Thursday, March 26th, 2020

Dear friends, I do not often write about “love” (Eros Love), it refers to passionate or romantic love. I choose to keep it at a distance because it reminds me of what was, what has been and is currently, not. I am a romantic at heart, and I love being in love. I’ve been blessed to have experienced love a couple of times in my life. Would it be too tempting to think it could happen again? I have many people in my life that love me and I them in return, friendship love, affectionate love and charity love; they are very comforting and yet, I miss Eros love. My favorite author, C. S. Lewis wrote a book called, “The Four Loves” here’s one of my favorite quotes:

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

Even, in the midst of writing this I cannot ignore the fact, I love my independence. Sounds like a contradiction when I proclaim my desire for Eros and my independence. Being single has taught me many valuable lessons. I might have missed out on them if my life journey had not taken this path. For this I am grateful. Most importantly, love cannot be rushed. Love is like putting a puzzle together, it works best if you start with the border pieces. Then little by little putting pieces together in groups of like colors until your able to see the picture clearly. Relationship need a starting point and a foundation of sorts, then little by little build upon commonalities of interests, chemistry and life philosophy. It is true that opposites attract but do they stay together? … The answer is sometimes.

Just like Eros, I miss a lot of things in life but the memories of have of the most important are so valuable I would not trade them for copy of something similar. I am so grateful for the life experiences I have had and look forward to whatever the future may hold. My trust is in Jesus! My life may not be what I thought it would be, in many ways it’s better. I am a child of God, He created me with purpose. Life is not about the destination, it’s about the journey. One will never find their future looking backwards. Life is forward motion.

I’m thankful that our paths have crossed on this journey called life. Love is a gift, treasure it, respect it and never take it for granted. Say “I love you” often and always mean it when you say it.

Matthew 22:37-40

“He (Jesus) said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Thursday, March 26th, 2020

Matthew 10:29-31

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

In the devotional pamphlet for today (page 31), Rev. Sam shares a story of a member (Betty) of her church, referred to as a saint. The church had ask her along with others to participate in a series called, “My Story, My Song.” Betty, who was a widowed 89 year old woman, talked about losing her husband and her best friend. An emptiness for sure but this lady was still active, visited home-bound friends, baked cakes and candy, attended church, Sunday school and bible studies. She told a story that one day she was outside raking leaves and heard geese flying over, she paused to look at them and saw that two geese were missing from the “V” formation. She immediately thought to herself, “If the geese can keep moving on, I can too.” Her chosen song was “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.”

This story reminds me that no matter what happens in life, we can handle it as long as we have God. Sometimes it takes something like a gaggle of geese to remind us, we are stronger than we believe.

Practice:

• Reflect on your story.

• Do you have moments of RELEASE that might help someone else?

• Listen to or sing, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.”

Friends, please feel free to share your song and story!

My song is, “In the Garden,” I have loved it since I was a child. I love the new contemporary Christian music but my first love was traditional hymns. Two of my cousins (Terry & Teresa) and I would sing a cappella at our church when we were just kids. Not sure we were any good but it sure felt good at the time. Such fond memories. The most difficult thing I’ve faced in life is the passing of my mother. She was the bravest and strongest person I knew. She was smart, intuitive, and resourceful. She was self-disciplined and responsible. She loved her family and her family loved her. She was only a few months from retirement when Jesus called her home. Though I did not realize it at the time, my mother was still able to teach me things beyond the grave. I’ve grown in more ways than I ever imagined possible, I’m stronger than I believed, and I am loved beyond measure by God, my friends and my family. Whenever, I hear or sing, “In the Garden” it’s like watching 8mm films of my childhood. I thank God for watching over me and for always being with me.

And, He’s always with you too!

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Thursday, March 26th, 2020

The Photo-a-Day Challenge word for today is: Alive

This video was taken is Wisconsin and it was a very happy day! Very ALIVE!

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

“For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ.”

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: ALIVE

• having life

• not dead or inanimate

• knowing or realizing the existence of something

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

Psalm 116:1-2

“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.”

