The Story of LET

The next word art I was compelled to paint was LET!!!!

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This was a no brainer for me. LET is one of my favorite words that has given me lots of insight into my heart and soul – especially in recent years.

LET is used in the Bible over a thousand times but one of my favorite scriptures is in the book of John:

“LET not your heart be troubled, neither LET it be afraid.”

Consider some of the synonyms used trying to define the meaning of LET. Enable. Give permission. Free up. Concede. Allow. Permit. To cause to.

The more I ponder the meaning of LET, the more power I realize I have in my life. LET implies choice. And this is truly game-changing when you find yourself in a situation you don’t want to be in. We’ve all been there. But the truth is, even in the midst of unpleasant experiences, we have a choice in how we feel, how we choose to handle whatever we are facing.

I’ve painted BE. And LET.

Which word came next?

 

I'm NOT in a hurry!

As I went for my morning walk a favorite song by Alabama from the 1990’s came to mind.

“I’m in a hurry and don’t know why”

As I began to hum the tune, I realized for the first time in a LONG time I didn’t feel like I was in a hurry. I wasn’t rushing around from one thing to the next. I have finally been able to slow my life down a tad and give a little time to some other things that matter to me.

I say other because much of the past year or so has been meeting the care needs of my mamma. Certainly, caring for my mom is on my list of what matters most to me. It’s just that caring for her in the past several months has left little time for anything else that is also important to me.

Why do I suddenly have MORE time in my life?

I’m so very grateful to have found a live-in caregiver for my mom who is truly an angel sent by God. Actually we have one live-in and one part-time caregivers. Both angels! You may have heard me say this before and you’ll probably hear me say it many many more times.

I’m so grateful that I can now visit my mamma. Let me say that again. I’m so grateful that I can now VISIT my mamma and truly VISIT with her. I’m not at her house rushing around doing this and that. I get to lay down next to her and cuddle and kiss her cheek and just BE THERE with her.

And ….I can take a leisurely stroll in the mornings and fully encompass my surroundings and be aware of every feeling, every thought and take deep breathes and enjoy each moment. Ah…

How about you? Do you feel rushed, pulled, stressed?

My wish for you is that you’ll find a way to have more peace and calm in your life! And TIME for ALL the things that are important to you.

Maybe give yourself a break RIGHT NOW and listen to Alabama! Click on the song title above and you should be taken to the youtube song.

 

 

P.S. My featured image with this blog is a gal walking by the sea. My FAVORITE place to take a walk! Guess I’m doing a little dreaming…

 

 

 

Doxie in the moonlight

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Was anyone else outside this morning at 4:40?

Our little dachshund, Lady, decided to tell her mamma it was potty time at 4:40 AM today. So a very grumpy, sleepy-eyed mamma obliged and carried her outside so she could take care of her business.

While she searched for the perfect spot, I managed to get the sand out of my eyes to be blessed with a beautiful moment. Up in a gorgeous, midnight blue sky was a huge, orange moon that looked like it was sitting on the western horizon. I stood there a few moments after Lady had completed her task basking in the beauty of the moon.

Later in the day I wished I had been awake enough to have the presence of mind to go get my camera and try to capture the scene. But alas I didn’t.

Even still, the view seems to now hold a permanent spot in my memory as I sit here this evening in blissful remembrance.

My beautiful moon lesson hasn’t escaped me. It was a wonderful reminder that even in the midst of inconvenient, uncomfortable, unpleasant, difficult, boring tasks, duties or situations, there can be beauty that is not to be missed. Beauty that reminds us that the bad in our experience will pass and the good will remain — as sure as the moon will be out again tonight!

Feeling grateful….

 

 

 

 

You are precious! Help me spread this message to young women!

Just when I was having a bad day, feeling down on myself, filled with regrets, consumed with grief, beating myself up with a bunch of what I should have done lectures, a very dear friend sends me a video message that truly was a God-send.

I was reminded again that my mamma was right when she said we are all somebody’s angel!

So my friends, if you’re feeling like everything in your life is falling apart or you’re doubting your world changing capabilities or you’re wondering if you’re too much or not enough, I invite you to listen to this video.

In fact, after hearing on the news today about another heart-breaking young teen girl’s suicide, I intend to share this video with every young woman, teenager, girl I know! 

I want every young woman to know how precious and important they are, that they are needed, and wanted! That yes, we may make choices we sometimes regret. But part of life is learning to make better choices. We all must learn this lesson. I know it may sometimes be bittersweet. I know this from experience. I’m learning such a lesson right now.

But I want all young women to know that nothing is worth ending their life. That they need not feel they must figure out solutions to their problems or mistakes alone. Ask for help. There is a world that desperately needs them, needs their talent, their insights, their accomplishments. And there are people in this world who can and will help.  

 

Never doubt your greatness

 

I say, “Never doubt your worth or worthiness. Never doubt your abilities.”

I have always believed that God not only will give us what we need, she’s going to lead us, she has our back, and she’ll hold our hand. “The Queen of Damn Good Advice” in my life, my mamma, has always assured me that God is with us every step of our life journey. No matter what need arises along the way, God would have a solution. My mamma has always been right!

Our journeys are our own. Each princess and queen has a purpose that is significant. Each of our missions is distinct. No one else is suitable or worthy to fulfill our individual mission. Don’t let anyone make you believe otherwise.

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Want to hear a song that encouraged me at a time when I was questioning my worth, my purpose, my passion?

“A small star” by Jana Stanfield.

What does your courage mean?

Are you feeling insignificant, unimportant or unworthy?

Are you questioning what the heck you are trying to accomplish?

Are you unsure of your purpose or your passion?

Do you feel like your contribution is so small it would not be missed?

This song touched my heart and lifted my soul in a way that nothing else had in a long time. At a time when I was questioning my purpose and doubting my potential and ability, gratefully, someone had the courage and inspiration to share this song with me.

“A small star” by Jana Stanfield.

It proclaims, “Even a small star shines in the darkness, for someone somewhere to see…” It points out, “No one ever sees their own magnitude.”

I hope it brings YOU the encouragement and strength YOU need because you ARE needed. Your life does matter. You are important. In fact, you and what you contribute to this world of ours is essential. Big stars, small stars – each and every one of us shines a light that makes a difference to somebody.

So find your courage! Somebody needs you!