A 'welcoming thought'---how can I be a 'Source of Encouragement'?

I have written a little about this subject sometime ago.  Nonetheless, I think it might be worth repeating from time to time.  I am sure we all can recall experiences that we can reflect on more then another as we were growing up.

In my experience, it was with my twin sister.  My mother would always, always treat us as equals.  Twins that are not identical, as with any sibling, have different personalities.  Somehow, with twins, one might think that they are alike in more ways than they really are.  In my case, my twin sister was the extrovert and I was the introvert.  So, since we would do most things at a certain age, this would sometimes create a conflict.  One particular time sticks out to me.  It was when we were at the age to begin driving a car. We lived out in the country on a farm that had a horseshoe-shaped driveway.   Mother would let us take turns driving around in our driveway.  Mother's plan was to take equal turns.  However, my twin sister would want to take more turns in a roll and I would tell her that was ok, to go ahead.  Our Mother would speak up and say that it was only fair to share equally.

This little story doesn't seem hardly worth mentioning, now does it?  Sometimes, it is in the little things that transpire in our 'living life' that 'sticks', so to speak, in our hearts and minds.  These little things can make a difference to 'someone'.  I share this little story with you to express how important I think it is for everyone of us to Be a Source of Encouragement.   My sister was just expressing who she was and so was I.  However, when it happens even in times of innocence, it is still vital to be there for another to speak up with words of encouragement.  One might say that this situation was different because it was 'a parenting act'.  Well, maybe so, nonetheless, it was important enough that it lingered in one's mind and heart that had an impact for 'good'.  My sister and I enjoy this memory still today. We laugh at how we fussed and shared life growing up.  Perhaps, a 'sister bond' was in the making going through an experience such as this little 'act of encouragement' from our Mother.

My Mother was being a Source of Encouragement.   We realize, as parents, we do this all of the time or so we think/hope that we do.  I feel it is very important to be a Source of Encouragement to another in all walks of life.

I have never taken my Mother's Source of Encouragement lightly.  I would like to think/pray that it has helped shape me into the person that I am today. She was a great Source of Encouragement in our families' lives and many others.
I thank God for allowing me to have a mother as she was to me.


***************
I will conclude my post today with words of wisdom from the following.

Always stay connected to people and seek out things that bring you joy.  Barbara Johnson

A single word, if spoken in a friendly spirit, may be sufficient to turn one from dangerous error.  Fanny Crosby

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, or the kindly smile, or the joy of companionship.  It is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship.  Corrie ten Boom

It is when we come to a 'higher power' in our nothingness, our powerlessness and our helplessness that He then enables us to live in a way which, without Him, would be absolutely impossible.  Elisabeth Elliot

Today is mine.  Tomorrow in none of my business.  If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.  Elisabeth Elliott

Cheerfulness is its own reward--but not its only reward.  Criswell Freeman

Be so preoccupied with 'good-will' that you haven't room for 'ill-will'.  E. Stanley Jones

The attitude of kindness is everyday stuff like a great pair of sneakers.  Not frilly.  Not fancy.  Just plain and comfortable.  Barbara Johnson

Yesterday is just experience but tomorrow is glistening with purpose and today is the channel leading from one to the other.  Barbara Johnson

'Encouragement' given freely in this world can do so much.  It offers happiness and joy in abundance, plus; it fuels avenues to grow in His Loving grace day by day.  Would it not be great, if every day could be a cause of celebration?  By celebrating the gift of life, we can protect our hearts from the dangers of pessimism, regret, hopelessness, and bitterness. 

Striving to serve as a 'Source of Encouragement' takes 'all of our time' as it 'takes none of our time'.  A Paradox indeed.  Why?  Perhaps, it is because it 'becomes a way of life' living for others? ! 

Kind words create 'echoes' that last a lifetime and beyond.
A 'welcoming thought'---how can I be a Source of Encouragement'?
Let us give 'thanks' for the many 'Sources of Encouragement' we have received and seek to extend 'Sources of Encouragement' to others.

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

Take 'time' to look back......

'TAKE 'TIME' TO LOOK BACK as this year ends-and, also, to 'LOOK FORWARD'.

