2023 October 12th (EST)

Hello Friends—

I have been thinking a lot about “time” recently. Time is something most of us think about everyday. There’s even some of us who obsess about time. But, how do we define time. Time is something I have wanted to research a bit deeper. I’ve always found the words in Ecclesiastes 3 filled with wisdom and comfort as it addressed “time.”

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In my research I found an interesting article written by Melissa Henderson, click the link below:

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-the-bible-say-about-time.html?amp=1

Also, follow her on WordPress at:

https://melissaghenderson.com/

The article provides the Greek and Hebrew words for time. (They are in my title). Many of the examples below are directly from the article and I do not take credit for them, I only wish to share the information. If you are wanting more information please click the link above for the entire article.

Chronos is sequential and quantitative time.

Et (or ‘eth) is an event or occasion.

Kairos is “a propitious moment for decision or action.” Scripture shares that kairos is a time that requires a conversion. “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)

As I read the Greek and Hebrew words for time, they were very familiar to me. They are used in a series of books I’ve recently read. If you have never read the Time- Quintet book series by Madeleine L’Engle, I strongly encourage you to do so. Many of her books were written for younger audiences and yet, they are equally if not better for adults. For a recommended order of reading click this link:

https://www.howtoread.me/time-quintet-books-in-order/

When we think about time; we must remember that we experience time differently than God experiences time. Humans created clocks and other instruments to keep track of events, activities, and special occasions. One important fact that we as Christians know is that God was, God is, and God always will be. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” Revelation 1:8 (NIV). There was never a time without God.

Our calculation of time is not the same as how God defines time. There can be comfort in knowing and remembering His timing is always best. When we pray and ask for answers in a quick time, comfort can be found in knowing God hears all prayers.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Several years ago I wrote a poem, sort of a poem. Let’s just say a collection of words. I posted them below with a couple of minor changes. My current life situation has caused me to embrace time, not how much; short or long…just being in the moment of time itself.

I am living with my dad and he is receiving hospice services at home. He is doing okay although his energy level remains low. The agency we are using is “Guardian Angel” and they have been wonderful to work with. It is a privilege to be able to spend this time with my dad. Several family members are helping with all the things that need to be done. We have been able to provide 24/7 care with no out of pocket money so far. I love giving my time to dad, it’s not taking time from me at all. As I look back on my life, my parents always gave of their time to our family. My parents shared their time equally between my brother and me and supported each of our aspirations. They always had time for family, friends and neighbors.

Life has taught me that none of us have the ability to add, subtract, multiply or divide time. It’s the moments and memories that are craved into our souls during time that truly matter. Instead of worrying about time that we can’t control, make memories with the time at hand.

Lost, Here all the Time...


For days now, 
the winds of this life have left me wanting...
searching...
lost...and forgotten.

Satisfaction is elusive 
in a very real sense

My thoughts, they deceive me

What is fact and what is fiction,

They are all scrambled one upon another, what to do

I have lost my way, 
a ship at sea with no captain, 
with no sail

Oh God of heaven and earth, 
lead me back to you

I need what only you can give, forgiveness and acceptance

Only you can love me 
though undeserving I am...

Your unconditional love 
will free me from myself

Please, I beg...
take these burdens, 
teach me your ways

My ways are weak and cause great pain
I ache and yearn for what this world can give. Alas, it does not sustain me and it takes pleasure in my pain

Take my empty dreams and 
my broken promises

Fill me with Your love, 
Your compassion and 
Your promises.

For they will never fail, 
They will never be withered by time
They will endure generation 
after generation with no end.

Oh God, clothe me in your love
Use me to spread your message 
to others

Others like me, longing for real joy, true happiness and
Limitless abounding love for always.

C.A.Robinson ©️
July 05, 2013
11:28pm
Updated October 10th, 2023©️

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am honored that you shared your time with me.

