Tag: life

Embrace Your Year: Creating Ripples of Change

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

Greetings! I’m sorry to be so long in posting! I have been having some trouble with my blog settings and posting updates. Not sure of the issues, but I am finally able to post here again, and I hope you will let me know if you actually get to read this either on Facebook or through email. Thank you.

There is so much to tell you about but I wanted to get this out there, because if you remember, I like to pray over a word for the year and I also make a list of goals for the year. I have a big God and He tells me to trust in Him in all things. So I do.

My word for the year goes back about six months ago while reading a book called Blue Mind. It is a very interesting book with some technical reading in places but very mind opening in the way water in particular, and the color blue works in and through our brain and body. I believe I even made a post here where I talked about that. As I was reading that book, I had a drop download in my heart that I was to make an email using that word and the vision that came with it. So I will explain the word in some detail and why I believe God put that in my heart for 2025.

Word for 2025

It is both interesting and exciting to me that once I wrote this word down, and also the started my goals list, I felt that little tingle of excitement and expectation come back. Here is the premise. If we throw a stone into a pond, the ripples will immediately go out from the point of entry in the water. Here are a few Bible verses I would like to share:

Ps 147:15 His command ripples across the earth. II Tim 1:5 The Rock that makes the Ripple. Romans 5:8 …the ripple effect of God’s grace and holy character. Read those again. Think about what that means. Ripples give us a visual of something that happens as we throw the rock, and as we do, the water is no longer the same. So a stone dropped in the water disturbs the still water and disrupts it. So I have felt that the beginning of the year will be like that for me.

I want to be more like the rock that leaves a ripple in life. I might drop in softly or maybe plop in with a splash, as I encounter others to lift them up. lt may be just to listen. I want to let them know I care for them because they are important to me. It may be that I am the only one who speaks kindly to them that day. Let me stone throw ripple out into their day. It may be that I splash around for a while and them God guides and directs me as to what is needed. Don’t be afraid in your own life to share what your needs may be. It is always beneficial to be able to share with someone who is willing to be there with you.

Ripples represents the influence I can have to love and to care. It will affect my heart and mind, as well as, the hearts and minds of others. We never know how a kind word or gesture will speak to the hearts of those we share that with. Positive actions radiate out to others like a ripple in a pond. It can have great impact. So… I am disrupting the status quo of my life this next year. There have been many reasons for the previous status quo, and I may post some about that later this next year. For now, I have been challenged. I accept the challenge.

I think with all that is going on in the world around us, most are seeking some quiet, both outside themselves and especially on the inside of themselves. I am one of those. I have realized that my gifting has not been used as in the past years and I don’t see that as negative…it is just me dealing with the changes in life. But I know that when I put my efforts and time forward, and drop a stone in the water, the ripples WILL go out. No doubt. How? It may be something they remember, or experienced, or that touches the deep part of their hearts because of your interaction. I can make a difference if I am open to what I am sensing I should do. It’s kind of like when we stand on the ferry decks or sit in a boat and we enjoy looking at the wake of the boat as we go through the water. It draws us in. Just like those waves, our actions and interactions will go out way further than the immediate place we see right at that moment. The ripples can be gentle and even nurturing to us, but they can be more turbulent; even destructive at times. Why? Because our actions have consequences that can extend beyond where we currently are and can influence the present for generations to come. Read that again. I personally want to leave a legacy that encourages generations to come. I want my children and grandchildren to remember the ripples I have created in my life and let it resonate in their lives. I have dropped countless prayers, and to me that is the very best stone I can throw. I know those ripples of prayers go out further than my life time. Our prayers are never lost. Now that is a great throw!

With social media being as crazy as it is, let’s use it to reach out and touch a life. Don’t say you are so busy. We should never be THAT busy that we can’t take a moment. If you are that busy, it’s maybe more than that. It is could be something you are not dealing with that is bringing YOU down. You don’t feel qualified to look out to encourage others. However, you know what lifts YOUR spirits, do that. It can then reverberate way beyond your current feelings, comment or picture or your post. However, sometimes we do that and we won’t see the results or know about the results. Never give up in well-doing, as God says. We need it. Today in our world as we see less of moral and spiritual qualities of leadership and upbringing, it is plain to see. Don’t let satan convince you that you have nothing to offer because you do. Kick that thought to the curb! Throw the stone of love into the water and pray for the shores that the ripples will reach!