Rev. Sam tells a story in the Lenten pamphlet on page 30 about someone that keeps retelling the same stories. At some point in our lives I’m sure each of us has encountered such a person. We may even recognize that person when we look in a mirror. Rev. Sam shared a quote from a spiritual leader of hers, “You’ll move on when you’re tired of talking about it.” That was in response to Rev. Sam retelling her story of a bad breakup. Having a trusted friend, who will listen to our stories is a gift. Listening is their gift from God, and they are a gift to us from God. When we speak of our stories, retelling them over and over can be very therapeutic in that their power over us is diminished as we bring it out into the light. Grieving a loss, whether it is a breakup or a death, sharing it aloud can help sooth the broken hearted. God, wants to listen to our stories, He will heal our brokenness.

As I read the devotional for today, it made me think of a dear friend in my life that has listened to many of my stories and not once stopped me from retelling or to stop repeating myself. She has never offered her own opinions without first being ask to do so and is the most humble individual I have ever met. She is my friend, teacher and spiritual leader. I am thankful for God’s timing of her friendship and God’s abundant blessings.

How magnificent that we serve a God that will bend down to listen to us, who hears our voice and our stories.

C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

“We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ‘Blessed are they that mourn,’ and I accept it. I’ve got nothing that I hadn’t bargained for. Of course it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination.”

Practice:

What story are you retelling? Voice it to God. If you are ready to RELEASE, ask God for help to let it go.

“Today was a Difficult Day,” said Pooh.

There was a pause.

“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Piglet.

“No,” said Pooh after a bit. “No, I don’t think I do.”

“That’s okay,” said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.

“What are you doing?” asked Pooh.

“Nothing, really,” said Piglet. “Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don’t feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either.

“But goodness,” continued Piglet, “Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you’ve got someone there for you. And I’ll always be here for you, Pooh.”

And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs…he thought that his best friend had never been more right.”
A.A. Milne

Sending thoughts to those having a Difficult Day today and hope you have your own Piglet to sit beside you 🧡

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Go

• to move on a course

• to travel to and stay in a place for a period of time

• to be habitually in a certain state or condition

Mark 16:15

“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”

Go, most generally means action. As defined above it can mean both to travel to and stay in a place for a period of time. Jesus said to His disciples in Mark 16:15, “GO” and proclaim the good news!”

During these difficult times of COVID-18 when we are social distancing one another and abiding to the “stay at home” directives it is nearly impossible to travel to places to share the good news. Social distancing DOES NOT keep us from sharing the good news through the many different mediums of technology. To list a few: FB, Twitter, Instagram, email, zoom, Skype, phone calls, and text messages…It is as important as ever right now to let others know about salvation through Jesus Christ and to let people know that are loved and that they were created with a purpose and plan. Be patience, be kind, be grateful, pray for one another, seek ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world. Even in our darkest moment we can still be thankful, God loves you and He loves me, too! My prayer is that we can see the good in each other! ~Peace to you 🙏🏻

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

Tuesday, March 24th, 2020

Psalm 32:5

“Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

~Selah~

Have you ever held onto something so tightly that your hands hurt? I remember playing tug-a-war as a kid, the rope we used would hurt our hands and fingers from clutching so tightly. What about things we keep pinned up inside ourselves, like guilt over something we just can’t let go or let out? Promises made to keep secrets? Sometimes we even convince ourselves that if anyone ever heard these secrets our lives would be ruined. There is one who knows everything about us and loves us just the same, He is God! We certainly do try to keep things from God, but to what end? We cause undo stress and guilt that are so unnecessary. God wants us to confess and be redeemed. I convinced myself that I had to live with guilt and that I could not trust anyone with my secrets, wow, I was so completely wrong. God did not want me to continue punishing myself and take responsibility for things that were not my fault. It took several years to recognize that I did not need to hide, especially from God. The easiest part was to tell a trusted and reliable person. The hard part was carrying all that extra baggage around for way too long. The hard part was keeping my fist clinched and my mind closed. The sweetest release was to let it out. Once I set it free, it no longer had a hold on me. My hands were open and so were my thoughts. Life is short, do not let guilt and a clinched fist keep you from living a life of repentance and forgiveness. You are loved! You matter! You make the world a better place. God Bless You ❣️🙏🏻