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

September 28th, 2023

Hello Friends —

Today, my brother and I were able to bring our dad home after four months of being either in the hospital or in a rehabilitation/nursing home. We are so grateful to all who prayed and encouraged us during this time. We have found a wonderful hospice agency to assist us. Guardian Angel. They assisted us with getting all the medical devices and and medications we need. I also want to say a special thank you to “Anew Hospice” as they were our initial support service. A huge shout out to Jacqui and Robyn, they were so awesome to work with and so knowledgeable. I can’t thank them enough. Jacqui not only provide the need and necessary information as we begin our new journey, she was an instant friend and confidant. She sat with dad today and held his hand as dad shared stories with her about mom. She is terrific!

Guardian Angel helped by delivering and setting up a hospital bed, wheelchair, potty chair, oxygen, nebulizer and medications. An RN, came to the house soon after we arrived home from the nursing facility. She completed an intake evaluation and helped me sort out his medications from his old to his new. We are expecting another nursing visit tomorrow and a nursing aid to assist with bathing.

Dad is excited to be home, surrounded by his things and photos of mom. I must mention a dear friend of dads and the family that has been a constant support through prayers and visits. Margaret loves and cares for dad and we are grateful for her support and generosity. Margaret has sat many hours with dad when my brother and I were unable to do so because of our work schedules. Dad’s neighbors were happy to see him home, one in particular, Pam and Mike, they have been helping dad out many times over the years. They have carried in groceries, brought him meals and donated a wheelchair ramp, plus delivered and helped install it. Pam came to visit tonight and will be helping out by sitting with dad when my brother and I have to work.

I am thankful to my coworkers and the company I work for, I qualified for FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) and VLPT (Voluntary Leave Transfer Program). I am currently working on a schedule to provide 24/7 care for my dad. Many family and friends have offered to assist, I will gladly accept!

It is a privilege to care for my dad, he made so many sacrifices to provide a loving home for my brother and I to grow up in. For all the things known and unknown that my dad did for me and my brother, I want to give back. I have no doubt that I have a lot of lessons to learn on this journey, I know God has a plan! One thing I know for certain and I am practicing this, “Be Still and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10

Abbey of the Arts

“The ability to welcome all of life and stay present to it is what carves out wisdom in the deepest parts of our being and helps us to come to know the depth of mystery at the heart of things.”

—Christine Valters Paintner, PhD,

Our life is a short opportunity to say yes to God’s love. Our death is a full coming home to that love. Do we desire to come home? It seems that most of our efforts are aimed at delaying this homecoming as long as possible.

Writing to the Christians at Philippi, the apostle Paul shows a radically different attitude. He says: “I want to be gone and be with Christ, and this is by far the stronger desire—and yet for your sake to stay alive in this body is a more urgent need.” Paul’s deepest desire is to be completely united with God through Christ and that desire makes him look at death as a “positive gain.” His other desire, however, is to stay alive in the body and fulfill his mission. That will offer him an opportunity for fruitful work.

We are challenged once again to look at our lives from above. When, indeed, Jesus came to offer us full communion with God, by making us partakers of his death and resurrection, what else can we desire but to leave our mortal bodies and so reach the final goal of our existence? The only reason for staying in this valley of tears can be to continue the mission of Jesus who has sent us into the world as his Father sent him into the world. Looking from above, life is a short, often painful mission, full of occasions to do fruitful work for God’s kingdom, and death is the open door that leads into the hall of celebration where the king himself will serve us.

It all seems such an upside-down way of being! But it’s the way of Jesus and the way for us to follow. There is nothing morbid about it. To the contrary, it’s a joyful vision of life and death.

Thank you for stopping by my blog page, I appreciate your support and I pray that you experience God in real and mighty ways today! You are a beautiful child of God, created with a purpose and a plan!

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

https://www.anewhosp.com/

https://guardianangelhospice.com/

https://mailchi.mp/abbeyofthearts/daily-nourishment-from-abbey-of-the-arts

https://henrinouwen.org/meditations/

September 23rd, 2023

Friends,

I want to dedicate this post to a very dear friend, she prays for me and encourages me! I want to thank you, Carol F. as your prayers are felt and your words of encouragement provide comfort. Carol sent me an email today and it included a reference to the song lyrics for “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” I would like to share them with you as well. I am blessed to have such a friend as Carol.

