As 2025 is coming to a close, I want to take an opportunity to say, “Thank you to God.” It is very easy to say thank you for all the good and pleasant things I received and experienced during the past year. The things I am most grateful for are the challenges/life situations that occurred during the year and the courage to face them with God’s guiding Spirit.

I found the verse for today as I was reading a devotional, it spoke to my spirit. Isaiah 43, speaks of “Israel’s Only Savior” verses 1-13; and of “God’s Mercy and Israel’s Unfaithfulness” verses 14-28.

“Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.”

—Isaiah 43:18-19

There is only one Savior, Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God. Jesus made it possible for all to be saved, to be freely forgiven. To use the biblical terms, we are neither “Jew or Gentile” we are all one in Christ Jesus.

Key Bible Verses “Christ is all and in all.”

Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.

Romans 10:12: “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all and is rich to all who call on him”.

Colossians 3:11: “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all”. 

My experiences have taught me that life is filled with ebbs and flows. If we never experience sadness, how would we appreciate happiness? The balance of life is always in perpetual movement. We cannot live in the past and hope to move forward. We also must be cautious of looking into the future, we could very well miss the present. Learn from the past, live in the present and plan for the future.

This past year I have tried to be present, to be more aware of life and opportunities, grasping as many as possible. I have learned that there can be no comparison of my life with that of any other human being. God gave me life, He gave me skills to navigate life and only with His help will I be successful. Success means different things to different people, that’s the marvelous thing about being individual humans created by God, each of us on purpose and with a plan, from the Master.

During this past year, I have had to say goodbye to family and friends. Accepting the death of someone you love and care about, never gets easier. Grief changes over time, it cycles through several emotions and it’s all worth it because of the space that individual holds in your heart. As believers, we know that death is not the end, it’s the beginning of eternity.

God blessed me with several traveling opportunities this past year, my heart is grateful. In February, I attending a Susan Komen event in St. Louis, MO with friends from Pledge The Pink. In March, I went on a Girls Trip to Nashville, TN and attended Band As One Nashville: Concert for the Cure,” an annual benefit concert headlined by country superstar Trisha Yearwood benefiting Susan G. Komen. I traveled with Pledge The Pink friends. I also flew to San Antonio, TX to hang out with a friend for a couple of days, what an awesome, though short trip! In April, I traveled to Nashville, TN again, this time to meet my favorite author, Patti Callahan Henry at a local bookshop promoting her newly released book. It was such an amazing experience meeting her and getting her book signed. In June, I traveled to Naples, FL to celebrate my dear friend’s 40th wedding anniversary. We have been friends for more than 40 years, it was such a blessing to be part of their celebration. In July, a birthday present to myself, I traveled to Birmingham, AL for a weekend, I was able to meet author Patti Callahan Henry again, and this time was able to sit and have a conversation with you about her books. She is a local resident of the area and gave me lots of suggestions for my visit. I was able to see the Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Art, I loved the city and hope to visit it again. In September, I again visited St. Louis, MO to attend a luncheon with my Pledge The Pink Team and attend a Cardinal’s baseball game. In October, I attended the 2025 Pledge The Pink event at Fripp Island, SC. I love this annual event and all the good things it does concerning breast cancer! I also attended a play at Purdue University, “C. S. Lewis On Stage: Further Up & Further In” produced and performed by “The Fellowship for Performing Arts.”

Looking back…I did a lot! I’m so grateful to family and friends that support and encourage me to live in the moment and to be brave.

I hold no regrets of 2025, I am excited for a new year filled with opportunities to learn and grow. My prayer for all of us is more love and more forgiveness. Everyone’s life is worth it!

The Best Is Yet To Come—

—The Best is Yet to Come was composed by Cy Coleman to lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. It was originally written for Tony Bennett. It was the last song Frank Sinatra sang in public, on February 25, 1995, and the words “The Best is Yet to Come” are etched on Sinatra’s tombstone.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post. I hope you know that you matter, you are enough and you are loved.

Psalm 143:8-10

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
    for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.”

