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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 :

Feeling Flirty?

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This week I had a lot of time on my hands as I stayed two nights in the hospital with my loved one after surgery.  While the patient was sleeping, I began reading The Flirtation Experiment co-written by Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer. The book allowed me to pass the time instead of watching the clock, which seemed not to be moving especially in the wee morning hours.  It allowed me to also reflect on my own marriage and how to enhance certain areas. Do you want to see sparks fly like when you two first met and fell in love.  I do!  ~wink~. (Side note:  Our marriage of 19 years is going strong, no need to worry.  We could be seeing fireworks like the 4th of July, and I’d still want to see more fireworks.  Same applies here.  Pour on the love, affection, attention, romance, passion … you get the idea.  We have those now, but I want MORE!  I’m greedy in that regard.  ~At Least I’m Honest!~)

Each turn of the page allowed an intimate look into the marriage of Lisa and Phylicia.  They were vulnerable putting it all out there, but they did so in a very classy way.  At the end of some chapters, they added words from their husbands, Matt & Josh.  They were open about their lives, issues they struggled with (like getting too comfortable due to burn out at their jobs thus seeking to shut off there minds at night and just watch television instead of connecting with each other at the end of the day).  They expressed how they experimented just to see what would happen and how it improved their already wonderful marriages.  They were both pleasantly surprised at the changes in themselves and in their husbands.

What if all readers implemented small changes into their marriages to enhance it or bring the magic back?!  What if they already had magic but were longing for more because you just can’t get enough of a good thing (guilty as charged!)?!

Now hear me when I say the book doesn’t promise to perform a miracle in your marriage.  It also does not promise to change your husband.  The only person you can change is yourself, if you choose to accept this challenge.  But, your husband will see the change in you and will likely follow suit as well so you have better quality time together, which is a win-win!

One thing about growing up in a Christian environment, women feel as if they should not seek out their husbands in a sexual way.  Why is it always the man’s job to initiate affection, such as holding hands, hugging, and even … ~gasps of horror, I’m gettin’ ready to say it~  … SEX?!  It shouldn’t be, as our husbands would like to know we find them attractive and desirable, too.  It shouldn’t be a one way street!  Now, with this book, it is as if Lisa and Phylicia are pointing out scriptures and giving you permission straight from the Bible for women to stop feeling like men are the only ones that are supposed to initiate things.  It is perfectly okay for women to pursue their husbands in this way.  AND men will LOVE the change when you start pursing them.  (You can still be a “good girl” by doing this no matter what you were made to believe growing up or in your younger days as a Christian wife.  Sex should not be a “wifely duty.”  The term, to me, is repulsive.  If you look at sex as a “duty” and aren’t being fulfilled, something is wrong and we encourage you to seek help in that regard from a professional.  You two should be mutually enjoying intimacy through sexual intercourse with each other!)

Romance is in all of Hollywood movies, but it isn’t real life all the time.  Women desire romance.  Some times men just don’t have a clue in that department, so there is nothing wrong with women showing them how we would like to be romanced.  Some times they don’t put forth effort like they used to, so step up and do it instead!

This book goes beyond ones I’ve read in the past, such as The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman.  We have read this book and others like it.  I know my husband’s love language, and he knows mine.  As in any marriage, though, it takes effort to prioritize your spouse.  Your life is busy.  I get it.  With raising your children, taking them to their activities, helping with school work, tending to the chores awaiting you at home after a long day at work, it gets too easy to put romance on the back burner.

Don’t do it!!

Start today with this challenge.  I won’t promise that immediately you will go from the television sit com Married With Children to the movies that repeat on The Hallmark Channel oozing with romance and passion.  But, it’s a great start!

Take hints from these two ladies and see what they implemented and how their husbands responded.  Use some of their ideas on your own marriage or use this book to get you thinking of what would work specifically with your husband and your marriage.  You know your spouse better than anyone.  So put on your thinking cap, turn into your inner Cupid, and reignite the passion that is still in there buried under your adult responsibilities.

Make your marriage a priority!   Since this is Valentine’s weekend, it is the PERFECT time to start, but don’t stop there!  Keep it going.

Feeling flirty?

Let the sparks fly!

Order your copy today by clicking here!

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product for review.  While I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my review, the opinions expressed here are all mine.

Devastation

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The Covid pandemic has caused devastation across the globe.  What started out as a brief quarantine to “slow the spread” quickly turned into jobs lost and businesses closing up, thus crippling our economy.

