Category: Love
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Beautiful people
“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are”—Markus Zusak.
Today’s society relies so much on exterior beauty as a compass for determining worth and physical attractiveness. Size matters. Fitting into a “0-1-2” is considered lovely or glamorous. If the path to accomplish this goal leads to emotional trauma and anorexia, this is not healthy or appropriate.
When faced with a decision regarding a suitable warrior, shepherd boy David was chosen. Age was against him. He was not extremely tall or built large physically. In fact, Goliath towered over young David. Anyone could see that he posed no match for the Philistine giant. Other than battling wild animals to fend off destroying his flock, David possessed no war medals. Yet, God counted him a worthy defender of the Israelites. David’s inner strength and victory came from his commander and chief: God.
Women and men look on the outside, but God looks on the inside. What’s beneath the surface is the stuff that equals courage. Is there evidence of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in my life? (Galatians 5:22, 23)
I want to be beautiful—beautiful on the inside; what I am not just who I say I am. To do this, my actions should reflect my words. My words reflect what’s in my heart and mind. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.
Dear God, Thank you for providing the model for beauty. You sacrificed Your only Son so that I could enjoy life to the fullest. I want to be worthy of this ultimate gift by reflecting beauty from the inside out. You are more concerned about what’s in my heart.
What character qualities are you cultivating?
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The Transformation Project
This year, our local Word Weavers writers group embarked upon a mission of compiling an anthology book. The theme would be “Transformation.” For some odd reason, the idea didn’t excite me—at least not at first.
Most of the submissions were already turned in, critiqued, and accepted before I decided it would be a good idea to get with the program and come up with something for the book. I searched my archives and found the perfect journal article. My son.
My son was transformed later in his teens—(you’ll just have to read my story to find out about the before and after details). Little did I know that during that whole upsetting ordeal that God was transforming my heart. Transforming it from independence on self and dependence on the only wise God. I didn’t even realize this story had evolved into a double transformation. One in my dear son’s heart and one close to home: me.
Maybe you’ve experienced deep grief in your soul in the past. Or, maybe you’re experiencing it right now. I invite you to take a look at the stories enclosed within the covers of our new release, The Transformation Project. The book is available in both paperback and Kindle format.
P.S. the title of my story is: I Hope He’ll Come Home.
Dare to tell about a time of #transformation in your life. #WordWeavers W MI authors did. https://amzn.to/1d195NW
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Alone Time
Precious
Rare
Underrated
Craved
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Visits with Family
Liberty & Ean time Together we:
Talk
Walk
Laugh
Play
Draw
Color
Boat
Observe
Remember
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The work of His hand
“Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” – Isaiah 64:8.
Liberty holding baby Elijah’s hand I am nothing, He is all. I do nothing of my own. He does it. — Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Further reading: Isaiah 64:5-10
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Joys of Grandparenting
Grandparenting
Questions
Witty sayings
Laughable remarks
More questionsInexpressible joy
Weary muscles
Unconditional boundless loveWould I trade for money?
Not a chance! -
Beauty and Majesty on Mackinac Island
I just returned from a dream-come-true mini vacation. Three days on Mackinac Island, located in the State of Michigan between the states’s upper and Lower Peninsula.
The island is a national historic landmark and a motor-free environment since 1898. Only walkers, bicycles, and horses are permitted. The experience is truly stepping back in time. To top it all off, the 3.8 square miles in land (eight miles in circumference), the island is totally surrounded by water accessible only by boat or airplane. In the winter, snowmobiles are allowed if Lake Huron is frozen. More than 80% of the island remains preserved as Mackinac Island State Park.
Whenever I visit the Island, it’s a brand-new experience for me. Riding the ferry over, I still marvel at the majestic landscape, hotels, and homes as we approach the dock. The distinct smell of horses hits my nose first. Followed by sweet smells of fudge, candy, and popcorn. Clothing and trinket shops abound.
It’s only natural for me to get caught up in the pursuit of finding just the right souvenir. Will it be a shirt, hat, jacket or other item? Would this fit my grandchild? Or, so & so would love this!
I see this/that and I either say out loud or to myself, Liberty, Elijah, and Ezekiel would have fun riding on a horse-drawn carriage. My daughter, sister, and nieces would love shopping in this jewelry or clothing shop. Look at those beautiful flowers — wouldn’t my Mom love to see those? And, she’d known exactly what they are called.
But there’s always a problem. Actually two problems.
- I want to bring back some token of the trip for everyone I know! And it’s difficult to know where to draw the line.
- I also would like family members and my friends to be there with me. Is that crazy or what?
Whenever I see beauty or experience something unique or out-of-the-ordinary, this is where my mind goes. If only given enough time and money.
Am I odd to wish my loved ones were there with me? Does anyone else ever think like this?
Mackinaw Island Marina -
Come away with me
“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me” — Song of Songs 2:11-13.
In the book of Song of Songs, King Solomon writes of love & carefree days. He speaks of courtship & consummation of love between a man and a woman.
This type of pleasure can also be carried over into our relationship with God. God longs for my companionship. He eagerly awaits me to quiet my body and mind. To still my thoughts & drink in His presence, love, and wisdom. He woos me away from the cares of today. Coaxes me to focus on Him; not on my problems or circumstances.
When life calls me away from contemplation and into disorder, confusion, and strife — I push God further and further from the center of my life. The center of my soul.
Chaos, fear, doubt, depression, and health problems are symptomatic results.
I’m sure your days are filled to the brim … just like mine. I feel there is little time to pause, read scripture, and pray. Or maybe it’s that I’m not allowing for that time in my life. When there’s much to do, that’s the day, I need to spend more time on my knees.
How about you? Did you steal away for some God-time yet?
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Rest for a weary soul
“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7.
