Sunday, January 31st, 2021

Ecclesiastes 3:1-20

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has done this, so that all should stand in awe before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already is; and God seeks out what has gone by. Moreover I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, wickedness was there, and in the place of righteousness, wickedness was there as well. I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for he has appointed a time for every matter, and for every work. I said in my heart with regard to human beings that God is testing them to show that they are but animals. For the fate of humans and the fate of animals is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and humans have no advantage over the animals; for all is vanity. All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knows whether the human spirit goes upward and the spirit of animals goes downward to the earth? So I saw that there is nothing better than that all should enjoy their work, for that is their lot; who can bring them to see what will be after them?

Hello friends–

I heard the above song on the radio today and it was one of those moments when time seems to slow and memories flood your thoughts. I remember I was thinking of the word “regret” for whatever reason when the song started. I was asking myself if I have regrets? I have often felt that using the word regret would downplay the lessons I have learned from my less than stellar choices in life. My thought process is if I choose to describe my choices as regrets it would nullify the good I had learned. Am I sorry for things I have done and the pain I have caused, directly and indirectly…absolutely. I have expressed to those I have hurt that I am sorry which doesn’t seem to be enough (for me), and perhaps that is as it should be, to be a reminder of my actions in the future. I have a bad habit of carry guilt around long after it’s been forgiven, it’s as if at times I am compelled to punish myself over and over. I know from the bible this is not what God intended, the suffering over and over for our sins, our mistakes. Let me also clarify that I do not mean that mistakes are the same as sin, necessarily. In either situation, an apology would only help. The point, which I am trying to make and doing a poor job of it…If God forgives, who do I think I am by continuing to hold onto it, whatever it is(?). I am going to go out on a limb and name it, PRIDE, my own selfish pride. I am the child of God, if God forgives, who do I think I am by not accepting it(?)! Psalm 103:10-14 “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.” God is not punishing me, I am punishing myself but for what and at what cost. Ephesians 4:31-32 “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.”

THE COST: Fractured relationships. Fullness of life and living life.

SIN: transgression of divine law: any act regarded as such a transgression, especially a willful or deliberate violation of some religious or moral principle.

MISTAKE: an error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge; a misunderstanding or misconception.

Advice I am sharing and telling myself is this…Life is a gift. Life is short. Life is about experiences. Love and Forgive Often.

The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. ~John Green

“Without forgiveness and love, you will live with resentment, bitterness, malice and strife which result in more pain. You can never love without forgiving. Forgiveness deepens your ability to love and frees you from pain.” ― Kemi Sogunle

Peace to you, all my friends

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience

References:

https://www.biblestudytools.com/nrsa/

https://www.dictionary.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/

January 26th, 2021

Hello dear friends—

This quote caught my attention for two reasons; it is from C.S.Lewis and I found it to be very deep and profound. I will admit I do not fully grasp its depth; however, I felt it within my soul. I will also admit my first thought after reading it was of my mom. The pure delight and pleasure of having been blessed with a mother as mine, A fact that was truly not fully recognized until she was no longer with me and my family. I continue to learn and grow because of the woman she was, for the things she valued and for her bold and unapologetic spirit.

Chapter 7 of “Out of the Silent Planet” by C.S.Lewis

I found a couple of fellow bloggers that have written about this particular quote and have listed them below, they provided insights for me and maybe you too. Or, you may choose to do your own research and find your own insights and understanding. I have sat with this quote for a few days and other events of my life have spouted to the surface and there is pleasure in the “remembering” of people, places, and things. God indeed is good, God is always good.

Lastly, I want to share with you something I hold dear, it is obvious that I tend to write things from my specific point of view or at the least my perspective, BUT please know that your stories, viewpoints, and feelings are equally valid. I pray that my posts help to expand minds to explore the wonders life has to offer and most importantly, to discover more of YOU!

—Numbers 6:24-26—

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” ~Amen

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Profound Insights: Out of the Silent Planet by C.S Lewis

Completing the Atonement? A Lewisian Experiment in Theology, Memory and Poetry

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atonement

Merriam-Webster: Atonement

• the reconciliation of God and humankind through Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, January 5th, 2021

—Isaiah 1:16-17—

“Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”

Dear friends near and far—

When will we ever learn the lessons from history?

My devotional verse(s) for today comes from the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. Isaiah, was a prophet and his prophecies were recorded between the 8th century and the 6th century BCE, (from c. 740 to 700 BCE). *Additional information can be found below under references.

Isaiah was a contemporary of the prophets of social justice: Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Influenced by their prophetic outcries against social injustice, Isaiah added themes peculiar to his prophetic mission. To kings, political and economic leaders, and to the people of the land, he issued a message that harked back nearly five centuries to the period of the judges: the holiness of Yahweh, the coming Messiah of Yahweh, the judgment of Yahweh, and the necessity of placing one’s own and the nation’s trust in Yahweh rather than in the might of ephemeral movements and nations. From about 742 BCE, when he first experienced his call to become a prophet, to about 687, Isaiah influenced the course of Judah’s history by his oracles of destruction, judgment, and hope as well as his messages containing both threats and promises.

