Monday, May 22nd, 2023

Hello, first things first…thank you for taking a few minutes to check out my blog. I love this space where people from everywhere and nowhere can share their thoughts and ideas. I know there are some who might agree with me and likely some who do not and that’s is okay and probably should be expected if I’m truly realistic. Dialogue and healthy debate can be good and even encouraged.

Opportunities for seeing things from different perspectives can only help not hinder our learning and increase the depth of our understanding. I believe when people express themselves on particular topics that they feel very strongly about, they will be passionate in their delivery. Passion, enthusiasm, expectations along with facts should be presented even expected and in some cases desired to help deliver the message/idea.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to be respectful of your audience, to those who agree with you, the ones who may be undecided and especially to those who disagree with you. Being respectful does not mean you agree or even disagree but it does means others deserve the same privileges and freedoms as you do, we all deserve to be respected.

I recently read a devotional and it was as if God was talking directly to me. And I believe it’s a message everyone believer and nonbelievers alike needs to hear.

“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”

— Matthew 7:12a

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

— Micah 6:8

Find the app here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/today-daily-devotion/id399087521.

Read the devotional here: https://todaydevotional.com/devotions/the-lord-has-shown-us-what-is-good?embedded#noredirect

🛸🪐 Something Different 🛸🪐

Okay followers, I recently began (re)watching the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. I caught an episode that was eerie and caused me to pause. The particular episode originally aired Jan 2, 1995. A time line within the episode takes place in 2024. How crazy is that(?)! Some of the scenes could easily be on the nightly news today. Watching the two part episodes called, “Past Tense” was frightening in that similar activities are actually happening right now and not only here in the United States but also around the globe. I don’t want to give too much away or even lead you to agree with my feelings, I only wish to share it with you. I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to share this with others.

Our world has many problems, so many that they cannot be fixed over night because they didn’t begin yesterday. I was raised with what I call “tough love” my parents loved me, never abused me and I did not get everything I wanted. Life has limitations, rules and responsibilities. I knew that money did not grow on trees, my parents ensured that I had the things I needed and even some wants. If I wanted something badly enough, I worked to earn the money to buy it.

I know the world is changing and growing, but I urge new generations and even older ones not to forget to learn life lessons that build a strong foundation for yourself as a person, to use your brain and not to rely solely on electronics to think for you. Your individuality is a gift, God created you and blessed you with the gift of life. I myself have fallen prey to the digital age, a decade or so ago I could retain phone numbers, addresses of so many people in my life and now, I rely too heavily on my phone to give me answers. The digital era we are traversing today is wonderful and helpful but I beg of you to remember you made of flesh and bone, you are more valuable than anything digital gadget…You, my friend are a child of the Most High, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, and the Lord God Almighty. Please remember this!

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

A transporter accident sends Dax, Sisko and Bashir back in time to the year 2024, when San Fransisco was plagued with riots and social upheaval. Episode aired Jan 2, 1995

• Season 3 Episode 11 & 12
• Past Tense (Part 1 & 2)

https://episodes.how/show/star-trek-deep-space-nine/season-3/episode-12/links.html

https://episodes.how/show/star-trek-deep-space-nine/season-3/episode-11/links.html

Friends, you bless me through your prayers, support and encouragement. Go and be the very best YOU today and always. ~Much love! 🌸☀️💗

~Charlotte, Seeker of Hope — Psalm 62:5

Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

“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.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:12 —

“You have searched me, Lord,and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise;you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down;you are familiar with all my ways.”

~Psalm 139:1-3 (NIV)

It is true that God knows each and every person, God is our Creator, our Father. I am not just saying this, I really believe it. God knows us better than our best friends and family. There’s no hiding from our Creator, although we try, oh how we try…

I’m sharing these thoughts with you today because I’m struggling, struggling with life and the unknowing, the uncertainty of earthly things.