I hope this has encouraged you for your 2025 year. I know I hope to leave behind as many ripples as I can. I also want my ripples of action and commitment to flow upwards to God. That is why I love looking over my goals for last year and see all that God has done. You see, when something gets accomplished on my list, I highlight it. At the end of the year I can clearly see what God has been doing and accomplishing in my life. I am ready to hit the road with my list come January 1, 2025! No they are not resolutions. I write down anything and everything no matter or big or small. At my age, I am coming to appreciate that more than ever! Some have become hard, but I want to see them through. I know God can orchestrate miracles to make things happen, so my gratitude jar will be full this year!

Let me leave you with this…where will you drop your stones this year? I urge you to go to the water some time soon, and drop a stone in, quiet yourself and watch the ripples spread out. Then, think of an area where you want to be that stone that causes ripples to go out in the lives of those around you. It may be in some area of your own life that will radiate out to others, or it might be in a person, family, or whoever comes to mind. But what ever comes to mind, reach down and throw your stone, and then take the next stone home to remind you of your commitment to be a ripple in the water of life to those around you. Remember, even big things that are in the way of the ripples can’t stop the ripples from going outward!

I would love to hear from you and your response to ripples. Please use this email address: js.ripplesonthewater@gmail.com because I would love to hear about your thoughts and experiences as you consider this post. You can also post comments by scrolling down below this post using the journeysofmyheart@gmail.com.

This post is my first ripple toward the new year. Have fun throwing it out there!

Your “Ripples On The Water” Guide…

~JoAnn

Preserving Generational Memories And Their Significance

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

I have been searching for a while for something that was not only part of my life with my grandparents, but also a part of my parental household growing up. It is something that I have never forgotten and it still brings a sense of belonging and joy to me.

Picture this memory in your mind’s eye…you walk into your grandparents home and there it is sitting in its special place…that something special that you were allowed to have when you came to visit. What was it? I bet it comes to you right away. I hope it does. Let me share a little about mine with you.

In my grandparent’s home, there was one special dish in their home; a candy dish. That special round dish with some goodies in it. The downside of these candy dishes were the alarm set off by lifting the lid of the dish. It was a very heavy lid and usually hard to sneak into without giving yourself away. What was it? It was what we today call a vintage candy dish; pressed glass. So I have been on the hunt to find a candy dish like my grandparents and parents; one that is still in good shape. I know you probably know the one. Here is my little memory of the candy dish…

The candy dish had lemon drops in it. We so loved being able, with permission, to have a lemon drop out of grandma’s candy dish. And then at Christmas time, we would get to have Christmas candy…you know the ones…variety of candy and ribbon candy which was my favorite. Such a treat. So imagine my excitement when I found one just like the one my grandparents had! It now sits on my coffee table at home and I love looking at it and how the light reflects off of it. It brings a smile and joy to see it everyday and I remember those days now like a special treat.

I am a grandma myself now for the last 19 years and I made a lot of those kind of memories for my grandson. But something this dish reminded me about was the importance of the legacy of some traditions. If at my age I can still remember the feeling of getting into that candy dish for a lemon drop or Christmas candy, I think it is an important legacy that was carried on for us kids. Maybe your memory isn’t of candy in a candy dish, but something totally different. I have many other memories of snacks she would give me when I went there after school. But this dish rings true for me. I also have dishes and glassware that my grandma used and that is something I love to use every day also. Many of these things were passed down to my mom and then to me. It’s part of the story of our lives and I think it is good to share our stories. It is a part of us. If your parents or grandparents are still with you, ask them questions about their lives. Don’t be sorry for never asking about them as I have experienced with my grandparents. Even though they didn’t want to share, I wish I had continued to try a little at a time. I am now on the hunt for some lemon drops to put in it. They are not as easy to find anymore. But I will. I think it will look good in my new kitchen at some point. But for now, it will continue to grace my coffee table. My mom used the same candy dish for us with goodies when we could afford them, and for sure, Christmas candy was one of them.

To the left is a picture of a tradition that I have started with the adult kids…going to Not Doug’s Country Kitchen and Espresso for their great food each time they come over. It is a great time and a nice drive. Worth the effort for the trip to have wonderful food and milkshakes!