1 Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely,
And long for heav’n and home;
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant Friend is he;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, 
I sing because I’m free;
For his eye is on the sparrow, 
And I know he watches me.

2 “Let not your heart be troubled,” 
His tender word I hear,
And resting on his goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path he leadeth, 
But one step I may see; 
His eye is on the sparrow, 
And I know he watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, 
And I know he watches me. [Refrain]

3 Whenever I am tempted, 
Whenever clouds arise;
When songs give place to sighing, 
When hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to him, 
From care he sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, 
And I know he watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, 
And I know he watches me. [Refrain]

—

1 ¿Cómo podré estar triste?
¿Cómo entre sombras ir?
¿Cómo sentirme solo
y en el dolor vivir?
Si Cristo es mi consuelo,
mi amigo siempre fiel,
si aun la aves tienen
seguro asilo en él,
si aun las aves tienen
seguro asilo en él.

Estribillo:
¡Feliz, cantando alegre,
yo vivo siempre aquí;
si él cuida de las aves,
cuidará también de mí!

2 “Nunca te desalientes”,
oigo al Señor decir:
y en su palabra fiado,
hago al dolor huir.
A Cristo, paso a paso
yo sigo sin cesar,
y todas sus bondades
por siempre me ha de dar,
y todas sus bondades
por siempre me ha de dar. [Estribillo]

3 Siempre que soy tentado,
o si en la prueba estoy,
más cerca de él camino,
y protegido voy;
si en mí la fe desmaya
y sufro de ansiedad,
tan solo él me levanta,
me da seguridad,
tan solo él me levanta,
me da seguridad. [Estribillo]

Did You Know … 🎶 🎼 🎵

Civilla D. Martin

Name: Civilla D. Martin

Full Name: Martin, Civilla D. (Civilla Durfee), 1866-1948

Birth Year:1866

Dests Year:1948

Martin, Civilla Durfee (Jordan Falls, Nova Scotia, August 21, 1866–March 9, 1948, Atlanta, Georgia). Daughter of James N. and Irene (Harding) Holden. She married Rev. John F. Geddes, Congregational minister of Coventryvilee, N.Y. at Jordan Falls Methodist Church, Shelbourne Co., Nova Scotia, on May 19, 1891. There is thus far no information about their marriage and its end. After several years of teaching school, she married Walter Stillman Martin, a Baptist minister, and traveled with him in evangelistic work. However, because of frail health, she was compelled to remain home much of the time. In 1916, they became members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They had one son, A.G. Martin. In her writing, she used only her initials, “C.D.” rather than her full name of that of her composer-husband. She is reputed to have written several hundred hymns and religious songs. Her first one, “God Will Take Care of You,” written in 1904 became world-famous. Her husband wrote the music for this and many of her other hymns. “His Eye is on the Sparrow” written in 1906 and set to music by Charles H. Gabriel, has also received wide acclaim. In addition to the above, “Like As A Father,” “A Welcome for Me,” and “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” are among her better-known hymns.

Her husband and collaborator, W.S. Martin (1862-1935) preceded her in death. For the last 29 years of her life, she made her home in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was a member of the First Christian Church. Her funeral was held on March 10, 1948 at Spring Hill and the interment was in the West View Cemetery in Atlanta.

*https://hymnary.org/person/Martin_CD

Have a beautiful day and thanks for stopping by my blog today!

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

—Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

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

September 23, 2023

Today, is my mom’s birthday, she would have been 77! She is loved and missed everyday.

Here’s a poem I wrote for my mom Christmas 1985…

Who…

  gives me blue skies,

  and tells me no lies.

  gives me strength when I am weak,

  and wisdom to be meek.

  fills my darkness with light,

  on a cold winters’ night.

  makes me laugh,

  and leads me on my path.

Who…

  is this so true,

  it is you, Mother, YOU!

~Charlotte A. Robinson©️

  Christmas 1985​

Believers Who Have Died

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

—1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)

Friends,

Thank you for stopping by today. Please take time to celebrate someone special in your life today. As you are reading this, please know that you are indeed, special to me. I pray that you experience God in a very real way today. God loves you, you are special!

