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?

Christmas Memories

 2020 has been a very different year for everyone with Covid. Its the little things that have brought or kept family & friends together. While technology is wonderful, it is really those physical feelings that make a difference. 

On Christmas day I called my Dad wishing him a great holiday. After catching up, I asked him if he still had any of Mom's Christmas decorations up in the attic. He tried his best convincing me Mom had sold most of them before she passed & that after all these years they had pretty much cleaned the attic out. I was disappointed but we remeninced about previous Christmas years decorating with Mom. We laughed about how we would complain about so many boxes we had to bring down from the attic every season. Dad said he sent a box & it should be arriving any day now. I told him I felt bad about not traveling this year but he insisted it was better to stay safe.

The next morning, the dog & I awoke up by such a clatter. What, Santa, a day late? It was not even 0700. I rose to see what was the matter & I could see the mail truck parked outside. Sure enough, the box Dad sent was inside my entry. Hurray! More presents as the Christmas spirit continues.

Everything was wrapped carefully and packed delicately. The first package I unwrapped was a familiar old vintage box. I recognized it right away. I could not hold back the tears and out loud awes. I was overcome by fond memories of Mom & I once again while flooded with tears. Those moments of decorating the tree with Mom had become surreal as I held the vintage ornaments in my hands. It was the most perfect gift. 

Another package was wrapped individually. It was hand written with love and a message of "found in the attic& since you live near disney" Oh my goodness, it was a vintage glass Mickey Mouse ornament. It may have even been the one I brought back from Disney on my senior class trip 40 years ago. 

Every gift Dad & my step Mom sent me were very thoughtful and I'm forever grateful. The memories being cherished with every sparkle and glistening. 

We may not be able to spend the holidays with everyone but we can enjoy the gifts and the thoughtfulness behind them. 

For now, I'll be grateful for the things I do have.

You cannot cancel Christmas as it lives in your heart not under the tree.

Merry Christmas & warm wishes for the New year! 

  

Two hour tour

 I am blessed to live near the beach these days. It is said a cold front is upon us so I decided it was a perfect opportunity to put my toes in the sand. The day was sunny and cloudless. A mere 90 with a slight breeze & zero humidity at the end of November. The seagulls appeared happy & celebrating the end of hurricane season. I too was relieved with the change and start of a new season. The Osprey hovered and made dives for their dinner, while sandpipers were at a frenzy with incoming tides. I walked a two hour tour while the ocean sifted long stretches of shells. It never gets old wading in the shallows searching for treasures. No matter what age you are or how many shells you already have. Each time you walk the beaches is a new memory, a new page in your journey or a renewed feeling of being refreshed. I filled the pockets of my shorts with the treasures I chose and thought to myself; "it is well with my soul". It was the perfect way to wrap up a Thanksgiving weekend. After 2 Thanksgiving gatherings with family, friends & neighbors, I had much to be grateful for this year.