The Advent season is quickly approaching and I wanted to share a video of the book I am planning on reading this season. Advent begins on December 3rd and goes through December 24th, 2023. I look forward to journeying with you as we discover new and beautiful things during this season. I discovered a book several months ago that peaked my interest based upon the title, “An Unlikely Advent” written by Rachel Billups. I hope you will consider joining me as I look to God’s Word to experience God in new and different ways this season. The older I get, the more people, memories and emotions mean too me than any possessions. My heart is full and I want to share my heart with you. Below are a couple of preview videos from the author. See you all real soon.
~Charlotte, Seeker of Unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
“Now if the ministry that brought death,which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that brought condemnationwas glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Over the past twelve years I have found solace at this gravesite . Anytime I needed to share my thoughts out loud to my mom, this was the place. I know the grave only holds the remains of my mom’s earthly shell of a body. Truth is I know and have the ability to have a conversation (sort of) anyplace or anytime. In a sense it’s like praying, talking things out. The “talking” things out is an outlet for me. Over the years, my need to do this has lessened and lessened. This is in part that I live over an hour away from the cemetery. The truth is, I have no way of knowing if my mom can hear my verbal cries for help or my words of excitement and joy. I do know that God does, and that’s enough for me. I do like to visit the cemetery and place new flowers and decorate for holidays. This is another way of caring for my parents. I just shared with a friend yesterday, (I know this sounds silly), but staying true to who I am being authentic, I said to her, “I’m going to feel a bit uneasy going to the gravesite to talk with mom now that dad will be there too.” (My dad passed away on Saturday, November 11th). See, silly…right! He’s not going to be there anymore than my mom is there. I love my parents equally; however, there are times when a girl needs her mom, some conversations are simplymeant for “mother/daughter.”
Truth may be that I have been just holding onto my mom’s memory, not wanting to let go. It’s difficult to lose the physical presence of a loved one, there’s a void that feels like emptiness. Is it really, though? I have a lifetime of memories of both my parents that fills me with overflowing joy. That joy will sometimes be seen through tears, happy tears expressing the love that endures.
I am not the first person to grieve the death of a parent, what’s happening to me is no different than anyone else that must say “goodbye” to a parent. I’m at an age where many of my friends have had to say, final goodbye to their parents. And, though it’s not something one wishes for but it is so comforting to share in this natural grieving of losing a parent. I am enormously blessed with amazing friends that are choosing to travel alongside of me on my grief journey, my heart is grateful and thankful. Grieving is a natural response when losing someone important to us. For even believers whose faith and trust is in God, will grieve. We grieve because we miss the physical presence of our loved one and know all the while that our loved one was a believer in Jesus Christ and are in heaven. So, allow yourself some grace, time to process and a time to weep.
“…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
—-Psalm 30:5b
Remember, Jesus wept! He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. Below are three Bible passages in which, Jesus wept.
John 11:17-37
Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
Jesus wept.
Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” ~John 11:17-37
Luke 19:28-44 Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” ~Luke 19:28-44
Hebrews 5:1-10 Jesus Praying
“Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.
In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,
“You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”
And he says in another place,
“You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” ~Hebrews 5:1-10
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ~Numbers 6:24-26
Thank you for your support and encouragement, I appreciate YOU!
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
Today, my dad ended his mortal journey on this earth. He passed peacefully from his earthly body into his eternal home in the presence of God. I recently read an article and I love how the author explained life and death.
“From the moment you give your life to Christ, you will never be separated from the presence of God or the love of God ever again. If you live, his presence goes with you. When you die your faith becomes sight and though you will be absent from your body you will be present with the Lord.”
—Clarence L. Haynes Jr. (Contributing Author at crosswalk.com)
Awaiting the New Body
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” — 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV)
I know that my dad loved the Lord. He was a faith servant of Jesus Christ and he shared the love of God with anyone who would listen. My dad would read his Bible every morning and read a devotional. When he was unable to attend church services in person he would watch a religious program on the television. My dad was a “good guy!” He never shied away from work, no job ever seemed too big or too small for him. Due to medical reason my dad was not able to work outside of the house when my brother and I were in our teens, and my mom work both outside the home and owned her own beauty salon. My dad immediately learned how to cook meals, do laundry and do house cleaning. He also continued to maintain yard work and light auto maintenance. Dad never let his medical disability keep him from providing for his family in any manner possible. My dad spent countless hours working with me on my softball skills and my brother’s baseball interests and was even the Scout Master for my brothers scout group. My dad and my brother shared many activities from hunting to fishing and an overall need to never meet a stranger. They could make friends no matter where they went.
My parents married in July 1963 and were baptized in a local country creek not far from where I grew up and attended the church just up the road from our house. My dad always did what was right no matter the cost. He always thought of others before himself. He loved my mom dearly and was extremely proud of me and my brother. And, we are proud of both our parents and thank God for giving them to us. What a gift!