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

September 22nd, 2023

Quote from “Mere Christianity”

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

—C. S. Lewis

Hello my friends,

This week has tested me near my limits. I love the C. S. Lewis quote above, it’s actually referenced in his book “Surprised by Joy” as well. I am so tired of the negativity that seems to be ever growing around me.

So far this week I had a package stolen from my front porch and while checking out at Walmart an item I scanned, charged me too much! Plus an in store coupon would not scan. I’ve read of similar stories in the news about the self scanning checkout at Walmart so I was being cautious. Thankfully, I was able to get assistance to get the coupon to work and a price change. Weird, I scanned my item and it registered five dollars and some change. I immediately used my Walmart app to scan the barcode but it said it was not available (?) weird since it charged me and read the barcode. I ask the worker to come over for assistance and he tried to scan it with his handheld scanner and it did not register. I finally looked the item up on the Walmart app for this specific store and it listed the item for $2.26! The worker adjusted the price.

Earlier this week I had a package delivered to my apartment and the carrier sent me a picture showing it was delivered, when I arrived home, no package. I was so frustrated! The items were valued at $70. I can’t really blame the delivery service; although I did send an email to my apartment complex office asking about a refund but of course, no response. As I was reading the complex online bulletin board I saw that several packages had been stolen over the past few weeks. This is a sure sign that I should start looking for a better complex to live in. I might as well continue with the complex mishaps, the trash compactor has been not working for nearly a week. Trash keeps piling up because, some people just can’t follow directions or instructions. As we were told to just keep all trash in our apartments until it’s fixed.

I’m not so naive to believe that these things can’t improve but dang! It’s a struggle to get through the day and feel good about it.

In short, I’m tired. Im tired of “things” getting worse. It seems like us against them and I’m not even sure who “us” really is.

My faith and support of the government and elected officials local/state/federal is at a new low. Never before in my life have I ever felt so disappointed, even ashamed. Don’t get me wrong, I am a strong supporter of democracy and capitalism. What I do not support is cheating, lying, corruption, and greed to name a few. As a nation, in my opinion, we have abandoned our standards of morality, patriotism, freedom and the rights of citizens of the nation.

Let me say this, I am a Christian and I am a sinner. I made mistakes all the time, I try not too but I do. I seek to do God’s will and to be and continue to grow into the person He created me to be. To be clear, I am not singling any one person out, I love my country and I love God. I pray we can all do better, you don’t have to be a believer of faith, to do better. Although, I recommend being a believer because, my trust in God is the only way I get through the day. I remind myself everyday of two things: “Be Still and Know” and I am not my own, I belong to God. God created me and I am His. I have hope because of God!

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

—Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

~Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy place where the Most High dwells. 

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 

The Lord Almighty is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” 

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

“For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me.”
—Ezekiel 18:4 (NIV)

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
—Colossians 1:15-18 (NIV)

“It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.”
—Isaiah 42:12 (NIV)

This collection of words does not meet the rules of writing a sonnet, so yes I have used the term incorrectly. Perhaps it should be “sonnet -like.” Either way, I appreciate you stopping by to read my words, I am grateful.

September 21st, 2023

Alone in a dark room
Only the sound of a whirling fan
How sweet the white noise

Cocooned with pillows and blankets
Warmth and cool surround
I don’t want to move

Shut the world out
Screams wanting to let go
Heart pounding, teeth clenched

Resistance is bubbling
Heart is breaking
Head is spinning

Wanting this to pass me by
Knowing the choice is made
Fears must go to let love grow

Paths unknown
Emotions restrained
Hope through fog

—Charlotte A. Robinson ©️

Joshua Installed as Leader
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

The words of Jesus to the Disciples
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

—John 16:33b (NIV)

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

September 13th, 2023

Hello Friends –

I just finished a book by C.S.Lewis called, “The Pilgrims Regress,” it is a allegory and after reading, it set my mind thinking and below is what it inspired. If you have not read it or read “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan, I will include the summary below for each.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my blog today.