What are some important memories that may have popped into your mind as you read this? I believe that God gave us each an amazing brain that could recall these memories, and even in some cases the smells, that bring us comfort today. These are hard times for all of us and having those traditions to share can have lasting effects on future family memories, and friendships as well. I thank God each and every day that I can remember those times, their faces, and their love for us. It God’s purpose to comfort us in those hard times with grateful memories that can bring us to a place of joy and gratitude. I can’t begin to tell you how many times coffee from one of their cups, or ice tea from her special glass that I still have, makes me smile and brings comfort and joy to my heart. My house is full of those kind of mementos.

I would love to hear what memories came to mind as you read this. Let me hear from you in the comments here on the blog. You can leave your comment by scrolling down to the comment section. I hope it inspires you to know you can and will make a difference someday to those you love when you are no longer with them. They will need those fun times and loving traditions to remember.

Until next time… ~JoAnn

p.s. If you didn’t have these kinds of memories, that doesn’t mean you can begin to make them now with your family or friends.

Changes Or Cover-ups

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

The last several days have been quite the adventure! I have watched our home be scraped and sanded, and scraped and sanded some more. You know, a house takes pretty good care of us if we take good care of it. Show it a little love. But when we don’t, things happen to it like the weather along with the way it hits and batters our home. How easy it can be for leaves and twigs to gather in our gutters and down spouts. Heat can cause our home’s glory to fade and/or blister over time. So even as the previous owners may not have wanted to, or just couldn’t take care of this home, and any repairs were less than stellar, it is still standing and hopefully, we will bring some beauty back to its outside cedar walls. So… what has that got to do with changes and cover-ups? Let me share a few thoughts with you about what came to mind as I did a walk-around and took a picture of the pre-finished prep and painting.

First came the bath. Power washing an older home with cedar wood siding can bring surprises. BIG surprises…such as wood needing replacement. Then after house drying, came the listening to the drone of a scraper going across our walls and the sander sanding down the rough spots. It was rather painful to me. There were some warped areas even that need to be straightened out by extra support. However, it made me think of how my life has had many rough patches, splinters and chips that have needed to be taken off by the Carpenter Himself. When our contractor did this for the house, it was for the better and longer life of the home. He was cleaning it, smoothing out the wood as much as possible for the age of the cedar, and preparing it for the next step. The next step was to fill anything that might need filling, priming spots that needed it to accept the paint that was coming. But what if you had to change the color scheme completely? Roll baby roll with it. We had to just that, from blues to green with off white trim.

But…let’s pause and think about that. What would happen if he just would have come here and just started painting? The paint would have looked ok for a while maybe, but in a not too distant future, the paint would have shed off the old cedar and we would have a multi-colored home with bleeding of old paint. The paint would not have adhered to the wood given how dusty it was and the problem areas of the siding. All the work and money would be for not.

So… do you ever carry your bad experiences or anger, and have a few chips and splinters and rough patches that you refuse to allow to be cared for? You know you need it, but may not willing to deal with it or do the work required, along with God’s help, to see where it may need some extra attention for you to let it all go? Oh we can try to cover it up with a life style we show everyone in person or on social media, or by the clothes we wear, or the house or car have, or purse we carry. We can even hide the sadness on my face with makeup so we look good for others. However, we could be crying inside, or be lonely even among many people. We could purchase “things” so that we feel better, or have a glass of wine thinking that will do the trick. But it won’t. We still have to live with ourselves. We know what we think and feel like…like an old house needing attention. That is why God tells us to know Him more and more, and He will guide and direct us. He helps us shed what needs to be shed.

I believe God was reminding me today that it isn’t about all that. It is about what I am willing to let go of, and how much excavating I am willing to do to smooth out the rough areas. That IS my responsibility. God will help me if I am willing. However, I have to be willing to do the work. It is work to do what the contractor did for the house prep. He knows the value of getting that all accomplished before painting. And even though all that work is done, it will still carry some of those rough spots…the scars of living. I have plenty of those and they show and give testimony to how I have made it through with God’s help. I don’t like them, but they remind me of what God has brought me through. Ask God to be your sandpaper and rub off the things He needs to work on, or chip off what needs to be chipped off. It is a process that will sting a little, but He is faithful to help us. And.. IF you think you don’t have areas to work on, you are in some kind of denial. Why?? Because we all have them. We just have gotten good at hiding them from ourselves and others. It will come out at some point. Better to do the work before that happens. It is my hope at some point to add a little Norwegian flair to the peaks of the home. But that it a day from my oldest son to add to our personal touches.

