Super Women

(Sorry guys, this one is for the ladies!)

SuperWomen… that is exactly what we are. Each and every single one of us. I mean, look at us, look at each other.

Every single one of us has been through or is going through extreme hardships of some type and yet we pull through and become stronger by it. Push ahead!

We are Resilient!

We carry so much on our own shoulders and keep moving forward. We always find a way to make the best of every situation (even if it takes a while). Keep walking forward.

We are Diligent!

When life tries to beat us down we learn to find the positive and learn from what we are going through. We won’t remain stuck and choose to delete the negative forces, people, and situations when at all possible. Keep climbing and don’t grow weary.

We Persevere!

We learn to stand up for and how to take care of ourselves and those we love despite our circumstances. We don’t give up! We won’t give up!

We are Fighters!

Deep down, every single one of us has a beautiful soul created to love and be loved.We love and give of ourselves even when we are spent from life and it’s attacks on us. Keep moving forward.

We are Love!

Each of us has been specifically designed to be unique with our own shapes, looks, gifts, talents and attributes. This is so we can share from ourselves when others struggle and build them up.

We are Beauty!

What we must learn to do more of I believe though is to take care of ourselves in some little way each and every day so we remain strong emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally because…

We are Worthy!

Every one of us is Worthy, Ladies! We should be building each other up and supporting and applauding each others accomplishments instead of finding ways to destroy one another.

Think of what more could be accomplished in our lives, in the world if we lived this on a daily basis.?! We were created by the Creator to be this and so much More!

WOW. What a force we would be. What a Light we could be to such a dark, and negative world. What Hope we would have for ourselves and others. What a Gift we would be.

I am blessed to have a few good and lovely women in my life who are beautiful examples of this. They touch and bless not only my life but the lives of so many others. They are Incredible!

May we all continue to strive to push forward for ourselves and others. And if we notice someone looking or feeling a little beat down, may we be that source of encouragement to move forward and not give up.

The world needs us!

Blessings to you from me and Above,

Blink

Messy = Not Always Negative

 

via Daily Prompt: Messy

Let’s face it, life can be messy at times.

Unsettled, in upheaval, difficult, complicated, broken, twisted, and under attack are just a few things that come to mind.

But why?

I feel life we can look at a “messy” life like a two-sided coin.

Many  of life’s scenario’s such as the above mentioned can come to us when we least expect it, when we are unaware and unprepared.

This is one side of the coin.

As life moves along we may find we are actually more prepared to handle some of these “messy” events than expected.

Previous life lessons teach us, or should teach us, how to mentally get through some of life’s tougher times when they hit us.

Hopefully, inner strength is developed and we don’t allow ourselves to become totally unglued.

Not all unraveling is necessarily bad though. We can actually learn a lot about ourselves during such times.

Self-examination  can become a positive for us as we learn what does and doesn’t work, or what we need to hold on to or let go of.

Trying to learn from life’s messy episodes that attack us can definitely be painful if not challenging to say the least.

And if or when we feel we are at our wit’s end, there is a Source we can call out to for strength and comfort.

I know this Source as the Creator, the Father God Almighty who loves me and is there for me during all times, and especially hard times.

Want to know something exciting?! He loves You and is there for you also. If you don’t know Him or have ever asked for His help, I encourage you to give Him a try.

Not like a genie in the bottle, of course. But as a genuine cry out to Him stating, ‘I need your help God because I can’t do this on my own anymore’ type of asking.

You may have the best experience of your life happen at that very moment. Or soon after.

I encourage you to keep your heart and eyes open for new and beautiful experiences from this. Recognize beauty within the pain, somewhere. It’s not all for nothing.

The other side of the coin is to not be afraid to get our hands dirty when others’ lives are messy.

Get in the trenches with them, both physically and emotionally. Be part of a support system for those who are hurting.

Become an avid listener and give your undivided attention when together. Offer needed material support when applicable. Give hugs and positive reinforcement. Be encouraging by pointing out the positive.

