Below is a picture of the book I will be reading during Advent and sharing my thoughts with you daily. It is titled, “Night Visions — searching the shadows of advent and christmas.
I invite you to journey along side me through Advent and together we will…
“Wait…Something is on the horizon.”
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
November 22, 2022
Hello friends — 🍁🌾🍂
Just a few thoughts about loving deeply and grieving deeply. I would not have been able to put those two words in the same sentence a decade ago. God has taught me so many things about love and grief over the past ten years. My mother was called home to heaven by God a bit sooner than I would have liked and God’s plans are always right. Oh, I still miss her every single day, not so differently than anyone else who has lost someone they loved. I guess, I’m saying this because grief is not the same for any two people, when we love someone so deeply with all our being it’s hard to let go. It’s hard to say goodbye. It takes time, it takes hard work and grief can be messy, scary and heavy. I felt all these things and more even though I knew in my heart she was in heaven and that I will see her again someday. I was even upset with God, I just did not understand why and I wanted her here…for me. I was very selfish in my thinking way back then. Not giving much thought to God’s plans or even about my moms future health concerns, I just wanted my mom to still be here for me. I know these are all natural feelings and emotions that people experience. As I allowed myself to process, I realized that I would never have wanted her to be sick or ill, needing to be cared for; she would have simply hated that. If we allow ourselves to grieve as deeply as we loved; something wonderful happens… our hearts can experience a fullness and an increased capacity to love others. Keep their memory alive, share that person with others. I find myself referring to my mom a lot, just through casual conversations and it’s okay. I no longer feel the need to be sad when her name is spoken, though I do miss her. Just today, I was talking with a friend and mentioned a plant that I have had since right before my mom passed. My mom had given me a starter plant, I don’t really have a green thumb but I have managed not to kill it, and slowly it is growing. As I sat and looked at my plant tonight, God spoke to my heart and the words that came to me were these…growth, grieving and loving and all of these words are part of God’s marvelous plan for each of our lives. My plant has been in a growth spurt recently and I find myself at peace within my life right now, I feel as if I’m living my best life.
Is God speaking to you? Are you hurting or grieving? Ask God for His plan for your life. Trust in The Plan!
A prayer for you…
I pray that you would be present in very real ways to the person reading this. I ask that you comfort them in times of grief, I pray for their peace and to see with clarity the gifts you so freely give. I ask for patience and guidance for them to find their way through grief. I pray this prayer knowing and trusting in your all encompassing love and compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear God,
In a world where you can be anything…
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov.3.5,Prov.3.6&version=NIV
November 18th, 2022
I wanted to share with all of you “friends, family, followers and visitors” that I have started a go-fund-me page in hopes of raising money for registration fees and lodging for Pledge The Pink 2023 in October. I know that asking for money is something not everyone can do and I totally understand that. Your prayers are as valuable as your financial assistance. I am also asking that my followers share this post in hopes of reaching a wider audience.
I participated in PTP 2022 and had a great experience and want to continue supporting this organization. They help so many individuals by affordable and free mammograms. I met so many brave and courageous breast cancer survivors who also fight for others by walking and raising money.
Pledge the Pink started in 2011, it was a small, local, charity race—aimed at fighting cancer in South Carolina, and getting the lowcountry in shape. And, now PTP is an ambitious, not-so-small, breast cancer event that’s gotten almost 15,000 people off the couch and given over a million dollars to charities all across the country.
Check out my Go-Fund-Me page:
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/041a7a26
Thank you in advance for sharing this post. Wishing all of you a very Happy Holiday Season!
💚 💗 💚 💗 💚 💗 💚 💗 💚 💗 💚
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 23-24
Thank you for stopping by my blog space today. I am blessed by your support.
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
November 9th, 2022
Yesterday I watched one of my favorite movies, “The Inn of the Sixth Happiness.” It is based on the real life of Gladys Aylward. A woman who bravely journeyed to China on her own to be a missionary when no one felt she was qualified to do so. The movie and producer added a few features into the movie probably for the audience appeal such as a love interest which did not happen but in my opinion does not deter from the message of the movie. I for one love the addition! Gladys was a strong-willed, devoted, caring, loving, woman who loved God and lived into her purpose and God blessed her and her efforts. The movie was released in 1958 starring Ingrid Bergman.