Why, one might ask.  The past is gone and to 'look forward' in the future; how could this be of help?  This might be one way to view it in our thinking.  Nonetheless, there could be 'value' in doing so.  As we reflect on our experiences in 2016, the 'hard times' as well as the 'good times'; we can see 'life lessons' to help us grow in so many ways for our continual journey for ourselves and to help others.
Taking 'time' to 'listen' and to be 'silent' truly takes 'time' and 'discipline'. 
                                                                             

As I reflect on some of my experiences in 2016, I see challenges that turned to blessings for me and, hopefully, for others.  And, I experienced many 'good times' and I am very grateful.  I feel that I have learned from both. 

All of us are here striving to reach a 'goal' we have chosen to live out our life even if it isn't evident in an 'outward and/or conscious way'.  We are 'all' 'living' so life is happening.  We have a measure of control in how we choose to live out our life more then it might sometimes seem.   No, we can't control every minute of our day and how 'others' act out nor the life expectancy of ourselves or another.   However, we can act in ways that are helpful and constructive in opening up possibilities for a brighter, better future for our ourselves and in turn others.   No, we aren't all on the same path because 'all' of us have been given 'a free Will' to choose what 'way of life' we wish.  Depending on what 'free will' choices we have made, they will affect our beliefs, actions, challenges, responsibilities and blessings that come our way. 

Nonetheless, 'nothing' will change in one's growth, as a person, in their life and living without; 'each individual taking 'responsibility' and 'action' in one's 'own life and living'.  Nobody can make us 'happy'.  Nobody can 'fix' things for us to have an easy ride in life. Perhaps, for awhile and yes, people do affect how we feel at times.  However; 'the good life' will not last if/when somebody 'hands' us material things.  Plus, when we are given 'no responsibilities' to 'take ownership' for 'our own actions' that will allow us to grow into a mature individual. 'Tough Love' is priceless.  

Nobody is exempt from 'challenges in life'.  The 'aging process' will come to every human being if they possess longevity.  The acceptance, in this fact, can open up so many 'good things' as they are reflected upon and, therefore, enjoyed.  Most 'grandparents' are elderly.  What 'joy' this is to experience as one ages into this particular generation.  There are always things we 'enjoy' and things we 'dread' in any generation we find ourselves in.  'Honor the space between no longer and not yet'......written by a Nancy Levin.   

The value in looking back to where we have been and looking forward to where we will go can be priceless, as well.  We can reap many valuable 'resources' from our challenges and from the joyous times we have experienced in 2016.  As we look forward in to the New Year of 2017, we can bring hope, promise and perseverance to give us joy with a positive attitude in our tomorrows.

Everybody has a 'story of their own'.  Nobody truly knows 'another's story' or has a right to tell it as 'they might see it'.  Nonetheless, nobody is exempt of heartache of many colors.  Plus, everybody has something to be 'thankful' for', everybody.  There are so many beautiful things to be 'thankful for' every single day. Sometimes it is better to be kind than to be right.  We do not need an intelligent mind that speaks.  We do need a patient heart that listens. 

Yes, we all have choices that we 'alone' can make if we so choose.  It is up to 'each person' to move forward to a brighter future.  It doesn't matter what we have experienced in our past nor what we will experience in our future; we have the choice to 'help ourselves' to a better life for ourselves and others.  We have the choice to 'move forward' stronger with perseverance and joy as we grow from our past experiences.  This can be our mission and a desire of 'mature individuals' to be an example of hope and love.  Yes, even through our challenges that for some unknown reason might have come our way.  There is a reason bigger then ourselves and everybody will have a richer fuller life when it is realized.  Let it be in 2017. 

As we close out this year of 2016 and look forward to the coming year of 2017, how in the world can it do anything but help to realize the blessings that we have received in 2016?  Let us 'give thanks' and look forward with 'hope, believing in a higher power' then ourselves with promise going forward into 2017?  

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year in 2017.

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

Life is a Balance of Holding on and Letting Go' - With College Students and Parents in Mind

Fall is a time when life's routine changes for many household who have children.  School starts and it seems as it is just a routine of last year for a very long time.  However, it is always and ever changing because if you are a parent, you realize little by little that your child/children are growing up and the time will soon be here that they will leave what seems to be a routine of fall activities.  

It is amazing that most parents can hardly wait to see their 'little one' start kindergarten.  Wow! And, than, we see them, actually, starting the class where we can count the grades into years. Their first grade and than we look around and they are in middle school.  Not too long afterwards, here comes high school and the licenses to drive a car.  Wow!  And, in just four short years, they are graduating.  They are walking the walk where they are handed their diploma that they have worked so hard to receive.  

