'THANKFULNESS = The Language of Love'

As we greet another 'Thanksgiving Day' on our calendars, let us pause and give 'THANKS' for an 'abundance of blessings' from our 'hearts'. 

In the story of the pilgrims back into early 1600; 'THANKSGIVING DAY' WAS ONE OF GIVING 'THANKS' FOR THEIR BOUNTY OF PLENTY.'  The memoir of the Cornucopia was to fill it up with fruit/berries and such as a symbol of 'Thanks'.  The Cornucopia is still used today in various decorations.  Perhaps, it is just used as a 'decoration' and the 'true meaning' of its origin has been lost over the years.  In today's time of living, most of us have more than an abundance of plenty, indeed. 

Are we as grateful as the pilgrims were in the early 1600's?  It seems our being grateful in today's world is less in appreciation than in years passed.  Maybe, this is because we do have more in abundant things. As we reflect on this, let us not forget the 'intangible things' that money can not buy us.  Nonetheless, 'thankfulness' can be elaborated on in various degrees. Let's reveal a few, shall we? 

Could it be the same in our 'thankfulness' of what the 'true meaning' and 'reason' of many things that cross our path?  Thankfulness can be plenty of things depending on the 'perceptive' of each person.  Thankfulness is not some 'magic formula'.  It is 'the language of Love' that opens all of us up to more understanding within ourselves and, in turn, flows out to others. Thankful Attitudes' are connected as in 'links are in a chain' that are only as strong as its weakness link'.  

'Give Thanks' for Everything' 

Do we have a 'Thankful Attitude' at this Thanksgiving season to allow ourselves to embrace those things that come our way?  Thankfulness comes in many fashions, colors and avenues. One might not think of 'thankfulness/thankful attitude' as such.  Most things in life have a 'rippling effect' in some entity.  

I think it is important to maintain 'hope', 'give thanks' and always remember we have a 'mighty power' beyond ourselves.  Through this 'heavenly power' in love, through grace, are gifts given to us to help add to our 'Thankful Attitude'.   It might be a gift in a tangible way or it might be a gift in an intangible way. It might cross our path in our welcoming it and it might come into our path in a way that the human side of us would like to curse it.  It might be helpful to keep in mind that all things that do come to us can be 'gifts' 'to season' us into a better person for hence it has come.  Once again, a 'thankful attitude' can be 'our friend' in any season.  

I read where two people in a relationship felt they had to always and ever question the other to know if they loved them.  Possibly, they didn't have a relationship, at all.  Actions will reveal 'authentic love' over time in a relationship.  There will be no need to wonder because all involved will know.  'Thankful Attitudes' will have recognized this 'window of opportunity' permitting it to unfold into what this 'language of love' is meant to be all along.  

'True Thankfulness from a thankful attitude.' How can there be one without the other?  This entity is as relevant as time is to the universe.  Again, it will come full circle over time.  When we can embrace this promise with a 'Thankful Attitude'..... everything else will fall into line called: living life on purpose in 'this language of Love' = Thankfulness. 

When we have 'Thankful Attitudes' in our 'Thankfulness' in all arenas of life and living, than we will have been a part of opening up huge opportunities for peace and love in our celebrations that are called; 'THANKSGIVING DAY'.   We have been given bountifully. 

I wish this kind of 'Thankful Attitude' in all of your 'Thankfulness'; this Thanksgiving Day and every day into the New Year. 

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

A 'LOSS OF A PET' is an experience.....................................

A 'LOSS OF A PET' is an experience that certainly qualifies to be on the 'List of Experiences' that is or will be one of the most difficult experiences a person will go through on their journey of life'.

We all have a story if/when we have taken a 'pet' into our home to love and they have become a real part of our family.  All of our stories will be a bit different.  However, the real part in losing a pet will possibly not be so different.  The owners' hearts of this unconditional loving pet, will feel as if it has an 'unfilled pit'.

I am so happy that there are processes in which our hearts can heal.  Hopefully, each pet owner will have become a better person from their choice of selecting a pet to become a part of their home and heart.  After all, isn't this a part of what life is about?  