Gladys Aylward (Ingrid Bergman), a British maid, believed that she was destined to go to China. She was rejected as a missionary, but she eventually finds her way to the town of Yang Cheng and happily runs an inn there. Her peaceful existence, however, is interrupted by Japan’s invasion of China. Aided by Lin Nan (Curt Jurgens), a half-Chinese/half-Dutch military officer, Gladys must lead a group of orphans to safety by embarking on a dangerous mountain journey.
Release date: December 11, 1958 (USA)
Director: Mark Robson
Awards: National Board of Review Award for Best Actress, More
Nominations: Academy Award for Best Directing, More
Adapted from: The small woman
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios
Friends, if you are unfamiliar with this story I highly recommend watching the movie for yourself. I have yet to read the book, “The Small Woman” but it is on my list. Listening to God’s voice and following His plans are always better than any of our own plans alone. I lift you up and pray that God’s small still voice can be heard by you. Never doubt who you are, you are a child of God Almighty! Below are some encouraging words from the Bible. May you be blessed in very real ways today. Give thanks to God, God is good…God is always good! Amen.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
Transparency is a character trait I always try to present when writing my blogs, and with that being said; this one I’ve been struggling to write. As a writer I often know what and how I will present a specific topic but today, I’m simply writing from my heart and current situation. I know that I am not alone, it is my desire to share and give hope. I use the word hope because I know in all things HOPE is always present in the trusting of God, my hope, my redeemer, my creator and my God!
Of course, I’m writing this on the day after mid-term elections here in the United States and trust me it doesn’t matter if you are Democrat or Republican, the struggle is real for so many people. My opinion is we are a wounded and divided nation who argues over the silliest of things, so much mis-information on both sides of the aisle, can no one person simply stand for TRUTH. All I here on either side is it’s ALL or NOTHING, my way or no way. Really, has the word balance completely left our vocabulary. Nothing is ever all good or all bad, it takes a little of both to make sense of things.
A few thoughts (my thoughts) on some very polarizing topics:
Abortion
• My personal thoughts have not changed over the five plus decades of my life. I have always believed that in cases of rape, incest and the health of the mother these all should be cause for a conversation for abortion.
• My belief that abortion in the past being used primary as a form of contraception is a slippery slope and with todays advancements into alternatives and more readily available to women and men, the avoidance of pregnancy can be achieved prior to the actual act of conceiving.
• My opinion, I believe abortion should be a decision based upon the health of the woman, it is a medical decision and should be available through medical insurance and funded likewise. It should not be ruled by the Supreme Court or even State’s for that matter. It should be legally and safely provided to women along with mental health services as this is not a decision for the faint of heart.
• My faith compels me to trust God; to see all manner of life as a gift from God. I can only answer for my own actions as they relate to this heated topic. There was a time in my life when a situation happened to me by poor decision-making on my part where pregnancy and abortion might have been something I would need to consider, thank God for his grace and protection I never needed to make that life-changing decision. Not everyone is as fortunate. As for those who have chosen to have an abortion that is entirely between them and God. It is not my job or responsibility to demonize anyone who is either for or against abortion. Furthermore, I say this with great confidence, God alone is the Judge of all things good or evil, I denounce anyone who would cause personal harm or property damage against those receiving and preforming legal medical services to women.
Green Energy
• My personal thoughts are “yes” when and where we can conserve energy let’s do it. My issue with going green is again, all or nothing. Our country “alone” cannot fix the global issues surrounding the survival of the planet and cannot become total green to accomplish such a task. I don’t care if you believe in climate-change or not, I do care about the path chosen to address the climate and green energy. Fossil fuels are important factors in the global conversation. Do people really understand how electric car batteries are made, not to mention the disposal of said batteries. My entire life a major issue I have witnessed is how we as a country deal with trash. Landfills, recycling and the constant reorganizing of this programs. There’s enough blame for everyone; failed programs, programs with a positive public face and behind closed doors dispose of trash the cheapest way possible.