~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞

Favorites:

• https://pledgethepink.com/
• https://www.patticallahanhenry.com/
• https://donate.pledgethepink.com/?p=25721
• https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/
• https://fpatheatre.com/
• https://www.cslewis.com/us/

Sunday, December 21st, 2025

“To love is to be vulnerable.”

—C. S. Lewis

Friends, it is finally here…Jesus is about to be born in Bethlehem! The event that changed the world is remembered this week as we celebrate the life saving love of God for all His children. For God to send and sacrifice His only begotten Son, so the damage created by humans that caused us to be separated from God; it could only be done in this manner. Jesus, knowingly and obediently chose to be born and live with us, He knew the ultimate price for reconciliation with the Father, He must bear the burdens of all sin for humanity, so all could be saved.

I realize I am rushing the story of ultimate love, but I will pause here and continue those thoughts during Lent 2026.

This week, we are focused on Love, God’s promises and the coming Jesus as Emmanuel (God With Us)! The quote I used at the beginning of this post is a favorite of mine. It is from C. S. Lewis’ book, “The Four Loves” and it was published in 1960. It discusses four different types of love; (Storge) affection, (Philia) friendship, (Eros) erotic love and (Agape) the love of God.

The Four Loves Explained: 

• Storge (Affection/Family Love): The natural, comfortable bond like that between parent and child, or long-term familiarity, a gentle, modest love that doesn’t require choice but can become demanding or cruel if over-focused.
• Philia (Friendship): A chosen love based on shared interests and values, rarer and more insightful than affection, a deep companionship that can be a training ground for higher love.
• Eros (Romantic/Passionate Love): The thrilling, often physical, love that seeks completion, which Lewis saw as powerful but risky; it must be perfected by agape to avoid becoming idolatrous or destructive.
• Agape (Charity/God’s Love): The highest, most selfless, divine love; it is the ultimate goal, a gift-love that perfects the others, drawing us to God and making earthly loves truly meaningful and lasting.

Many, if not all of us have experienced the four loves described above. Finding your “true love” is magical! I have been fortunate in life, the love my family provided and continues to provide fills my heart. This is not to say all has been perfect and pleasant, and yet love was always present. As I get older and things become more and more clear to me, just how wonderful my life is, all I can say is I am immensely blessed. I have two beautiful friends that I have known for more than four decades, they are much more than friends. They are sisters who have supported and encouraged me through the years. I love them both so very much, they are family. I have also experience romantic (Eros), in my life. Although, it faded and my life is forever changed for the better because of the experiences. I have not given up on this kind of love and I am absolutely happy with where I am in life. It’s really in God’s hands and I trust Him completely.

As you are reading this, it is my prayer that you are safe, healthy and happy but most importantly, that you know and are anchored to the Agape Love of God. There is nothing that compares to the love of God. Accepting and trusting in Jesus as your personal Savior is the ultimate love. In this, we are never alone, the Holy Spirit resides within us, we have availability to Jesus 24/7/365 and the Father of all creation loves us!

May your advent experience this season bring you Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

I have included a poem I recently read and was moved by it, I hope you like it.

This week, I lingered in the final breath of Malachi’s words and I felt the unbearable weight of what followed.

When the prophet finished speaking, heaven did not answer.

The echo of his voice faded…and then… nothing.

Four hundred years of silence.

No open vision.

No burning word.

No prophet rising with fire in his bones.

No “Thus says the Lord” breaking the darkness.

Four hundred years of waiting.

Of longing.

Of groaning.

Of hearts lifted toward heaven that seemed sealed shut.

Generation after generation was born into the quiet.

They lived.

They died.

And still—no voice.

Until one night.

On a dirt floor in a forgotten place…

in a stable that did not look holy…

in the shadows of obscurity and insignificance…

a sound was released.

After four hundred years, heaven spoke again—
not with thunder, not with fire, not from a mountain- but from the lungs of a newborn.

A cry pierced the silence.

A cry that split history in two.

A cry that carried eternity within it.

In that moment, the King of Glory stepped down into the dust of His own creation.

The Eternal wrapped Himself in skin.

The Word became flesh—and cried.