This house was a legacy to someone before us. Mark Batterson says, “Legacy is not what you accomplish. Legacy is what others accomplish because of you.” God has given us a house…it is our desire to make it a home where others feel something different in its presence. So as I walk around it today with the front of it being done without the trim painting, I can see progress to loving on a home with all its issues as a way to give back to God the joy of caring for what He has graciously given us. We will continue to be faithful to that end. Even when there will be areas that continue to remind us of the value you a few scars…it means we have lived.

Doesn’t your life scream for that also? Mine does. I want to leave a legacy to those around me, and who love and care for me. Don’t you see how God cares for you each day you wake up to breathe the fresh air? Because, if you have taken that for granted and just think you deserve to live here and do what you do, then I hope you see the value of this lesson about life differently after reading this. You were given a life, and many haven’t had that privilege of a long life. You have the opportunity to build a legacy with your freedom; to make it what you would you desire and leave that legacy behind. Start where you can, with what you have, and keep stepping forward. He is faithful to guide us if we don’t think we are so smart that we don’t need Him. We do now more than ever. I know I do and I’m sure if you are honest with yourselves, you could admit there are areas of your life you need do something about. Are you covering it up to try and hide it, or letting God work with you to prepare you for what is next? That’s the rub, isn’t it? Letting Him in to do the work. It might take some time and hurt for a while. However, the end result is pretty amazing. Lessons are not always easy or fun, but you can feel grateful for the grace given for the journey you are on.

Let Him do a little remodeling in your heart and in your thinking. We will have a home to remind us of just that. We still have to do the maintenance on the house to keep it in good condition. We have to do the same thing in our daily lives. Our home is still not done, but we will have a better version of our home when it is complete. And…I did get my red door still!

Remember the seeing the picture of the Jesus knocking at the door? We have heard that verse about Jesus standing at the door of your heart, but WE must open the door. Do you know why that says that? Because if you look at the picture of the original, you will find there is no handle on the outside of the door. That is because we have to open it from the inside to allow Him entry.

Until next time…

~JoAnn

P.S. I have decided through prayer, that my weekly posts may have been more me than Him, so I chosen not to continue that part of this blog. Given my blog is what this site is for, I will stay with that. Thank you so much for being faithful in your readership. I appreciate all of you! Enjoy the sunshine.

The Newest and Greatest Thing

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

Have you noticed how, especially at the beginning of a year, we get inundated with the newest strategy for organizing ourselves, our prayer life, our study, how to live our best lives, the newest gadget to help with all of the above? Today, it hit me how all this gets pushed in front of our eyes and we can get so distracted with the newest thing, that we lose sight of what needs to be done first, as well as, WHO we should come to first.

If I am not willing to develop the habit of writing things down in an organized way or a list, what good is the newest and coolest datebook or calendar book for me? Oh sure, I could spend money on it, but if I’m not in the habit of writing things down in that way, I will probably not do it with the greatest organizer book either. I might look good and even a bit perfessional, but it will also probably be more empty than full because of lack of use.

If I’m not a reader of many books, or of the Bible, what good will buying another book or study book do me? My intentions are great. I’m going to study more or read more. But if I haven’t developed the habit of doing either of those things, buying the next thing isn’t such a wise choice. I just add another thing to my shelf. But then, I also add some guilt to the mix because I don’t read it anyway and feel guilty for spending the money.

Oh! I know! If I have that new iPhone or Tablet, then I will for sure be more organized and I can have it with me all the time to keep me organized. THAT will make me more “put together” this year!

We get inundated with what to buy and we are convinced that next great thing will do it. We want to be like that person we see advertising the journal that writes in it everyday and boy what an artist she is! We get the journal and we can’t even draw a good circle, let alone make beautiful lettering in it.