Than, a short summer passes by and it is time for fall, once again.  However, this time the fall brings more permanent changes than ever before.  Our child/children have reached a milestone in maturity and they are leaving the 'parent's nest of home', to enter college.  Unbelievable!  So, who is excited the most?  The parent or the child?  This is a hard one if you have ever been a parent and if you have ever experienced graduating and leaving home to go to college.  

With this in mind, I have chosen this writing for today as there are many that are experiencing similar emotions this fall. 

There are no 'pat answers' for parents and/or the child/student.  Each parent, father or mother, will have different emotions and ideas as they walk this path.  
So to all of those out there this fall, I wish you the best.  

A parent's love is like no other.  I read recently and experienced that a parent's love is always and ever.  There are no circumstances, experiences or memories that can cease the 'heart's love home' of a parent.   I realize that this might not be every parent's belief or feeling.  

For the child, it is a time to start anew in a way that they have never experienced.  It is an adventure!  It is an experience that they will never forget!  It is a place that is a privilege to have reached in their lives!  It is place that all children deserve!  It is a place that most parents long to see develop!  It is place for parent and child that represent: 'tough love'!   

As we let go of past routine and experiences and move forward; it is important for all to remember: Life is a Balance of Holding on and Letting Go.  

Until next time, 

God Bless

Doris

'Oh, The Beauty of the Tiny Hummingbirds'

'So tiny to be so beautiful'.....'those tiny little hummingbirds miracles'

Hi Friends,

Another beautiful little creature of nature is the tiny hummingbird.  As we have enjoyed watching the little tiny hummingbirds out of our window this summer, the time has come for this enjoyment to end soon.  As the temperature drops and the season changes, the tiny, sprinkled colors of beauty will fly south to seek warmer weather and food.  They cannot survive in the cold temperatures.

I have been reading a little about how they prepare to leave.  Some will leave because hummingbirds do have an instinct to fly south where there is warmer weather.  However, I understand some might not go unless they cannot find any food here.  This is why everyone is encouraged to take their feeders down as the colder temperatures arrive.   If they can find food, they will stay.   This will at least give them one more reason to follow their instinct.

The sugar water isn't the only source of nutrients that hummingbirds feed on.  They will eat spiders, insects, ash, sand, pollen and sap from bark.  They need these sources for their protein in the diet.  They use water only to bath in.  They need many insects each day.  

'Ruby Throated Hummingbirds' are the only hummingbirds that breed east of the Mississippi River.  Hummingbirds cannot walk or hop.  I find this interesting.  They weight only grams.  The smallest hummingbirds will weigh 2 grams.  The largest hummingbirds will weigh 20 grams.  'The Ruby Throated and the Rufous  Hummingbirds' are the most common species in the United States and Canada.  This is unbelievable.  Can you imagine how they care for themselves in the wind? 

A hummingbird's wing oscillates in a figure pattern to produce lift on both the down-strokes and up-stokes.  They achieve the extra lift they need to hover by creating a vortex on the leading edge of their wings.  Hummingbirds continually readjust their wing angles to maintain high lift forces. 

I find this remarkable.  Again, 'a miracle in full circle in all of its' beauty'.  The tinniest of all birds have 'graced us' with great 'nature watching in full bloom' this summer.   As they will be leaving, we will wait for their return next year in early May.  They will arrive, once again, to live with us for awhile to give us their beautiful side of friendship. 
God has a way of sharing so many wonderful gifts with us in so many ways.  And, He will send other 'beauties of nature' while the 'miracle hummingbirds' travel on their journey south for the winter.  All in His perfect designed plan...our great creator.  

I hope you have found this interesting and amazing.  I know that I have.

Until next time
God bless
Doris

'Where do you want to spend eternity?'

Series on 'Heaven, Death, Dying, Letting Go'

Today, the subject is on 'Where do you want to spend eternity'?  This is a question that we do not hear shared in frequent conversations.  However, this is a subject that is very important in one's way of life and living, in my humble opinion.  