Sometimes only your presence will be needed with no words. Just an ear and a shoulder will be required. And of course your time. That precious commodity that so many of us don’t want to let go of or give away.

It’s during these times for others that we can help them manage their own messy times and help life be more bearable.

Settled, calm, peaceful, orderly, not so complicated. Completely opposite of the first list mentioned above.

It’s what we all want in these lives of ours. To enjoy life in the days given us without so much hardship, but knowing that we have support for those times when they do come. And they do come.

It’s then we can acknowledge life can be good, even when it’s messy!

 

Fondly,

Blink

A Stranger in My Own Home

 

This title captures how I have felt many times in my life. Only more recently have I decided to do something about it.

Meaning, actually taking the steps to make mindful and purposeful decisions and actions.

Mindfulness and living on purpose, with intent, are common phrases these days. Oh, they’ve been around for quite some time but I think many more people are beginning to realize there is so much more to life than how they’re living it.

Sometimes a tragedy or a sudden loss causes us to become aware of this. Or, like me, turning 56 with young adult children living out their lives in many of the ways you’ve taught them, but not doing yourself, causes the realization.

I admire their freedom and love for life in their own different ways and admit that I have shelved or locked up many of my own desires. Some of the things that make me, ME.

Not sure how all of that came about exactly. But I have a few ideas.

Sometimes life just gets in the way. Unexpected twists and turns enter unexpectedly and your world is turned upside down. We can barely get through one day much less think about anything else. We can almost become a different person entirely just to survive.

Or maybe we are listening too much to the world’s ideas of who we should be and are adapting and conforming to those ideas. Many times we don’t take the time to think for ourselves and ask ourselves, or even God, some important questions.

Questions like, “Who am I deep down inside? What do I feel is important and how should I go about fulfilling that passion or desire? Who was I created to be?”

Then there are the important thoughts and hopefully realizations of self-worth. I am not talking about prideful, conceited, narcissist thoughts. Or the type of thoughts that don’t consider others and their feelings.

I am talking about thoughts of a type of self confidence that you are worthy and beautiful and loved just the way you are. Loved by others and loved by God, the One who created you to be You.

As individuals, we should never feel the need to cover up and try to make others believe  what we’re not.

Sometimes we just plug through life and don’t even realize we are shutting ourself out of our own lives to the degree that we have. But once we do (and sometimes it can take years), hopefully we have become stronger and more beautiful in ways we didn’t imagine possible. We can take with us the many new good things we have learned and adopt them into who we are becoming.

I believe that has become a key thought in my thinking. To remember we are always Becoming who we were meant to be. Accept the past but use it to benefit where we are in life now.

Don’t be too hard on yourself once certain realizations surface. All past situations have served their purpose in helping to shape us into who we are today. Who we are becoming for the future.

Just keep moving forward and learn to think for yourself. Do for yourself.

Yes, learn from others but don’t conform to their ways simply because they say so. (I am not speaking about children listening to parents here.)

Learn from your Creator. The One who knows you best and has your best interest always in mind.

Keep learning and keep moving forward.

The best you is coming forth. Don’t be afraid to let her, or him, OUT!

Much love,

Blink

Relocate

 

 

via Daily Prompt: Relocate

Not really sure how I feel about this word at the moment due to present circumstances in my home. It does however offer a world of new possibilities.

Am I up for the challenge is probably more of the question. Or do I actually want to embrace that challenge? Relocate?

Hmmm…new possibilities. Could be enchanting. Even exciting.

But then like a thief, fear of the unknown creeps in to steal any good thoughts about it.

Hmmm… is it the thought of stepping out of my comfort zone that allows access to the thief?  Maybe.

Or maybe I should be more like Alice and be curiouser? Maybe this could bring about the new outlook on life I desire. Definitely an avenue for growth. I will not know how much I am capable of handling if I don’t try.