The Son laid aside His throne and chose a manger.

Heaven’s highest treasure placed in a feeding trough.

He came low.

He came meek.

He came breakable.

Wrapped in swaddling cloths, laid where animals ate, born beneath the looming shadow of a cross.

A Lamb born to be slain.

The Hope of a hopeless world breathed His first breath in the dark.

A weary world rejoiced as a young virgin labored and delivered its redemption.

In that manger, the Great I AM made Himself vulnerable.

Touchable.

Killable.

And with one holy cry, the silence was shattered.

The separation was broken.

The way was opened.

Then, suddenly, heaven could not remain quiet.

The skies erupted with angelic voices declaring,
“Glory to God in the highest!”

Wonderful.

Counselor.

Mighty God.

Everlasting Father.

Prince of Peace.

With the cry of an infant, heaven invaded earth.

Behold—our Redeemer.

Behold—our King.

Behold—the fulfillment of every promise.

Behold—the sound that broke four hundred years of silence.

Not the roar of an army.

Not the shout of a king claiming His crown.

But the fragile cry of God-with-us.

He did not arrive with a sword in His hand, but with nails already written into His future.

He did not enter wrapped in royalty, but in cloths that foretold a burial.

The silence was not just broken, it was answered.

Every unanswered prayer.

Every tear cried into the dark.

Every generation that waited without seeing.

Every promise that seemed delayed but not denied.

All of it converged in that single cry.

That night, heaven did not just speak- heaven gave.

God did not send another prophet.

He did not send another sign.

He sent Himself.

And in that stable, eternity took its first shallow breath.

Omnipotence learned weakness.

Glory learned humility.

Love made itself small.

The cry that shattered the silence would one day be echoed again- not from a manger, but from a cross.

The first cry said, “He has come.”

The final cry would say, “It is finished.”

From swaddling cloths to grave clothes, from a feeding trough to a borrowed tomb, He came to be broken so we could be made whole.

And even now, that sound still reverberates.

It calls the weary.

It awakens the forgotten.

It reaches into the places where heaven has felt silent again.

If God could speak through the cry of a baby,
He can still break silence in our darkest night.

So behold Him.

Not distant.

Not untouchable.

Not unmoved.

But Emmanuel.

God with us.

–Jessica Jecker/Simply Jecker

~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💕

Bonus material:

Full quote by C. S. Lewis

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.

December 17th, 2025

“All Joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still ‘about to be’.”

~C. S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy

Greeting friends, it is so wonderful to be sharing with you during this Advent season. This week, the third week of advent we are looking at Joy.

Many of my friends and followers know that I am especially fond of the writings of C. S. Lewis. I have learned so much about myself, my faith and most importantly my relationship with God from reading his books. One of the things I truly appreciate about Lewis is his ability to be a vulnerable human-being striving for more knowledge and understanding. He is relatable to all ages, I love his works of the land of Narnia. While his lectures and notes are for those much wiser than myself, though I do enjoy listening to them. Some believe that his is too theological, and I would agree he is that, but so much more. I believe that Lewis, looking back on his life was a student of “joy.” He wrestled with his faith and even the existence of God, he was a man of great pain and extreme generosity, and a finder of Joy!

For those of you that may struggle with Lewis, I would recommend staring with “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “The Screwtape Letters.”

Verb: to experience great pleasure or delight. REJOICE.

Noun: a feeling of great happiness or pleasure. DELIGHT.

: the expression or exhibition of such emotion.

: a state of great happiness : Bliss.

: a source or cause of delight.

https://biblehub.com/

Topical Encyclopedia:

Definition and Nature:
Joy, in the biblical context, is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that is rooted in spiritual realities rather than temporal circumstances. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is often associated with the presence and favor of God. Unlike fleeting happiness, biblical joy is enduring and can be experienced even in the midst of trials and suffering.

So, I’ve provided a lot of technical and educational information on Joy, but little of personal joy. I believe with all my heart that God is real, I trust that He is leading me to something bigger and better than my mind can imagine. The truth is there is nothing on earth as we know it that can compare to real Joy. We experience many things that bring us much happiness and in a sense of joy. My family gives me great happiness. My friends add so much gladness to me. I have friends that are as close as family, and this fills my heart to overflowing.