Believe it or not, the year 2021 marked the beginning of what is known as The Great Resignation.  Who even knew that the economic trend of employees voluntarily resigning was even a “thing”?!   My husband pointed this out to me recently.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show four million Americans resigned midway through 2021.

Why?

It’s easy to speculate on this.  As Covid ran rampant in communities everywhere, the workload increased in the healthcare field due to the overwhelming number of cases requiring hospitalizations. Offices, warehouses, and retailers have suffered from shortages of workers also.  This is due to those forced to quarantine either due to being sick with Covid or having been exposed to it.  The workload shifted to those remaining employees leaving them feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and completely burnt out.

Strong opinions formed on both sides for the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated.  Friendships have been lost and employees have quit their jobs over this “debate” on whether our freedoms are being taken away or whether we are doing the right thing by implementing mask mandates and pushing the vaccine.

At one point, the question was, “What is your why (or reason) for getting the vaccine?”  My answer was the same at the beginning as to “why” I would consider getting the emergency vaccine and masking up – my family!  My answer remains the same as to my “why” for taking a leave of absence from work – my family!  I have a family member I will be caring for after major surgery.  Subjecting them to any type of illness is just out of the question, especially with what they are facing.  I would not be able to live with myself if I was a carrier and ended up being the reason for their decline.  Therefore, I voluntarily quarantined for two and a half weeks leading up to their surgery.  The risk was too great working with the non-vaccinated and non-masked public.  With the wellbeing of others far from people’s minds these days as they argue about their “rights” and “freedom” while putting the older generation with underlying health issues at risk.  It was the right thing for me to do so as not to endanger my family, and I did not even hesitate gathering my belongings and leaving my place of work.  It’s a sacrifice I made with my husband’s complete support.

Another issue leaving people unsatisfied and unsettled during all of this is the fact that people have been paid by the government to sit at home.  In addition to their unemployment benefits, they received an additional $600.00 a week as an incentive to stay at home during this pandemic.  Meanwhile, the employees who worked throughout this pandemic did so at their regular salary.  How is this fair?  They are the ones putting themselves out there in the public, risking getting Covid themselves and bringing it home to their families.  Yet, no bonus incentives were given for them showing up daily during all of this.  It just doesn’t seem fair at all to reward those not working, yet forget about the loyal employees working through the pandemic.  Why not pay them an additional $600 a week or more for working, instead of giving it to those bragging about sitting on their behinds on purpose to draw the additional benefits?!  Some even requested to be “laid off” in order to draw the extra money.

In my case, my employer once gave quarterly bonuses for hard work, but it was not for working during the pandemic.  When money was tight during the last quarter of 2021, the quarterly bonus was promised for mid January when more money was available after a large billing cycle.  I suppose the timing on my leave of absence is what prevented me from receiving the promised 4th quarter of 2021 bonus.  Even still, I made the right decision for the sake of my family.  Your job will replace you in a heartbeat.  They can get another employee to fill your role, although they may not be as efficient as you were or produce the amount of work you did.

Family will win out every time – every single time – without question!

Your job won’t hold you close, cherish or treasure you, but your family will.

We are thankful we have made it this long and this far without being inflicted with Covid.  We pray for continued health and for my loved one’s swift recovery so they can enjoy life once again.

 

 

 

Worthy

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Walking through the quiet house with laundry in tow I shout over my shoulder, “Alexa, play some music.”  It’s like she knows me  and announces, “Here’s a station you might like: love songs on Amazon Music.”  While it might not be the perfect music to do chores around the house, a song intrigued me as I folded the laundry.  I was convinced Adele was the vocalist. However, when I asked Alexa who the artist was singing this particular song, it was NOT Adele after all!  Instead, it was Lauren Daigle singing “You Say.”

This song lifted me up today as I was lost earlier this morning in my thoughts; consumed with worry and anxiety.  A family member is having major surgery in the morning, and I do not handle things well when a family member’s health is threatened.  Faith as small as a mustard seed is all that is required, and I have more than that.  God already knows the outcome, and no matter how much I would like to control this situation, I cannot.  God is in control, and we must trust Him.

