From my Dad’s mouth…

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Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippines 4:11

I did not grow up poor but I do remember some months where funds were “tight” and we had to watch our pennies. I especially remember meals of toast and soupy rice. That is rice cooked in milk with butter and sugar garnished by a side of toast. For the record, it was delicious.

My father was an optimist. He would look at our meal and he would say “I wonder what the poor people are eating tonight?” Dad would say this in times of plenty and times of want. He knew that we would have days of blessings and days not so blessed.

Today, I sit here and feel sorry for myself over life events. It’s easy to do. The days where you just want to throw in the towel and give up.

But, my father’s words reminded me that I am blessed beyond measure and should have a heart filled with gratitude.

I don’t think these words came to me by accident, I believe “someone” wants me to remember his sage advice. I ask God to forgive me for wanting more.

I know He hears me.

I know my Dad is smiling.

You are Special!

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My Dad gave me lots of advice. I was wise enough to listen.

Dad had every reason to be pessimistic about the world. He was shot down over Germany during WWII while piloting a B-17, interred in a POW camp and lost his hearing. His career as a pilot was finished due to war injuries, and he was born with the name Shirley. Yes, I said his name was Shirley. It would be easy to fall into the muck and wallow in self-pity but that was not his style.

My Dad was a die-hard optimist. Life was good and every day was special.

When I started my business, one of the best things Dad told me was “always remember to make people feel special.” Dad grew up with a desire to help and to enrich the lives of others. He succeeded.

Everyone wants to feel special. Everyone wants to tell you his or her story. You just need to listen.

This is not so surprising. What IS surprising is that more people don’t realize this. When you care about people, and show a genuine interest in their welfare, your life is all the better.

Try this with clients, friends and, most of all, family. Make today the start of a change in your lifestyle. Make someone’s day.

Make someone feel special.

Leave everyone you meet feeling valued. Ask about their day; ask about their lives; just ask and then listen.

Expect little and give much…you will be amazed. The gift of giving someone a sense of self worth is beyond measure. Now that’s special.

Veterans Day – Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor

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“I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.” John 13:34

Veteran’s Day 2014

My father didn’t start talking about his war experiences until late in his life. I think he didn’t want to burden us with difficult memories but eventually opened up and I’m so glad he did. What a testimony to his family of a life well lived.

My Dad was a POW in Nazi Germany for many years after his B-17 was shot down during a military raid. While I think this experience had a profound effect on him, I don’t think it changed him at the core.

My father loved people. My father loved his family. My father really loved Jesus.

Dad led by example and he told the story of walking through deep snow with the frail and aged Nazi guards who were too weak to carry their own weapons. So Dad and the other soldiers carried their guns. They were not required to do so, they did it to help.

I have always found this story to be one of the most striking of my father’s war memories. Dad’s faith in Jesus never wavered and even in the worst of circumstances, he would use an opportunity to share the love of Christ with ANYONE.

On this Veterans Day, I thank Dad for his courage. I thank Dad for his loving heart. I thank Dad for teaching me about Jesus. Dad said that he survived the war through his belief that Jesus was standing beside him and giving him the strength to return home. I believe this and I am grateful to God.

I am sure my Dad is not the first soldier to have Jesus hold his hand and he won’t be the last. I wish this were not so. If we could only truly love our neighbors…

Peace.

Falling Back…

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home-top-photo-st-marg-church_22I love fall. Just as I watch the sky darken, the leaves change into a variety of majestic colors and the earth prepare for frost, fall signals a time of reflection for the past year and an awareness of the coming Advent season.

In short, fall is my favorite time of the year.

Each Fall I travel to the Blue Ridge and I return to the beautiful mountaintop church where my daughter was married. It was the last time my entire family was together before losing my Mom to cancer. I take a moment to go inside and sit on the very pew I shared with my parents and thank God for loving memories. My favorite is when Dad held my hand as my daughter walked down the aisle to meet her groom. Dad gave me a gentle squeeze as he asked me if I was OK. It was a loving gesture and so typical of my Father.

When I sit in that pew, I can still feel his presence although Dad has since joined Mom and gone home to glory. It’s a great memory of a happy time. If my earthly father was so amazing, how much more wonderful will it be to meet my heavenly Father?

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to glide down to the ground, I am reminded of my continual growth and change as I work toward a more mature faith. There is so much sin to release and so much good to reflect upon. God’s grace is sufficient and He guides me like a falling leaf and catches me safely in His arms.

For another season, I soar in His love and I look forward for what is yet to come.

A place of peace…

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Years ago when I was expecting my first child, the lamaze instructor was adamant that I find a place in my memory that was peaceful. It was to be somewhere that my mind could wander and calm my soul. It took me about a minute to pinpoint my sweet spot of undiluted happiness.

I was lucky enough to grow up with amazing parents. Not perfect, but wonderfully made and so loving to me. 

Our Miami home was located on a beautiful spring-fed lake with gentle winds that cooled our home. The back yard was impressive with a seawall overlooking the lake and shaded by a huge oak tree which served as the host for a large wooden swing.

This swing was my place of peace. Hours and hours spent with my Dad talking about everything and nothing. Quiet and solitude. His dreams for my future and my Dad’s memories of his past. It was absolutely heavenly.

While in a long labor, I kept my mind mentally on that swing. I was in a labor and delivery room but I could hear a soothing voice and a soft breeze. It made a difficult time more bearable.

To this day, I go there. I go back to my swing and I talk to my Dad. He’s not with me anymore but I know he waits and I am comforted. 

I know he waits for me with Jesus. 

Peace fills my heart and I am calm.

A Princess Never Cooks

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I saw a t-shirt today with the words, “A princess never cooks.” If you knew me, you would know how much that statement would apply to this princess.

On Mother’s Day, I would like to remember the men in my life.

Beginning with my grandfather to my dad, husband, brothers, and son-in-law, I have been treated like a princess my entire life. I have been ridiculously blessed which is  not a term I use lightly.

The benefit of strong male influences has made me a better daughter, sister, wife, and mother. These men have not granted or permitted me to do anything. They have not ruled my life but have encouraged me and loved me. Love is more important than anything.

Having strong men in my life has made me a strong female. In turn, this gives me the freedom to share my hopes, dreams and desires with others. As a Mom, I want my daughters and granddaughter to know this is unique to our family and to most families. These great guys make my life happy and peace-filled.

It is also a daily reminder of our Father in heaven who calls me and all women “daughter” – what a joy, what a gift, what a comfort!

We are all daughter of the King. The Lord encourages us, walks with us through this earthly life, and waits for us in glory.

On this Mother’s Day, I give thanks for the men who have been so present in my life. But, I especially thank the Lord for being a heavenly Father who will never disappoint me and who guides and leads me daily.

I’m a princess, indeed.

“…and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18