (in)courage stands behind you supporting you and holding you up as you find your brave courage to speak up and speak out as you share your story and find such incredible freedom!

Together we are finding freedom in our stories!

Read my story by clicking here.

Finding Freedom In Our Stories

Exhale

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Five Minute Fridays begin a little earlier now for all the eager ones, like myself!   The prompt word is posted at 10 p.m. on Thursday nights to allow us to get a head start.  This week’s word is:  EXHALE

Ready?

Set?

GO!

Confusion and chaos has been our life for months on end now.   We have struggled, cried, prayed, begged, and pleaded with God, and each other.  Relying on our own strength has not gotten us very far at all.  It has never been more evident that our source of strength should come from God above … our strength should be in the Lord.

We have held our breath as we’ve tried to do this alone.  At times we have felt like we would surely die, the pain was so great.     We have been disillusioned, believing the lies of the devil.  He would like nothing more than to destroy our lives, our marriage, our family.   He whispers the most awful things, and we believe the king of lies, deceit and betrayal.  He wreaks havoc on us while throwing his head back laughing as evilness flows from his forked tongue.   We fall on our knees, face down, sobbing uncontrollably as he digs his pitch fork into our hearts.  Then God steps in front of us and shields us from a fatal blow to our hearts.  He extends His arms wide, like when He was on the cross, as He says, “These are MY children, and you will NOT hurt them any more!”   He stares the devil right in the eyes, and evilness has no choice but to slither back to where it came from.   Our Father has protected us once more, sheltering us with His love, shielding us with His strength, arming us with the power to go on.

And so, we do, as we slowly exhale all of the pain, the heartache, the overwhelming hurt that has been our companion for way too long now.   We exhale the sorrow, shedding the old ways we’ve been living and inhale His power, His strength, His love.  We feel His hand upon our lives even stronger now than before, and we know that we are going to be okay.

If God is for us, who could be against us?

STOP!

Exhale - Light Love Hope

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The Trap of The World Wide Web

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I am sure that we will all agree that a lot of good comes from the World Wide Web.  Friendships are formed between people who are miles and miles away.   The internet is able to connect us to people in places of the country that we’d otherwise never be able to visit, yet now we are able to communicate with these wonderful people any time of the day or night.  They are right there within our reach every time we turn on our computer, smartphones, or tablets.   I have met so many wonderful people online, and we have remained friends for going on 20 years now.  Seriously!   I have friends in Arizona, Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Canada, Alaska, New Zealand, and Australia just to name a few places a little further on the map than I.   These friendships have brought me so much joy and happiness through the years, and I treasure and cherish each person that has taken the time to get to know me and my family.

The internet has a wealth of information available as well.  If you have a research paper due or need to know this or that, the internet brings all of the information to you with just a few clicks.

There is even counseling available online.  If you’d rather not speak to someone in person or feel you need assistance right away, someone is there waiting to respond once you reach out.  While I haven’t personally explored this avenue, with my time at (in)courage, I have been made aware of services offered through E-counseling.

When used the right way, the internet is a wonderful tool to bring delightful messages right to your inbox every single day.   What an amazing feeling it is to open your email in the morning to find messages awaiting.  Do you smile as wide as I do when you hear from your family and friends?   I actually get disappointed if there isn’t a personal email waiting for me.  I enjoy forwarded jokes, cartoons, and inspirational messages, but nothing beats a personal email packed full of details of the other person’s life!  Just knowing that they took the time to share all of this with me … it just warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.  I love when people share with me, and it makes me feel so much closer to them!

Unfortunately, there are bad things that come from the internet as well.  With a few clicks of the mouse, even the youngest child can stumble upon pornographic material.  It doesn’t even have to be by visiting an x-rated website either.  They can just innocently enter in a word in the search engine and have a bunch of garbage come up.   This material is lurking in corners of the internet that we would never even dream about (I was just told that it’s on YouTube as well – oh my gosh!), and it’s so readily available (I still haven’t recovered from the shock yet!).   This type of thing has wreaked havoc in people’s lives.   There are people that search for this type of material for their viewing pleasure.  They become addicted and obsessed with it, and it ruins marriages!   The habit is hidden from their spouses, but once they stumble upon it in the history or various other ways that the secretive online activity is discovered, hurt and betrayal is sure to be felt by the wounded spouse as more lies and deceit are uncovered.