As the events of today have unfolded, I am forever grateful for all the loving and caring people in my life. At one moment today, when the house was filled with friends and family I paused and realized we all loved this man. Our love is shared but it is also uniquely individual; our relationships vary on many levels, and our grieving will be similar yet different. The one absolute fact that I know deep in my heart is this…He is LOVED.
Parable of the Bags of Gold
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
—Matthew 25:23 NIV
Song Lyrics For Dad
Go rest high on that mountain Son your work on earth is done Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son
—Go Rest High On That Mountain written by Vince Gill
There’s a land that is fairer than day And by faith we can see it afar For the Father waits over the way To prepare us a dwelling place there
In the sweet by and by We shall meet on that beautiful shore In the sweet by and by We shall meet on that beautiful shore
—In The Sweet By And By written by Ben Webster
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
—Amazing Grace written by John Newton
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
I want to share with you today, some of my “comfort” things.
What Brings You Comfort?
When I am in need of comforting I have a fairly big list of things I can do or seek to do.
Go for a drive, typically some “off the beaten trail” but I’ve been know to just pick a direction and drive.
Go to a park or nature preserve and take pictures of “stuff.”
Curl up with a blanket and lay in bed and watch TV. Sometimes classic cartoons (The Flintstones; The Jetson’s; Scooby Doo), crime drama (Any Law & Order), sci-fi (Star Wars; Star Trek), classic westerns (Gunsmoke, Wells Fargo, Gene Autry); Historical/Documentaries.
Eat some “comfort” good. Homemade Mac & Cheese, cheesecake, chips & salsa, pizza.
Call or text a friend
Write
Pray
Sit or drive in silence
COMFORT
We all have individual things that bring us some level of comfort. I want to share with you the truest thing we all can cling to for “comfort” and it is found within Jesus. The deeper and more personal the relationship, the more one is able to traverse through whatever this world throws at us.
My dear friends, as you read the verses below it is my prayer that you are comforted. If I could I would hug each of you and tell you that you matter, you are loved, you are enough and you are a child of the living God.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” —2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” —Psalm 23:4 ESV
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
“Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” —Psalm 119:76 ESV
“Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” —Psalm 27:1 ESV
A Prayer for YOU…
Heavenly Father, in times of trouble and sorrow, let us turn to you for comfort. Your love and presence bring peace to our hearts. Wrap your loving arms around us and grant us the strength to endure. Help us to trust in your divine plan and find solace in your unwavering care. In Jesus’ name, I pray. ~Amen.
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
These are a few of my favorite photos of my parents home. Mom and Dad with my nephew who is now (24); Mom and Dad getting ready for their first flight to Las Vegas in the mid 1990’s; My dad looking very dapper in a bow tie heading off to church; My parent and me at my college graduation; Dad relaxing on the couch; My parents home; The view from my parents patio; A wind chime (Peaches) my mom’s nickname; Last 2 photos are of my favorite section on Highway 41, I’ve driven it a million times and love how the seasons offer beauty year around. Photo Credits:Me
Hello Friends & Family,
My Lighthouse/Lyrics
In my wrestling and in my doubts In my failures You won't walk out Your great love will lead me through You are the peace in my troubled sea, oh oh
You are the peace in my troubled sea In the silence, You won't let go In the questions, Your truth will hold Your great love will lead me through You are the peace in my troubled sea, oh oh You are the peace in my troubled sea
My Lighthouse, my lighthouse Shining in the darkness, I will follow You My Lighthouse, my lighthouse (oh oh) I will trust the promise, You will carry me safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore
I won't fear what tomorrow brings With each morning I'll rise and sing My God's love will lead me through You are the peace in my troubled sea, oh oh You are the peace in my troubled sea, oh oh
You are my light My Lighthouse, my lighthouse (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Shining in the darkness, I will follow You (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) My Lighthouse, my lighthouse (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) I will trust the promise, You will carry me safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore
Fire before us, You're the brightest You will lead us through the storms
Fire before us, You're the brightest You will lead us through the storms
Fire before us, You're the brightest You will lead us through the storms
Fire before us, You're the brightest You will lead us through the storms
My Lighthouse, my lighthouse (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Shining in the darkness, I will follow You (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) My Lighthouse, my lighthouse (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) I will trust the promise, You will carry me safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh) Safe to shore
I love Rend Collective…their voices and instruments! This song was released back in 2014, but it’s relatively new to me. I hope you like their unique sound.
