Moss covered walls
Adorn stone blocks
Brightly painted door opens wide
Beckoning “Come inside”
Who knows where
The passageway might lead
Palm tree laden down
Carries fruit of the vine
Hovering over inviting arch
Will you risk walking in?
To discover the next adventure
So close — just on the other side
–Golden Rock Plantation, Island of Nevis – enjoyed a delightful meal in outdoor gardens, Nov., 2012
You’ve probably wondered where I’ve been the last couple of weeks — 15 days of being “unplugged” from Internet and cell phones. Yes, I said 15 days & I must say except for the first 2-3 days of nervous withdrawal, it’s been great! I am here today to tell you it can be done and with a large degree of satisfaction.
My location necessitated this decision to be totally unplugged. My husband and I and three other couples boarded a 40-foot Leopard catamaran in Marigot Bay, St. Martin. We successfully circumnavigated nine different islands and bays in the West Indies including St. Marteen (Dutch & French side), St. Barts, Nevis, St. Kitts, Statia, Anguilla, Ilet Pinel & Tintamarre and back to St. Marteen.
I experienced a wide spectrum of emotions during the two weeks including (but not limited to):
Now I can bask in memories as I peruse our numerous pictures. You, too, can come along as I share the photos here & on Facebook.
There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books. Irving Stone
The author of The Agony and the Ecstasy, born in 1903.
I began the day in tears thinking about missing my own dear Mom. One word that described my mother would be “Encourager.” My Mom was my biggest cheerleader. If she only knew how far I’ve come along with my dream of writing and publishing … she’d be waving those imaginary pom-poms and saying, “You go, girl. I am so proud of you!”
But she isn’t here to wish a Happy Mother’s Day. On July 23, 1990 (a very sad day indeed) God chose to bring her home to him. How could such a good woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter be taken from us at such a young age? Yet I know that God’s “thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8).
I wasn’t even sure I could hold it together enough to attend church, but I’m happy to say that the day ended with me feeling thankful and blessed! Our church orchestra and choir played and sang awesome music. God knew just what I needed to hear — He is all we need (Sing to the King). I spent time after the service chatting with some friends.
I felt blessed beyond measure on all counts by the end of the day. God is indeed awesome! God filled in the gaps of missing my own Mom with other’s love and generosity …
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Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus,
He is all we need.
Lift up a heart of praise,
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus,
Sing to the King.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) 
This quote has always intrigued me. Just what does iron have to do with people and friendships? So I did a little checking on the subject matter and thought I’d share with you a few thoughts.
1.) What constitutes a good friend? Honesty. Concern. Love. Remaining non-judgmental. Knowing when to back off and allow God to direct. I remember a time when I felt overwhelmed with my to-do list and didn’t hesitate to unload on Sharry. She reminded me that I didn’t have to always be the one to orchestrate family gatherings and suggested it was time for others to step in. I listened to her sage advice and stepped aside. Another family member hosted the event which relieved me of the bulk of the work.
2.) Why should I choose carefully? Being around and involved with good people — people with like values and motives is healthy. Good friends keep me accountable to do and say what is right. When my children were growing up, I continually prayed for friends (even one good one) who would be a positive influence and help steer them in the right direction. Unfortunately, they didn’t always choose wisely which led to disappointments.
Has someone spoken to you about a certain attitude or action they’ve noticed about you? Does it cause you concern or stress? Can you take this matter to God and ask him if this is something you need to deal with or something to set aside?
* more to follow in next post …
The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
This story shows the complexity and brokenness of human nature through the eyes of a young girl. Victoria was abandoned at birth by her mother. She never knew her mother or her father. Jerked from foster care to foster care, she understandably lacks stability, love and self-esteem.
Year after year her insecurity and hesitancy to attach to any human being grows. Any human touch causes Victoria nausea and potential vomiting. Until she meets Elizabeth at age 10. Elizabeth is a vineyard owner and becomes her temporary guardian. This home is finally where Victoria begins to feel what real love might feel like.
I realize the book is not categorized as inspirational/religious, but I saw unconditional love played out in the part of Elizabeth. Elizabeth told Victoria repeatedly that there was nothing she could do to cause her to give her up or to not love her. Victoria still tries the limits of this love on more than one occasion. Yet Elizabeth never withdraws her love or gives up on winning her back again. Just like God never gives up on us no matter how many times we mess up. He’s always willing to take us back under his wing of protection.
