October 27th, 2026

Hello friends!

Today, let’s talk about Jonah and I will share a few things about his life and his calling.

Do you know what you have been called to do in the the name of the Lord, God Almighty?

Jonah, his Hebrew name means “dove or pigeon.” It comes from the Hebrew word, “Yonah.” The spiritual meaning of the name Jonah is “dove,” which represents peace, divine grace, and spiritual renewal.

Jonah was the son of Amittai; he was a prophet in the 8th century and lived during the prosperous reign of King Jeroboam II in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Younger me, when I heard this story, the big fish took center stage. As an adult, there’s way more to the story of Jonah than a single big fish!

You can read the Book of Jonah by clicking this link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah%201&version=NIV

The story of Jonah starts with the Word of God coming to him. The Word of God instructed him to go to Nineveh and preach! Nineveh had turned away from God and was filled with wickedness.

We all have freedom of choice, [free will], we can say yes or we can say no. Jonah chose the later, he wanted nothing to do with the Ninevite’s. In his opinion, they did not deserve God’s grace or mercy for their sin and wickedness. So Jonah fled away from God and went in the opposite direction of Nineveh.

The problem with Jonah, is a common one most of us have dealt with or will deal with and that is…Jonah decided he knew better than God. God, the creator of all things and Jonah knows what’s best! Have you ever placed yourself in such a role (?), knowing what’s best for someone else. How did that turn out?

Shockingly, I have experienced this kind of stubbornness in my own life, (as if I know best)! The sinful nature we are born with and our pride of self can blind us to the truth. I am, we are all created beings and God chose each of us with purpose and a plan. God did not create humans because He needed us, He created us to be in relationship with Him. Father and children, family, traditions and wholeness. As the children of God, we are not in competition for God’s love, His love is unconditional. His love is sufficient. His love is enough for all! All we need to do is accept God as the creator of all things, the Father of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, three in one and yet individual, the Holy Trinity.

Meanwhile, let’s jump back in to our story of Jonah. The Ninevite’s had turned their backs on God, they were sinful and full of wickedness. Jonah was not going to go there to preach redemption and forgiveness. They had done nothing to deserve God’s love, mercy or grace.

Jonah finds a ship headed to Tarshish, he pays his fare and boards. Not long after setting sail, a terrible storm arises and many of the men on board were afraid and prayed to their gods. The storm was so violent that men began to throw cargo overboard to lighten the ship. The captain of the ship went down below and found Jonah sleeping. He cried out, “How can you be sleeping?” “Get up and pray to your god, maybe he will take notice and we will not perish!” Then, the grumbling started, the men wanted to know who or what caused the calamity and decided to cast lots, and they fell on Jonah. Jonah, explains to the men that he is a Hebrew and worships the Lord, the God of Heaven, who made the sea and dry land. Jonah, also confessed he was running away from God! The storm continued to rage against the ship, Jonah tells the men to throw him overboard but they are afraid of the consequences of taking Jonah’s life. Finally, when nothing could be done to calm to sea or outrun the storm, the men threw Jonah overboard. They cried out to God to save them and to not hold them accountable for Jonah’s life, then they made a sacrifice and vow to God. Then God calmed the seas.

“Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

—Jonah 1:17

The Prayer of Jonah 2:2-9

“In my distress I called to the Lord,
    and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
    and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the depths,
    into the very heart of the seas,
    and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
    swept over me.
I said, ‘I have been banished
    from your sight;
yet I will look again
    toward your holy temple.’
The engulfing waters threatened me,
    the deep surrounded me;
    seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
    the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God,
    brought my life up from the pit.

“When my life was ebbing away,
    I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
    to your holy temple.

“Those who cling to worthless idols
    turn away from God’s love for them.
But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
    will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
    I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

“And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.”

—Jonah 2:10

What an amazing story! Many Christians have debated this story of Jonah as to its believability. I believe it happened but that’s not the important part of the story. The power of prayer and God’s forgiveness is the central elements of the story of Jonah. Jonah, knew he should not have ran away, he did the one thing we all can do…pray, talk with God. Humbly repent and ask for forgiveness. God still loved Jonah even though he disobeyed and was stubborn. Not only did the Ninevites need to be reminded of their actions, so did Jonah. I don’t believe the fish was ever going to kill or eat Jonah, it was more of a waiting room or a sanctuary where Jonah could think and search his own heart. One might even call it a time-out, or more accurately a time-in! Haha

You might think this is where the story ends, Jonah preaches, Ninevites repent and all is well…not exactly.

Jonah was still having issues with God’s generosity of grace, forgiveness and compassion.