Two Very Worldly Things That Brings Joy/Delight To My Life:

The Flintstones:

I have experienced great happiness in collecting Flintstone’s memorabilia for well over 4 decades. Honestly, the most valuable part of the collection is the memories of the people who were with on that journey. I grew up watching the Flintstones and the many cartoons associated with them, I find myself relating to Fred, an overall good person that made some poor decisions but loved his family and friends. I find it quite easy to see God in the story lines, not because they are overt but because God matters to me and I see Him everywhere, even between the lines of a cartoon.

Walt Disney World:

I was in my twenties for my first trip to WDW, it was such an experience. I’ve returned several times since then and every time feels like the first time! I often travel there alone, take my time and wander, eat really good food and relax. It’s easy for me to forget about life in general when I’m there. I have traveled and stayed in hotels from the value cost to the costly, and the results are the same, happiness. I will admit I love the rides and the entertainment, but it is impossible not to see the hand of God throughout the parks because of the beautiful nature of things. Plants and flowers, architecture and nice friendly people.

What I’m really trying to say, in the really long way around is this…find things that you can relate to and that bring you pure happiness and do it as often as possible. God will be with you every step of the way giving glimpses of Joy!!

Praise to God for a Living Hope

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvationthat is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

—1 Peter 1: 3-9 (NIV)

“Joy is never in our power and pleasure often is.” —C. S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy

“Joy…an intense awareness of eternal beauty, a spiritual hunger that makes earthly satisfactions pale in comparison.” —C. S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy

—Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💕

December 13th, 2025

Wow, the week got away from me and here we are in the eve of the third Sunday of Advent. This doesn’t mean I wasn’t thinking of advent, I just didn’t sit down to write about it.

During this time we are encouraged to open our hearts and minds towards the birth of Christ. Seeking and finding peace in a somewhat chaotic world can be challenging.

The second week of advent is Peace. It symbolizes the peace that Jesus brings and a reflection of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

How Do You Find Peace?

Did you know that there is approximately 429 times the word Peace appears in the Bible (KJV). And, in the New Testament using the Greek word, èirēnē appears about 92 times and refers to inner calm, prosperity or reconciliation. It signifies spiritual tranquility, fellowship and a state of being in right relationship with God and others, as seen in Jesus’s greetings, “Peace Be With You!” The Old Testament uses the Hebrew word, Shalom referring to wholeness , well-being, prosperity and peace in relationships. It does not mean mere absence of conflict.

I have learned that in life peace must come from within, at least the desire for peace. I believe true peace can only be obtained through the acceptance of Jesus, as the Son of God. The Spirit of God that dwells within the hearts/souls of all believers is the key to peace. In the midst of turmoil, we always have help!

Psalm 121

Things To Do: For Finding Peace

• Pray/talk with God
• Reduce time watch watching TV news
• Listen to music
• Go for a drive in the country
• Listen to an audible book
• Read a book
• Write a blog post
• Call a friend/family
• Spend time with family
• Play hand-held solitaire game

Peace is available and attainable! I won’t tell you that your life with be trouble free or without troubles; however, I will say to you with great confidence that you can weather any storm with God at your side. I find myself evaluating my life a lot these days, I often find it difficult to wrap my mind around, I’m 61 and where has the time gone. Yesterday, as I was finishing up some last minute shopping for Christmas, I saw this quote painted on wood, “The days are long but the years go by quickly.” That hit me really hard. It is true what the word of God tells us in James 4:14, we are mist that vanishes.

Boasting About Tomorrow

¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Hope & Peace

As this week comes to a close and we prepare to celebrate week three of advent, it is my deep desire that we all seek Jesus while He may be found. That we find real peace in knowing that Jesus came to save us and that hope eternal can only be found in accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. My life has been a gift from God, He created and formed me on purpose and with a plan. All that I am and all that I have is by and through God, the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.

~ Shalom my friends.