Hmmm…relocate. Let me think about this a bit more…

 

Sparkled

 

 

via Daily Prompt: Sparkle

We all need a little sparkle in our lives. Something in which brings us joy and moments of relief and happiness if only for a few fleeting moments. Heartfelt joy.

My focus is on the pure of heart. The simple. Many of which can be easily overlooked due to busyness and consumerism. Materialism. Joy robbers.

When is the last time you noticed that ‘sparkle’ in your lovers’ eye for you? Simply because they love you. Or when last did you enjoy a good belly laugh? The kind that  you can’t stop from for a few minutes and your side aches. Sparkle.

Or the pure innocence of young children singing and playing and laughing together without a care in this world? Or silly, joyous baby giggles from the simplest, goofiest noises. Sparkle.

When was the last time you added sparkle to someone else’s life? Such as a genuine look of love and concern for them. Or maybe telling them how proud you are of them and what they are accomplishing. Sparkle.

Or for those of us on the more ‘serious’ side to let your guard down enough to be the silly one and bring the laughter into the conversation or situation just because we can. Sparkle.

What will you do to add some sparkle?

 

Just a Little Kindness

 

On my early morning walk today I passed a gentleman and acknowledged him by saying  good morning. His response back was, “Good morning but that’s not necessary. But thank you.” I responded back with, “It’s no problem to say hello.”

I could tell my response hit some kind of note by the shift in his body language. He decided not to engage any further in the conversation as we both kept walking  in our opposite directions.

How odd a response I keep thinking. More so, how sad. Of course it’s not ‘necessary,’ but  it is friendly.

Is this what our world is really coming down to? That common courtesies and pleasantries seem unnecessary?  This feels sad to me. That being friendly has come to this for some.

I’m not sure what this man has experienced or his thoughts and views on life in general but I did get a glimpse this morning.

When I encounter such responses or actions from others such as this what I desire for myself is to not want to ever feel that way.  Nor do I ever desire to allow life’s circumstances to cause me to think being nice or friendly is not necessary.

As far as I’m concerned it is very much necessary. This is part of the problem with our world today. How much effort does it take to say hello and smile at someone? Or to open the door for them or allow them to go in line in front of you at the store? Or to pay attention and give a genuine response if you ask how their day is going and they say terrible.

Are we so wrapped up in our own lives and the way life impacts us to cause us to become this uncaring? Meaning that we can’t or won’t give people a few moments of our time?

It’s really no wonder society is declining the way it is at such a rapid pace if we can’t even extend common courtesies. Not saying please, thank you, excuse me and I’m sorry seem to be becoming the new norm for so many.

These seemingly little nuances are missed opportunities to brighten someones day. To give someone hope and encouragement. To show others that there are still some people out there that really care.

I want to be that kind of person.

So I will continue to greet people warmly with a sincere heart. I will smile at them and ask how are they doing? I will actually listen to their response to show I care.

There are definitely many others out there who do the same and for that I am hopeful. Together we can shine bright and make a positive difference.

 

Blink

Only One Step Away

 

It’s true. Each and every one of us is exactly only one step away from  making possibly the worst decision of our lives.

Not only will this decision affect us, but it will impact the lives of others as well. In fact, possibly even the world. The Bible is full of examples of those who knew and followed God closely and yet they blew it.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, how long you’ve been a Christian, how close you consider your relationship with God, which seminary you went to, what type of degree you hold, etc. etc.

Each and every human being is prone to acting human and following its sometimes not so good desires. We are not perfected yet.

What’s maybe worse is when the guilty party with askew thoughts or actions shifts blame towards the innocent party. We’ve all been there to some degree or another, on both sides. Let’s be totally honest.

It’s embarrassing and it’s painful. But it can also be humbling and corrective if we desire  God to correct and change our hearts on it.

Let not all this news bring us the blues or have you consider me a negative Nancy.