What a great reminder, God Is Always With Us, just as a lighthouse provides a way for wayward ships at sea. Jesus is the LIGHT of the world, He’s the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIGHT/LIFE to all humanity. All that I am, everything in my life is ONLY possible because of God. God is THE LIGHT in my life. (John 14:6). In my previous post about my journey with my dad I mentioned “Season’s” in our lives; if not for God and the incredible people in my life, this journey would not be possible. My dad was released from a rehabilitation center on September 28th, and has been receiving hospice care in his home since then. I love my dad and would do anything for him. “It takes a village” I’ve heard it said, I believe it’s true. My dad lives in a small rural town where everyone knows everyone. Neighbors have brought fresh garden items, meals and even sat with dad when coverage was/is needed. My brother, his daughter-in-law and an aunt have been so kind to volunteer their time to sit/be with dad so I can go to work, at least part-time. I’m thankful my job provides FMLA and VLPT for its employees. I have friends that live far away from me and they provide frequent and much needed love and support as well. Just getting a text message from them helps lighten the load on my heart. It literally costs us nothing but our time to encourage one another. Just Be Kind!
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithfulstewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
—1 Peter 4:8-10
All of these blessings & gifts in my life are ONLY POSSIBLE because of God’s everlasting love, mercy and grace.“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5b
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” —Ephesians 2:4
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
—Jeremiah 31:3
Update on dads health, he’s stable, naps several times a day and insists upon doing some things on his own. He even tries to use a walker once a day to strengthen his legs. Through all these things, he remains to be the same strong, caring and kind individual that I have the privilege of calling “Dad.”
I cannot end this post without thanking “YOU!” Yes, you reading this. You provide encouragement and support simply by being a part of my life in this wonderful community. I also want to thank the Guardian Angel Hospice agency for their quality services they provide to my dad. https://guardianangelhospice.com/
Photo Credit: Me
This is found in a letter Lewis wrote to Mary Willis Shelburne on June 17, 1963. It’s available in The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume 3.
Until next time, be good to yourself and love others. I’m honored you stopped by today.
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
I wanted to share my experience of participating in Pledge The Pink 2023 from Oak Island, NC. This was my second year being a part of this great event. October 31st ended the donations for the year. I am waiting on the final accounting but as of last night the donations were at $681,145.71 of our goal of $750,000. Wow! 🦩🩷🦩
I am part of Team Boo Bees and I am so very proud of the women (and men) I get to call family in this group. Each person has a personal story of why they are so passionate about breast cancer. I walked last year to support one of my dearest and oldest friend (Margaret) who is a breast cancer survivor. I really had no idea what I was signing up for when I joined Team Boo Bees. It’s not just a group of women that raise money for a cause. I was welcomed into a community, a way of life supporting one another. Our team has several women who are warriors and survivors of breast cancer. The love and care I received was/is beautiful, it can only be comparable (to me) to family love and faith community love.
Me and my friend Margaret 10/2023. “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” ~1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
I want to specifically recognize the Oak Island Senior Center for their support and welcoming of 1500+ FlockStars (that’s what we call ourselves in Pledge The Pink) to their beautiful island. In PTP, for every $100 a participant receives they can decorate and take home their very own flamingo 🦩. The Senior Center had been busy for months prior to our arrival making individual items to decorate flamingos. They had wings, hats/headwear, necklaces, neckties and do much more. They also sold 50/50 raffle tickets that will be decided later this month. They also were handing out homemade goodie with each purchase. I just can’t send enough love to their wonder people. Check out their newsletter by clicking link below:
Me and my second oldest friend (Nancy). I met Margaret and Nancy in College and our friendship over four decades, I am truly blessed. “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” —Message Bible
Please click the link above to read all about Pledge The Pink. You will discover all the wonderful things it does for breast cancer awareness and the importance of annual mammograms. You will see sponsor information and volunteer information. I believe in the power of prayer and I would be tickled pink if you would consider adding this organization to your prayer lists.
The 4 day event was filled with laughs, tears, celebrations and shenanigans. This year the theme was “Pirates” 🏴☠️🦩🏴☠️🦩🏴☠️🦩🏴☠️🦩. One event that our team loves to do is the golf cart parade and this year we captured 2nd Place. I had such a great time decorating and driving the golf cart and shouting “Aaaarrrrgggghhhh” & “Walk the Plank” to all the locals and vacationers that lined the parade route in support. We passed out candy coins, bracelets and beads. It was awesome! 🏴☠️
Team Boo Bees • 2nd Place Winner
Team Boo Bees • 2nd Place Winner
Me with Fancy the Flamingo.
This is part of Team Boo Bees • These AMAZING people were my housemates, my friends, MY FAMILY and I LOVE them with my whole HEART. 🩷🦩🩷🦩🩷🦩🩷🦩🩷
Here’s some pictures of the house we stayed in while in Oak Island, NC. plus some shenanigans. 🏴☠️🦩🏴☠️🦩🏴☠️🦩🏴☠️🦩
Each day participants receive a medal at the completion of the walk. Typically each day is 10 miles of walking/running. This year ended up being 33.1 miles in total.
Thank you —
I appreciate each and everyone of you for stopping by my blog today. Your support and encouragement are greatly appreciated. I’m grateful for YOU, my WordPress family!
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
DISCOVER 
You must be logged in to post a comment.