November 11th, 2023

Dearest Friends and Family ~

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.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-does-absent-from-the-body-present-with-the-lord-mean.html

November 10th, 2023

Hello friends ~

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.

References:

https://www.openbible.info/topics/comfort

November 3rd, 2023

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

Source: https://lyrics.lyricfind.com/

Songwriters: Chris Llewellyn / Gareth Gilkeson

My Lighthouse lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol CMG Publishing

https://lyrics.lyricfind.com/

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!

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

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/

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.

November 1st, 2023

Hello Friends, Followers & Newbies ~

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.

“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:

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! 🏴‍☠️

Here’s some pictures of the house we stayed in while in Oak Island, NC. plus some shenanigans. 🏴‍☠️🦩🏴‍☠️🦩🏴‍☠️🦩🏴‍☠️🦩

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.

October 18th, 2023

Hello & Thanks for stopping by…

I took the above picture a few years ago and it’s a favorite of mine. The beautiful colors of fall and the bright sun shining in the background. I’m not sure if I have a favorite season, each have unique qualities and duties. Winter is my least favorite but I love Christmas and Christmas with snow is perfect. Speaking of seasons, I recently posted some favorite Bible verses from the Old Testament detailing seasons.

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

What Season are you Experiencing?

The best way for me to describe my season is sort of a partly foggy sunrise. Moving forward cautiously and keenly searching for the light. Here’s a photo I took that looks like how I feel.

I love this photo, it makes me think of hope. It gives me the sensation of a cool crisp morning. Each new day, we each have the opportunity to share our best with everyone we come into contact with. Daily, we have reason to thank God for His unfailing love, grace and mercy. I have the privilege to spend precious time with dad. After four months of hospital and nursing home stays, he is back in his own home. Although, he would prefer that he could care for himself instead of hospice care; his outlook and spirits are high. He has the sweetest disposition and thankful to everyone who provides the smallest of kindness. My dad loves God, his family and his neighbors. I’m quite sure he’s never met a stranger, he would give you the shirt he was wearing if you needed it.

I’m so thankful to be able to share this time with my dad and sharing it with my brother is a bonus.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”Proverbs 22:6

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:20

“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16

In closing, caring for family is something I am very acquainted with and very proud to be a part of. My parents cared for my grandparents in the same manner that I am caring for my dad. I am rich beyond measure.

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

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

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)