• Plant-based everything. Obviously, this is great for some but for goodness sake, please let me eat real meat if that’s my choice. It’s amazing to me how many manufacturers have jumped on this bandwagon, I don’t know the motivation my guess is there’s government money available to produce such products. I current have shampoo and conditioner in my shower that is plant-based, my little secret…I didn’t buy it for that reason, it was on clearance! I have to say it, BALANCE it all about balance. Freedom of choice, supply and demand.
• Electric cars, as I mentioned above and with full disclosure I am not well versed about the manufacturing of electric vehicles and the costs associated with it. I certainly cannot afford an electric vehicle and it is entirely unpractical for me and my driving habits. I love to set out on an adventure and see where the road takes me, gas stations are readily available but who wants plan a trip based on where charging stations are located. BALANCE! A great mix of gas, flex-fuel, diesel, and electric makes sense to me. I often sit back and think, we (USA) is called the land of the free and the brave; but sometimes and even more often it feels like my choices are being make by individuals who could care less about me and the people who voted them into office to speak for us.
Government
• Elected officials such as Governors, Senators and Congressional Representatives should not be a forever job with forever paychecks and forever benefits. Some individuals have been in their positions for decades and have not made any substantial differences in their tenure. (My opinions). Just watching the election results last night I was scratching my head at some who won, what did others see in a candidate that I did not…BALANCE! Our freedom to go to the polls and cast our ballots; that is DEMOCRACY, democracy is being able to do this whether you are Blue, Red or White. (Meaning democrat/republican/other). I hate that I even feel the need to explain that, but that is the culture we are living in right now.
• We are the United States of America but day by day I see more and more of “Us Against Them” our country is divided because of the individuals in power. Lines are drawn in the sand at every turn and the casualties are people like you and me, just trying to live the American dream. My goal in life is not wealth, but I would like to not live paycheck to paycheck. I would like to be able to care for my aging father who lives on a budget that is far below a live-able wage. It is sad to see our senior citizens having to decide between medication and food, both which are important for life. I have worked since I was in high school, I went to college and earned my degree, I have a full time job I love and it’s still not enough. Today, I went and applied for a part-time job and just last week I have a borrow money just to pay my rent. I hate this and the world around makes me want to feel ashamed, I tell you in all honesty it makes me feel like a failure. A failure because I have allowed the world to warp my sense of person. I have faith that this storm will pass and I’m grateful for the help. Asking for help is very, very difficult for me. Perhaps, there’s a lesson here that God is trying to teach me. I say this because, I happily give to others. It ignites a fire in my very soul when providing for others. I am learning that this was never meant to be a one way street, giving is reciprocal. To give with a whole heart one must be willing to receive likewise.
• Spending. I think we can all learn a lesson from how our government so freely gives away money to other countries and seemingly fails to see needs within our own. We (my opinion) often stick our noses in other countries business and jump in to help and to only deal with the repercussions after the fact. Meddling into wars, financially supporting wars all the while sitting on the sidelines saying, we are not involved???? Really, we may not be supplying feet on the ground but involved, head over heels stuck in the muck we are. Don’t misunderstand, I believe in humanitarian aid but we can’t continue printing more money and expect the value of the dollar to be healthy.
Immigration
• I believe everyone should be afforded the opportunities to better themselves. America is a great nation but is it the right fit for everyone. That’s a question I am sure a lot of people are uncomfortable with but I think it’s an important question. It is true we are a country of immigrants and they each have brought rich cultures with them to share with others; we are not and should never be a country of “pockets” that do not want to be fully Americans and live according to the rights and rules set forth in our Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Crime is rampant with no relief in sight, criminals are not being accountable for their actions, whether it be robbery, theft, drugs (selling/using), murder and homicide. Yes, prisons are over-run but that’s the reality and consequences of not obeying the law. Reform, definitely but to what end? Life has consequences, we all know that. Are people falsely accused, some are…is every person innocent, I doubt it. The system provides for a long list of ways for appeals and mistrials, not always based upon facts but rather opportunity to misguide the truth.
• I would agree our borders are open, open at ports of entry and asylum seeking individuals looking for a new life in America. I was born here so it is difficult to understand what it would be like wanting/needing/desiring to move from the country and continent I was born into. From my understanding there’s multiple ways to seek citizenship, legal and safe routes to get here.
