Friday. August 27th, 2021

Hello friends —

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the Military men and women who serve to protect; yesterday some of those brave individuals paid the ultimate price with their lives. Thank you for your service.

All Gave Some, Some Gave All

Some stood through the red,

white and blue

And some had to fall

Think of your liberties and recall

Some Gave All.

Lyrics: Billy Ray Cyrus/Cindy Cyrus

Yesterday, I was reminded that “our words matter.” I had just arrived at work and the TV was on a news channel and they were discussing American lives lost in Afghanistan from a suicide bomber. I just blurted out “thanks Biden” not directed at any one person in the room, I was simply talking out loud. I did not consider the other five individuals sitting in the room or even if they would agree with me. I did not look at anyone in particular, but my words were received by one who did not agree with me and stated “our office is too political and at least Biden was willing doing what others would not do.” I was taken back by the somewhat abrupt response and tone…I responded with, “my words were not directed towards you.” Then things just got weirdly quiet. Thankfully, the door bell rang and I was all too happy to go answer it. The person did apologize, I accepted and vice versa.

After some quiet contemplation on what had transpired, I had to admit my own fault and responsibility in the situation. Neither of us were wrong in the words we used, we are all entitled to our viewpoints, beliefs and in the things we are passionate about. If we want to be heard, we must also being willing to listen. In the end, agree to disagree and refrain from taking things so personal. Respect another’s right to support whomever they choose. We must also be mindful that each day of our lives these kind of situations will happen.

Be patient.

Be Kind.

Be Respectful.

📕 Oxford Learners Dictionaries 📕

Contemplative:

• thinking quietly and seriously about something

“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which,if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all of our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations – these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”

— C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

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

References:

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

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/

Thursday, August 26th, 2021

Hello friends —

Yesterday while I was shopping in my Walmart Neighborhood Market I was approach by two young women, perhaps high school age. I’ll be honest I was cautious as they walked up to me and said, “I would like to give you this envelope and letter, I paused for several seconds and then ask why?” At the end of the grocery isle a young man stood smiling, as I took the envelope. Two thoughts quickly came to me…am I being video taped in a high school prank or is there a threat in the envelope. My trust meter was not registering very high. After I took the envelope, I placed it in the cart, I quickly glanced at it and thought is was just an empty envelope. When I arrived at home, I opened the envelope and indeed found a handwritten note. I regret not opening it in the store or while the young lady was standing in front of me. Here’s a picture of the envelope and letter…

After reading it, I felt very badly in that my thoughts quickly went into the direction of negativity as the letter was handed to me. I pray tonight for those young people, asking God to watch over them and keep them safe. What a beautiful reminder that God loves us, each and every person. I hate that the world has calloused me into believing the worst of people first. I also pray, asking God to heal me of my assumptions about people and situations, trust is not a one way street. So, I encourage myself and you to find unique and creative ways of sharing the love of God with others. I try to do little things to make others know that they are not invisible, things like making eye contact, smiling and saying “hello” or “ have a great day” you can hold a door open for someone, use words like please and thank you. The first step is courage, God will use your gifts/talents to spread His love to all who are ready to hear it. Thank you for sharing my journey, I am blessed to have you as my traveling companion. ~ Peace 🙏🏻🌺

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
— John 3:16 —

“Relying on God has to begin all over again everyday as if nothing had yet been done.” — C.S. Lewis

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Blog by Julie Ranson

View at Medium.com

Wednesday, August 25th. 2021

“I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice?” C.S.Lewis

No matter what our individual needs, Jesus is the answer for our lives and He promises a better future to come. The Bible provides many passages and verses showing us that JESUS is the ANSWER.

As I was reading and researching bible verses on Jesus is the answer, I discovered some really good references at this link:

JesusIsTheAnswer

When I think of Jesus being the answer my mind quickly goes to the many examples throughout my life when Jesus indeed was the only answer. Long before I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, I prayed to God. I even thought I could bargain with God, you know the prayers that go something like this, “God if you make this happen, I will do “x y & z.” I was a child in many respects, age and character at that time in my life. I prayed these kind of prayers many times during my youth playing softball. I am now an adult and have put away (some) childish things. God was listening to those prayers of mine way back when, the teams I played for were very successful and I was able to live out my dream playing the game I loved. Playing games such as softball, basketball and football to name only a few is about skills, coaching, determination, teamwork and trust. My prayers eventually changed to ask for courage, safety for all, and win or lose, be thankful for the opportunity.