I know many who have gotten an iWatch to be on top of their exercise and movement. But you know what? They don’t get out and walk or move that much to utilize the iWatch to the full potential. The breathing icon pops up and you look at it, but say, “not now, I have to do such and so”. Or reminds you that you should get out and walk, but you don’t feel like it.

Even in the Christian community, we are inundated with the newest study that will change your life, or the newest Bible that is going to help you understand everything you read. Or how a journal Bible will write your thoughts down as you read. That may be true if you are doing it already as you study. If you aren’t, it may not do what you are expecting and you have another book that is sitting on your shelf. Now don’t get me wrong, I DO study with several Bibles because I like to read the translations to help clarify verses. But I have a habit of using them daily. So for me, the investment is qualified. Then, I am moved toward knowledge and my study is enhanced as well.

Are you getting the idea? We are pretty A.D.D. when it comes to being distracted by the glitter and glitz of the newest and greatest. However, we do very little about the habits we need to cultivate if we are to effectively use the tools available to us. Want a good example? Just look at your social media feeds at all the things that people want to sell you. What if we went back to the very beginning with ourselves and ask, “What do I really need to do more of in order to help me become a person of good habits, better organzied, or more skilled in my area of expertise?” This goes whether you are a stay at home parent, a professional out in the work place, or retired. We often let the glitz and glitter pull us into spending more than necessary before we have established habits that will be enhanced by some of those tools. It can distract us from doing what we should be doing at that moment, when what we need to do, is scroll on by.

For me, I want to ask God to help me establish good habits first, habits that I can say I have accomplished consistently for a long period of time, so that, I can benefit from choosing whether this newest and greatest thing will enhance my endeavors, or whether I am just spending money to “appear” a certain way, or maybe that I’m buying on impulse. I also know for me, I have always asked myself if I am willing to take on the learning curve of that new “thing”. I didn’t before and sometimes I find I spent the money and it hasn’t worked out as well for me in terms of money well spent. I love technology so it is hard for me not to want the newest and greatest. But I’m learning to be content with what I have.

So in these times where we can get distracted by the newest and greatest, when economically, we have to be wise, let the message of this post challenge you where you are. The next time you are tempted, ask yourself some of the questions here and see if it lines up with where you are. Do you need to establish some foundational habits in order to gain from that newest gadget or book or whatever it is? Will you use it consistently? Or will you start out with a bang and then it sits? Be honest with yourself, otherwise you will get hooked by pictures and words.

Does this challenge you? I was challenged by writing this post. I hope you take a few moments to consider the implications for distraction and good choices in your daily life. This very moment I am asking God to further help me make the very choices I need, just as I am challenging you to do today.

For the love of the moment…

~JoAnn

Vision Changes Our Life

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

Lensbaby 365-3-3

I’m sure many of you have heard the expression, “He/she has an eagle eye.” I think we sort of know what that means; the person sees everything.  However, here are a few fun facts about the eagle’s vision:

  • The eagle’s eye is 4-8 times stronger than a human.
  • An eagle can spot a rabbit that is 3.2 km away, which is 4-5 times farther than we can.
  • They can swoop down to their prey at 125-200 mph
  • they can pick up details in their vision and their vision magnifies them.
  • The angle of the eye gives them a 340 degree visual field.
  • They turn their head to look for prey, and when found, the prey is magnified to see how far they have to fly and at what speed.

So when we think we are sneaking up on an eagle to get a shot with a camera, I doubt we are hidden at all.  It is amazing to me when we study God’s creation, that He made them so intricate.  I often times have wished I could see that far ahead of me just in one day, let alone my life ahead of me.

IMG_1846_1

Why am I talking about the eagle’s eye?  For one thing, God sends eagles to soar over me almost every time I go out.  It’s our thing.  Another thing, I think it gives me a good open door into the idea of vision.  We hear people talk about vision in a few of the following ways:

  • What is your vision for your education when you get out of school?
  • What is your vision for your career?
  • What is your vision for the project?
  • What do you think is God’s vision for you?
  • We are casting a vision for the direction we want to go.

