A place where my thoughts, words and feelings converge…
Category: Portraits of Life – Seeing God in All
I have discovered a new and exciting hobby of taking photos and sharing God’s Words as they inspire me to be in complete “AWE” of how great our God is! I hope you enjoy the photos.
Today, I closed on the sale of my parents home and Columbia Title was phenomenal. They were friendly and kind to work with, very professional and knowledgeable about the whole process. If you are looking to buy or sell in the Indiana, I highly recommend Columbia Title. They have six locations throughout Indiana. If you are in central Indiana, specially the Williamsport office ask for Nicole Jacot, I promise you will not regret it.
~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” —Romans 12:2
The last day of January 2024 and today I sold my parents home of more than 50 years. It has been an emotional journey for my brother and I. The closing went well and I’m happy we were able to sell the house and property to my cousin and her daughter. I look forward to seeing them turn the property into their own individual and unique space. The memories of my parents will live on through the many stories we love to share with one another. Much like anything in life, this too is a process. We are still going through things and packing, this is a journey we are all doing together. Letting go of things that held value to my parents has been especially difficult because although they held value for them, it’s a different kind of value to me. I have discovered that letting go of the item(s), does not equate to letting go of the value of the memories. I have a teddy bear collection that had been stored at my parents home and as I look at them now, the importance of them is not the items themselves but the memory of purchasing them with my mom. That is where the value resides, in the memory and in my heart. My parents had several antique dishes and although some are probably very valuable, finding the particular individuals who want them can be very challenging. In the end, my brother and I decided to sell the items as one lot for one price. We were both feeling a little down about our decision and then I was reminded; these antiques will continue to hold their value both monetarily and emotionally for the people who buy them and cherish them as our parents did. I found comfort in this knowledge. Below is a collection of thoughts and words, not necessarily a poem, more poem (like). Thank you for stopping by my blog today!
Full Circle
Sitting alone in my parents home Longing for their voices to be heard Packing their life’s passions into boxes
Praying new adventures await the items Collectibles being enjoyed by new people Bittersweet memories but new ones await
Life; the past, the present and future Learn from the past, delight in the present The future is a journey not a destination
The loss of a parent is indescribable Material things will come and go The memories we carry with us always
Speak their names often, tell stories Remember their love and devotion Build upon their life story
No one thing or person is perfect Recognize the good, share it to others Continue to seek knowledge to grow
This mortal life is only a vapor Hold onto love, let it prosper Resist hate, do not feed it, let it die
We are born into a vessel, a body We live encapsulated in a body Our bodies die, our spirit lives on.
Sweet sadness, saying goodbye Letting go, just for a little while Eternal life, our spirit lives on
We are created by God We are children of God Our death is simply a journey home.
~Charlotte, Striving Towards Genuine Authentic Living As A Child Of God.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” —Romans 12:2
I attended Judson University, it was actually Judson College when I attended from fall of 1982 to spring of 1986. I graduated with aBachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and Biological Science.
Since graduating I have used my degree working in a variety of jobs.
I was a substitute teacher of history (7th/8th grade) and taught swimming lessons for grades 1st through high school.
I coached junior high girls volleyball, basketball and track.
I was an assistant coach for high school girls volleyball and basketball.
I was a program coordinator for an agency that provided housing and work opportunities for adults with disabilities.
I worked as a state inspector for health and human services licensed for teaching and caring for individuals with disabilities.
I worked as a Regulatory Specialist for a private ran company licensed for housing and caring for adults and children with disabilities.
I worked in a warehouse for a healthcare company filling orders.
I was a program coordinator for a residential company providing services for adults with disabilities.
I did contract work for a nursing home providing program plans for its residents.
I worked and supervised employees working in a healthcare facility addressing the medical, physical and emotional needs of adults with disabilities.
I work as a program coordinator in a group home providing daily living skills to adults with disabilities.
I worked at a facility for at risk children that provided 24/7 observation and housing.
I was a program manager and supervisor at a facility for at risk children that provided 24/7 observation and housing.
I am currently working for the Department of Homeland Security.
My degree has provide me with a firm foundation to expand beyond the classroom to use my knowledge and skills in ways I never imagined. God has so blessed me along this journey.
I have continued to expand my knowledge base by taking free online courses through programs offered by FEMA and MetEd.