On the flip side each of is also only one step away from making a most positive decision also. A decision that could not only benefit us but also have an impact on those around us. And yes, maybe even the world.

There are also many positive examples of this in the Bible as well as what we witness every day in the world around us. Those who bring good into the world.

The choice is totally up to us. Will we dishonor God and those we love or who are watching how we live out our lives? Or will we honor God and those we love and who are watching and bring light, life and love?

 

By His Strength,

Blink

When We Look Up

 

On my daily walk with my pup today I was reminded of how life and what is going on around us provides many useful analogies.

Taking a different route than usual I decided to unleash her in a wooded area so she could run. She was so happy to be free of her leash. She ran, jumped and leapt over large obstacles with no problem or hesitation. She knew she was Free!

Analogy #1: There are times we feel bound up and held back by the “leash or chains” of others. Sometimes we hold ourselves back with our own mental chains that prevent us from moving forward or trying new things.

Suggestion: Ask yourself Why. Why are you allowing someone to have that much control over your life if they are abusive or demeaning or simply just a control freak? Why? Or why are you possibly preventing your own joy and happiness by withholding yourself from trying something that could actually bring enjoyment into your life. Why?

I believe after we ask ourselves this question and  give an honest answer we are then able to seek solutions. Once we arrive at a solution, like my pup, we are able to run, jump, and leap without a lot of hesitation. We discover new freedom in this.

 

Analogy #2: Watching my pup run, she suddenly stopped at a fallen tree stuck at an angle by some twisted and thick bramble. She began walking up this tree sniffing her way along until she could go no further. When she stopped she looked up. This caused me to follow the tree line up to discover a young bluejay fluffing and preening himself in the bramble at the top. Had I not looked up I would not have noticed this young beauty. He was safe and secure in the midst of all the twisted branches and vines.

Suggestion: Look for the blessings in life by looking up to the One who cares for you most, especially during tough times. Always look for solutions to the difficulties life presents and focus on the good instead of the negative.

Life can sometimes place us in what feels or looks like a tangled mess. Like that bluejay, he had no worries or concerns by the threat of my dog. His solution was knowing how to maneuver to get out of what I considered a tangled mess.  Realizing there is still safety and provision in the tangles of life and a “way out” by our Heavenly Father can bring us Peace. We need only to look up and seek.

“Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.” 1Peter 5:7

Have a glorious day,

Blink

Awe and Wonder

 

There was an article I read this week about the New Harvest Full Moon and the constellation Taurus that was very interesting. In fact, it was the inspiration for this blog. While I didn’t understand or agree with some of it, there was still much truth to it in both obscure and very obvious ways.

Yes, the constellations are a beautiful thing and they represent much to many. Even some of the legends are fascinating. But lets consider for a moment that they are indeed a created thing. If these constellations, being as marvelous and intriguing as they are can provoke such thoughts of wonder and awe, how much more marvelous must be the One who created them in the first place?

The One who put every star and planet in its place. He positioned each in its own perfect place with a specific job to do. Some have such strong energies they have influences on other planets as well as Earth helping to control gravitational pulls and other scientific realities. Each star with its own splendor. Billions and billions of stars and probably even more planets than man could possibly determine each known by a name given by its Creator. Each within its own galaxy of power and beauty.

If we can be in such awe of a created substance, how much more awe should we have over the One who created them before man ever existed? How creative and powerful and marvelous this Being is!

More exciting is the fact that we are invited to know Him. The One true God of the universe. He reveals just a part of his splendor by experiencing the beauty of his created universe. As the creator, it belongs to him. He can do with it as he wishes. The same goes for us. We also are created beings. Each unique, filled with beauty and purpose. Each of us invited to know and experience Him personally.

I must admit I have very limited knowledge of the created heavens but I have seen beautiful photos and pictures that simply amaze me. While it may be wonderful to learn  and be excited about them, I don’t believe they were put there to be worshipped as some say we should. Even though each of these constellation figures represent different worldly traits and characteristics, they are non- spirit. They cannot answer us nor do they have the power to do anything for us personally.

