Today, my mom passed away fourteen years ago. The moment stands still in my memory, I was overcome with emotions that had no outlet. I think of my mom every single day for some reason or another. I am so grateful that I was able to call her my mom! She was my biggest fan in all that I pursued. She drove me all over the state playing softball when I was growing up. I started playing at the age of five and continued until my mid thirties. When I went off to college, four hours from our home, she would drive to watch me play…volleyball, basketball and softball. She sent me letters and care-packages nearly every week. I was so loved. She, unlike many mother/daughters was not my best friend, we were closer and our bond continues. She was the very first person to love me, she sacrificed herself for me. She was my first teacher and lead a life to be honored.
Me & My Mom Me & My Mom
Grief is a part of me, it’s just part of the package when you love someone and they are gone. Life most everything in life, grief too changes over time. I have respect for its purpose and place in our lives.
My mom remains in my heart and I know she is at peace and waiting for me with open arms.
Good News, my knee is feeling better. I’ve been following the doctor’s orders, resting and icing. I spoke with the doctor this morning and they are concerned of a possible meniscal tear. A MRI has been ordered, it is scheduled for June 30th. So grateful for sick time provided through work, and thankful to my co-workers for filling in while I was away. The plan is to go back to work this coming Thursday, which in my case is my regular schedule. I work Thursday through Monday every week. I also want to thank all my friends and family that have reached out with encouragement and support, I would be lost in this vast world if not for those individuals who care for me. I am truly blessed. I love (metaphorically) that my table of friends and family keeps increasing and yet, there’s always room for more.
Friends, it’s the same being part of God’s family. There’s always room for more at the Lord’s table. If you don’t know the Lord, or if you know of Him but not exactly sure of your relationship with him, just ask Him into your heart. It really is that simple, if you believe that God is real, place your trust in Him. To know for certain that your soul belongs to God, you will spend eternity with God and all the other believers, sitting at God’s great table. I can’t promise you blue skies and happiness always, but I can promise that God will never leave you or forget you. Being a believer is not like having a magic wand or fairy dust to sprinkle and make all this perfect and fair; it is knowing that no matter what trials or troubles we encounter, we are never alone.
Here’s a few of my favorite verses:
1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV) “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
June 12th, 2026 • Atlantic Ocean (Photo Credit-Me)
~Peace to you my friends~
Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child of God 💞
Left to right: My nephew, my brother, my great nephew, my dad and my niece • November 23rd, 2017
Proverbs 20:7: “The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.”
Dad • April 17th, 2016
Proverbs 17:6: “Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers.”
2017
Today, I am celebrating and remembering my dad. He left this world and entered Heaven on November 11th, 2023. He was a gentle soul, he loved Jesus and would share that love with anyone he met. He loved his family and supported in any way possible. There’s so many stories I could share but the most important one is how he loved and lived. He spend many hours with my brother and I when we were growing up. He practiced baseball and softball with us and made things to help improve our skills. He loved hunting and fishing, he and my brother spent countless hours in the woods and in the lakes and rivers. He loved our mother, in my words “Out-loud” because he was all in on being a good husband and a loving father. I miss him and I know he’s now in no pain and sees Jesus. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
I want to now wish my brother, a very Happy Father’s Day! He is so, his father’s son! He is like dad in so many ways. He is generous with his time and talents. He works hard to provide for his family, and more. I love the picture above of my dad and brother sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee together. This was a daily routine for them. They shared a bond that was unbreakable. I know my parents are proud of us both but, my dad and my brother are so a like, I hope I brother sees that and knows that I love and respect him so much.
John 5:19 “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.”
Today, I give thanks to God, the Good Father for all His love and blessings. I am grateful that God chose Robert Lee Robinson & Shirley Lee (Sanders) Robinson to be my parents and for giving me a special brother in Robert Dale Robinson. My brother is passing on to his children and grandchildren what it means to be a good father. May the Lord God continue to guide and protect them for all time.
~Peace to you my friends • Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞
I began today, much like any other work day. I did wake early, before the alarm and decided to get up and start the day at 4:45 am. I had plenty of time to shower and fix coffee. I was leaving early for work, that doesn’t happen often! I began the descent of my stairway (17 steps), about half way down, I stepped down on my left leg and “POP” went my knee. I stopped immediately because of intense pain. I took a deep breath, let it out and attempted to continue my descent. After several minutes, I made it to the bottom and entered the garage. I finally got into the car and relaxed again for several seconds. I said a small prayer, thanking God that this had not happened while I was on vacation. Praised God for being my Redeemer, my fortress and my refuge. I got to work and hobbled through the airport to my office. I was grateful that I had put my knee brace on this morning, the arthritis in my knee had been achy for over a week. I tried to keep my leg elevated throughout the day but it was very painful, so I left early to go to a walk-in orthopedic clinic. By this time it had been over 7 hours since the stairway incident, my foot and leg had already began to swell and I could not bear weight to walk. My co-worker, volunteered to push me to my car in a wheelchair, so grateful! (Thank you E.C.). I drove to the clinic and I saw a man driving a valet golf cart and he drove me to the front door and then the lady at the desk got me a wheelchair and pushed me to the orthopedic office. Gosh, I’m tired all over again just writing about this! X-rays showed no fractures, only signs of arthritis. The doctor prescribed pain medication and anti inflammatory meds. She sent me home to ice my knee and rest. Icing is helping with the swelling, but it’s still hurts and I need a cane to walk. No work tomorrow and re-evaluate tomorrow for Sunday. If I am not improved by Monday I am to contact the doctor for a MRI, for a possible torn meniscus.