I’m grateful for the education I received from Judson College. I am most thankful for the memories from those four years and the bonds of friendship that were forged. I learned many valuable lessons from my time as a student and as an athlete at Judson, some in the classroom but many were gained through the relationships that were born in its fertile grounds.
May 1986
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
—Isaiah 40:31
~Charlotte, Striving To Live A Genuine Authentic Life, As A Child Of Godu
…A challenge is something new and difficult which requires great effort and determination.
A challenge is something that puts you to the test.
“Be authentically you—being and becoming all that you were created to be and become—facing every challenge head-on knowing that challenges are opportunities to build character, strength and resilience, and, to be the difference that makes a difference!”
My biggest challenge in life is wanting to control things that are out of my area of control. I’ve been working on this for a loooong time, I’m happy to say I have had some success. I’ve learned that the one thing I can control is myself. A very caring friend gave me that advice, I’m grateful for his friendship. Thank you, Barry!
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
—Proverbs 27:17
Challenges in life keep us attentive and engaged. I hope you have someone in your life who cares enough to not just give advice but also travels the road with you as you understand and overcome your challenges.
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
—Proverbs 17:27
Thanks for stopping by today, blessings & peace to you ~
~Charlotte, Striving To Live A Genuine Authentic Life, As A Child Of God
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” —Romans 12:2
AUTHENTIC
According to Google, “authenticity means you’re true to your own personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure that you’re under to act otherwise. You’re honest with yourself and with others, and you take responsibility for your mistakes. Your values, ideals, and actions align.”
Friends—
I am wishing all of you a happy, healthy and blessed 2024!
I chose “My One Word” because it is what I most want to be with everyone I meet. It’s no big secret that most of us want to be liked, be considered funny or smart, creative or philosophical, just to name a few. I sincerely believe I’m living my best life right now. I like the person I am right now! I know that I have made some “not so great” choices in my life, on many occasions I tried to be the person I thought the world wanted me to be; or at least be the person that others would like to be friends with. I have met a lot of very inspiring individuals in my life and by inspiring I mean, they made a lasting impression on my soul. Some good and some were a bit prickly but what I remember the most is how these individuals made me feel.
Do You Ever Just Want To Play A Memory Over And Over, Because Of How It Makes You Feel? I Sure Do…
When I was in first grade, I decided I was going to quit school! I don’t remember all the details, I was only 6! But, the part I remember is being taken to school after I purposely missed the bus, got a spanking with a switch from the walnut tree in our front yard. My teacher telling me I was not old enough to quit school, so in the coat closet, I bit my teacher on her knee! Some kids have the terrible twos, I apparently I was a late bloomer, I had the terrible sixes!! I look back and I am thankful that my parents loved me enough to teach me responsibility and respect at such an early age. Little did my parents realize, this would lead me to spending four more years in school by attending college after high school graduation.
When I was 13, my parents let me go to the movie with a boy! And, they even let me see “Grease” and it was rated “G” when it was first released. I went with a boy that I was hopelessly devoted to! Pun intended! This was a lesson in trust, my parents were pretty cool looking back.
The game of softball from the age of five throughout my 30’s I loved playing this game. I learned countless lessons from participating in this sport. Teamwork, character, motivation, selflessness, personal responsibility, management skills, patience, dignity…I also learned about trust and respect. My parents, especially my mom supported me through all these years. She attended nearly every game I ever played, what a blessing! She was always my biggest fan! These memories are pretty spectacular.
High School graduation, could not wait for it to be over because I was missing out on a softball game! As soon as it was possible to leave the ceremony, I was off to the game!
College, freshman year…I was literally in awe of the world outside of the small corner I grew up in. I loved college! I met two of my oldest and dearest friends during that time in my life. They have supported me and loved me for no other reason than they liked and loved me. I absolutely cherish my friendships with them. They have never made me feel inadequate, unwanted or imperfect. In fact, they loved me long before I loved myself.
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Adulting, I have loved and lost love; and I am a better person because of the losses. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to love other people. Some of life’s lessons I learned much too late to be able salvage some of the relationships, but I don’t regret them…only wishing I had made better choices. The heart wants, what the heart wants; they say…but it definitely does not come with any instructions. Hindsight is 20/20, but the journey and the experiences we go through; I believe makes us better human beings.
So, reminiscing is good for a while but not a destination. Here’s to the journey of 2024, keep moving forward, explore where God is leading you. I’m so looking forward to…
“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
~Charlotte, Striving To Live A Genuine Authentic Life, As A Child Of God
I want to share a website I just discovered. Amy’s work is phenomenal and I just wanted to share it. I knew Amy when she was just a kid! So very proud of her and her work.
Christmas Day has arrived! How are you feeling? This season is filled with the full spectrum of emotions. Breathe them all in, sit with them because YOU matter. YOU matter because you are a child of the living God. Long, long ago…God’s son, Jesus came to earth to be born so that you and I would have life eternal. This season is about the a baby, a manager, a virgin having a baby, and a man whose faith was firm in believing God and His plan for his life. Joseph doesn’t get a lot of attention in the Christmas story, he’s more of a “behind the scenes” character, but is he really?
Joseph, is a supporting character in the Christmas story. He trusts God, believes in Mary’s virginity and accepts the role of being Jesus’ earthly father. He taught Jesus in his trade as a carpenter and provided essential for sustaining His earthly body. The Bible refers to Joseph as a “righteous man.” I reviewed several translations of Matthew 1:19 and most say, “And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.”
This Christmas, I am thankful for my earthly parents. God blessed me beyond measure and I’m so thankful to have had them as role models, caregivers and the purity of their love for all people. A solid foundation of the meaning of family was instilled in and upon me from the first breath I ever breathed. My parents, along with so many of my friend’s parents are now in Heaven, celebrating with Jesus this very day!
As much as I miss my parents, I know they are exactly where God wants them to be. I am choosing to love on those God has placed in my life. In this, I am truly blessed. Don’t let opportunities pass you by; love deeply, laugh out loud, be present with others and share yourself and your blessings with others.
I love you all, thank you for spending time with me today. ~Peace Be With You, Always
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this,
an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is fromthe Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).” – Matthew 1: 18-23
“Jesus is called Emmanuel, which means “God-with-us.”
The great paradox of Jesus’ life is that he, whose words and actions are
in no way influenced by human blame or praise but are completely dependent
on God’s will, is more “with” us than any other human being. Jesus’ compassion,
his deep feeling-with-us, is possible because his life is guided not by human respect
but only by the love of his heavenly Father. Indeed, Jesus is free to love us
because he is not dependent on our love.”
– Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey
To read all the Advent devotionals for 2023 from the Henri Nouwen website, click the link below.
Thank you for your continued support through this “unlikely advent.” Incredible, here we are the night before Christmas, the beloved Christmas Eve. The eve marking the birth of Jesus, the birth of true Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. You and I can have all four at the same time because of Jesus and because of this, we can face any battle set before us with confidence.
It is my earnest desire that you have a beautiful Christmas and that Jesus is your Savior, guiding your steps through life. He is the Light of the World. Life, my friends can be cruel but even in the midst of our trials, disappointment and even our grief…we can be set free and give thanks to God. There are always something to be thankful for, we only need to open our senses to them. When was the last time you thanked God for creating you(?). You are divinely created by God with purpose and a plan, God has not made a mistake.
Star rising over Bethlehem created by Me.
Jesus’ Birth Foretold by Isaiah the Prophet
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his governmentand peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
— Isaiah 9:2-7
This advent, the “unlikely advent” has not been as I had planned in my head or even on paper, yep I still use paper and pen! I love to give, I’m a giver of things and of myself and this year I’ve been on the receiving side of other givers in God’s enormous family and I am so grateful for this experience.
I have the privilege of reading part of the Christmas story from Luke at my church’s Christmas Eve service today. My work keeps me away during Sunday morning services and recently family responsibilities have kept me away from home. It is my sincere hope to start attending other church activities in the coming year. Connecting with God’s extended family is good for the soul, plus it can be a lot of fun as well. Just as our bodies need food for survival, our soul/spirit needs nutrition to grow as well.
This is what God wants us to know…
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
— Micah 6:8
God wants a relationship with all His children and it may look different from someone else’s relationship…AND THAT’S OKAY! Unless, God specifically ask you to walk around with a poster of Himself declaring you are a follower…try just being KIND! Hold a door for someone, return a smile or better yet, smile at someone you just might make their day! I love this last week of Advent for many reasons but most importantly because of LOVE. The single most important thing we can do as Christian’s; as human-beings is to love one another. Not because any of us deserve it but because we can.
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. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
DISCOVER 
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