Once again I’m surrounded by things that belonged to her, as my eyes browse through the rooms of this home, “I wonder.” Mr. Brush, was her hair the last to touch your bristles? What of you Mr. Scissors, she held you for many years and over many long hours. You were a confidant & friend always appreciated, though sometimes out of need while other times just for creativity. Mr. Pillow, so soft and fluffy, I wish she had spent more time dreaming while resting upon you. I now come to you, Mr. Kitchen and your extended family. How she loved being in your realm, most especially the time spent with Mr. Baking-Sheet! I’m quite certain I’ll never again taste the magic that you and she created, called chocolate sheet cake! It’s was the sweetest and best I’ve ever tasted.

Now, I would very much like to address the Cleaning family. You never let her down, no job too small or too big. You were trusted. She collaborated with you on a regular schedule, she even shared you with me at a young age. I have to admit, early in my life I was not a fan! Alas, now that I am now older and can see the errors of my youth, I must admit you taught me more than the family business. You taught me responsibility, trust, appreciate and reliability to name a few. I also know that you have been a close friend of the family for many generations, and hopefully to many more.

Mr. Television, you did not know her as she was before you came into this house but your uncle, Mr. Tee Vee did know her. He didn’t get to spend a lot of time with her but when they did it was lovely. She liked him very much but life kept her busy and little time was left to just sit with him.

We all agree, she is missed so terribly but we would never wish her back from her place of rest and peace. We carry her with us wherever we go, she was one of a kind. Smart and sassy, intelligent and intuitive, strong and loving, unselfish and giving. Plus, so much more…

Her legacy lives on and through everything and everyone who knew her.

This is dedicated to my mom, Shirley “Peach” Robinson. 1946-2012, she was a hairdresser by occupation and owned her won business. She is my mom and my biggest fan.

Today while I was visiting my dad he talked about Psalm 139 and it’s powerful verses, I would like to share them with you.

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

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.

Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked!

Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.

Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

—Psalm 139 NIV

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

https://www.biblegateway.com/

September 8th, 2023

This is how I feel:

This is what I show the world:

What do strong people do when they don’t feel strong? This has been weighing on my mind and body for some time now. I am so blessed to have the support of family and friends in my life. I also have the support of my brother which has brought us closer together and that too is a blessing. One thing I know for absolute certainty is I am never alone on my life’s journey, God is ever-present.

I am reminded today of the passage in Matthew when Jesus went to pray and he ask his disciples to sit and pray while He, himself went off alone to pray to the Father.

Gethsemane

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

—Matthew 26:36-46 (NIV)

Please understand I am in no way making comparisons to Jesus, No Not At All! I am more like James, John and Peter. My spirit is willing but my flesh is indeed weak. There are days I want to just stay in bed and cover my head and sleep. It’s the “run-away” feeling and nowhere to hide! I am scared of the decisions that must be made, overwhelmed at the tasks that need attention and feelings of guilt that it’s not enough. “This is not the way!”

Staying in bed and doing nothing is never the right choice. Praying and asking for guidance and asking others to pray as well…THIS IS THE WAY!

I am a “doer” and a “fixer,” however, I must confess, I struggle to be patient and quiet. I am trying really hard to learn that there are times when one must be embrace patience and see one’s limitations. I am practicing the art of leaning on others to help me. God will provide a way through any obstacles you and I may encounter. God is a loving God, He desires to be an active part of our lives.

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

—Romans 8:25-28 (NIV)

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience. 🌼🌾🌻🍃

September 8th, 2023

Greetings—

Everything is Meaningless

The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?

Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.

The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.

All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.

All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

Is there anything of which one can say,“Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.

No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them.

—Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 (NIV)

Yesterday, I spent time with my dad and my brother talking about the care my dad needs and deserves. Many of our friends and family are aware of our situation and have provided emotional and physical support. My brother and I know we are very blessed. Seeing our dad age is beautiful and difficult; providing care and support to a parent is a privilege. The difficult part is wanting to do any and everything to provide the very best possible care for them; however, also knowing that there will be financial limitations.