If you are still reading and I haven’t lost you, I wanted to share this story for a couple of reasons. The first, I am so thankful that God provided for me throughout the day. I am also very proud of myself for not speaking any angry or inappropriate words due to my pain. The second reason, to share my stubbornness of “being tough.” That’s really kind of a joke, but partially true because honestly I just wanted to cry. But I did not, not until I had made it home and sat down in my living room and I cried like a baby, cried because no matter how old a girl gets, when she’s in pain she wants her “mom.” I had a good cry and then, decided I should let a few people know my situation, just in case I need help.
Me & My Mom (Many Years Ago)
I’m not mad that this happened to me, I didn’t even ask, why me. It is simply part of accepting that my body is not the newest model. I’ve got a few scratches and dings, but I’m still in forward motion. I turned 60 a couple of years ago and I am learning that as we age, our bodies require more down time than a few years ago.
I’m learning to accept that life is always changing, the one thing I’ve struggled with most of my life. The struggle was elusive, something I would never be able to control. I am trying to lean into life’s ever changing ways and hopefully adapting to live my best life.
God promises to be always be with us! The Holy Spirit resides within us, always!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
~John 16:33
In closing, please know that you are never alone, even when it feels like it…God is always near to you.
Key Verses on God’s Nearness
Psalm 145:18: “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Deuteronomy 31:8: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Philippians 4:5: “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
~Peace to you my friends~
Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child of God 💞
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God only wants what is best for us and sometimes, when He opens a door or an opportunity, we need only to take the first step. The verse below was written and prophesied by the prophet, Isaiah. It was directed to the children of Israel, written in the singular as to imply this was directed to and for every individual person; fear not the enemy, doubt not the promises of God.
I want to share with you, my recent “Yes.” Today, I returned from a trip, my very first cruise ship vacation. I will admit I was a bit hesitant and a little nervous. I tend to doubt myself when new opportunities are presented to me. Most of the time, I am confident that I am able to adapt to changes, although I have never been a huge fan of them for most of my life. However, I have discovered through multiple conversations with friends and family that changes are happening all the time. Almost entirely without our input or consent. So, when presented with something new, slightly scary but interesting…try saying yes!
This vacation was a lot of first’s for me: traveling on a large floating steel monster 😳; sailing/traveling outside of the US. In all fairness, I was going to be with about 50 other people who love the same nonprofit organization that I love, called “Pledge The Pink.” I knew probably 15 or so from previous outings. But, there were also approximately another 2000+ strangers on the ship. My desire to celebrate with others with similar interests was enough to get me on the ship.
Let me just say, what an incredible 7 days, meeting and making new friends and seeing other countries and cultures. The trip was beyond any of my expectations.
I saw and participated in some activities I never dreamed of and know in my heart, these new friends already feel like old friends, reunited. My heart is full today, it was difficult saying goodbye, or see you real soon. There’s no doubt, when we see one another again, we will pick up right where we left off.
I’m heading home with new memories, new friends and feeling a bit braver than when I left for this trip.
People add value to our lives and for many different reasons, all I know for sure is that I am grateful that God increased the size of my family through this trip.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.
~Flavia Weedn
~Peace to you my friends • Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞
Photo Credit: Me • Fripp Island, SC • October 19th, 2022
The answer is always, God. I wrote the following words earlier today and as I was reading my devotions tonight, the answer was God, always it is God. My words were heavy and true but after being reminded through the scripture, I am never alone and God is always my true answer to anything and everything. Just as the lighthouse guides the ships safely on their journey, God is our strong tower, a lighthouse in the storms of life.
Today’s poem was originally written May 12th, 2021.
Sacred Things
The sights and sounds of nature
God speaks in the sounds of birds singing
His spirit is felt in the cool breeze
His presence is all around
As the sun warms my skin
And the breeze it feels like a human embrace
The plant life is alive and flourishing
Blades of grass push through the earth, seeking the sun
Trees are budding, leaves are sprouting freely they protect and comfort
Nature speaks through all the seasons of life
Spring, summer, autumn and winter like conception, birth, living and dying
God is never far away
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
Who was... Who is... Who will always be. The beginning and the end. The great I AM.
~ C. A. Robinson May 12th, 2021 Time: 1642 Place: Sodalis Nature Park
I love reading this, the words are soothing like time caressing my soul. I see the words and my thoughts transport me back in time, sort of time walking. I can feel the wind and smell the scents of nature itself.
Sodalis Park, IN—Photo Credit: Me
Nature may not be “your thing” but I would be willing to say that you do have “a thing” that fills you for no other reason than, it does! I encourage you to find your “thing”, some call it a passion, others might say its purpose or a calling. Do things that fill your soul, not empty it. Life is challenging, and we weren’t promised it would be easy. However, we were assured that life itself is incredibly precious.
