Fruitcake, yay or nay

 Fruitcake, yay or nay.

I love Fruitcake. My mother made it every year for Thanksgiving and the holidays. That's if we didn't eat it all at Thanksgiving! Mom would even go as far as hiding a loaf in the back of the refrigerator or freezer. That way, we would be sure to have a loaf for Christmas or New Year's. I remember she would begin making the loaves months in advance. One year at Christmas, Mom gave me an I O U for a fruitcake. She knew how much I loved it. She wanted to make me one for my next birthday. My birthday is in August, but Mom passed the very next July. Our 1st family Thanksgiving without Mom was difficult, to say the least. Unless you've experienced a holiday without a loved one for the 1st time, there are no words that can describe the emptiness. Her chair at the table, empty. We would grieve all over again at  first holidays without her. Oddly, my sister went to the frig to look for something, and behold, she found one of Mom's fruitcakes. It was the very last loaf she made. Hidden, just as she would do. Fast forward, a couple of years ago, my stepmother gave me a "Mother's " dessert plate. Every year on December 31st, my mother's birthday, I use the plate to serve fruitcake. It's my way of celebrating Mom. I still have the fruitcake I O U on my refrigerator. Enjoy your family and loved ones while they are still here. Celebrate their lives and cherish the memories if they have passed. God bless.

Time or Faith

 Time or Faith

Faith is believing in the unseen. Time is the in-between.   Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Some of us have such wonderful relationships with friends & family members, that even when we don't see them on a daily basis, we can pick up right where we left off. As if time stands still. The same can be with your higher power. God will never leave or forsake you. You can pickup where you left off, any day, anytime. Christmas is a special time of year. We reach out or send Christmas cards to loved ones, family and friends. Some we see on a daily basis, and some not so much. Perhaps only that one time a year. No matter the time period, you can always reach out or be there. This Christmas was Xtra special for me. A reconnection with an old friend through social media I havent seen in over 20 years. I picked up the phone and called her. I also spoke with my daughter overseas, and my Dad over 1300 miles away. But to top it off was hearing a sweet little voice at the other end of line saying " Merry Christmas Grandma Michele" . I don't get to see her because of the miles and time between us, but she has faith knowing there's a Grandmother that loves her will receive her message. Don't loose heart, never let time be a barrier, and keep the faith!

Finding Purpose

 Ever wonder what your real purpose here on earth is? Finding it is not always easy, in fact, you may need to be patient and wait a lot of years before it's actually revealed to you. So how do you find your place in life? I've always said, "just keep doing what you do best or love to do and one day it will come to you" I've been on the Production team for a year now happily serving on camera duties. I decided to take a break and try something different. I wanted to serve in different areas and meet new people. But after a couple weeks I found I was missing what I love most.  I was shown loud and clear where I needed to be. With me I can't live joyfully without some sort of camera in hand. It drives my creativity and design. We have all been created unique. It's the masterplan. God created you with a gift or many gifts. It's up to us what we do with those gifts. I believe one day we'll be held accountable for how we use those gifts. Don't go about it halfheartedly. You'll be cheating yourself. Not that it's about yourself, but rather how you can use your gift to please God. Inspire and encourage others. Do what you love and serve well. One day you'll want to hear those words, "Well Done". What is it you have a passion for in life? What do you do well? Write them down and reflect about what you love best. Get started! Make the most of your talents!

Loving Life

 Love your life, love where you live,

Take things in stride, learn to forgive,

Love the Lord, with all your might,

In Him find strength, where all is bright,

Love your life, love where you live,

Be humble, but brave, make time to give,

Reflect, but, never forget, 

live free, giving thanks to thee,

serve, and serve well, use your gifts, 

Love your life, love where you live,

It's not a place or a home,

It's knowing, in your heart,

you're never alone. 

Time

time, 

what is time? 

If you could snap your fingers and go to any given time like magic, where would it be? A place, a moment, a memory, a split second, minutes, hours, a day, a month, a year, a century? It's the in between that you can never get back. So why do we turn back the clocks in the Fall or forward in the Spring? You cannot change time. Enjoy the moments of your seasons here on earth....time?...where we're headed, there is no time.....

under pastel skies

 under pastel skies

I take in clear delight,

believing in the promises during morning & evening light,

we won't always be here together on earth,

so take it for what it's really worth,

being mired in the difficulties of life,

but for the gift of eternity

ensuring you'll will be alright.

believe in the future, as far as you can see,

there is a promise land for you & me...... words by michele

Lasting impression

 As we grow older, our priorities change. While I reach another milestone I reflect on my own journey. We cannot change the past, but we can adjust our sails for the future. Our paths cross and connect with people we meet every day. We leave an everlasting impression with as little as a glance. Stopping briefly at a traffic light, I make a connection with a toddler in her car seat. We both wave and tip our sippy cups acknowledging each other to begin our morning. As we part ways I wonder what she's thinking, how will she spend her day, what will she grow up to be? Did I make a difference in her morning?  Her Father was busy, heavily engaged in his portable devices the whole time and never noticed our encounter. Every minute in the day is valuable. How will you spend your time today? What impression will you leave with someone?