I want to provide for my dad the way he and mom provided for me and my brother as we were growing up. Both of our parents, like most parents, worked very hard to give us all we needed and some of what we wanted.

Our family is not perfect by any means; we had and continue to have lots of love and laughter. As a kid, I did not appreciate all the sacrifices my family made to provide a happy, healthy and stable home-life for me and my brother. We grew up and lived in the same small town and mostly on the same piece of land. In fact I’m sitting in my dads house right now, it’s not the one I grew up in, as they built a new home on the same property a few decades ago. I’ve lived in only two separate homes growing up and they are literally only a few blocks apart. The original house is torn down now, but when I drive by the empty lot, I remember. My brother was only two when we moved from one house to another, so he doesn’t really remember our first house. The town I grew up in had an approximate population of 125 people. My hometown is Yeddo, IN. It was founded sometime in the mid to late 1800’s: records show that it had a post office in operation from 1881-1964.

The Rand McNally Atlas shows that Yeddo had a population of 202 people in 1895 with a post office and railroad service.

https://roadsidethoughts.com/in/yeddo-xx-fountain-census.htm

As I sit here in my parents home, memories flash through my mind. I am reminiscing of the holiday’s spent together; sharing meals with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins and friends. I miss the sounds of laughter in the retelling of old stories. The competitive spirits of playing games at the dining room table. Remembering lazy Saturday nights or Sunday afternoons watching movies on a rented VCR and VHS tape from the local video store, (long before blockbuster’s). I’m that old! 😉 The house is filled with things, the most priceless of all is the memories. The material things are nice but it’s not the particular item that is precious, it’s the visual and sensory response it ignites inside of me.

How does one sum up their life, it is not the physical possessions, it’s the memories that were created with them. The older I get, the more I realize it’s the connections, passions and experiences that bring me happiness, not a collection of things that merely take up space. *I do have things, more than I need or deserve and I know that they could be gone tomorrow and I would be okay because of my memories. I have a substantial collection of Flintstones memorabilia and I used to have it displayed in a room all to itself. I moved over a year ago and it’s all still in boxes. I don’t love it any less but I don’t need it on display because what makes it special to me is how it came to be in my possession. Over a period of about 15 years, I scoured through antique shops, festivals and yard sales in search of anything Flintstones with family, friends and lovers, it was the people with me that matters. Some items I have were gifts, and the true gift is the person who gifted the item to me.

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

What do workers gain from their toil?

I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; God will call the past to account.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (NIV)

Lastly, I would like to share two devotionals with you that I read yesterday and formed the foundation for this post.

Download this app to get your daily devotions: http://jctrois.com

Roots & Power to the Weak 09/07/2023

Roots:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. —Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

The Christian life is never stagnant. Once we accept Jesus we must continue to be vigilant in the choice to follow after Him. As we grow in our understanding of who He is, the Bible, and grow strong ties to other Believers then deep roots of faith grow in our lives. When we are rooted in our faith we are able to stand strong when we go through the storms of this life.

The Power of the Weak: (Storms)

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. —Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)

Do you recall a situation where the harder you tried to mend something, the worse it became? Sometimes it’s a relationship where you try to say and do the right things only to make the other person upset. No matter what the situation, remember that God is in control, not you. When you’re feeling powerless, God will empower you. The next time you’re in a situation like this, say a prayer to reveal your weakness and acknowledge that God is in control.

As I end my day, I pray for strength and guidance not just for myself; you are also in my my prayers. We are all on separate journeys and yet, we are all traveling together. My hopes, fears and struggles are no more or less important than yours, we have more in common than we realize. Our help comes from the Lord! In a world filled with darkness, shine the light of God wherever you go. —May the peace of God shine upon you today and always.

~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience. 🌸🌹🌺🌷💐

I love the poem in this post, it brought much comfort to me. Please take a few minutes to read. Thank you!

FINISH LINE When I can’t see the finish linenor even ’round the bend,I wish that you would tell mehow this is going to end.When every step is painful…

ON SECOND THOUGHT: HOW LONG…