But I know the One who does! And He has given me many personal experiences and insights about himself to keep being curious enough to desire to learn more about Him. While I have had many glorious encounters and consider myself blessed, I must remain humble and remember my place as another created being. Someone who can be used however my creator desires.

Maybe this is exactly where the struggle comes in for us all. Myself included. Not accepting or even liking the possibility of someone having that much power and control over our lives. I admit I struggle with this at times, but whether we accept this concept as truth or not, truth still remains truth. Truth doesn’t change based on our opinion or acceptance of it.

Instead of always struggling against a Force we have no power over, maybe we should try to connect with Him and learn what His purpose is for each of us. In addition to learning about the constellations or whatever else intrigues us, maybe we should also learn about who this Creator is. Allow Him to display His glorious marvelousness to us and experience Him for ourselves. I do believe if each of us could have our eyes and hearts opened to this One and stand in awe, He would give us spectacular and wonderful experiences and insights of our own.

My knowledge of this wonderful Creator and Father, whom I call the God Almighty, is also very limited. However, my desire is to seek him daily with a heart to know him better. I trust Him to teach me and sustain me through these very perilous days here on earth. I do not focus on the dark and perilous, but look to the constellations and other wonders of nature as a gift, a reminder there is Someone more powerful than all that goes on around me. This is the One I turn to, My Rock.

So I thank you Lord, for the beautiful gift of the constellations and the heavens and for the beauty of the natural world as we walk our time on this planet. Help me to remain in awe of your glory and goodness and may others experience you in this way also today.

Oh God, let me make a better difference in this world today because today, this moment, is all I have right now. You are indeed marvelous!

Blink

Unsafe Scripts

 

Being very new to the blogging scene, WordPress and all its computer/internet world components, I find it comforting to know that my Mac has safety precautions and programs to issue warnings to prevent malware from automatically attacking my computer.

This reminded me of how life is like that. We humans have a system, a Source, who protects us and sends warnings to help prevent bad decisions or to steer us away from trouble.

The key is to heed the warnings, the red flags that suddenly appear.

Some of us may call this insight intuition which may be true to a point but I have to ultimately give credit to my Creator, The God Almighty.

Having a true relationship with Him, along with this built in warning and protection system, has saved me from many of life’s whoas and unnecessary troubles. It has also helped others I have learned.

Many days I am traveling along going my merry little way when suddenly a thought seems to come from nowhere to do things differently or go a different route? There are now two choices. I can either heed the warning or ignore it. Yes, the choice is mine but the outcome can be very different.

Like the little red warning box in the corner of my computer, I am learning to pay closer  attention to those sudden thoughts and ask God if that’s from him. More often than not it is and I am so glad I did pay attention.

Sometimes it’s as simple as giving me a detour when I’m driving to avoid blocked traffic from an auto accident.  A more recent warning was to use a cutting board for that tomato instead of my hands. The warning wasn’t heeded and that very sharp knife sliced through the tomato into my fingertip.  A very big Ouch.

Other times are much more serious when the thought to pray for someone is strong and I must stop everything I’m doing and pray NOW!  It is quite the blessing to find out later how those prayers encouraged someone at that particular moment I knew I had prayed. Even to the point they didn’t commit suicide or do any other stupid action and sought help instead.

PRAYER WORKS!! And God is at work. Lovingly guiding and steering us into a beautiful relationship with him and helping us to avoid some of life’s pitfalls. HE is our personal built in warning system.

The key, I believe, is to learn how to pay closer attention to these red flags that pop up. The Bible is a good place to learn about some of these warning signs as well. Prayer and drawing closer to God is another.

My prayer for you (and myself) will be to learn how to continually navigate with God through this journey called life and to pay attention to those warning signs.

Abundant Blessings,

Blink