'Acceptance of our loss' isn't taking away 'the pain process' of the many entities that surround 'our pet's fate'.  I believe that everything that happens fits into a pattern for good to those who love unconditionally.  There isn't anything that crosses our path randomly when it 'flows from the heart of love'.  In realizing this, yet another part of our healing occurs when 'life happens'.
As we look at the 'bigger picture' of what 'our pet' has so freely given to us; there is nothing in the world that we want for our pet more than to 'love them unconditionally'.  Loving equally, in returning back to them what they have so unconditionally given and taught to us.  This is when one can have peace and knows in our heart of hearts that 'our pet' and 'our mission' have come to completion.  Loving memories can start to feel good and the ease of our pain can lessen when they surface, day by day. 

It doesn't matter the circumstances in one's mind if the pet is a 'rescue dog', 'from an newspaper ad', a 'dog running the streets' or in a 'pet shop'.  At the time of the loss, it is ultimately the same.  The 'hearts of owners' that care in a way that are deserving to have chosen 'their pet' aches in similar ways as they grow to love and accept 'their pet' as a 'member of their family'.  

Sometimes, some people view their pet as an 'object', in time.  It appears as if they think and, perhaps, truly feel that they can bring a pet into their ownership for 'their pleasure only'. There isn't much regard to 'the pet's rights'.  And, sometimes, there isn't much regard to 'their responsibilities as owners'.  'Time or thought' hasn't been taken into account if/when their pet 'become sick', 'aging in their years' and/or when 'the pet might become an inconvenience'. Sometimes the 'family pet' can easily be moved onto a 'checklist of options' to rid themselves of the pet. 

As I pen these words in our loss of Daisy May, I am so thankful she was 'our pet', a 'true member' and 'loving part of our family' in every way.  Daisy gave us so much joy and happiness in our everyday living.  She spoke volumes and 'taught us unconditional love' in a unique fashion in God's design of 'dogs' incapability of speaking a word.

'Her unconditional love' and 'trust' was amazing from the day we received her from a family member.  Daisy was starving, tied up in a state park in Nashville Tennessee.   
Daisy, also, showed symptoms of abuse in her right eye.  Plus, she was very frightened of a broom which gave us pause, as to where the droopy right eye possibly could have originated from.  A friend to a family member helped rescue her.  She was than brought to our home to love and she became a 'real part' of our family. 
Our hearts melted in sadness as to how a 'human being' could have taken such actions in this loving animal that we didn't even know, as of yet.  From that moment on, she was 'our pet', a 'member of our family' and we knew, in our hearts of hearts; she would live with us with our giving her the best possible care; we, as pet owners, could give to her. 

Daisy was a fighter.  Daisy had a total of 76 seizures in a period of two years and seven months. She was diagnosed with leukemia in February of this year, 2015.  With each new challenge, she remained gentle in our direction and guidance and in giving her medications that she did not want.  She was mischievous in that she would spit the tablets out after our heads were turned when we thought 'that particular mission' was complete.  She was so smart.  However, she always came to us in love and gave us kisses and hugs.  She knew we cared and was only trying to help her. 

Daisy, also, showed she loved and cared for 'us'.  When a stranger would come to our door, she would start barking and be about her business in alerting us.  And, any time we were ill; Daisy would position herself close by; showing her love and care in our behalf.  She accepted all other 'family dog members' that came to visit in our home and she played with our little grandchildren with great ease. 

I realize as I pen these words today of our loving Daisy May that this is a means of 'healing for me'.  It is just another means to 'help mend and heal my heart; a heartbeat at a time'. 

We feel that Daisy received the better professional veterinarian care that she could have received through Dr.Coleman and the entire staff at Parkdale Animal Hospital.  Daisy loved going for each visit.  It did not make a difference if she was well or ill, there was a trust between Daisy and Dr. Coleman.  She, also, loved the treats that she received there and would wag her 'stub tail' as we entered the entrance of Parkdale as if to say: 'are we there yet?' 
We certainly extend our thanks to Parkdale and the staff and we will never forget their part in our journey with Daisy.  

I will close with one request, if I may.  If anyone reading this, has a pet or wish to share this with someone that does;  My wish for you is to hold 'your pet' a little tighter tonight and look deeply into 'their eyes to the window of their heart'.  Perhaps, you will discern another opportunity for 'your pet' to teach you.  Yes indeed, 'our pets' are teachers in engagement without uttering a word.  And you know, whatever it might be; I am sure it will bear a resemblance to 'unconditional love'.

I know that we have learned volumes from 'our pet, Daisy'.  I wish the same for you!