Let's view this subject in the light as if we do not care where we spend eternity.  One might think it doesn't matter because once a person is dead, it doesn't matter because that person would not know.  This would be a person that does not believe in a higher power and/or has not accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  That is one view.  Let's look at another person's view and belief.  This person believes that when they are die, they would not know in the physical form but in the spiritual form, their Spirit would go to heaven and therefore, they care very much where they will spend eternity   
This person believes there is a heaven and they care as to where they will spend eternity. Therefore, they live their life and living differently here on earth in preparation for when they will spend eternity in heaven.  The difference is in ones' belief.  If and/or when one accepts Christ as their personal Savior,  they will believe there is a heaven and they will long to know where they want/will spend eternity.  

Being righteous, does not give one the right or allow one to enter heaven.  Accept the free gift of salvation, Jesus has already died for our Sins.  God has provided us a risen Savior Jesus Christ who is a great teacher that performs miracles, died for our sins, arose from the grave,  forgives our sins - Confess, ask Jesus to come into your heart.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  Romans 10:13
Other scriptures are:  Romans 3:10, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, John 3:16, Romans 10:9 

'Christ paid the price - freely - where you can spend eternity' 

Inspiration is just inspiration unless you develop the right mindset to tune in/discern and focus your attention on what you truly want in your life.  Whatever that may be, it is our choice and God will not interfere with our 'free will'.  When things sometimes doesn't go as I would like and I question God's reasoning in, if you will, in what is crossing my path; I need to pause and discern if I have gotten in the way of His Will and tried to walk in 'my' will.  Sometimes, I have blocked or prevented His Will that would have been much better at the end of the day and beyond. 

'God's Beauty' 

We do not have because we do not asked.  I find that I have missed so many opportunities of insight through my not discerning some ways that the Lord wants to show me His Will and help my life and living to be more full.  And, more joyful ways through nature.  As we listen to the birds calling to one another, we can hear also His Love-call to us.  He speaks to us continually: through sights, sounds, thoughts, impressions, Scripture.  There is no limit to the variety of ways we can communicate with Him.  I know that I need to be more attentive to His messages in whatever form He might send them. And, I must remember that I not only find Him in the beauty of nature but also in tragedy and faces filled with grief.  He can take all of these things and make good of it through the teachings of His Will when we 'listen' and obey Him.  
It takes none of our time but it takes all of our time.  It is a paradox, indeed.  It becomes a way of life inch by inch; we 'become'.  We could relate this to the Velveteen Rabbit story. 

God is able to do for more than we could ever ask for or imagine.  Ephesians 3:20

Therefore, as we close this writing today, I will leave you with this: 'Where do you want to spend eternity?'  The choice is for you to make. The offer expires with your life at any time, so you might want to accept it now while you can. 

'God Speaks to Us in so Many Beautiful Ways' 

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

Greeting Friends,

'a closing look'

 Today, let's take 'a closer look'.  I will try to share 'Eternal Life in Heaven'.  This might put some light on the questions I mentioned in my earlier post.  I will list them so we have them at hand.  Remember each one of these questions were asked to me.  

I am bringing them to light and decided to share this Series on 'Heaven, Death, Dying, Letting Go' as I pondered the questions, myself.  So, I pause to thank this individual for this.  Sometimes it is helpful to stir our thoughts, feelings and beliefs in these areas. 
I will pen a poem that I have written as we conclude this Series. 

• What is Heaven like?
• Will we know one another by appearance in Heaven?
• Will we know when we are dead?
• Will it be scary when we die?
• Will we know we are dying?
• What will we do in Heaven?
• How does divorced couples see the other in Heaven?
• How does divorced ex-couples and/or remarried couples relate?
• Will God forgive me for going through a divorce?
• Do we talk in Heaven and see people as we see them today?
• What will we know in Heaven?

Please remember, anything that I share is from my thoughts, beliefs, questions and comments.  I share to help us all ponder, wonder, search, study, discern and hopefully shed light on these subjects that most people find difficult in talking about or even have a desire to think about.

 

I feel that the greatest hope of all humans is that they will live again someday in heaven forever. The yearning to live again in a better place after death is an almost universal desire.  I think that there are many that think it is an 'inborn quest' placed in the human heart by God.  And, I believe that the only quest that 'can suffocate', if you will, is by the rebellion and from a person that 'just does not believe in God.  Again, I will take the risk and share my belief here. 

 

I have gathered from the Bible that while most people will admit to that distinctive yearning for life in a better world, only Christians and Jews have any definite knowledge of heaven.  