I believe the words from Isaiah could have been written for today’s climate culture for the injustices and atrocities occurring around the globe. I believe there’s enough blame for everyone. After all, we are all sinners, no one can escape that fact. When is enough going to be just that…ENOUGH! When will the violence, corruption and all things evil and greedy going to lessen, let alone stop. I don’t have the answers but I know the One who does, God the Father; He know us and knows what’s best for us. He created us. He loves us, every single one of us.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/biblical-literature/Isaiah

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Monday, January 4th, 2021

Hello friends—

Dreaming of Stones: Poems

I wanted to share with you something I read today that caused me to pause and give thought. “Abbey of the Arts” is an email subscription I signed up for at the recommendation from a dear friend. It has brought much joy to me as well as opening up topics for theological discussions. In keeping with my theme of being a “Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience and having tried my hand at writing some poetry myself, I was quite taken by this particular entry and poem. May it bless you as it has me.

The author posed two questions and after I mulled over my day, I have shared my answers below.

• What have you “endured, treasured and sparked”?

— I am not sure I would categorize anything I did today as “endured” other than my usual routine. *See “Sparked” below for more.

— I indeed “treasured” something today. No matter how routine I treasure the individuals I have the pleasure of working with day after day. The exception being my favorite co-worker who just happens to be on vacation. I miss him but we all need rest and relaxation from time to time. If fact, I just took a vacation a few weeks ago!

— “Sparked.” Well to be honest, I did endure some sparks today, some positive and some negative. I had a few moments of negative energy that sparked in my day, multiple phone lines ringing with only me to answer. I also had moments of positive sparks, finding items that had been reporting missing, completing tasks on my “To Do” list. Sweet sensation of accomplishments. All in all, it was a well balanced day and I am thankful for each precious minute I was blessed to be a part of.

• What does your life hide and make visible?

— As hard as I think I try at hiding, I’m really quite bad at it. I like to think I hide my temper but at times it is not very well hid. Emotions whether verbal or nonverbal, have a way of expressing themselves. I try to make visible the things I do well, but not in a overly prideful manner. Again, balance. I believe in transparency but even it needs healthy boundaries. I think it’s always good to ask yourself questions… “why should I hide this?” or “why should I make this visible?” Another good questions is, “what is motivating me to do something or not?”

—Proverbs 27:5—

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”

—Luke 8:17—

“For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light.”

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

https://abbeyofthearts.com/

—Proverbs 27—

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips. A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who is able to stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts, but profuse are the kisses of an enemy. The sated appetite spurns honey, but to a ravenous appetite even the bitter is sweet. Like a bird that strays from its nest is one who strays from home. Perfume and incense make the heart glad, but the soul is torn by trouble. Do not forsake your friend or the friend of your parent; do not go to the house of your kindred in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is nearby than kindred who are far away. Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad, so that I may answer whoever reproaches me. The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it. Take the garment of one who has given surety for a stranger; seize the pledge given as surety for foreigners. Whoever blesses a neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing. A continual dripping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike; to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in the right hand. Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another. Anyone who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and anyone who takes care of a master will be honored. Just as water reflects the face, so one human heart reflects another. Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and human eyes are never satisfied. The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, so a person is tested by being praised. Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, but the folly will not be driven out. Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds; for riches do not last forever, nor a crown for all generations. When the grass is gone, and new growth appears, and the herbage of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field; there will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and nourishment for your servant-girls.”

Sunday, January 3rd, 2021

Photo: Gatlinburg, TN at Anakeesta.

So, here it is only 3 days into the new year and I only made it to January 2nd, before making not one but two mistakes at work. And in keeping with my 2021 One Word: Exasperation, I have decided to take a different approach in addressing this issue. Yep, I exasperated myself!! I am very passionate about my job and try very hard at being thorough and correct. In the midst of doing these things, I prepared an email and sent it to several individuals needing to know it’s contents. It was probably less than 10 minutes after sending said email, I spoke with someone who had vital information that I was completely unaware of and would have been extremely beneficial prior to sending my email. In what I thought made me sound knowledgeable in the email, now made me seem foolish. I knew in my heart the only thing I could do in good conscience was to try and recall the email and send a follow up email if necessary apologizing, which I did. I am mentally prepared to deal with any consequences, deep down I know I’ve made this out to be much bigger than it really is. I know this because I’ve started to really listen to myself and reflect on my actions as they affect me and those around me. I was proud of myself for not getting overly upset and verbally angry.

Lesson Learned:

— Continue to be thorough and passionate

— Review work and collect as much data as possible before a formal response.

— Slow and methodical work is superior to fast and rushed work.

— Ask for help, ask for assistance, ask for input and proofing of data.