Thanks for bearing with me if you are still reading this post.  You have been a part of our story of Daisy.

God Bless Daisy May 2006-2015

'DAISY MAY' 

Until next time
God Bless 
Doris

'REFLECTIONS TO ENCOURAGE''

'REFLECTIONS TO ENCOURAGE' 

This winter has been one to surprise us at times, elate the children at times with no school and fun outdoors.  This winter has been one to feel 'blessed'; depending on which state one lives in.  What is the saying?  If you think you have reason to complain, just look around and one will see others with many more trials and tribulations.

In saying all of this, I think it is important to note that we are all 'human beings', as well.  And we have feelings and everything is reverent.  So, it might be better to pull back a bit and 'balance' out our thoughts and understanding in all areas of concern and blessings.  It might help spread a bit more harmony, inch by inch, for all human kin. One might think; well, how can we do this?
There is always and ever something getting in our way of our efforts.  One might say that it is easy for you to say but you just do not understand!  No, we don't understand each persons' valley, trials and struggles; however, by choice, we know 'the concept' of living more humble, being more kind, allowing others to find their way and accept responsibility, to master.  It is important to learn ones' boundaries and follow ones' heart.  

It seems that 'the weather' gets in our way in our actions, our thoughts, our moods and our attitudes.  I wonder how that can be since 'weather' has no emotions?  If we say that 'weather' gets in our way; could we say that 'our job', or 'our family', or 'anything else' that we find effects our daily living?  Less we forget, the process of learning and growing never ends when one becomes a certain age.  It is a life-long journey.

Perhaps,  it always and ever will come back to 'our hearts' and in how we handle 'the weather', 'our family', 'our job' and/or 'any circumstance' that might come our way?  And, there are times that we can handle and adjust to 'life's challenges' better.  On a 'Sunny Day', it seems life is more gentle to us.  Whatever might nourish our 'nerves' to better handle life and living, may all of us seek those 'little perks' and in addition to God's promise to never put on us more than we can bear.  Resting in a 'higher power' than ours, will always see us through and give us a peace beyond ourselves.  'Thankfulness is like a medicine' as 'a hug is from your child/grandchild'.  It can always give one comfort, humility and strength to move forward and onward to better days. Where there is 'thankfulness' and where there is 'love', life is good!

Listed below are a few quotes from great leaders by Peggy Anderson

"The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time."  by Abraham Lincoln

"Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this.  For the world was built to develop character and we must learn the setbacks and the griefs which we endure help us in our marching onward."  by Henry Ford

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." by Mother Teresa

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal:  It is the courage to continue that counts." by Winston Churchill

Until next time
God Bless
Doris

Happy New Year....Reflection is good....'2019....'Time' to move on....

Happy New Year...Reflection is good......2019 ....'Time' to move on. 

So many times we reflect on the past year and think and/or express such words as; 'I wish that I would have',  'New Year, I am going to', 'If I was younger', 'if I had it all to do over'.  
Any of these sound familiar?  No doubt, at least one.  

As the 2020 New Year begins, I pray every one of us will start it with a renewed hope, love and trust in ourselves and in others.  Above all else, I pray we will seek a 'renewed awareness' in our Lord and Savior. 

I am going to list a few 'thoughts' of thinkers and 'statements' that might be fun to take a look at.  Perhaps, some would like to 'ponder' a few of them for encouragement and reflection in approaching a better start into the New Year.  Or, some might just enjoy reading and moving on.  
To those of you who do not like such readings; perhaps, this post is not for you.  Everyone of us is unique and different.  This is to be respected, as well. 

Happy New Year to one and all that might read this post.  I want to take this opportunity to 'thank everyone who has taken the time to read my posts this past year'.  I hope in some small way that I have penned something that has helped or encouraged in some small way.  As I pen in a blog such as this, there is no way of knowing how these writings touch another.  Always and ever, I am taking a leap of faith in my sharing.  As I was reminded by a 'kind friend' this past year; it might be a word, a phrase or something in a poem or reading that might speak to someone through the Spirit.  This would be  refreshing, two fold.  

We are ALL valuable links in 'the chain of life'.  Let us strive to support each link, as we realize; 'WE' are only as strong as our weakness link.
                                          
                                         Thanks, love, peace, hope, grace and blessings to all!
                                         

Until next time, 

God Bless

Doris

A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY

              A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY

     TODAY IS A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY,

     RADIANT IN MANY COLORS OF ORANGE.