We pray, we give it to God, and in our human nature, we take it back again and worry over it as if our anguish will change the situation.  It’s the fear of the unknown.  And yet, God has not given us a spirit of fear.  Others remind us that our worry, fear and anxiety are a sin.  But … I’m only human, and this is my beloved family member.  I want many more years on this earth with them!  I pray it will be so.

We bargain with God, state our case, and then just outright beg and plead.  God knows our heart, and He knows it’s the love we have for our family member that is the driving force.   Our love is so strong.  Now our faith needs to be just as strong.

The best way to shift my mindset from worry and fear is to begin praising God through song.  Today, I sang this song for the very first time.  It wasn’t perfect by any means, as parts are too low for me, but I sang from my heart to my God. He is worthy to be praised!

Click here for my version and sacrificial praise to God in YOU SAY.

The words of the song spoke to my heart.  This world likes to tell us we’re not good enough.  God is right there reminding us of our worth and value.  When we feel weak, as I did this morning, God reminds us of our strength, which is through Him.  When we feel like we’re falling short, God holds us close and reminds us of who we are.  We are His.

As much as I love this family member, God loves him even more.  I must lay all my worry, fear, and anxiety at His feet and trust in Him.  He has the final say.

Ease

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My 17 year old daughter has longed to showcase her talent, as she has the voice of an angel especially when she sings.  She took voice lessons before, but her range is so high and ability so vast that the instructor did not feel the need to “teach” her anything further.  Instead, the teacher suggested she would be perfect to teach the younger students at their studio.

It’s hard to get a “big break” in such a small town.  Feeling this, we sought an agency in the Charleston area and signed her up for an audition.  She hides her anxiety so well, no one on the outside would ever imagine she is struggling inwardly with this demon.  It has plagued us, and if we are honest with ourselves, we will admit feeling anxious from time to time with various roles we are in. One of the hardest is to face that which provokes anxiety within you.  I know what you’re thinking.  There is no way you would want to willingly subject yourself to that which you KNOW will cause your heart to race, palms to sweat, and hands to wring as you wait.  It is exactly what you must do for the anxiety to subside and release the hold it has over you.

We arrived at the host hotel for this event, and immediately my daughter started voicing her concerns.  The line for registration was long, as was the line for those auditioning that evening.  She asked if she could back out, but I encouraged her to just try … that is all I wanted was for her to put her best foot forward that evening and try!

She originally signed up for singing and modeling.  As we made our way through the registration process, she received her contestant number and stood in line for the audition.  She asked if she could keep her cell phone with her, and I agreed although my husband wasn’t too fond of the idea.  I only allowed it because I knew she would need coaching leading up to her time to shine.  Even if she didn’t reach out via text to me, she would be able to reach out to a friend for comfort and encouragement.  As she inched forward and her time to perform grew nearer, she texted almost pleading as her words leaped off the text message, “Do I REALLY have to do this?  Can we leave?  I don’t want to do this.  Please …”  I knew she was struggling, but I texted back with reassuring words, letting her know how proud I was of her and how much I love her!  The easiest thing in the world in that moment would have been to run as fast as you could toward the door to leave, to get rid of this uncomfortable feeling, to free yourself from all eyes being on you and all attention focusing on what you might say, do, or how you even walk forward as you present yourself to the judges.  Instead, I encouraged her to just see what would happen.  Press on … press through it … and just give it your best shot.

One last plea came before they called her number, “I don’t want to sing.  There are too many people.  Can we just leave?”

“No, darling … you can do this!  If you don’t want to sing, just walk forward and model.  That is all you have to do … just walk …”

A voice interrupted the plea bargaining.  “Contestant 150, please step forward and state your name and age.”

My internal voice began, “Oh nooooo … she has to speak!!”  Prayers followed in those few seconds as I asked God to help her through this.  I felt reassured instantly, and my internal voice continued, “She’s GOT this!”

She stepped forward with those long legs and stood confidently in front of the judges.   With perfect posture, her five feet seven inch petite frame did not give away the anxiety welling up inside of her.  My mama’s heart prayed her through it, but she was a natural and appeared so at ease in this atmosphere.   No one would have ever imagined the war going on inside of her at that moment in time.

Stating her name and age without so much as a tremble in her voice, she walked as if she was a model on the catwalk with one foot in front of the other.  Pausing to profile to the left, then profile to the right, she turned on the ball of her foot and made her way to the awaiting chair to be seated with the rest of the contestants.  This mama breathed a sigh of relief and a prayer of thanks, and I could finally stop wringing my hands together!