 

As we review the Garden of Eden 'before the Fall'.  It was gorgeous: a place of beauty, peace, and not just between humans and animals but the entire creation.  I believe that Heaven will be even better.  And, to me, that is the key---heaven is indescribable and so beyond our imagination for all of us.  
As sad as it feels for our loved ones, I feel going through 'a near death experience' was/is a blessing to the ones that have experienced it.  I know since I have experienced it, it has never left me in reflections of trying times, especially.  There is a sense of glory, hope and 'a cushion', so to speak, that I hold dear in my heart.  That is the only way I know to explain it.  It is something I will treasure and I will try, even harder, to continue to be a 'gimper' for God because of it.  {For those that do not know what a 'gimper' for God is.  A 'gimper for God' is a person that wants to always and ever discern what it is God wants them to be about in being a helper for Him.  'Jabez' was a true 'gimper for God'.} 

 

I will share in our next post 'A Place Prepared For Us in Heaven'.  There will be more specifics in shedding more light on our questions.  WE all know that the Bible doesn't give specific answers to a lot of our direct questions, but it does give us a guide to what it is that satisfies those questions.  I feel this is vital in how we live today.  It is our 'road map' to continue our journey here for our peace and in fulfilling our purpose for our life.  God has a purpose and plan for each and everyone of us.  Would it not be glorious to know that we are on purpose for the very reason we are all here? Well, God knows, God cares, God will show us that plan when we are in His Will and have a Desire to know it.   

Until next time

God Bless

Doris 

Be A Source of Encouragement

I remember years ago that it only takes one person to make one feel important or as important as the next person. 

In my experience, it was my twin sister.  My mother would always, always treat us as equals.  Most twins, as with any sibling, have different personalities.  But, somehow with twins, one might think that they are alike in more ways than they really are.  In my case, my twin sister was the extrovert and I was the introvert.  So, since we would do most things at a certain age, this would sometimes create a conflict.  One particular time sticks out to me.  It was when we were at the age to begin driving a car.  Mother would let us take turns driving around in our driveway.  Mother's plan was to take equal turns.  However, my twin sister would want to take more turns in a roll and I would tell her that was ok, to go ahead.  But, our Mother would speak up and say that it was only fair to share equally. 

I share this little story with you to express how important I think it is for everyone of us to Be a Source of Encouragement.  My sister was just expressing who she was and so was I.  However, when it happens even in times of innocence, it is still vital to be there for another to speak up with words of encouragement. 

My Mother was being a Source of Encouragement.  You know, as parents, we do this all of the time or so we think/hope that we do.  But I feel it is very important to be a Source of Encouragement to another in all walks of life. 

I have never taken my Mother's Source of Encouragement lightly.  It has helped mold me into the person that I am today.  She was a great Source of Encouragement in our families' lives and many others.  I thank God for allowing me to have a mother as she was to me.

I will conclude my post today with words of wisdom from the following. 

Flowers give Encouragement

Always stay connected to people and seek out things that bring you joy. Barbara Johnson

A single word, if spoken in a friendly spirit, may be sufficient to turn one from dangerous error.  Fanny Crosby

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, or the kindly smile, or the joy of companionship.  It is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship.  Corrie ten Boom

It is when we come to a 'higher power' of belief in our nothingness, our powerlessness and our helplessness that He than enables us to live in a way which, without Him, would be absolutely impossible.  Elisabeth Elliot

Today is mine.  Tomorrow is none of my business.  If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.  Elisabeth Elliott

Cheerfulness is its own reward---but not its only reward.  Criswell Freeman

Be so preoccupied with 'good-will' that you haven't room for 'ill will'.  E. Stanley Jones

The attitude of kindness is everyday stuff like a great pair of sneakers.  Not frilly. Not fancy.  Just plain and comfortable.  Barbara Johnson

All kindness and good deeds, are better kept silent.  The result will be an inner reservoir of personality power.  Catherine Marshall

Yesterday is just experience but tomorrow is glistening with purpose---and today is the channel leading from one to the other.  Barbara Johnson


Little things in life give Encouragement

Kindness in this world will do much to help others, not only in happiness and joy, but also to grow in grace day by day. Would it not be great, if every day could be a cause for celebration?  By celebrating the gift of life, we can protect our hearts from the dangers of pessimism, regret, hopelessness, and bitterness.
Kind words have echoes that last a lifetime and beyond.
We all have much to be thankful for.

Until next time
God Bless
Doris