• With immigration comes the ethnicities, there’s been a lot of conversation over the past decade in relationship to race. I have been fortunate in my life that this has never been an issue for me. I believe racism is a learned behavior that some seem more susceptible to than others. And I believe it is real. The first atrocities that happened on USA soil was to the Native American, we enslaved them, drove them out of their land, killed them and then parceled out their land back to them under our decisions. My opinion only but everyone that came after are simply Americans. I think the idea of renaming every ethnic group that resides in America as “_________ American, is a “watering” down of American’s richness, our cornucopia of the worlds treasures. I celebrate where your roots are grounded, where you came from and your journey to America. I do not know the statistics but I’m sure every continent is represented in America and being called an American should in no way take away from your personhood and ethnic identity. I here the phrase, “ words matter” indeed they do but to whom do they matter? Though vileness exists, I believe most people are genuine and do not seek to offend. Then begs the question, if someone is offended are they offended because of words/phrases said to them or their own lack of who and what they themselves stand for. I think if any of us look deeply within ourselves we have said or did something during our lifetime that could have or was viewed as offensive and we were completely unaware it was offensive at all. Being offended is a choice on the receivers end of any action. We are in control of our emotions, I’m sure you’ve heard, “she made me mad!” The action word, “made” is totally incorrect. A better and more accurate comment would be, “I allowed her to make me mad.” So I absolutely agree words matter, equally as important is our reactions to said words/phrases/actions. We always have the choice of escalating or de-escalating a situation. I love the coined phrase, “Just Be Kind” in a world where you can be anything, “Be Kind.” Being kind to someone doesn’t mean you agree with them on any other level than to simply be kind, be respectful and be reminded we are all human.
“Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” —Genesis 4:9
Here’s a great article I found, click here to read https://www.thenewsstar.com/story/life/faith/2016/07/22/brothers-keeper/87408036/
“Each of us is responsible for our own actions. Accountable to God and accountable to each other. We are also responsible for the well-being of our neighbor. Too frequently we focus on individual freedom while forgetting that God also created us to live together in mutual support as family, as children of God.”
Bishop Jake Owensby
“Jesus himself said that whatever we do to the needy, the helpless, the oppressed, and the marginalized we do to him. We are our sibling’s keeper. Our own well-being is bound forever to the well-being of everyone. That’s what it means to love our neighbor as our self.”
Bishop Jake Owensby
Thank you for stopping by my blog space today. I truly appreciate it!
The struggle is real for so many and not just here in America but around the world. Trust the Plan! Trust in God and pray for His will and not our own! ~ Peace to you 💞
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
Friends, I read this blog and it made me think of all my friends from Pledge The Pink, most especially my Team Boo Bees! I love and miss you all already! May you be blessed this day💗 Charlotte/Charlie 😉
Blog By JanBeek
Reblog #5 – Bee Thankful
November is designated as a month to reblog some of my favorite posts from years past. Here is one from November of 2013.
Reblog #5 – Bee Thankful
November 1st, 2022
Thank you to everyone who donated to this incredible foundation. My words cannot adequately describe the weekend I spent with 1499 individuals, FLOCKSTARS as we call one another. Every person comes with a heart filled with hope, generosity and friendship. We may leave tired but joyful with our hearts filled to overflowing. I came away from this event with a renewed sense of hope and admiration to and for cancer survivors. I plan on walking next year and will be starting a fundraising page as soon as I can get my registration completed for Oak Island, N. C. happening October 19th thru the 22nd, 2023.
Look For Fancy Coming Soon
For those of you who may be interested in supporting Pledge The Pink with accessories check out our store…there’s something for everyone! Click the link below.
💗🦩💗🦩💗🦩💗🦩💗🦩💗🦩💗🦩💗🦩💗
So thankful for all the prayers and emotional support for the successes of 2022; the money raised this year will help hundreds and thousands of individuals to get mammograms and possibly save a life.
I also plan on making small cards to wear during the walk next year with the names of survivors and those who fought this terrible disease bravely and ultimately lost their battle with cancer.
If you would like for me to add a name on a card please forward the name to me. It would be my honor to carry their name with me on this journey.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
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