It didn’t take long for the judges to call out the numbers of those progressing to the next phase.  “Contestant 150, you have made it to the next round.”

YEAH!!   We wanted to jump from our seats and cheer, but we remained composed so as not to completely embarrass our daughter.  I grabbed my cell phone and texted congratulations and words of praises to her.  She pushed through her anxiety, and now she progressed to the next round.

That’s MY girl!

We went right away into a meeting where the judges stated how this all would work.  There were only ten available slots.  The judges assured us they would pour over all of the pictures submitted as well as review the audition tapes again before making their final selection.  We would know in a few days if she was selected.  We gathered our belongings, hugged our girl, and went to a celebratory dinner!

The next day the agent called her when she was in school, then rang my phone as well, and even followed up with an email.  They wanted her!!  She was one of the ten selected, and she was their favorite of the evening from what their message said!

MY GIRL!!!   Oh, how my heart beamed with pride in that moment.

It isn’t at all what you’d think either.  I’m not one of these mothers pushing her girls to do beauty pageants and putting all focus on looks and winning.  It seems contrary to what I’ve written here, but hear me out.  My daughter has struggled with her self esteem and self confidence.  She was bullied at an early age, and the hurtful and hateful comments were not easy to shake.  I’ve been there, along with every other person on the face of this earth if they are completely honest with themselves and others.  We ALL struggle with one thing or another.  We wonder if we are “enough.”   We fear we aren’t “good enough” or “talented enough,”  when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Having my daughter recognized by judges in the modeling industry was a huge boost for her.  No matter how many times I tell her how beautiful she is or how gorgeous everything about her truly is, she struggles to believe it because I’m her mom.  She feels I “have” to say those things.  I say them because they are TRUE!!   She is, without a doubt, a true beauty.  Her beauty comes from the inside and shines out through her deep blue eyes and her sparkling smile.  But knowing that others in the field recognize that she has “the look” and having judges reach out to encourage her to pursue modeling has to help.

And so we move forward slowly to see what the future holds.  She is still interested in singing and wants to pursue that for certain.  In the meantime, we will bask in the moment and enjoy the pictures from this weekend’s professional modeling photo shoot!

 

 

Sheep

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There have been times in everyone’s life where they have gone astray.  For one reason or another, they seem to lose their faith or no longer wish to walk with God along the straight and narrow any longer.   It could be due to losing a loved one they prayed for God to protect and take care of, and they become bitter when the loved one passed away.  Or, they feel as if evil was winning time and time again no matter how good they were or how closely they followed God.

This makes God’s heart sad … and He weeps.

He gave us all free will, however, and will not force us to follow Him.  It is His hope and desire that we will all chose to do so, but He gives us the freedom to choose.

If you wonder if you even matter in the grand scheme of things, rest assured that you DO.  If 99 sheep were following the Great Shepherd, He would still notice that one was not.  He would leave the 99 in the field on the countryside and seek out the one, rejoicing when He finds the lost sheep.  Imagine the rejoicing God does when a sinner returns to Him!

You matter to Him!  If you have lost your way, God is there to lead you.  All you have to do is repent and turn from your sins.  Ask Jesus to come into your heart, and you will be assured eternal life through Him.

While you may be just one … He will rejoice when you return to Him even more so than the 99 sheep that followed Him and the 99 righteous people who did not need to repent.

Just one … that’s all it takes.

Will you be the one that chooses to return to Him today?

 

Luke 15:3-7

Nesting

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After a long Winter, we are anxious to get our patio, pool, and pond area in shape again.  That is my favorite area on our       property.  When people come to visit and ask if they can see our home, my husband will take them inside to show them all around.  I am just the opposite, as I prefer the outdoor living space, instead.

 

 

 

There, we have arches on the left side of the steps, which takes you around to the large patio area with a white pergola draped with green chiffon and dangling warm white solar lights that sparkle in the night.

 

 

 

(Taken at my daughter’s wedding during the Father/Daughter dance)

 

On the right side of the pergola is a large flowerbed with a fountain with beautiful Crape Myrtles that burst forth with beautiful Crimson Red blooms in the Spring.

 

On the left side of the pergola is a flower garden with fragrant Lavender, Knockout Roses in shades of pink and red, as well as white Shasta Daisies.   All flowers provide joy from Spring to Fall, until Winter arrives.