The Lord our God, wants not one to perish. He wants all to come into salvation. Jonah’s anger was keeping him from seeing God’s compassion was extended to him. Jonah, could not recognize his own stubbornness. Jonah was blind to the blessings that God had given him, he only complained when the blessing was gone. In the final chapter, Jonah 4, Jonah points out to God, that he knew he would be gracious and compassionate and there was no need for him to leave his home and go to Nineveh. Jonah goes on to say take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live. God responds with, “Is it right for you to be angry?” In this last chapter, God causes a plant to grow and give shade to Jonah, but the next day, God provided a worm to chew on the plant and it died. Jonah was again angry and wanted to die. Jonah missed the blessing of the plant, Jonah did not have to plant or water it, yet it gave him shade. God cared for the plant, God cared for Jonah and God cared for Nineveh. None of us deserve grace, mercy or compassion yet, God is abounding in all of them.

Gratitude a Way of Life

Thanks be to God for roses rare,
For skies of blue and sunshine fair.
For every gift I raise a prayer,
Thanks be to God.

Thanks be to God for lovely night,
For mystic fields with stars bedight,
For hours of dream and deep delight,
Thanks be to God.

Thanks be to God for love divine,
The hopes that ’round my heart entwine,
For all the joy that now is mine,
Thanks be to God.

—Stanley Dickson

~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞

August 31st, 2026

I’m currently reading a book about walking the Camino de Santiago, “Call of the Camino” by Suzanne Redfearn (2025). I have two chapters left to read, it has been an interesting novel. I could actually imagine myself as part of the story. A dear friend of mine completed part of the Camino de Santiago earlier this year.

I just finished the book, it’s a novel and it had all the elements of a good book; compelling characters, engaging conflicts, strong foundation, meaningful theme, emotions, factual truths and historical information, plus the writer brings the reader to an ending or quite possibly a new beginning. My first interest was the title and subject, after starting the book I found myself identifying with the different characters. I was able to see parts of myself in many of them and wanting to experience the Camino for myself. My hope is to do it right after I retire, that should give me a few years to prepare myself at least physically to attempt it. In the meantime, I can read guide books and personal accounts from those who have walked the journey of the Camino.

Searching, that’s the word that came to mind when I was contemplating this story. There is another word that also resonates with me, “seeker.” I have always been a curious about things. I enjoy learning and researching different things. For most of my life I’ve tried to grasp and understand what it means to be a Christian. Below is a picture using the Webster dictionary’s definition of “Christian.”

: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ

So by definition, I am Christian. I do believe in Jesus Christ. Being a Christian is so much more than this definition. It’s being the literal “hands and feet of Jesus” in the world. I am lacking in so many areas I cannot even begin to list them. Being called a Christian can mean something different to nearly everyone who professes to be one. *My opinion only but let me explain.

My experience has shown me that people often add to the definition. Christians can or cannot do this or that. I truly do not want to offend anyone with my personal thoughts. So I am not going to start listing or naming things, instead let me share my faith and belief.

At the age of fifteen, at 9pm on a Thursday night in 1979, I ask my mom to take me to speak with the Pastor of the Christian school I attended. I had believed in who Jesus was long before this formal acceptance of Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I had attended Sunday school and vacation bible school since the age of at least three years old. It was a combination of attending church and school where Jesus and God were center stage that lead me to want more. Now that I’m older, I believe it was the Holy Spirit leading me to Jesus. My best friend at the time had shared her faith with me and I witnessed in others something I could not explain other than a sense of peace and love, and I wanted what they had too. Being a Christian does not mean perfection or a life free of trouble. For me, it means asking yourself, what would Jesus do? I know, WWJW message can sound kind of corny, but it’s really true. But it’s also very difficult because Jesus is perfect, He’s divine. I am human, we are all human and fallible, sinful and often we take the longest roads possible to get to our destinations. I mention, sinful…I am not even going to try and explain that. The Bible provides a good explanation as to what is considered sinful. I like to look at things this way, by following (my opinion) the greatest verses in the Bible we can resist being sinful.

Mark 12:28-30

The Greatest Commandment

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”

Those few verses sound so simple and yet are so hard for us to achieve. Our world sure could use a lot more love! The good news is this, every day is a gift from God and a new opportunity to do better than the day before. God is not asking for us to be perfect, His love is not measured by what any one of us can do. He loves us, period! He created each of us uniquely and beautifully different from one another. You and I are called “Beloved” by our Creator. You are beloved, you do not have to earn God’s love. You are ENOUGH!