Practice:

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Tuesday, March 24th, 2020

Dear friend, my prayer for the world today is twofold, first and foremost for the gospel of Jesus to be shared around the world and secondly, I ask for an awaken of all people to unite and conquer COVID-19. We all have a responsibility and can do our part in minimizing its effects around the globe. Most importantly wash your hands often, do not touch your face, cover your coughs and sneezes, avoid physical contact and practice social distancing. No hugging, no handshaking. I will be the first to say this is difficult! I need physical contact with others; I’m a hugger, I like to shake hands and pat people of the shoulder but in order to conquer and extinguish this disease we all must do our part.

Dictionary: Awaken

• rousing

• quickening

• coming into awareness of something

• a renewal of interest in religion

• a realization

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.dictionary.com/

Monday, March 23, 2020

The words we use matter. When we release words without thought, we are often quick to say things we didn’t intend on saying. “Listen more, speak less” is a phrase I’ve heard a lot of people use. Speaking from profound experience, it is always better to think about your words before speaking them into action. I have spoken words that were uninformed, making myself feel and look foolish. A lesson I’m continually working on. I have to remind myself of that foolish feeling every time I start to critique someone else’s misspoken words. God has extend grace to each of us, we should be practicing that grace with one another. None of us are perfect and I know I make mistakes everyday. I’m thankful for my friends, family and colleagues that extend grace to me. Let us release our grace freely to all we meet.

Friends, thank you for spending time with me and I pray we all share more love, more compassion and more grace to one another.

Practice:

1. How do you contradict yourself?

2. Ask God to help you confess and release these contradictions.

3. Offer yourself and those around you grace.

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

Monday, March 23rd, 2020

The Photo-a-Day Challenge for today is:

GLORY

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: GLORY

• something that secures praise or renown

• great beauty and splendor

• the splendor and beatific happiness of heaven

• to rejoice proudly

One of the first things that comes to mind when I hear or think of the word “GLORY” is God! As a born again Christian, I say this, “All Praise and GLORY to God the Father for all He has done or ever will do.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”

So, here’s the back story of the photos. The image is not really an Angel, it was some lint from my dryer vent that attached itself to my wire shelf. When I first saw it, I immediately saw an Angel and then I thought of my mom. I thought of mom for two reasons; the first was that this is a sign from God, telling me that I’m ok and she’s ok too. It was as if God was saying, “she’s in Heaven with me!” I took the photo on 08/05/2016 and my mom had passed away on 06/22/2012. The second reason is my mom taught me from a very young age that keeping your home clean and neat was important, this lint would not have passed her test! In that brief moment in time I experienced so many emotions, but mostly I’m thankful for the reminder that God’s in control and deserves all GLORY!

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️☀️

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 22nd, 2020

Ephesians 5:8-11

“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

RELEASE: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

• to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude

• to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses

• relief or deliverance from sorrow, suffering, or trouble

Rev. Sam writes on page 27, “Our lives are a delicate balance of darkness and light.” She had references how this process is very much like developing photos via a dark room. Old school film developing.

My own personal experiences of light and darkness have evolved as I have grown and accepted certain truths.

• Light chases darkness away

• Darkness and fear are not the same thing.

When I was a very young child, I experienced fear and darkness together in a single moment that haunted me into adulthood. I allowed that one incident to permanently join fear and darkness together. That singularity of mind caused me a lot of grief through the years. It wasn’t until I was forced to face this obstacle straight-on that I discovered it wasn’t the darkness I feared but the lack of light. That was the simple truth, the light was missing. This is equally applicable in my Christian life; when I begin to feel scared, fearful and afraid I take a look at what I’m doing and what I’m not doing. The questions are: am I reading my Bible; am I getting enough rest; am I eating healthy; am I getting exercise; am I getting outside and soaking up some sunlight.

Best advice:

Spend time in the Sun!

Spend time with the Son!

Practice:

1. Where is the darkness in your life?

2. How has this darkness shaped you?

• Now find a way into the light.

• Sit in the sun or light a candle.

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🌻🙏🏻❣️

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/