Yesterday simply by chance I watching the college softball playoff brackets take shape. I allowed myself to daydream a bit…when I was in high school our school newspaper ask students what they wanted to be/do after H.S. My answer was to play professional softball (I don’t think that’s even a thing), nonetheless that was what I dreamed of. I started playing the game at age 5 and continued playing well into my thirties. I have so many memories and I really liked the skills the game taught me through the years. My favorite thing, other than playing the game was my mom being at every game possible. She was my biggest fan and supporter. I hope she knew just how much I loved being her daughter and how much I loved her. Beautiful memories.

I told a friend recently that I am at an age where the road ahead of me is much shorter than the one behind me. I am facing questions and life decisions that seem impossible but here I am. It’s funny, thinking back at the dreams I had of what my life might look like at the age I am…I was like most other girls I grew up with, I thought of marriage and a family. I watch a hallmark Christmas movie and think, awe I wish…

Life is not a hallmark movie and our dreams don’t always come true. Don’t get me wrong, dreams are good to have and I haven’t given up on all of mine just yet. I have made my share of bad decisions and have lived through them and learned to make better ones. I have loved boldly, I have lost love painfully and my heart mended. I’ve hurt people I care about, I’ve lied, cheated and been forgiven, not because I deserved it necessarily but granted through compassion, mercy and lots of grace.

I try not to use the word regret because for every bad choice or decision I have made, I’ve learned about myself. God has shown me a better way and has never stopped loving me, no matter how ridiculous or stupid I’ve been.

This post is NOT just about me, I’m no more and no less important than anyone else. We all struggle and we are all children of God, loved simply because we are His children.

Life is by definition “living.” *See Merriam-Webster-Webster

Things don’t always turn out as we expect them too, sometimes they are even better! However, when things seem to be “discombobulated” we can choose to give into defeat or we can rise above it. Fight or Flight, perhaps. I tend to turn within myself, close others out and retreat into my living space. I have friends and I have family to turn to and they would do whatever I need but, I often choose solitude. Being alone is not the same as loneliness, it can be a thin line though. I struggle with depression and have for most of my life. I am fully aware of the darkness that comes with the diagnosis and I practice being proactive instead of reactionary to its symptoms. Staying active and engaged with others is a great option. I am currently training for a weekend 30 miles in 3 days walk happening this fall to rise money for breast cancer preventative services and affordable mammograms for women. I have recently started to see the benefits of healthier eating with some weight loss. These are wonderful things that add joy to my life.

A few things that people may or may not know about me…

• I love to watch movies, all except horror films
• I love to listen to audiobooks
• I love learning about C.S.Lewis
• I’m a romantic at heart
• I long for companionship
• I ache for knowledge
• I have a bucket list
• I love going to Walt Disney World
• I love spending time with friends
• I miss my high school best friends
• I miss my college friends
• I want to travel
• I want a Honda Rebel 1100 DCT (Green Metallic)
• I don’t like conflict
• I don’t like brussels sprouts
• I love coke zero
• I want to take train ride vacation
• I want honest politicians
• I want peace
• I want no more wars
• I miss the feeling of being in love
• I miss being in love

So, what’s on your list…

Everyone needs help with something at some point in their lives; brave and courageous individuals seek and ask for help. Talking to someone does not make you weak. You matter and I matter, God loved us!

https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

• National Depression Hotline at (866) 629-4564

• Veterans Crisis Line Text 838255

• Lifeline Options For Deaf + Hard of Hearing For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

• Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis 1-888-628-9454

• Disaster Distress Helpline Call or Text 1-800-985-5990

In a world 🌍 where you can be anything, BE YOURSELF! There’s no one quite like you in the world. 🌎 Shine Bright ☀️ 🌏

Friends, thank you for taking time out of your day to visit my blog. I am blessed with wonderful people in my life and I am thankful for my internet blogger friends. God bless you, everyone!

~Charlotte, Seeker of Hope — Psalm 62:5

References:

• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Cor.13.12&version=NIV

• https://www.merriam-webster.com/

• https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

• https://mailchi.mp/abbeyofthearts/daily-nourishment-from-abbey-of-the-arts-may16-2023?e=128ba1455f

A PICTURE AND A POEM: BLANKET

(Today’s poem was inspired by this prayer blanket, lovingly fringed together by a few friends of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and given to me during …

A PICTURE AND A POEM: BLANKET