“God can’t give us peace and happiness apart from Himself because there is no such thing,” 

C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💕

November 30th, 2025

Greeting! Welcome, all are welcome to participate and share the advent season. Many of you are likely aware of the meaning of the season; just in case you are curious the meaning of advent comes from the Latin, adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.”

The beautiful part of this season for me is the celebration of Jesus’ arrival as a baby. We celebrate both His “first coming” and look forward to His “second coming.”

The season starts four weeks before Christmas and typically lasts four weeks after. Although, the exact timing of Jesus’ birth is not identified by date/time/weight like many of us are acquainted with, as Christians. we have chosen Christmas Day to celebrate His arrival.

The days leading up to writing this post my thoughts have been of past Christmas’ and past Church programs celebrating the manger scene with Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the Wisemen, Shepherds, Angels and the animals.

Every year, the wonder of the season washes over me, like the first time all over again. I actually don’t remember my first realization of the magnitude of this season but I do remember being a kid, excited for Christmas morning and finding beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree. They magically arrived while I fell asleep, though I tried very hard not to. In hopes of seeing St. Nick/Santa. I remember how my heart would beat really fast, I can feel the grin that covered my face. I remember feeling so happy and so loved. I used to sit and stare at the blinking color bulbs on the tree, I was in awe of the beauty on display.

Now, as an adult and looking back over years of celebrating Christmas, it is so easy for me to see how my experiences with St. Nick/Santa prepared my heart for Jesus. This may be difficult for some to reason but give me a chance to explain. I have been involved with some form of church from a very early age, probably since I was able to walk and talk. I was blessed to have incredible loving adults in my life who openly shared the love of Jesus with me.

As I try to explain my feelings, faith and longings of this season from a Santa perspective that lead to my Jesus reality, I am asking for your open mindedness and grace.

Santa has a naughty and nice list, Jesus has the Book of Life.

Santa gets milk and cookies, and the occasional carrots for the deer. With Jesus, we have the communion table, with wine and bread.

Santa brings presents some we hope for and some we wish for, typically even if we are on the naughty list. Jesus, the gift is Life eternal. With Jesus, life is forever, even after the death of our human existence, our soul and spirit live on.

Both, Santa and Jesus want us to be “good” but the difference is with Jesus, His love is freely given. Basically, there is absolutely nothing I can do to earn His love. Additionally, I absolutely do not deserve His love. This is the great gift of Grace & Mercy. The one requirement is to admit God is the Creator of all things! Then, accept all things came into being by God, that includes you and me. Believe and accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” —John 14:6

When I see a manger scene, it gives me the familiar feeling of a Christmas tree and blinking lights. Pure Joy! I love manger scenes so much I keep one on display in my home year around. Every day is an opportunity to celebrate Jesus choosing to be born, to come into our world to teach us how to live. He knew it would be difficult and the sacrifice great, but He loved you and me that much!

I am filled with excitement for this Holiday season, the anticipation of the Christ child. I am also looking forward to seeing the world through the eyes of children everywhere as they are mesmerized by Santa and the bright beautiful blinking lights on every street counter.

So, as we approach this season, let’s try and remember the joys of our past and share our love of Jesus in the present.

The advent season is about exploring Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. This first week is celebrated by lighting a purple candle representing Hope.

HOPE

“It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.”

– Pope Benedict XVI

“Look up, you whose gaze is fixed on this earth, who are spellbound by the little events and changes on the face of the earth. Look up to these words, you who have turned away from heaven disappointed. Look up, you whose eyes are heavy with tears and who are heavy and who are crying over the fact that the earth has gracelessly torn us away. Look up, you who, burdened with guilt, cannot lift your eyes. Look up, your redemption is drawing near. something different from what you see daily will happen. Just be aware, be watchful, wait just another short moment. Wait and something quite new will break over you: God will come.”

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God Is In the Manger

~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞

July 25th, 2025

I am sitting in a quaint little coffee shop in Birmingham,AL.  I’m surrounded by tables and chairs and at least four groups of two having conversations.  There’s a few people sitting alone, looking at their tablets and books.  I don’t know anyone within these walls but the things we have in common is almost overwhelming.  I only hear bits and pieces of conversations; not trying to listening but words seep through over the music playing and voices speaking. 