Winter.  Thankfully, the South Carolina temperatures aren’t as frigid as Illinois, for example.  Even still, we find our outdoor time limited when the winter wind is ripping and temperatures fall.  Trees are bare, as the leaves have all fallen on the ground. Everything is dormant now, except for my beautiful Camellias. In the middle of Winter, the variety of white, pink, and peppermint Camellias greet me as I bundle up and walk outside to greet the day.

(These were taken on a rare “snow” day in South Carolina recently.   We may get snow once every five years or so.)

 

My job each day is to check to be certain the bird feeders are well stocked in the winter to help the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Sparrows, and our other feathered friends.  Occasionally, we will see actual Blue Birds and Woodpeckers. I squeal like a schoolgirl with delight when I spot them in the trees!   We have Blue Bird boxes along our fence for nesting when the time arrives.

Ah, Spring!

We await your arrival, for just like Jesus, you make all things new!  Jesus washes us with His blood and saves us from our sinful ways.  He renews us and awakens a longing inside of us to follow Him all the rest of our days.  Oh, thank you, Lord!

His mercies are new every morning.

As temperatures begin to rise in a few weeks, the green leaves will return, and pretty soon buds will form!  Spring will bring forth such beauty and fragrant flowers from bare branches we see outside our window today.  Ah, but beauty awaits from the ashes in our lives.  Jesus restores what has been taken from us and those ashes will have beauty in its place as Jesus fills us with His love.

Raft

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The weather today will be in the 70s, and my heart yearns for the days of Summer when we would take our boat to the lake.  My youngest daughter and her friend would pile in our 2500 Suburban with the boat trailer secured behind it holding our Edge Water boat.  With excitement in our eyes and smiles on our faces, we would make our way to the landing, take the boat off the trailer, pull up to the dock and let everyone get comfortable in their seats as we packed the boat full of coolers and our Phantom raft.  This two seater raft always yielded squeals of delight as we pulled the ever so adventurous and trusting children behind the boat.  Ripping and roaring through the waterways, we would purposely circle around to ensure they jumped the waves our boat made.  Video footage to enjoy later is always a must!

We have made so many memories in our boat, and I’m so thankful our girls have expressed an interest in boating activities with us.  As they grew up, we feared they would lose interest.  Boating is fun with my husband and I, but it’s more fun when the entire family is there!

My oldest daughter doesn’t care for boating as much as we do, but we have gotten her and her husband onboard a few times. Sunset cruises on the lake are my favorite as well, especially when we let them have a turn at the helm.  I’m proud to say they have all demonstrated great skill with maneuvering the boat.

I feel the need … the need for speed!

That line became famous in the movie Top Gun, but it applies here as well.  No one can resist pushing the throttle forward, the front of the boat leaping forward, then getting on plain.  Now you’re living the good life!

Ahhh, sweet memories!  We look forward to Summer and all of the memories that await us!

 

Ordinary

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Yesterday, a friend posted questions she asked her four year old daughter.  One particular answer struck me.  The question was, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  The little girl’s answer was, “I want to be an ordinary girl who runs errands.”  When her mother asked who the little girl knew that was an ordinary girl who runs errands, she answered, “You and me, Mommy!”

My friend has been afforded the wonderful opportunity to stay at home and raise her daughter.  There is nothing “ordinary” about that.  It’s exciting to think of the opportunity this young mother has had to spend all of this quality time with her daughter.   She has been able to teach and mold her.  Stay at home mom’s often don’t get the respect they deserve, though.  Often times, people look down on stay at home mothers because they aren’t “working” to provide income for the family.  Yet, there are critics on the other side for working mothers as well, which is another issue altogether.  We will save that for another blog post.

But “ordinary” is not a word to describe the absolute most rewarding and fulfilling “job” ever!

This young mother struggles sometimes with her value and worth.  Day in and day out, she has fed, diapered, and nurtured her baby girl.  She has been overwhelmed by colic cries and laundry piling up.  Most days, the only interaction with another adult is when she receives a random call on her cell phone wanting to extend her car warranty.  It’s hard in those early days, but soon the baby learns to smile, laugh, and the mother’s heart is filled with such joy.  As the baby grows into a toddler, they learn to walk and are forming new words.  Oh, but wait until the toddler hugs you or climbs into your lap.  Those are the days you live for!  It makes up for ALL of the hard days when your baby is able to say, “I love you, Mommy!”  And you know without a doubt what unconditional love truly is all about at that point.