The internet is a valuable tool, and a lot of good things can come from the internet or the world wide web. However, be careful little eyes what you see. Evil lurks in corners of the internet as well.   Don’t fall for the trap of the world wide web!  Once it lures you in, it’s hard to get untangled from the sticky little web of lies, deceit, and betrayal!

Another of the bad things lurking on the internet are people who are not what they claim to be or who misrepresent themselves.   There are sick people on the internet that prey on young people.  I have had to speak to my oldest daughter in previous years about this very thing.  She was so young and innocent that she just could not grasp the dangers of the internet.  She wants to see the good in people at all times and can’t imagine any one ever doing anything bad.   She has a heart of pure gold, and she cares for people.   I have been so afraid of her “meeting” people that would draw her in and then later she’d learn that they weren’t who they said they were after all.   I can’t caution her enough on this even still at her age now.

There are other dangers such as getting close to emotional vampires who you honestly try to save with all of your might only to find that you did not possess that kind of power.  Sure, this type of thing often happens in real life with people face-to-face, but it can and does happen via the internet as people reach out to talk to others that they don’t have to see every single day of their lives.  They feel a special connection and special bond so much that they pour their hearts and souls out over emails and chats.   Beautiful friendships have been formed through things such as this, but really bad situations have resulted as well.  Take a suicidal person that is clinging to you with all of their might, yet you’re not trained in this area to help them.  They won’t talk to anyone else, and you are their life line at that moment in time.  You do everything you can, and yet you aren’t sure if they are safe or if they will try to harm themselves when you are forced to turn off the computer after spending hours trying to reason with them.   Or, what about the cutter that is not really trying to kill themselves, but they just hurt so badly that they harm themselves in this way to release some of the emotional pain they are feeling?   How do you know the difference?   You worry, fret, pray, and cry over all of this, and then eventually even the most positive and upbeat person can end up being grabbed a hold of and pulled down with them much like the drowning person that you’re trying so desperately to save.  You swim with all of your might holding on to them as tightly as you can, yet with them in a panic with their arms around your neck, they push you further down until both of you end up hitting bottom.

Affairs get started online.   The emotional connection I spoke of earlier, well, that can be a great thing … or it can be a curse.   If you start thinking the grass is greener on the other side with a person that you are so connected with, someone who you may feel more connected to even more so than your spouse … you’re in trouble!

There are dating sites which are supposed to be used for singles to find someone to go out with.   However, how many married men and women lurk on those sites looking for an extra marital affair?   The same can be said for Facebook and other social media sites, though, if you are using them in the wrong way.  I’ve heard of people getting on there and reconnecting with their past loves from their high school or college days.

How about the bullying that goes on from people hiding behind the computer screen?  They feel braver typing words on a screen, and they blast people left and right.   However, cyber bullying is very real and very much punishable!   Use Facebook and other social media channels responsibly!

The point in this post is to enjoy the internet but please be so very careful with your usage so as to avoid the trap of the world wide web!    If you’re using it for good things such as connecting with like minded women with sites such as (in)courage, Good Morning Girls, Women Living Well, or Time Warped Wife, that is wonderful!   If you’re using it to visit blogs such as this which offer inspiration and encouragement, that is incredible, and we hope you’ll visit often!   If you’re looking up bible verses and all things good and honorable, more power to you!   Just be careful not to fall into the trap of the world wide web in viewing pornographic material, engaging in cyber sex, entertaining affairs of any kind, bullying others or any other negative and damaging thing that could come from the internet.  Use it for GOOD, as it was intended.

You may think that no one will ever know what you look up when you’re wasting time online.  Ah, that’s where you’re wrong.  Someone does know other than you … and that person is GOD!  He sees all, and He knows your every thought … even the not so pretty ones that you’d love to hide from Him.  It’s just not possible, for He knows every little thing, your sins that you think are hidden, your lustful thoughts, the things you think you’re doing in private where no one will know … He’s there … He’s a witness to all of your activities – good or bad – honorable or sinful – respectful or lacking in morals and values.