We all need food to survive, air to breathe; the basic needs of human survival.  But is it just survival that we all want (?).  

I came to this city for a two day trip as a birthday gift to myself.  I was fortunate enough to spend last evening at a popular local bookshop (Thank You Books) that  hosted novelist Patti Callahan Henry.  She is a local author with national acclaim.  

I first heard about Patti Callahan Henry just a few years ago.  Since finding her unique writing I have read all but one of her books, the latter is no longer available in print.  Through her beautiful writing I am able to completely immerse myself in her stories. 

I’m not here sharing any new revolutionary ideas about life.  I can only share my personal thoughts and experiences, and hope they connect with others.  When people tell you, and I promise they will,  “life is short” believe them.  Last year I turned 60, it has had some profound effects on my life.  As I have looked back over the six decades of my life, I ask myself “where did the time go?”  It seems like yesterday I was young and making bad decisions, experiencing life.  

Then, I adjust my focus and look forward, that is so much shorter than is comfortable for me. Many that know me, know that I have a faith and belief in God, and tomorrow is never promised.  I am so grateful for the life God has allowed me to live.  I often overthink and overwhelm myself with things that are completely out of my control as well as things I can’t change.  I fall short of giving my whole self to God, it frustrates me that I can’t just let go. The truth is, I am nothing without God. God loves me, this I know for sure. There’s nothing I can do or say to take His love away. So why do I fail in my trusting in God (?).  

I think I’m not good enough, haven’t learned enough and haven’t be punished enough for all the wrongs I’ve committed (literally and figuratively).   My brain and my heart are at war most of the time.  I think I’ve stumbled upon the cause, I’m fighting for control.  At some point in my life, I decided I know best!  

Now, that’s funny…I’m literally laughing at myself for this statement.  How very human of me!  All of humanity is born into sin, this is well documented in the book of Genesis.   Furthermore, God is all powerful, all knowing and is the creator of all things.  My life is a gift from God.  God created me on purpose and with a plan.  God’s timing is always, “on time.” Every single good thing in my life is directly from God, I am the beneficiary of His goodness. My  only responsibility is to “Trust & Obey.” And when I screw up, “Seek & Ask” for forgiveness; which is only possible through Christ Jesus, my “Redeemer & Savior.”

As I’m looking at another birthday, another ride around the sun…my heart is calmer, filled with love, memories and plans.  I will plan more trips to see places and people, share goodness and kindness with all God’s children. Life is too short for anger to fester, too short for regrets and is simply a gift, not to hold onto but to give away.   Share your gifts  with the world!  Share the love of Jesus.  

In the, in-between of silence and noise, if you listen with your whole heart you can hear God’s small still voice. 

1 Kings 19:12 (NIV) “After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lotd was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

In closing, to the city of Birmingham, “Thank You” for your hospitality and friendly welcome.  

I was able to visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and The Museum of Art. Below are a few pictures.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Love you all!

~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞

A Heart Once Of Stone ~

He took this heart of stone,with its coldness deep withinhammered away the hardnessthat was embedded with my sin. He chipped away my conceit,chiseled…

A Heart Once Of Stone ~

LONGING FOR GOD’S PRESENCE, DAY THREE

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Friday, March 7th A Reflection on God’s Love(KLW February 2022) Your love is an infinite love.Yet we are unawarethat you are…

LONGING FOR GOD’S PRESENCE, DAY THREE

Preparing for Lent, what if any preparation do you do for this particular season.

Many people choose to give up things that are difficult to quit or give up for a period of time. Some decide to not eat certain foods or specific drinks, while others take breaks from social media. If the latter is one of yours, I hope you can at least have the opportunity to read this post, prior to giving it up. I have tried numerous things over the years, no TV, no drinking soda or alcohol, no cussing or swear words, none of these ever really brought me closer to understanding or experiencing the season of Lent in a meaning spiritual way. I found myself looking forward to when I could enjoy the things I gave up again, a self imposed sufferance. But is that really what Lent is supposed to be like? Lent is not meant to be simply about self-sacrifice and suffering for the sake of suffering. It is also not meant to be a comfortable season of merely acknowledging Lent. The Lent that I have come to understand is an intentional time of revisiting the events of Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, His horrific death and disgrace; all leading towards His resurrection.