    THE SOUNDS OF CROWS CAW, CAWING,

    A SENSE OF NOTHING COULD GO WRONG.

                                                                                             

    IN THE SOUNDS OF ALL OF 'MOTHER NATURE'S BEAUTY,

    ONE CAN STILL HEAR THE STILLNESS AND CALM.

   THIS TAKES ONE'S BREATH IN 'AN AWE'

    OF THIS MIRACLE IN TODAY'S DAWN.

   THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERY SEASON.

   'FALL' IS BEAUTIFUL IN COLORS OF RED, YELLOW, ORANGE AND BROWN.

   THE CRISP SNAP OF LEAVES AND THE CHILL OF THE BREEZE

   BRINGS FORTH 'THANKFULNESS' THAT IS DISCERNIBLY FOUND. 

  THE VERY NEXT MORNING SOMEWAY, SOMEHOW,

  THE SAME THING WILL APPEAR BY 'HIS GRACE'.

  AS ANOTHER DAY IS TUCKED AWAY FROM THIS DAY INTO NIGHT, 

 ANOTHER INFINITE BEAUTY WILL UNFOLD TO TAKE ITS' PLACE.

     'SO THANKFUL FOR THE BEAUTIFUL GIFTS OF THE SEASONS'

                                                                  by Doris Swertfeger

                                                                                          2014-2015

Until next time

Doris 

A 'Good Day', 'Ordinary Day', 'Another Day-So What?'

Greetings Friends,

'All is Well'

'Everything is going to be ok'

Are you having a good day, ordinary day or a day that you would describe as, 'Another Day, So What?'  Believe me, I have felt all of these over time.  I try to credit my feelings and thinking to the fact that I am 'human'.  Some days, I feel we need a boost to help us along our way.  This boost might be different for different people and in different ways.  Whether we are a person that lean on a belief that there is a power greater than ourselves or we are not, it might be good for us to take the time to 'be still' and go to a place that is serene and full of beauty.  Perhaps, this could be something that is as simply looking at a beautiful butterfly, going outdoors and listening to the birds and feel the sunshine that surround you or it might be calling a friend and just sharing about life and the many blessings that have been given. 

Giving 'thanks' can always bring one back to serve one better in going on to better thoughts and feelings that might be happening just now in our lives and living.  Take a look at our pets, they somehow can look beyond their cares and they are taken care of.  Enjoy their beauty and trust.

It seems to me that we are hearing, seeing and experiencing many things today that can certainly get in our way and cloud our attitude.  Sickness, economy, raising children, workplace stress, world affairs, aging to differences in opinions that we all have a right to have and own as individuals.  Nevertheless, all of these can effect our 'well being'. 

'A Good Day'

We have heard this statement: 'THIS TOO SHALL PASS'.  Biblical, actually, and I hold this close to my heart in life's struggles and challenges.  However, there has been something added to it by a 'human soul' and that is, ''and right now would be good'.   Oh yes, we always want to alter and control our situation and/or circumstances, don't we? 

Sometimes, we take life too seriously and worry about things that do not make a difference at the end of the day except they are things that we want and think that we need.  Well, I am one among all that have these same feelings and thoughts.  Some days are better than other days.  It mostly depends on what is going on in my life as to how other things effect me. 
Well, this is no surprise to the millions out there and this is what causes the turmoil in the cosmic world that really is very fragile.  All we have to do is turn on our television or any electronic device and we can see it only takes one person to blow holes in another with a gun that has gone mad and out of control.  So, what can each individual do to make more peaceful living in our life and others?  It could be to change our focus of our inner core and how we perceive ourselves in life and living in control.  Always and ever remembering 'who' is really in control.   God still reigns over the universe.  With faith, hope, love and perseverance, we can have peace in our hearts in the midst of our storms in life and living. 

As I was reading my daily reader this morning, it just happened to be this very reading.  If/when we believe in a power greater than ourselves it might be helpful to saturate our hearts with many things to help us along.  This just might be one of them.

This was written by Sarah Young - Jesus Calling- Readings for Every Day of the Year

I AM ALL AROUND YOU, like a cocoon of Light.  My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me.  Many things can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry.  My children tend to accept worry as an inescapable fact of life.  However, worry is a form of unbelief; it is an abomination to Me.