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:11 —

In my early 20’s, I was involved in a serious car accident and it is by the grace of God I survived with only a few scratches. I remember the accident quite well and my state of mind at the time. I was driving to work, I was very distraught over a recent break-up and essentially thought my life was over. Oh, young love! Young and foolish, I knew very little of first loves and loss at that time. I remember praying and saying “please God, I’m not really ready to die.” God/Jesus was the answer. I was certainly heartbroken at the time and probably even wished to be free of the pain, but God used that situation to help me see the truth. Truth was a lesson I would need to learn over and over again; thankful my perspective on love and life have changed over the years.

“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 (NIV) —

I’m still looking for love and I trust God’s timing. Whether I’m single or otherwise, I know that Jesus is the answer to whatever the future holds. I’m still learning, I still stumble and fall; Jesus is always there to help me get back up and start again.

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”
— Proverbs 24:16 —

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
— Psalm 37:23-24 —

I could never write of all the wonderful and marvelous ways Jesus has been my answer. Jesus has mended my broken heart, eased my grief, added to my joy, comforted me in my sorrows, provided for my every need not because I deserve it, it is simply because He loves me. I am forgiven not because I deserve it, God’s grace is freely given because He Loves me.

Friends, God Loves You, too! I hope you know Him and feel His presence in a very special way today!

~ Peace Be With You, today and always!

Thank you for stopping by today and for your support. 💗🙏🏻

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

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-is-the-answer.html

Monday, August 23rd, 2021

Dear friends —

Today, I simply want to share some beautiful scriptures and photos with you. I hope this post warms you to the very depths of your soul. Unfortunately, I have not taken any pictures of lilacs but found some gorgeous blossoms online.

Song of Solomon 2

“I’m just a wildflower picked from the plains of Sharon, a lotus blossom from the valley pools. A lotus blossoming in a swamp of weeds— that’s my dear friend among the girls in the village. As an apricot tree stands out in the forest, my lover stands above the young men in town. All I want is to sit in his shade, to taste and savor his delicious love. He took me home with him for a festive meal, but his eyes feasted on me! Oh! Give me something refreshing to eat—and quickly! Apricots, raisins—anything. I’m about to faint with love! His left hand cradles my head, and his right arm encircles my waist! Oh, let me warn you, sisters in Jerusalem, by the gazelles, yes, by all the wild deer: Don’t excite love, don’t stir it up, until the time is ripe—and you’re ready. Look! Listen! There’s my lover! Do you see him coming? Vaulting the mountains, leaping the hills. My lover is like a gazelle, graceful; like a young stag, virile. Look at him there, on tiptoe at the gate, all ears, all eyes—ready! My lover has arrived and he’s speaking to me! Get up, my dear friend, fair and beautiful lover—come to me! Look around you: Winter is over; the winter rains are over, gone! Spring flowers are in blossom all over. The whole world’s a choir—and singing! Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet strains. Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed, and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms. Oh, get up, dear friend, my fair and beautiful lover—come to me! Come, my shy and modest dove— leave your seclusion, come out in the open. Let me see your face, let me hear your voice. For your voice is soothing and your face is ravishing. Then you must protect me from the foxes, foxes on the prowl, Foxes who would like nothing better than to get into our flowering garden. My lover is mine, and I am his. Nightly he strolls in our garden, Delighting in the flowers until dawn breathes its light and night slips away. Turn to me, dear lover. Come like a gazelle. Leap like a wild stag on delectable mountains!” — (The Message)

“For they (art and music) are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited.” — C.S.Lewis

“A creature revolting against a creator is revolting against the source of his own powers-including even his power to revolt…It is like the scent of a flower trying to destroy the flower.” -C.S.Lewis

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

Photo Credits:

https://www.midwestliving.com/garden/flowers/the-midwest-lilac-almanac/

References:

https://mailchi.mp/abbeyofthearts/daily-nourishment-from-abbey-of-the-arts-march-30-2231096?e=128ba1455f

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Song%20of%20Solomon%202:1-3,5,7-8,15-16&version=MSG

Sunday, August 22nd, 2021

Happy Sunday to you! ☀️🌻☀️

It is rather late for me to be posting [2:30am] or relatively too early depending upon when you start and end your day. I felt a call to read some passages in my Bible before going to sleep. I may be extra tired when I awake but I am determined to still wake early enough to make it to church today. I have recently started in person attendance after many, many months and I was overwhelmed at the welcoming back by my church family. I should not have been overwhelmed or had feelings of over joy because that’s what my family church does…we love people! My work schedule makes it hard for me to “want to” wake up early but I am always thankful that I do once I get up and going. I’ve never been a morning person which is completely weird because everyone in my family loves rising early in the morning. I’m much more a sunset kind of person, sun rises are great if I’m still awake to see them! Below is a beautiful picture of the night sky when I left work today/last night.

Indianapolis International Airport

— Night Sky August 21, 2021 —

I am wishing you a wonderful Sunday no matter when and where you enjoy it. I pray that you may see the love of Jesus all around you. Know that you are loved, you are seen and you are heard by your Heavenly Father. I am grateful to all of you for your support of my blog and for all the encouragement I receive from you. YOU are a BLESSING.

