Loving Kindness

I have learned that stuff doesn't matter,
but God and people do.
That God is more interested in what's in my heart,
than in my house or on my body.
How I treat others is more important
than what I do for a living.
That God knows my needs before I do
and he always provides for me.
My words might not come out right,
but He sees what's in my heart,
he sees my true intentions.
He gives me every good thing
and asks only for gratitude.
He extends His grace and mercy to me,
and expects me to do the same for others.
How could I not love someone as wonderful as He is?
Thank You Lord for teaching me who you are
and who I am in you.

My Blessings: Week One

Day 1 of what I'm thankful for: A roof over my head, you never realize what a blessing it is until you face life without one. The hidden homeless are all around us and I happen to be one of them.

Day 2 of what I'm thankful for: My husband, no matter the circumstances, he has taught me so many things that I could never have learned any other way. Job 1:21

Day 3 of what I'm thankful for: My health. I have good days and bad days, the good days keep me going forward and the bad days remind me that I'm still alive. That alone is enough to make me grateful.

Day 4 of my blessings: Definitely my 4 parents, they may drive me crazy sometimes, but they helped shape me into who I am and I love them very much! ♥"

Day 5 of my blessings: my friends and extended family, you've all been so warm and supportive this past year, you can't imagine what that's meant to me.

Day 6 of my blessings: I'm thankful that I have the right to vote and was able to exercise that right.

Day 7 of my blessings: My 3 sisters and brother, I've learned so much from all of you and love and miss you dearly. ♥

Promises to myself for when I have income

I promise to:

provide flowers for myself once a week either bought or homegrown
get my hair done at least twice a year (Capri counts)
treat myself to a massage and pedicure on my birthday (Capri counts)
take myself out to dinner and a movie once a month (HyVee Chinese and Redbox do count)
buy one "new to me" book a month
buy one "new to me" article of clothing a month
put aside money so that I can do something nice for someone else every week
put money in a Christmas club account so that I can bless others
put money in a "just in case" kitty fund to provide for Boo and Nanos' needs
sponsor a child in another country
support the charities and ministries I believe in
become a foster parent
keep it simple, if it no longer brings me joy it doesn't belong in my life, pass it on
Tithe 10% and Save 10%
Thank God everyday for all my blessings!

I'm still a mother!

What Makes a Mother

by Jennifer Wasik

In memory of Zachery Wasik 

1/29/98-1/29/98

I thought of you and closed my eyes

And prayed to God today.

I asked what makes a Mother

And I know I heard him say.

A Mother has a baby

This we know is true.

But God can you be a Mother

When your baby's not with you?

Yes, you can He replied

With confidence in His voice

I give many women babies

When they leave is not their choice.

Some I send for a lifetime

And others for a day.

And some I send to feel your womb

But there's no need to stay

I just don't understand this, God

I want my baby here

He took a breath and cleared His throat

And then I saw a tear.

I wish I could show you

What your child is doing today.

If you could see your child smile

With other children and say

"We go to earth to learn our lessons

Of love and life and fear.

My Mommy loved me oh so much

I got to come straight here.

I feel so lucky to have a Mom

Who had so much love for me

I learned my lesson very quickly

My mommy set me free.

I miss my Mommy oh so much

But I visit her each day.

When she goes to sleep

On her pillow's where I lay.

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek

And whisper in her ear.

Mommy don't be sad today

I'm your baby and I'm here."

So you see my dear sweet one

Your children are ok

Your babies are here in My home

And this is where they'll stay.

They'll wait for you with Me

Until your lesson is through.

And on the day that you come home

They'll be at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a Mother

It's the feeling in your heart.

It's the love you had so much of

Right from the very start.

Through some on earth may not realize you are a Mother,

Until their time is done.

They'll be up here with Me one day

And you know you're the best one!

This poem has special meaning to me because back in the summer of 2000, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was expecting. We'd had a magical night while at a conference in New Jersey and he'd even said he was going to get me pregnant but I didn't really believe him.  I just remember feeling very much loved and desired, at the time that was more than I could have hoped for. 

When I found out 1 1/2 months later I was so excited, full of joy and happiness only to suffer a miscarriage 2 weeks later. My husband and I really never discussed it, I always wished we would have. It would have comforted me so much because at the time I blamed myself , thinking that I had somehow done something wrong, that I was a failure at being a mother. He pulled far away from me after that and I came to believe that he blamed me too. Now I know that I have Endometriosis, though that might not have had anything to do with it at all, it could have been anything that caused it. The main thing is I no longer blame myself but I still really don't like Mother's Day, because it reminds me of everything I lost. 

My baby would have been 11 this year, I miss him so much. I've always felt that it was a boy, perhaps because that's what I wanted, first a boy then a sweet little girl that would have had her daddy's heart wrapped around her finger. He would be her big brother and protect her when we couldn't. I feel this dream fading fast and it's such a bittersweet pain. This is my way of dealing I guess, letting it out and sharing it.

Too Soon

by Mary Yarnell

This was a life
That had hardly begun
No time to find
Your place in the sun
No time to do
All you could have done
But we loved you enough for a lifetime

No time to enjoy
The world and it's wealth
No time to take life
Down off the shelf
No time to sing
The song of yourself
Though you had enough love for a lifetime

Those who live long
Endure sadness and tears
But you'll never suffer
The sorrowing years;
No betrayal, no anger,
No hatred, no fears
Just love, only love, in your lifetime.

The Journey

The Journey

by Erin Vick Franklin

This great gift I have been given

I am not worthy of

It's only by the wondrous grace

Of my Lord above.

So I wait upon you oh Lord

I do not want to fall

It's your will I desire

Only your will above all.

I know you have great plans for me

But I just feel so lost

What do you have in store for me?

I will go despite the cost.

It is me my sweet child

That you are yearning for

It is me who is your destiny

I am your great reward.

My plan is for you to know me

And to become just like my son

I promise to come back for you 

When all is said and done.

For now enjoy my presence

Lead others to my grace

Don't worry about tomorrow

Simply live life for today.

I Forgive

“I forgive the tears I was made to shed,
I forgive the pain and the disappointments,
I forgive the betrayals and the lies,
I forgive the slanders and intrigues,
I forgive the hatred and the persecution,
I forgive the blows that hurt me,
I forgive the wrecked dreams,
I forgive the stillborn hopes,
I forgive the hostility and jealousy,
I forgive the indifference and ill will,
I forgive the injustice carried out in the name of justice,
I forgive the anger and the cruelty,
I forgive the neglect and the contempt,
I forgive the world and all its evils.”


She lowers her arms, opens her eyes, and puts her hands to her face. I go over to embrace her, but she stops me with a gesture.
“I haven’t finished yet.”

She closes her eyes again and raises her face heavenward.

“I also forgive myself. May the misfortunes of the past no longer weigh on my heart. Instead of pain and resentment, I choose understanding and compassion. Instead of rebellion, I choose the music from my violin. Instead of grief, I choose forgetting. Instead of vengeance, I choose victory.

“I will be capable of loving, regardless of whether I am loved
in return,
Of giving, even when I have nothing,
Of working happily, even in the midst of difficulties,
Of holding out my hand, even when utterly alone and
abandoned,
Of drying my tears, even while I weep,
Of believing, even when no one believes in me.”

She opens her eyes, places her hands on my head, and says with an authority that comes from on high, “So it is. So it will be.”


Aleph by Paulo Coelho

Life's Little Instructions

Life's Little Instructions 

Sing in the shower.

Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

Leave the toilet seat in the down position.

Never refuse homemade brownies.

Strive for excellence, not perfection.

Plant a tree on your birthday.

Learn 3 clean jokes.

Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.

Compliment 3 people every day.

Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

Leave everything a little better than you found it.

Keep it simple.

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.

Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

Floss your teeth.

Ask for a raise when you think you've earned it.

Overtip breakfast waitresses.

Be forgiving of yourself and others.

Say, "Thank you" a lot.

Say, "Please" a lot.

Avoid negative people.

Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.

Wear polished shoes.

Remember other people's birthdays.

Commit yourself to constant improvement.

Carry jumper cables in your truck.

Have a firm handshake.

Send lots of Valentine cards.

Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."

Look people in the eye.

Be the first to say hello.

Use the good silver.

Return all things you borrow.

Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.

Keep a few secrets.

Sing in a choir.

Plant flowers every spring.

Have a dog. <Or cat :)>

Always accept an outstretched hand.

Stop blaming others.

Take responsibility for every area of your life.

Wave at kids on school busses.

Be there when people need you.

Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.

Don't expect life to be fair.

Never underestimate the power of love.

Drink champagne for no reason at all.

Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.

Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake."

Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."

Compliment even small improvements.

Keep your promises no matter what.

Marry for love.

Rekindle old friendships.

Count your blessings.

Call your mother.

by H. Jackson Brown Jr.