— Keep the lines of communication open with God and others, ask for patience, take comfort in doing my best, feel joy in doing the job I love to do, and in all things find happiness.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today and continuing this journey with me.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

Dear friends—

Entrance to Gatlinburg, TN

I’m writing this on a warm evening in Gatlinburg, TN in December 15th, 2020. A gift I gave to myself after many weeks of contemplation. I am very generous with my time and talents when it comes to others; however, I am much more frugal with myself. I have many reasons why I picked Gatlinburg, TN. As a kid, my parents always planned a summer trip for our family and we would without fail stay at the Howard Johnson Inn right in the middle of the city; the Howard Johnson is gone and now the Greystone at the Aquarium.

HoJo: Howard Johnson in 1960-1970 Gatlinburg, TN

The Greystone at the Aquarium: Gatlinburg, TN 2020

I fondly remember the Smoky Mountains and how picturesque it was and remains today, in-spite of the horrible fire of 2016. Even, today four years later you can still see charred remains on the trees. As a kid, I remember visiting Cherokee Village and getting my picture taken with a real Indian. One of last times I visited the Great Smoky mountains as in the early 2000’s, it was a fun and eventful trip. A friend and I drove there on a spur-of-the-moment trip, I used to like adventures like that, we had a tent and found a place to stay in the middle of the night, have you ever pitched a tent in total darkness (?). It was interesting for sure! I loved driving through the mountains, there was just one small detail I was in total denial of, the car we drove had really bad brakes…we can laugh now but I can tell you I prayed a lot on our drive home with little to no brakes. I was young and foolish, thank God for protecting us. Another trip, me and a friend again made no plans and we ended up in a hotel that had seen brighter days, I was so scared at the first room they gave us, I begged for a different room. Again, young and foolish, having a palette that did not measure up to my wallet. That was a lesson I had to learn over and over again. God is patient and kind, can I get an AMEN! So, my parents were going to be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2013, I wanted to do something extra special for them because, they too were extremely frugal with themselves. So, in 2012, I planned and paid for a getaway in Gatlinburg, TN to celebrate a year early. I was so excited I could hardly wait to give them the gift.

Mr. & Mrs. Robinson

My parents were married July 25th, 1963, the trip would actually be their 49th anniversary; unfortunately would not be, my mom died unexpectedly in June 22, 2012. A day I will never forget as long as I live. I had just spent the day with her and my dad, two days earlier. I recall getting the call at 3:22am, to this day I cannot recall the drive to my parents home that was over an hour away. I do remember arriving to find many family members assembled at the house but she was gone already, the funeral home or ambulance I’m not sure which one, had already taken her. It was a Friday morning and it would be 3 days before I would be able to see her. I remember touching her face, kissing her cheek…they were cold and stiff, not like my mom at all. I picked out her clothing and a family friend gave the eulogy, it was beautiful and hundreds of people came to express their love for her and the life she had lived. I stepped into moms shoes, I became the rock that my dad and brother needed during this time. My friends and family supported me to the extent that I allowed. Grief is a strange and wonderful thing all mixed up together.

I wanted to share my vacation experience with you but I guess I accomplished much more, my love of family and friends. I hope that 2021 has more opportunities for travel and sharing love.

Video of pictures from my trip

Thanks for stopping by my site and sharing my journey. Wishing you the best in 2021.

1 Corinthians 13:12-13

“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. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

An old blurry mirror…

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

Friday, January 1st, 2021

Welcome to 2021!

Friends— After much thought and prayerful consideration my One Word for 2021 is Exasperation. I could have used words like [Comfort, Happiness, Joy or Patience]; these are the “antonyms” for exasperation and the benefits of little or no exasperations. I chose exasperation because it is debilitating to me and my health. I could blame 2020 for my feelings that is not my truth, although 2020 is fully deserving of many faults. I want to be cautious and not cause alarms for my family and friends regarding my feelings of exasperation. I try not to exhibit my displeasure of people and things except for those I trust and unfortunately that is so unfair to them. Sure, we all are accepting of those close to us and we all need to vent from time to time but if my behavior is effecting me, I can only imagine how awful it is to be among my most trusted. So, I am sorry.

It is all the little things that pile up day after day with no true resolve.

Things that irritate me:

— People parking in spots that are illegal

— People throwing trash out wherever they are

— Reporting wrong doings with no resolve

— Don’t get me started on local or national government

— Lazy people

— Failing to take responsibility

Exasperation captures the sense of feeling frustrated at the unexpected ineptness of others, especially when one fails repeatedly to get a purportedly obvious or simple point across.

I have also chosen an anchor verse to help me navigate 2021 as I know there is no cure for the exasperation I feel based upon how others act. I can only change how I react to those actions. My happiness is just as important as everyone else, not more and not less. I wish to pursue things that bring me Comfort, Happiness, Joy or Patience in 2021. I hope you will continue to travel along side me and my prayer is that you will be blessed along the way.

1 Corinthians 13:12-13

“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. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Wishing you all the very best in 2021!

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.google.com/search?q=a+word+that+describes+frustration+for+others+actions&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari