November 30th, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOPE

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

– Pope Benedict XVI

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

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God Is In the Manger

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

July 25th, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Love you all!

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

A Heart Once Of Stone ~

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

A Heart Once Of Stone ~

LONGING FOR GOD’S PRESENCE, DAY THREE

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

LONGING FOR GOD’S PRESENCE, DAY THREE

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

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

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

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

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

References:

Books by Lewis

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

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

January 22, 2025

Hello my friends and fellow bloggers!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Apologist’s Evening Prayer

From all my lame defeats and oh! much more
From all the victories that I seemed to score;
From cleverness shot forth on Thy behalf
At which, while angels weep, the audience laugh;
From all my proofs of Thy divinity,
Thou, who wouldst give no sign, deliver me.
Thoughts are but coins. Let me not trust, instead
Of Thee, their thin-worn image of Thy head.
From all my thoughts, even from my thoughts of Thee,
O thou fair Silence, fall, and set me free.
Lord of the narrow gate and the needle’s eye,
Take from me all my trumpery lest I die.

By C. S. Lewis • Written sometime prior to 1964.

Thank you for stopping by and for your continued support.

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

December 30th, 2024

Dearest reader,

Let me first say, “Thank you” for your continued support of my blog. I have had a good and blessed year although my posts have not reflected it. I hope to post more in 2025.

As I am reflecting on the past 12 months, the word “LOVE” is a constant in my thoughts. As many of you know, I am a fan of C. S. Lewis and he has a book that deals with this subject. It is called, “The Four Loves” it was published in 1960 based upon a set of radio talks from 1958. The book was criticized by the U. S. at the time for their frankness about sex.

The book is based upon the four Greek words for love:

• Affection: Storge – empathy bond.

Storge (storgē, Greek: στοργή) is liking someone through the fondness of familiarity, family members or people who relate in familiar ways that have otherwise found themselves bonded by chance.

• Friendship: Philia – friend bond.

Philia (Greek: φιλία) is the love between friends as close as siblings in strength and duration. The friendship is the strong bond existing between people who share common values, interests, or activities

• Eros: Eros – romantic love.

Eros (erōs, Greek: ἔρως) for Lewis was love in the sense of “being in love” or “loving” someone, as opposed to the raw sexuality.

• Charity: Agape – unconditional “God” love.

Charity (agápē, Greek: ἀγάπη) is the love that exists regardless of changing circumstances. Lewis recognizes this selfless love as the greatest of the four loves, and sees it as a specifically Christian virtue to achieve. 

I encourage you to read the book for yourself, Lewis also has a fictional book that speaks of these four loves, called “Until We Have Faces.” It is a beautiful book and a retelling of Cupid and Psyche. I highly recommend it and it has been regarded as his best novel by critics. It was written with his wife Helen Joy Davidman Lewis.

The next time you’re feeling down and maybe unloved, remember this…you are always loved. The ache comes when we love someone and they don’t love us the same in return is simply them being truthful and not trying to hurt you. It’s tough, no doubt but we move on and forward in life. God has a plan for you, God loves you, and He created you and only wants the very best for you. We can’t make others love us or even like us, we must like ourselves first and foremost as well as love and embrace who we are. Our first love should always be God, He specifically created you and me on purpose and with a plan. Let that sink in…God, intentionally created you and every other person because he wanted to and gave each of us purpose in this life. My heart breaks for those who feel like they have no on. I encourage everyone to please take the time to tell one another “you are loved, I love you.” We never know if we will get the chance again. Loving someone does not mean that you will never argue or disagree, but because of love, we can respect one another. And, no matter what, let love be the foundation of all your relationships.

1 John 4:7-21

God’s Love and Ours

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.  If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.  This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.  For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.  And he has given us this command:Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”

My 2024, like many of you had its ups and downs. I’m choosing to remember the good and learn from the “downs” or challenges of the past year. Please join me in focusing on the good and let’s all try to Be Kind.

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

Below are some references if you are interested in learning more about C. S. Lewis.

References:

• https://www.cslewis.com/us/

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Four_Loves

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Till_We_Have_Faces

July 2024

For my birthday month I am hoping to earn some money for a great cause. Pledge the Pink is an organization that I got involved with a few years ago. A lifelong friend shared the organization with me, and she herself is a breast cancer survivor. So many women do not have the resources to get yearly mammograms and this organization helps to make them possible. I am hope to raise at least $200 in the month of July to Pledge The Pink. Please click the link to learn more about PTP. https://pledgethepink.com/

The goal of the organization is to raise $750,000 this year. We are currently at

My Story

WooHoo year #3 with PTP. My name is Charlotte and I am so proud to be a part of this organization. I came to know about Pledge the Pink through two of my dearest and oldest friends; one of which is a breast cancer survivor. They both shared their wonderful experience with PTP and what is means to be a part this cause and to their team, Team Boo Bees. I am grateful and blessed to be part of Team Boo Bees. I have been more fortunate than most, I make sure to get my annual mammogram and follow-up on any anomalies. I have had three biopsies and all were benign, but scary nonetheless. This cause is important to me because cancer is scary and life taking, my wish is no one ever has to go through a diagnosis of cancer. Cancer does not discriminate and believe no one should ever be alone in fighting it. I believe in this organization and I hope to one day be even more involved. My hope is to raise money to assist women is need of medical services and support. I am grateful for any amount you might be able to give, no amount is too small and your prayers are welcome. Thank you for leaning into whatever your heart is guiding you to do. This year my Aunt Helen was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer, (DCIS) ductal carcinoma in situ. We were thankful to find it so early but my aunt’s road to surviving has been difficult. She had her first surgery in June 2023, followed by many treatments from a hematoma and infections that lead to a second emergency surgery in September. Again, several infections and slow healing. In January 2024, after being discharged from wound care, she scheduled an appointment for her radiation but another setback. The doctor told her that due to the way the wound healed she could not move forward with radiation until another surgery could be preformed to correct the skin fold that had been created during the healing process. The third surgery happen in February 2024, she was released and scheduled radiation to being in April 2024. I walk for all the warriors and survivors of this terrible disease. Help me, Help them! Thank you.

If you would like to donation please click the link: https://donate.pledgethepink.com/?p=25721

I am part of an incredible team:

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

Started: May 22nd, 2024

Finished: May 26th, 2024

This was the last photo I ever took of my mom. It’s been 12 years today, when she went home to be with God, exactly 1 month after this was taken. She is missed everyday.

My dad passed away 6 months and to be honest, I’ve been struggling. Struggling with my feelings, of what and how to feel. I know that grief is a journey, we each travel at our own speed and phase. I am very aware that the world is filled with books about how one traverses the grief terrain. I’ve read several of them and I found them to be very helpful. As a reminder, there is no right or wrong way to grieve; as long as we do not cause harm to ourselves or others. In the case of loosing a parent, often talking with others who have experienced this life event can be beneficial. Physical death escape no one, we do; however, have a choice regarding our spiritual life or spiritual death. Jesus, the Son of God made a way for our redemption from sin, making it possible for an eternal life in Heaven with God, the Father, God, the Son and God, the Holy Spirit.

I am not sad that my parents are with God. I am ashamed that at times my faith is not strong enough to trust God. I believe in Christ, accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I try to live the life God intended for me but weakness at times overcomes me. I sometimes pursue unrealistic expectations for myself and feel like I deserve punishment when I stumble and fall. I am working on humbling myself before God, asking for help and forgiveness. I need to accept myself for who I am and be proud of the accomplishments that God had granted me. We are all children of God, we each are fighting our own battles that no one knows. Trust in God, trust in yourself and learn to trust others, your community and your friends and family.

On May, 22nd, 2024, after sleeping away most of the day, something I do on a regular basis on my days off. I decided it was time to clean the kitchen of dirty dishes and to clean the counters. I was loading the dishwasher and as I was loading a glass bowl, it either slipped from my hand or got caught on the rack and it dropped. It shattered into a million tiny pieces, it was unrecognizable as a bowl. Standing at the kitchen sink I began to cry. Not the quiet, slow tears trickling down your cheek. No. I was wailing and sobbing, I could not stop the tears. I found myself crying out to God, “It hurts” “It hurts, my heart hurts!” I wanted to stop the crying but it was like the flood gates had opened and I couldn’t stop. It was a long while before I could calm myself but I did. I reached out to a friend to talk with, it helped to share with someone that I was hurting. My friend, allowed me to cry and just listened on the other end of a phone call a state away. Sometimes, silence can speak volumes to the soul.

It’s been several days since I began this post, I just couldn’t finish it. I just needed to “sit with it on my heart.” Honestly, I do feel some better. I’ve been talking more with God recently and more important than talking is listening. Listening for God’s voice and the Holy Spirit leading me.

My One Word for 2024 is “authentic” and I am trying to be just that. I hope by sharing my story it will help someone else and offer encouragement.

Thank you, each person reading this. You matter to me and God loves you.

As I continue on my journey, I hope you will control travel with me. 🌻

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

Sunday, May 5th, 2024

Hope

It is difficult to put into words

How my soul and body ache

The aching of emotions

Causing pains to the physical

My heart hurts for so many

So many things

My world seems tiny at times

The whole world needs healing

This I know for certain

I must start with me

Not a selfish choice at all

For I know if my heart is broken

I cannot fully be prepared to help

I want to heal and help others too

I also know I am never alone

God is always with me

God the Creator and Father to all

His love comes in many forms

The friends He has placed in my life

They give me courage and comfort

Though the world is broken

Compassion is resilient

Daily, I am blessed by strangers

A simply “hello” or a beautiful smile

Our lives, I have discovered

Are not about comparisons

Our lives are about sharing

Compassion and hope

-C.A.Robinson ©️

May 5th, 2024

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~John 14:27~

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