Just as you’ve heard people say to find the good in each day, find the good on the internet!  Focus on all of the good things that you can find online, and stay away from the bad!   Don’t get caught in the trap of the world wide web!

 

Lost

, 11

There was once a time I felt safe and secure in your love.   When I used to get lost in your eyes, I’m getting lost now in wondering who you are.  For years we’ve lived this wonderful life on the outside appearing to be the most perfect couple, and everyone commented about how much you love me and how perfect our little family was.   Now I’m left wondering if after the dust has settled if we’ll even be a family at all.

I try to be a good person and do the right thing.  I’ve prayed and asked for guidance from God, and for months now I’ve heard:  “Be still …” and so I have.   As I stand in the mist of the storm raging around me, I’m getting knocked around and knocked down.   Yet each time, I get back up and try again.   Each blow that comes leaves me breathless and weak, yet through my tears, I whisper my love for you and what has been lost and know that it can be found again in each other if that is what we truly want.

I feel surrounded by lies, deceit and betrayal, and I don’t know how to get out of this pit.   I run to the far side and scream wondering if anyone hears me, can anyone come rescue me now?   No one answers, and so I run to the opposite end and cry, reaching up with all of my might for someone to hold on to in order to pull me out of this pit of depression that I’ve been living in.

And then as I fall to my knees, crumbling to the ground, as I lay there sobbing, my Jesus wipes away my tears and picks me up into His strong arms to carry me out of the darkness and into the light.  His light.   I don’t have to feel lost any more.  He has found me.   He has rescued me.   When lies fall all around me, He is truth.   When I feel unloved, He wraps me in His unconditional love.

For once I was lost, but now I’m found.

 

 

Hope Is Real

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Recently my daughter wrote a post about an organization called To Write Love On Her Arms.  We purchased some of their merchandise and have been proudly wearing their shirts.   The ones we like the best are the ones that say “You’re Not Alone” and “Hope Is Real.”    We have gotten a few double takes as people have seen us walking around with these messages.  We feel they are messages that people every where need to see, hear, and feel!

How many times have you felt alone in this cold, cruel world?   How many would admit feeling hopeless in various different situations?   I think, if we are honest with ourselves, we have all had these feelings at some point in our lives.   That is why I’m here to tell you today and every day, as long as you need a little encouragement and support along your journey, that you matter!  You are enough!   You mean the world to someone and may not even realize it.   You are not alone as God is right there beside you walking every step of the way, and when you feel at your lowest point or your absolute weakest, that is when God will carry you the rest of the way.

When I lost my sister almost 13 years ago, I did not see how I would ever be able to go on without her.   I felt like the entire world crashed down around my feet.   I could barely breathe and found myself asking how do I go on?   It was one of the hardest things to ever face for our family.   There were times that I felt so incredibly alone and so hopeless, but I had family and friends that came alongside of me to remind me that they were there, they loved me, and we would get through this together.   We all had questions that went unanswered around her death, and it pains us to this very day what happened and the circumstances leading up to her taking her own life.   I’m sure at that moment, she felt incredibly hopeless and was filled with such feelings of loneliness and despair.  Oh how I wish I could have helped her.  I wish I could have saved her.   I wish she would have turned to me in her darkest hours to let me help her through this.

We all have problems in this life.  They seem all consuming at times, and it is hard to think rationally when our heads are spinning as things continue to be hurled at us.  What I wish I could have expressed to my sister is how much I love her, how valuable she was to her family, and how much she truly did matter.

Just recently our family encountered problems, and we struggled.   I felt almost the same identical feelings crash into me this time just as I had experienced almost 13 years ago.  The situation was somewhat different, yet the grief familiar.  To be honest, our family is still struggling through some very difficult issues.  It’s hard to face what has become your reality.   You always hear of things happening, but it’s always to other people.  Surely this can’t be happening to US!  But, it is.   In the face of great difficulty, it’s so easy to just throw your hands in the air and give up.  That would be the easy way out.  Yet, we refuse to do that!   Anything worth having is worth fighting for.   You just don’t quit when the going gets tough.  That is when you hold on tighter and with all of your might.  The best thing to hold on to in this life is each other!