This is no ordinary task.  Raising our babies to be good, God honoring people, with morals and values, and teaching them about Jesus is a great privilege and honor.  These babies have been sent straight from God in Heaven to our awaiting arms, and we have been blessed to be their mothers.

Ordinary?

If anything, it’s extraordinary, and I have rocked this role as a mother of two beautiful blond hair, blue eyed baby girls.  They have turned into gorgeous young women, and my heart is so proud.

 

Longing

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We all have a longing to fit in.  We want people to like us, and when they don’t, it can get into our head.  What you need to remember in times like these is that God is for us.  He loves us so much, He gave His only son for us!

People pleasing gets us no where either.  We are the ones that end up suffering because we try so hard to please everyone around us.  It just is not possible!  No matter how hard we try, there will be someone knit picking us.

Criticism hurts. No one likes to be critiqued on every little thing or have someone find fault with how you do things, say things, etc.  It makes one feel as if they will never be “good enough” because no matter how hard you try, there is someone picking you apart.  It affects our self esteem and self confidence.

I can’t help but think about a card I sent my grandmother many years ago.  I may have been 10 years old at the time.  My family mentioned how my grandmother was lonely during the day,  Upon hearing that, I made a special point to write out a card to her.  I sealed the white envelope, placed a stamp on it, and took a stroll to the mailbox.  I just knew my card would cheer her up.   It was my desire for her to feel so much love when she read the words written straight from my heart.  Sadly, that is not what happened.  Instead, upon receiving my card in the mail, she called to say, “Next time use a better pen.  The ink smeared on the envelope.  You could hardly read what it said.”  There I sat with my good intentions squashed all because of the type of pen I chose to use.  Honestly, I never even thought about the pen.  I had no idea the envelope would get wet, either, as it made its way to her house!  Instead of her being appreciative of her young grandchild sending her a card with words of love inside, she found fault.  She focused on the smeared ink on the front of the envelope.  Needless to say, I was crushed.  If she felt the need to mention the pen, it would have been better taken had she shown any type of appreciation of the love that was poured into the card.

It is so easy to find fault, to knit pick, and to be negative.  Real effort has to be made to focus on the positive for the vast majority of us.  Why is this?  Is this who you are truly longing to be?  If not, you CAN change that.  Take a good look at the person looking back at you in the mirror. That is the only person in this world that YOU can change.  That’s it.  That’s all.  You can’t change a single person other than yourself.

Today is February 1, 2022.  We are one month into the new year.  Take some time to examine yourself and think of how you can shift into a more positive frame of mind before you ever open your mouth the next time you’re tempted to do so.  A person grows weary and just plain tired of someone harping on them about this or that.  Take time to appreciate the person and what they have to offer the world.

If someone is working on a project with you, appreciate what they bring to the table.  Maybe their way of doing things doesn’t line up with yours, but as long as you both get the same end result, what does it matter?  Is it really that important to belittle their way just because it’s not YOUR way?  Or maybe you have experience that says this is the only way it will work, then along comes Little Miss Muffet who sat down beside you to offer her way; a short cut!  If it works in the end to give you the final product you desired, you both win!  It should not be a power struggle, but often times, it is.

What about offering positive feedback when your human nature is to express how negatively you feel at any given moment.  Compliments go a long way.  An “atta boy/girl” or “way to go” has the power to perk someone right up, while words of criticism will ring in that person’s ear long after they were spoken.

There are so many people ready to tear others down, and some that do this on a daily basis.  Be different!  Focus on the positive.  Be that person’s biggest fan or their ultimate cheerleader in life.  You never know what someone is going through at any given moment.  Your words can bring life or death for others around you.  Choose to breathe life into someone and offer praise where possible and words of affirmation.

 

Trial

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Preparing for surgery while in the middle of a pandemic has proven to be challenging, to say the least.  With the new variants of Covid running rampant in communities all over the globe, businesses have implemented mask requirements.  Some have even required proof of Covid vaccinations or a negative Covid test prior to entering their establishments.  Hospitals have restricted visitors, which provokes anxiety in the one preparing to have this surgery, as well as the family members assisting in the care of their loved ones.  We feel like we have had too much to deal with as we walk this path.