Who is in charge of your life?  If it is you, then you have good reason to worry.  But if it is I, then worry is both unnecessary an counterproductive.  When you start to feel anxious about something, relinquish the situation to Me.  Back off a bit, redirecting your focus to Me.  I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you how to handle it.  In this world you will have problems, but you need not lose sight of Me. 

THIS IS WHAT WILL MAKE THAT 'ANOTHER DAY-SO WHAT' TO AN 'ORDINARY DAY' AND/OR  TO A 'GOOD DAY'! 

 

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

'Is A Rose Just A Rose?'

Greeting Friends,

Today, I want to continue with the similarities of our 'Rose Garden' of life.   As we reflect on the beauty of 'the beholder' and the 'Beloved', it might be good to sort out the 'inner lining'.  What I mean by 'inner lining' is the part that makes life worthwhile; the 'Spirit of Wonder' that allows so much beauty and appreciation to come into our view.  Can any of you relate?  It is not difficult to go there.  It takes 'all of our time' and 'none of our time', a paradox, indeed.

Come, the rose garden has flowered...
It is the time of generosity, the treasure of gifts has come.

Let us see the 'rose garden' of love...

 Garden of 'Roses', what kind of garden are you?
   Is a Rose just a Rose?
   God is the great Creator
   or is this just something we have been told?
 
    'Loving words' does not cost us a red cent
      as we journey up the hill of life.
       All human kin become stronger
          and braver for the strife.

                       A heart full of thankfulness,
                          a patient trust with one another.
                             A soul of simple hopefulness
                               join us 'one in spirit', like no other.

 It does not take very much to touch one.
   Sometimes it's just...'being You'

'I will never leave you'

      that warms the heart of another
        and brings forth new hope in them and you, too.

 From what invisible rose garden
   was flung this rose...
     a gift immeasurably sprinkled                                       
       to each of us without being told.

   May we take the time to speak words of kindness.
      Maybe it will linger in ones' mind.
        Like unspoken dreams will never grow old,
         'Loving words' will gather others of its' kind. 
                                                by Doris Swertfeger
                                                             08-10-2013

Our trustworthiness implies His trustworthiness. Beth Moore

Until next time
God Bless
Doris




'HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY' - 'IN LOVING MEMORY OF 'MY MOTHER'


Mothers are special people.  Mothers come from different professions, beliefs, and race. 
Mothers are made up of different things and sometimes there are things that a child does not like.  As time passes, the child grows and matures.   They become a Mother.  Through the experiences of being a Mother, a different light is shed upon their views, as Mothers. I know it did for me.

My Mother loved me with such ease.  She loved me with so much patience and care.  My Mother's love never wavered as long as I can remember.  This is a 'Mother' well worth celebrating much more than once a year. 

Mothers=Love=Flowers

I salute all Mothers this 'Mother's Day'.  I ask you to join me in reflecting on 'Your Mother' and as 'A Mother' in celebration, with thankfulness and a conviction for us to be the best Mothers we can be.  When we become a Mother, it is an ever ending journey.  I am thankful for my Mother and to have been blessed to have become a Mother.

This is, perhaps, one reason that Mother's Day is celebrated every year.  It takes a lifetime to truly feel the scope of what a true Mother's love is and the responsibility it holds in life and living of a child.

I was blessed to have a wonderful Mother.  As we reflect on this Mother's Day, I would like to share some of my thoughts, in loving memory, of my Mother.
              
                                                                
                                                             Happy Mother's Day
                                                       In loving memory of my Mother
                                                                         1918-2000

                                           This coming Sunday is 'Mother's Day'!
                                                       Marked on the calendar as such.
                                            Does it really matter to celebrate this day, Yes!
                                               Mothers are priceless and loved, very much.

                                                      Memories take me back to my Mother.
                              You could look the world over and none like her would you find.
                                        My Mother had a gift; 'a way of life Mother', so to speak.
                                      She went beyond the scope of caring but she didn't mind.

                                         My Mother laughed and had a great sense of humor.
                                           She joined hearts together in a quiet and simply way.
                                                   Her love will always linger in memory
                                               with her family and many friends, every day.

                                             She was a Mother without reservations
                                               in anything and everything through her love.
                                                It didn't matter if it was a big or small task
                                        true colors of love came forth as in the symbol of a dove.