Quotes from, “The C.S.Lewis Bible” NRSV, for Reading, Reflections and Inspiration.

Unless the religious claims of the Bible are again acknowledged, its literary claims will, I think, be given only “mouth honour” and that decreasingly. . . It is, if you like to put it that way, not merely a sacred book but a book so remorselessly and continuously sacred that it does not invite, it excludes or repels, the merely aesthetic approach. You can read it as literature only by a tour de force. You are cutting the wood against the grain, using the tool for a purpose it was not intended to serve. It demands incessantly to be taken on its own terms: it will not continue to give literary delight very long except to those who go to it for something quite different.

C.S. Lewis, Words to Live By: A Guide for the Merely Christian

Towards the end of C. S. Lewis’ life he was ask what he thought of the practice of daily devotions, he answered…

“We have our New Testament regimental orders upon the subject. I would take it for granted that everyone who becomes a Christian would undertake this practice. It is enjoined upon us by Our Lord; and since they are his commands, I believe in following them. It is always just possible that Jesus Christ meant what he said when He told us to seek the secret place and to close the door.

C.S.Lewis

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

References:

https://www.goodreads.com

Amazon Prime:

Hey I recently watched, “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Check it out now on Prime Video! It touched my heart and soul and could not keep this treasure to myself. Also, check out Paul Bunyan.

More information about the book and author can be found in the link below.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Pilgrims-Progress

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Paul-Bunyan

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” “In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. ” “What God says is best, is best, though all the men in the world are against it.” — Paul Bunyan

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

Today’s sermon was titled, “Please Go to Bed Angry.” What??? We all know what the Bible tells us: “Do not let the sun go down on your anger…” But is …

Embrace Anger

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021

Hello friends —

Today was an extra special day for me. I was finally able to meet a dear friend for lunch and celebrate my birthday. This is the first lunch we have been able to share since before the COVID pandemic started. My friend, Jan has been not merely a friend, she is also a source of spiritual support and encouragement to live into the life God created me to be. In fact, this blog is a direct result of her encouragement to pursue my dream of writing. She will not like what I am about say, “to me she is a saint”; at least according to:

Oxford Languages at Google

“a very virtuous, kind, or patient person.”

I once described my friend, Jan as the most humble individual I had ever met, and that remains true. Jan and I met back in 2013 at church, God through His miraculous ways brought us together at the time and season of our lives when we both were open to a new friendship and a shared faith in God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NRSVA)

“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.

During lunch today, Jan ask me a question I was not prepared to answer. “When did you last experience joy?” This past year and a half has been difficult for almost everyone around the world. I have experienced bursts of joy during the past year. I was able to take a mini vacation to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN in December 2020 and to Chattanooga, TN in June of this year. I experienced joy on these trips. These are examples of external joy; however, her question was one of internal joy. “A state of happiness” definition according to: http://www.merriam-webster.com/

True Joy Come From Within

I find joy in—

• spending time with friends

• in my job

• from my coworkers

• helping others

• sharing my time and talents

• helping others experience joy

• taking pictures of God’s creation

• spending time alone reading, writing, listening to music or watching TV.

• sleeping 💤 😴💤😁

After spending the afternoon thinking about joy I discovered an article that brought me some clarity and wish to share it with you.

🔹 J•O•Y 🔹

“But the ability to feel and show joy doesn’t come from the favorable circumstances of our human lives; it comes from God. We can’t lose joy any more than we can lose God. And we’re forever in the presence of God. He is all-powerful and totally good. Joy, as a spiritual quality, lasts forever. We always have it.”

“Having joy includes feeling good cheer and a vibrant happiness. But joy, in its fuller, spiritual meaning of expressing God’s goodness, involves more. It is a deep-rooted, inspired happiness.”

“The Holy Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). The Bible says God gives us joy and peace. It tells us that real joy comes from God and is ours forever. The joy that is found in God’s presence isn’t static; it transforms and regenerates us.”

“Paul, a follower of Jesus Christ, wrote in a letter that joy is a “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22). Spirit is another name for God. Spiritual joy from God gives us a sense of the presence of good, showing His infinite power to govern the lives of men and women. As we learn more that God is All, that He is good, and that there is no power besides Him, spiritual joy will be ours more and more, bringing healing and happiness into our lives.”

“At the heart of joy is an unshakable awareness that we possess good from God. Joy is part of God’s kingdom. Harmony and painless being are spiritual qualities, and expressing joy brings these qualities into view in our lives.”

Full article click here: The Healing Power Of Joy

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

References:

Oxford Languages at Google

https://www.biblegateway.com/

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

The Healing Power Of Joy