During this trial, we have encountered individuals who have blatantly disregarded and disrespected our family while arguing about masks and their beliefs surrounding whether they work or not.  Red faced individuals have stared at us with bulging eyes, raising their voices,  spewing hatred straight from their evil core.

“I am NOT sick … I will NOT wear a mask!” 

HOW do you KNOW you are “not sick” when you have walked in off the street without having a negative test result prior to coming inside the office?  You don’t!!   That is my point exactly!!

You wear a mask when visiting a doctor’s office, going into Walmart, and any other place that requires a mask during these uncertain times we are living in.  Why disrespect someone’s family, especially when you state why you are passionate about adhering to the mask wearing?  We explained from a personal level that it’s because of our older loved ones preparing for surgery that we ask this; to show respect and regard for another human being’s life when they are already struggling with a major upcoming surgery.

It’s a sad day when humans have no regard for the life of another.

Christmas and Reflections of 2021

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This year is drawing to a close.  As we think of spending Christmas with our family, our thoughts also go to the reflections of 2021.  This year has been full of mostly joy for our family, with a few exceptions here and there.  We gained a son-in-law this year!  That was one of the highlights of the year as our oldest daughter married the love of her life.   Our youngest daughter was busy being awesome and being inducted into the American Christian Honor Society.  What a distinct honor, as it not only reflects her incredible grades but also her impeccable character as well.  Ah, sweet blessings from God above!

While we were protected from Covid-19, others have not been so lucky.  They either came down with it themselves or had a family member with it.  There has been wide debate on both sides for and against the vaccines, with each side having their reasons for being passionate about their perspective.

We lost our precious teacup Yorkie this year, which crushed my heart completely.   Baby was nine years old when she passed.   We were told early on that due to her smaller organs, she would not live as long as other pets.   Even still, we made sure to pack a whole lot of love into those years we had with her.

A family member was urged to have surgery and not put it off any longer, so that surgery will take place in the beginning of 2022.  Please pray for no complications, God’s hand on all staff treating and tending to them, and a speedy recovery.

Sadly, we have either lost friends this year or have drifted away from those we were once close with.  Things happen, and relationships either stand the test of time, or they don’t.  Either way, we are thankful for the lessons learned.  We hold the memories made close to our hearts, and we wish them well on whatever path they have chosen to go down without us by their side in life.

Family trips were taken, and we basked in the warm sun on beautiful islands!  From frolicking on sandy shores in Florida, South Carolina, and even Hawaii, too, we embraced travel once again when we were so limited in 2020 due to Covid emerging and shutting places down, crippling the economy.

Love was shared.  Happiness was found in hearts.  God brought us safely through it all, and here we are preparing to celebrate His birthday.

Let your heart not be troubled as you think of Christmas and reflections of 2021 with your family.  God is still in control, just like He has always been.  He’s still there on the mountaintop, and He will still be there when we go through valleys.

Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful, beautiful life and the family and friends we share it with.  May we keep Christmas in our hearts all year through.

25 Days of Christmas

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The holiday season is such a wonderful time.  As we approach Thanksgiving, right on through Christmas and New Year’s, there is such a joy and sense of warmth surrounding us.  I wish we all could keep this feeling throughout the entire year.

If you’re having trouble, as some folks do, getting into the Christmas spirit, Arlene Pellicane has written 25 Days of Christmas to help!  Consider not only downloading and reading her free e-book, but put her ideas and suggestions into practice with your own family.  Include your little ones, and your husband, too, as you go through this devotional that links activities along with her personal memories.   There are even cookie recipes found within the pages, and I plan to put those recipes to good use!  (Thank you, Arlene!)  Together with your family and Arlene’s suggestions, you are bound to create memories this holiday season!

Arlene has provided 10 devotionals, 10 family activities, and five ways to serve this Christmas season.  Assuring Christ is the center of this season is of the utmost importance, and Arlene gives us scripture to consider as we take in the sights and sounds around us and prepare for Christmas day.  As you go through this e-book, you will see that it’s more than a daily devotional or advent calendar.   Busy families will benefit with these meaningful opportunities to celebrate the birth of Jesus and connect together as a family on a deeper level this holiday season.

If you like what you read in Arlene’s e-book, check out The Happy Home Podcast/AccessMore podcast network!

#25DaysMIN

#25DaysofChristmas

#MomentumInfluenceNetwork

 

Many thanks to AccessMore for providing a sample of the product for this review.  Opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.

 

 

 

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