Jude 1-2,20-21

New Revised Standard Version

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, who are beloved in God the Father and kept safe for Jesus Christ:

May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.

But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; 

keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Always remember this…

Thank you for your continued support of my blog. I pray that the words I share will give you hope and peace, and especially strength to be you!

I will continue to be curious, always searching and openly seeking to be the person God created me to be. I hope you will continue on this journey with me. I am just trying to be the best person I can be, accepting God grace and mercy daily not because I deserve it, but because I desperately need it.

This is one of my favorite songs I want to share with you.

~Peace to you my friends~

Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child of God 💞

Wednesday, July 29th, 2026

It is so true that God has blessed every single person with very specific talents. I love to help people, I love to feel the smiles on their faces in my heart. Big or small, actions of love, kindness, support and encouragement can truly change lives. Sometimes, we are able to see these seeds planted and grow, other times we must simply trust that God’s plans with come to fruition. I believe this with all of my being.

1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:”

I love to give gifts, I also try to be very frugal, I was not born with a silver spoon and I did not come from royal lineage or old money.

I see myself rich beyond what money can do, although it helps a lot. I have a family that loves, is not afraid of hugs and kisses, argument and forgiveness. Most of us would give the shirt off our own backs to help another. Growing up, we never had an over abundance, we had food, shelter, clothing, electricity; all the basics. We worked hard and played event harder. We attended annual family gatherings, pitch-in meals of the best mouth-watering homemade dishes. We prayed, thanked God for the blessings we had and for the ones we didn’t deserve, but got anyway. Money was tight, yet I never went to bed hungry. Woke everyday with the smell of something wonderful cooking in the kitchen.

Romans 12:6  “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.”

I used to complain about chores, honestly I would love the opportunity to hear my mom ask me to mop the floor just one more time! I would do it with so much love!

My parents worked extremely hard to make life better for our family, easier than the one they had lived. Not regretting their life growing up, just the will and desire to give more to the next generation. My childhood was filled with so many people in my life, my mom had 9 brothers and sisters, my dad had 2 other brothers. Put all those people together, add them getting married and having children! It really was a Wonderful Life!

I work in a busy airport, every day people coming and going, not to mention the workers I see day in and day out. Sometimes, making eye contact with another individual can change their whole outlook, if only for that moment. The change can be felt by person receiving it or the one giving it and hopefully for both. A person’s facial expression, especially that of a smile can change your mood, your emotion and your perspective. So many people wonder around feeling invisible and when we make eye contact with them, something wonderful and chemical happens inside of them. It might be small, it might be huge, you may never know. I say, trust God in the deliverance and thank him for the opportunity.

I mentioned being frugal, now that’s not to say I don’t spend money. Money and I have had a rocky relationship most of my life. Thankfully, over the years I have learned some very difficult lessons. I fell on the butt more than once; two things never changed, my parents love and understanding and God’s redeeming grace and mercy.

If we, I mean all humans could learn that we are all in this world together, we often rise and fall together. I am in no way saying anything political, politics is our downfall (I’ll save that for another post), I’m not jealous of those who have wealth, nor am I judging those without wealth. Sure, giving away money can be easy, use it as a tax right off, but do those individuals really care about the outcome and the changes their money can do. Maybe, I don’t know that’s really for God to sort out. I say, give if you can, pray if you can’t or are unable right now.

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

My point, if I haven’t lost you yet, is this…giving comes in many forms and sizes. Kindness doesn’t cost anything to give away, it takes nothing from you as a person. What it gives is joy, recognition, being seen, and belonging…So many things! Things I like to do, consist of sending a card to someone just because, buying a favorite snack or beverage for a coworker. We all deserve to be spoiled and surprised with kindness. Buy an extra ticket to an event you’re attending and when you are standing in line, walk up to someone buying a ticket and say, here “I’ve got an extra ticket” it’s yours if you want it! I’ve actually done with twice and the feeling of happiness and joy filled me like nothing else can do. Another really cool thing I like to do is when in the drive through, pay for the car behind me. Paying things forward, I don’t need a thank you. Hopefully, the next time that person might do the same thing.