As I find myself aging, I find my curiosity for things is not diminished but instead, changing. In fact, I would say that my curiosities have narrowed to more precise things verses a broader sense of learning and exploration. My tenacity for life is strong, though I admit I often feel surrounded by imaginary arrows trying to intimidate me into surrendering to the world’s false narrative, shouting “this is all there is. Accept the defeat.” I’m reminded of a saying, “Battles are won and lost, but Victory has already been claimed.”
The Bible tells us that Jesus has already won the battle, death has been defeated. The security of our souls is secured by the acceptance of Jesus, as our personal Lord and Savior.
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. — 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33
Friends, go find your “thing” throw your passion into and live trusting in God for everything.
Some of my “Things”:
Writing 📝
Taking photos 📸
Reading 📚
Listening to books 🎧
Going for long drives 🚗
Spending time with family 🏠
Walt Disney World ❤️🖤
Pledge The Pink 🦩🩷
Nature 🍁🌱🍀🌾🌸
~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞
I am happy to be writing and sharing. At last, maybe the cold and winter season is past. It’s been a difficult fall and winter for me. My overall being is much more withdrawn during the dark days of winter but this past has been even more impactful. I truly love my job and the opportunities it provides but after 20 years, this most recent has been painful. You see, I am employed by the US Federal Government and my particular department has been shutdown for more than half the year since the FY26 started in last October. I am an excepted employee, which means I work even though there’s no approved pay or budget. To be clear, I knew that this is just part of the job. Not getting paid over the course of multiple weeks presents uncertainty and uncomfortable situations. I am grateful for support from friends and family, mostly thankful to God who taught me the value of saving money for cases just like this. Not everyone was as fortunate as I was, people struggled and it was difficult to witness. Again, thankful the community put its arms around us and provided needed food and gift cards for food and gas. It reinforced my faith in humanity to see people working together. As for now, a budget was passed just a few days ago and all seems right with the world, at least my little corner of it. Next budget needs to be ready and approved by October 1st, 2026.
I am enjoying my new hobby of reading. I use a wonderful app, Goodreads.com. I love it and it challenges me to discover genres out of my comfort zone. It’s a great community of readers.
Socially, I’m have not been out and about as much recently. The obvious reason, financially, I’m trying to be responsible. I do have a favorite restaurant (The Coachman) that I enjoy going to. It’s locally owned and the waiters and waitresses are amazing. The food is really good too.
I did start something new a few months ago. Two of my aunts and their kids started meeting once a month to enjoy a meal together. It has been amazing. If I am calculating correctly, three generations are represented. I only have two aunts, my mom’s older sister and younger sister, grateful I can spend time with them. If only my mom were still with us to enjoy the time together, but she’s always present in our thoughts and conversations. It’s a great way to stay connected to cousins, second cousins and family friends.
I hope this post finds each of you doing well. I will attempt to stay more connected. I am so very thankful to the followers of this blog, your support and encouragement are always felt.
Until next time…
Fripp Island, SC • October 19th, 2026
There are moments It feels unbearable
Times where I want to Simply curl up in a ball
My skin feels prickly I want to shed the emotion
All sounds are amplified Different tones of torture
Heart racing, pulse rapid Hold my breath, hold my ears
The weight is shrinking me I need to breathe, can’t breathe
Think calm, picture calm Close my eyes, breathe
Deep breath, in and out Breathe, just breathe
Speak the name, God That is my prayer, God
God is enough, just breathe My rock, my redeemer, breathe
The above is an attempt to explain how noise, no matter what it is, how it affects my entire being. The photo above is from my favorite activity every year, beach and the nonprofit breast cancer organization that is very dear to me, Pledge The Pink 🦩🩷🦩
I am reminiscing at the moment. I have tried writing poetry in the past, mostly a collections of thoughts put to words. I have been yearning for a connect to what I have written in the past and thought why not share, my hope is that my words could be therapeutic to someone else. I believe God would want me to share and through the Holy Spirit could help others. This is my medium for doing so.
The first poem I wish to share, I originally called it a Sonnet but it is not.
A sonnet is a 14-line poem, traditionally written in iambic pentameter (ten syllables per line with a soft/loud rhythm) and following a strict rhyme scheme, that explores a single idea or feeling, often with a turn in thought (volta) before the conclusion.
The original title was:
Life Sonnet 10.11.22
Circles go round Season always passing Years flying by
Hair once golden Silver now abounds Thinning each day
From womb bursting Discovery of youth Reconciling dated age
This poem more closely resembles a Roundelay, a lyric poem traditionally with 24 lines, featuring repeating refrains and rhyme.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” —Matthew 28:20b
I love this verse where Jesus promises His disciples, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (NIV) or “…even unto the end of the world” (KJV), assuring His perpetual presence with believers. This powerful promise signifies that God’s presence isn’t just physical but through His Holy Spirit, offering guidance, comfort, and assurance through all of life’s trials.
We are never alone! Hallelujah Amen!
~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞
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