That doesn’t mention how vision is used when we talk about our eye sight.  Vision is how we see things.  It’s our perspective as well.  Think about it.  Have you ever had a vision for what your career would be, only to have it change?  Or what about a vision for who you will marry and what that would look like, only to find its lots of work laced with difficulties.  I have found in my life that my vision changes and evolves.  Here is an example from my own life.  When I was growing up, music was my life.  I got involved in everything I could get involved with where music was concerned so that I could enjoy my passion.  I wanted to go to college and become a music teacher.  I knew how musicimage
was important to me and I wanted to share that passion with others.  I was even a delegate to the All State Chorus from Washington State my senior year.  The choir performed under the direction of Jester Hairston, which was a life altering experience all to itself!  Then after two years and an Associate Degree and Certificate in Special Education, I could no longer put myself through school.  Instead, I went to work for a local school district in Special Education.  I wrote a grant letter to get funding for a small bus for the Sp Ed department to have for transporting the students to and from school.  I had currently used a station wagon to do that.  I got my CDL to drive the bus routes and sports runs.  My vision was changed.  It evolved into something else.  I have had many, many of those vision changes in my life.  All of them making me who I am today.  I still got to direct choirs and community choirs in my time.  Just wasn’t the original vision I had.

untitled-3-2I think we sometimes have this idea that our vision is stationary and doesn’t change, and if it does change, then it is lost.  But I have come to know that it is how I SEE those changes, that then give me a new vision.  It evolves into the next thing that I get to do.  We are each given vision to see the world around us.  HOW we see it can make all the difference.  If I had stuck with my earlier vision, I may have felt defeated and disappointed in myself that I didn’t continue.  But I would have missed all the other visions that God has placed in my spirit.  I would have missed the people he has brought into my life.  I would have missed the promptings to expand and readjust my vision of my life and circumstances.  THAT would be a total loss of vision.  Instead, I have allowed my visions to change and I have changed with them.  I have gotten to do some marvelous things in my life.

That word vision has been so used up.  Don’t let it discourage you.  Start lookingGuitar Mandolin around and ask for new eyes to see; a vision to open up to you.  Watch out when it happens though because it will be life changing and life altering.  You may find a new zeal in your life that wasn’t there before.  It may move you to do things you haven’t ever done.  It COULD even make it so you take part in activities that others think are kind of wild and crazy.  I say this:  “DO what you love, and do it every day.”  It’s like drinking from the good glasses every day!  Or…a different mocha cup!

Here are a few of mine:

  • I’m getting back into music and playing instruments.
  • I’m singing more.
  • I do more with my photography by taking classes through books I’m reading, My Story 365 project, adding a lens to my bag, and asking God to help me see the unusual.
  • The cabin we purchased to enjoy more down time.
  • More time spent with family and friends.
  • Reading more again.  I used to read with a goal of a book a week.  I never made that goal but I read around 200 books in a year, of all kinds.
  • I enjoy decorating to make our home, and now the cabin, more like we want them to be; which is our vision for retirement years.
  • Sew into the life of my kids and grandson.
  • Take out my Mini for rides just to enjoy driving it more.
  • Time on the patio enjoying the feeling of quiet time.
  • The joy of a mocha in the morning as I choose a cup from my collection.
  • Taking pictures I love and enjoy because I LOVE them, and think about who else make like them.  The pictures I take speak to ME, and that is what taking photos is about.

I can’t say the above ideas works for you, however, at this point of my life, THAT is myIMG_2473 vision of happiness.  Yours is of course different depending on where you are in life journey.  It doesn’t mean you can’t have a vision geared toward you.  Would you do me a favor?  In the comments here on the blog, share a part of what you feel your vision is for your life at this time?  It may just be that you get through your day.  It could be a new craft you want to spend time doing.  It could be more family time.  It may be doing something different on the job.  Whatever it is, I would love to hear about it, as well as, how you see that coming to fruition.  What do you see?

I hope this post has fanned the flame in your soul for making you feel more alive.  The fact that our vision isn’t carved in stone is liberating to me.  I hope the idea that visions can change makes your heart skip a beat. IMG_7900It will change until the day I pass from this world into my heavenly home.  That is a really great way to live in freedom…a vision that excited me!  You see the picture to the left is me with a Tootsie Pop out camping and staying in a cottage; something our family did a lot of growing up.  That vision has always been a live in me, and now I am establishing that vision for my family; our cabin.  Yes.  Having vision IS important and can be life changing for generations to come.