                                                          She always had a smile for others
                                                            beyond the scope of her family.
                                                       She was the 'peace-keeper' to many
                                                 in a way that she didn't want any flatter.

                                            My Mother was all about peace and love
                                             with all people and anything that she touched.
                                            She is a Mother to treasure through memories
                                                    and I will treasure, forever, very much. 

                                                     Copyrighted by Doris Swertfeger 2013 

Loving Memories

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

IN A ROSE GARDEN OF A RAINY DAY


Today as I reflect on this rainy day, weekend that we are experiencing, I think of the importance and purpose of rain.  I think of everybody that are in the work force and long to have a weekend that is 'Sunny'.

I still remember how I looked forward to the weekends after working all week behind closed doors.  The weather wasn't much of a concern if I had to work to some degree.  I didn't have the choice of enjoying the outdoors. So, the weekends with Sunshine were a wonderful thing to experience. 
I would like to share this poem that I penned from these thoughts of:

                                  IN A ROSE GARDEN OF A RAINY DAY

IN THE ROSE GARDEN OF A RAINY DAY

COULD BE A DAY WITHOUT SONG.

IN THE ROSE GARDEN OF A RAINY DAY

COULD BE A DAY WITHOUT A PRETTY DAWN.

 

I FEEL MY ROSE GARDEN OF A RAINY DAY

IS A DAY FULL OF REFLECTION AND WONDER.

IN THE ROSE GARDEN OF A RAINY DAY,

I SLOW DOWN A BIT, THIS OPENS UP TIME TO PONDER.

 

IT SEEMS ON THOSE SUNNY DAYS OF SUNSHINE

I AM ALL ABOUT THINGS WITH A FASTER PACE.

IN THE ROSE GARDEN OF A RAINY DAY,

IT SLOWS ME DOWN FROM THE HUMAN RACE.

 

MOST ALL PEOPLE LIKE THOSE SUNNY DAYS,

INSTEAD OF THOSE 'RAINY DAYS' AND GLOOM.

IN THE ROSE GARDEN OF A RAINY DAY,

I CAN SMELL THE FRAGRANCE OF THE 'ROSE GARDEN BLOOMS'.

 

IN THE ROSE GARDEN OF A RAINY DAY,

THE RAIN SPRINKLES INNER GROWTH.

WHILE THE SUNSHINE BRINGS FORTH,

THE BEAUTY OF 'THE ROSE GARDEN' WORTH.

 

 

COPYRIGHTED BY DORIS SWERTFEGER

                                                                                                                        05-04-2013

Until next time

God Bless

Doris



REFLECTIONS ...... THIS IS WRITTEN TO ANYBODY.....NOT JUST RSD/CRPS PERSONS

This past week as I was going through some old papers, I found a letter that was written to me from my Mother. This letter had to have been written over 40 years ago.  Do you have any idea as to how my heart pounded with joy as I read and reflected on my relationship with my Mother?  It was awesome.  And, as I reviewed more in this very old box of old papers, I found a note from my Daughter when she was so young that she could only print in a very large size. Again, my heart leaped and pounded in Joy! 
It brought to mind how precious those ties are and how time gets in our way for reflecting what is truly important in life.  Because, tomorrow just might change what we hold dear today in some way. 
                    
As I reflected on this past week as to how many hearts were broken and still are, it opens up an abundance of awareness as to how we take so many things for granted every day of our lives.

In today's world, we are so caught up in so many 'things' and I don't think that there are too many that are exempted from this.  It has become a way of life in these times. 

When our dreams come true and our plans prove successful, we find it easy to thank our Creator and easy to trust His divine providence.  But in times of sorrow or hardship, we may find ourselves questioning God's plans for our lives. 

From the events that unfolded this past week in Boston, so many people in the world are confronting these circumstances to the very core of their souls.  It is during these difficult days that we must find the wisdom and the courage to trust.  In spite of these circumstances, there is purpose and a hope for people to change and 'good' come from what has been sent their/our way. 

I live with the view that one's faith and religious activities are very personal and one to be left to each individual.  However, this weekend a pastor concluded his sermon in this way. 
I feel it is a good way to conclude my sharing today with his words.

As we all go through testing and trials in our everyday life and living.......JUST REMEMBER,
IN A CLASS ROOM OF STUDENTS TAKING AN EXAM, THE TEACHER IS SILENT.

Until next time, God Bless
Doris


THE RAINBOW OF HOPE