We all have families, some we are born into and others, adopt us and take us in. Gosh, I’m so doubly blessed with friends and family across the United States. I have my church family, they pray for me and check in on me, especially when I’ve been gone too long. A strong and wise group of women I meet with on a monthly basis to discuss biblical stories and simply support and encourage one another. My two best friends I’ve known for more than four decades, it is so very difficult to put into words what they mean to me. They have loved me through the years and through the distance. I know their children and I am included in their celebration and in their grief. We have all lost our parents and that is a bonding of emotions we share. This brings me to another blessing in my life, one of my friends is a breast cancer survivor. She is brave and courageous, a beautiful soul and I’m blessed to call her friend/sister. From that diagnosis and cure, we have now bonded with an organization we both love, actually both of my besties are a part of Pledge the Pink. PTP, is an organization that raises money for life saving mammograms for those who can’t afford them. PTP also provides grants to other organizations fighting to find a cure and permanently stop cancer. With this organization, I have gained new friends and formed friendships that I know are deep and impactful. I look forward to October every year for the annual event where about 1500 people walk 10 miles a day for 3 days on 3 different island in the southeastern United States. It truly has to be experienced to understand the overwhelming human connections with so many people, by the end of the event you are loving and hugging and crying because you have to say goodbye and wait for the 365 days. To do it all again.

A gift, this platform (WordPress) and my followers on it, is a gift to me. I love to write and purse topics and my hope is to improve with each new blog post sharing God’s love and trying to give a few laughs, perhaps a lessons or two and spread kindness.

Thank you for reading! Know you are: ENOUGH, YOU MATTER, and GOD LOVES YOU!

~Peace to you my friends~

Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child of God 💞

Saturday, July 25th, 2026

Today I am celebrating my parents! This would have been/is their 63rd Wedding anniversary. My mom gained heaven accommodations on June 22, 2012 and my dad followed her on November 11, 2023, when God called him home. The spent nearly 49 years together. I’m am so very grateful that God gave me and my brother, the two of them as our parents. My life has been so blessed because of their shared love, support and especially their sacrifices to provide the life we lived. We were rich in family traditions and togetherness. I grew up knowing and loving my grandparents and can even remember my great-grandparents. I have so many relatives, it’s difficult to keep up and I love them all! I grew up with cousins and second-cousins, now third-cousins; it really felt much like brothers and sisters. I learned to prayer before a meal and thanking God for what we had. My parents believed in God and shared their faith with us. We were expected to do chores, without the expectation of an allowance, because in family we share the responsibilities and care for one another.

I realize this sounds kind of made up and too perfect, no that is not the case. Sure we had arguments and disagreements, even a few swats from tree branch, or a shoe, a ping pong paddle…and sometimes a belt. But, the lessons we learned, were learned quickly. As an adult, I now understand the phrase, “this is going to hurt me more than you.” I know that there were time I disappointed my parents, broken promises and acting disrespectful to them. And, they loved me and my brother through it all! There’s absolutely nothing I can do or say to give my heart felt thanks to my parents for all the treasures and gifts they entrusted to my brother and me. I know I would not be the person I am today if they had not loved me enough to correct me and show me how to live and love others as myself.

I hope you have experienced what I had, shoot I hope it was even better. The truth is I know not everyone is like me or had the life I did, and now have, that’s okay because that’s not the important part, YOU ARE! YOU…reading this…know that YOU ARE ENOUGH, YOU MATTER, and YOU ARE LOVED. Even when it seems like no one cares, God does. God is ever-present and is waiting for an invitation to enter your life.

Isaiah 43:4: “Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.”

Jeremiah 31:3: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

1 John 3:1: “See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are!”

Romans 5:8: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son…”

Here’s a song a dear friend of my shared with me today. Honestly, I am not sure I ever saw my parents dance, but in my mind and my heart, I’m sure they did! I hope you enjoy the song.

~Peace to you my friends~

Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child of God 💞

Asking Jesus to save you, example of a prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to have a personal relationship with You. I know I am a sinner and I believe You died on the cross for my sins. I turn from those sins and put my faith in You right now to be my Lord and Savior, my God and Friend. Thank You for hearing this prayer. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, July 17th, 2020 Dear friends— Whether you are close or far away, no matter if we have met face to face… God has laid upon my heart to share …

You Are Loved

Friday, July 17th, 2020 Hello friends— Today, I want to share with you and pay tribute to two writers that have inspired and comforted me in life and…

The Way of the Soul

June 22nd, 2026

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.

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.

Love you always, Charlotte 💞

Other posts about my mom:

Good Grief, Oh My Soul

Heaven and Family

My Greatest Joy-My Deepest Sorrow

Gone, Not Forgotten

Monday, June 22nd, 2026

This is a follow-up from my post on June 19, 2026. (https://charlotteannrobinson.com/2026/06/20/crying-out/)

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.” 

~Peace to you my friends~

Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child of God 💞

Sunday, June 21st, 2026

Proverbs 20:7: “The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.”

Proverbs 17:6: “Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers.” 

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 💞

June 19th, 2026

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.

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 💞