I am currently reading three different books as I begin my Lenten journey. The first one easily caught my attention, “No a Tame Lion” A Lent course based on the writings of C. S. Lewis written by Hilary Brand. As many of you know, I am a huge fan of C. S. Lewis’ writings. In past years, I have posted a daily blog during Lent but this year will be very different, I hope your season is all you want it to be. Please check back as I will provide updates on my journey and hopefully you can glean from my experience.

In her book, Hilary Brand describes Lent as, “…a time of sackcloth and ashes and rambling in the stomach, a drab, grey run-up to the glorious resurrection theme of Easter.” Her book is based around three films: The Chronicles of Narnia’s – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian and Shadowlands. Additionally, she uses quotes from several of Lewis’ books throughout the book. *I will list them at the end of this post.

Lent for me this year, at least my hope is to draw closer to Jesus in every aspect of my life. I pray for you as you journey through this season.

References:

Books by Lewis

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
• Mere Christianity
• The Screwtape Letters
• A Grief Observed
• Surprised by Joy
• The Last Battle
• The Problem of Pain
• The Great Divorce
• Perelandra
• Reflections on the Psalms
• The Silver Chair

~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God 💞

January 22, 2025

Hello my friends and fellow bloggers!

Here we are already twenty-two days into a new year. So many things have already happened, most of which are out of our area of control. How does that feel? Uncomfortable, perhaps intimidating, maybe even happy or depressing. On New Year’s Eve, I contemplated and prayed about My One Word for 2025. My initial inclination, I was drawn to the word “Discover” for very personal reasons. I want to challenge myself in this new year to “Discover” …new things, meet new people, help in new causes and discover new depths of understanding and empathy.

I sometimes feel like some individuals, myself included live in self-imposed bubbles in life. Sometimes on purpose and other times because of circumstances and atmosphere of where and how one might live. Often there’s a sense of feeling safe and protected within those invisible boundaries. This by no means makes anyone weak or unloving. The most beautiful things about our world is that our Creator and the Love He has for all of creation! The second beautiful thing is our individual humanity. Planet earth is home to everything and everyone, including all the different species of animals and the different ways we practice our faith to God.

Humanity: compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior or disposition : the quality or state of being humane.

Humane: marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals.

Life is hard, and beautiful at the same time. And, it is so worth it. I was reminded today of the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 7.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” — Matthew 7:13-15

As most of you know I am a huge fan of C. S. Lewis’ work and in his book “The Screwtape Letters” he writes this, ʺThe safest road to hell is the gradual one, the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” If you are not familiar with this book, it was published in 1942 and is written in defense of Christian faith, this popular book of satire is a compilation of 31 written letters in which Screwtape, an experienced devil, instructs his young charge, Wormwood, on effective strategies for tempting the human being assigned to him and making sure he continues on a steady path toward damnation (the wide gate).

No matter which gate is taken, it will not be a perfect life with no hardships. We are all sinful in the eyes of God, only when we recognize that we are created beings, specifically created by God and with a purpose can we fully understand our place in the world. Choosing God as our Lord and Savior is the first step that draws us towards the narrow gate. The one thing the narrow gate provides is that God will be with us through the entire journey. God is a loving and compassionate God, as well as a God of judgment and discipline. Just as parents want the best for their children. God wants the same and even better for each of His children.

I did not fully understand discipline from my elders when I was younger but when I look back now I can see it was because I was loved and cared for, and I believe the saying of parents, “this hurts me more than it hurts you.” I am so very thankful for the parents God gave me, if only for a short while. Life is not about the number of years but of how we live the years we are given.

Thank you for stopping by and for your continued support.

~Charlotte, Daily Searching To Discover Newness In The World, Knocking On Doors To Serve God 💞