Then came the fire, hospitalization for Victoria, and Elizabeth disappeared from Victoria’s life. Unfortunately, she’s left with no choice, so it’s back into the flawed foster child system where she stays until she becomes emancipated from a group home.
A form of redemption came into Victoria’s life when she met Renata, owner of Bloom flower shop. Renata hires Victoria to work for her at the flower shop. Renata seems to understand Victoria’s complexity and need for her own space. Victoria begins to bloom and blossom as she creates arrangements according to the client’s needs — almost to a magical point. Client’s personal relationships improved according to the flowers Victoria’s arranged and delivered. Hence, the flower shop prospered and Victoria matures.
The author goes into great detail about plants and flowers describing their unique meanings. I looked forward to learning, along with Victoria, the history and thinking behind each flower and grew to love flowers even more as I read the story. “The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, aster for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude.”
The main character, Victoria, deals with deep-rooted woundedness and unresolved self-esteem issues her entire life. She resists anyone who tries to get close to her emotionally or physically by acting out in uncivil ways. As a reader, I personally felt the pain of the underdog, the unwanted, unloved and pushed aside in society. I wanted to reach out and adopt Victoria myself!
The Language of Flowers deals with complex human nature and social issues. I found the book to be very intriguing and swept me right along from start to finish.
Harmony — what most of us strive for in our everyday life. What many are unable to grasp. The opposite of harmony might be stress or frustration.
When two or more individuals sit together in a room, a sense of harmony is either felt or not. If harmony is felt, productivity rises. Camaraderie boosts self-esteem and a sense of belonging reigns.
I look forward to being captivated for an overnight retreat with a group of fellow writer friends. Some I know; others I do not. We’ll be together for 24 hours participating in various activities such as:
Will it be hard work? Yes. But, ‘twill be worth it!
All the people invited and attending will be of the same mind. The same attitude of goal seeking with an attempt to better themselves and learn more of the craft of writing. Do we all write the same type of pieces? No … some write fiction, others non-fiction, screenplays or poetry. We are created different, but similar in many respects.
Like-mindedness. Unity. Compatibility. Respect. Artistic talents. These qualities achieved by thinking highly of others and not thinking too highly of self. Most possess sensitive spirits; some harbor bruised lives and egos. Yet, we carry on the mission and passion God instilled in our hearts long ago. Desiring to put down on paper what God has taught us. Eager to share personal knowledge and words of wisdom from having walked dusty, bumpy trails.
In the book of Galatians, Paul tells believers in Christ about the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These are traits God is pleased with and would smile upon.
This is what I see manifest when I rub shoulders with my fellow harmonious comrades. It’s almost like being with family; except with friends, I can choose them!
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” — Psalm 139:14.
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I just completed two weeks at my new job. Description of the job:
* Tiring
* Stretching me
* And I’m weary, but
I am so thankful that God showed up this week! God helped me literally walk miles through unchartered territory, meet new faces (and even remember some!)
My hubby supported me even so far as to pack my lunch while I scrambled to shower, dress and be out the door by 6:15 a.m.
Bonus: I have the opportunity to work with a Christian colleague – God, you are amazing!
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Ephesians 3:20).
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God knows when I’m tired and just want to roll over and sleep. He knows when I can’t pay one more bill or make a phone call to a friend of family member. We all need that critical refreshment and renewal time. 
Help me recognize when I need to schedule quiet, down-time alone and with you, God. You don’t confuse physical weariness with spiritual weakness. You allowed Elijah to sleep – then he was ready for the battle and ready to receive much-needed insight from You.
Then God appears to Elijah—not in a great and powerful wind, not through an earthquake, nor in the fire, but “after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). But God, I’m been zealous for you, but those Israelites—they keep rejecting you. And now I am the only one left to serve you and they’re trying to kill me too.
Once Elijah finished his pity party, God then gave Elijah his marching orders. Oh, and by the way, there remained 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal. God knows the WHOLE story. Just like Elijah, we don’t see the entire picture, but God does!
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