I was told this past week by a friend that I just refuse to give up until I have exhausted every measure, every avenue … and you know what?   That is a very true statement.   I refuse to give up.   I will do whatever it takes because the person involved is worth it.  We are worth it.  Our family is worth it.  Our children are worth it.   Our lives are intertwined, and I believe that HOPE IS REAL for us … for you … for any one out there struggling, no matter the situation or circumstances!  Hope is real!  I believe it with my whole heart.  So, no, I won’t give up until I know that I have tried absolutely EVERYTHING, and then and only then will I throw in the towel.   It’s not over … it’s only just beginning.   Life is worth living, people are worth loving, and hope is worth hanging on to!

When all else fails and you don’t know what to do … pray!   Believe that God is working this situation out for His good, for His honor, and His glory … believe that God has plans for us … plans to give us a hope and a future.

HOPE IS REAL!   I believe it with my whole heart.

 

 

Release

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I always enjoy Five Minute Friday and the writing prompts provided by Lisa Jo.  Today’s word is: Release.

Ready?

Set?

Go!

There comes a time in your life where you have to stop holding things in.  To heal, it is necessary to reveal, to come clean, to admit your shortcomings and faults.  In doing so, you release the hold that it has over you.  For so long you’ve been a prisoner.  You have been locked inside your prison cell of your own making, suffering in silence, surrounded by lies.  You’ve been unable to progress, unable to heal, and unable to forgive.  In all of this, you’ve been unable to feel as well.  The pain was so great that you became numb, and yet, you held on to it so tightly, almost with all of your might.  Once you decided that enough was enough and you came clean with those around you … with the most important person being yourself … you slowly saw the binds that held you releasing you.  The chains of this addiction could hold you no longer.  You, yourself, held the key to release yourself from this self made prison, and you did it.  You faced your fears.   You took a good, hard look in the mirror and confessed.  You, then, took it further and confessed to those closest to you as well, and in doing so you are crushing the enemy.  The one that wants to keep you locked away forever in this hell, you’re saying, “No more!”   You, yourself, have taken away the power that it held on you.  You are fighting with everything in you to be a better person, to do the right thing, to come clean once and for all.  It takes a lot of strength to do what you’re doing.   Your determination does not go unnoticed.  You are fighting this with everything in you – fighting for your life, your marriage, your family, your dignity, your self worth, for your own self respect … and you are winning!   You have taken back the power that this addiction held over you.   It cannot harm you any more.   You are strong.  You are determined.  You are a fighter.  You are a survivor.  You have found such a sweet release from the prison that you’ve known for so long.  It’s time to turn it all over to God and trust that He will see you through this.

Un-forgiveness has plagued you, tormented you, harassed you, haunted you, entrapped you.

I forgive you.

Now it is time for you to forgive yourself.

Release the chains that bind you to that lifestyle.

Rise above it all.

You are a prisoner no more.

 

STOP!

 

 

 

Poetry150

Listen

2

Listen to Him calling
Softly now then more intense
Calling out after you
In the night

He wants you
All of you
Your perfect imperfections
Your beautiful flaws

Feel Him wipe away
Your sins
The moment
You utter the words

Barely a whisper
As the words fall from your lips
He listens
With His heart

And takes you
Into His arms
Wiping the slate clean
Once and for all.

You are forgiven
My child
Go and
Sin no more.

Be Still

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When troubles come into your life and you’re not sure what to do, where to turn, and who to run to …

When the eye of the storm is coming right for you …

As the world spins out of control at times around you …

Just be still …

Be still and know that He is God.

Say it with me …

“BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD!”

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

TRUST it … BELIEVE it …

Tuck those promises away in your heart.

They aren’t just any ole promises … they are God’s promises!

Hear Him calling to you now:

Be still and know that I am God!

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