Until next time,

~JoAnn

 

What Have You Missed?

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

Family…a circle of individuals, that even if you grew up together and experienced the same family unit, are all different.  Their perceptions of experiences are unique to them, and unique in how they see it.  I know for me, when I talk to my kids about their time growing up, I sometimes ask myself, “What house did they grow up in?!?!?!??”

View from her mother’s sleeping room.

So in the last week or so as I have read letters that my mother wrote to relatives in Norway, I found myself learning about things I didn’t know.  Things she protected her children from…such as the grief she felt after losing her brother.  We kids knew that it was hard for her, and we all felt anger towards the irresponsibility of the driver that was driving a large work truck while drunk, and crossed into the oncoming traffic.  Even though he was in a line of five cars and the third one back, he was killed instantly.  I went on to read in her letters about how she lost her dad only about eleven or so months after losing her brother and the difficulty she was having to even get a letter out to the person she was writing to.  I feel bad that I was less attentive to what she was going through.  I remember those life moments, but as kids, we don’t always get all the ramifications.  We are in school and/or working a job, keep ourselves busy because that is our life at the time.  It can also be that we don’t know how to deal with it or want to replay the emotions of losing someone special ourselves, so we in turn, aren’t prepared to give the comfort where we could to someone who needs it.  As I’m my case, where although I was old enough to understand my uncle wasn’t coming back, I wasn’t mature enough to understand how deeply that would affect my mother.  When I read about her struggle almost a year later from losing her brother and then her father, my heart hurts for what she felt.  And…I wish I had realized.  Sometimes, we think our parents are so invincible that nothing can take them down.  However, that isn’t true.  They are hurting and yet have to press on in life.  When she is home alone, and writing a letter, safety permits a peek into the honesty of her heart as she writes the letter.  The door of the heart is opened a bit.

 

Why am I sharing this with you?  Well…a couple of reasons.  One of them is that we need to be open to share our lives and feelings with our kids and grandkids.  Tell your story at the age level they can understand.  Let them know when you hurt so they can better understand their own hurt and know they can trust you with their hurts.  We don’t want to be the one who says, “Man!  I wish I would have asked more questions of my mom and dad to know and understand their life and how it was for them!”  Ask the questions.  Get the story.  Otherwise all you have are fragments of their lives and more questions than answers sometimes.  I know in my case, I asked some questions.  With my grandparents, most of the answers never came.  It may have been difficult for them to talk about too given what they experienced in their lives before coming here and then the hardship of making a life for themselves once they arrived.  Then again, it seems to be kind of a Norwegian trait to keep those things to themselves.

Her mother’s house that she grew up in.

The valley where her mother’s house first sat.

The second reason is this.  Regrets can paralyze you.  We all have a few that we think we can handle.  But it’s better to live without them.  Mom never drove.  That was her choice.  However, it isolated her from doing things she could have done to enjoy her life even more.  I was her chauffeur, but she had to wait 15 1/2 years for that to happen.  I think she would have enjoyed her life a bit more freely if she had been willing to learn to drive.  Many offered.  It can be a bit lonely.  So I would say to you, show interest in the stories you hear now.  Record them telling the stories while they are here to share them.  One day you won’t be able to say, “Hey Mom/Dad…or Hey Grandma/Grandpa…” or whoever it may be.  I read these letters where my mom talks about wanting so much to go to Norway and see relatives.  She wanted to see where her parents grew up and what they did for a living there.  Wow!  Wouldn’t I love a little bit of time with my parents and grandparents to share what I saw and learned while I visited Norway.  Your story is all a part of you.  Tell your story…write your story…put together a picture story.  Whatever works for you, but share it.  One day, you may come to understand yourself better because of it.

I know.  You are busy.  But your parents, grandparents, and their siblings did a lot for you.  Slow down.  Put down the phone.  Shut off the TV.  Shut down the computer.  Tell their story.  Tell your story.  It’s the next best seller book you can read with your family.  I have a treasure box for my grandson that I made when he was little.  It has all kinds of things in there that tell about myself and my parents and grandparents.  Each time he came, something was added, and he would want to go through it.  It is a very fun way to share your life story with them.  They love stories…especially when it is about someone they know and love.  And if you love your parents and grandparents and family, even though, as in Ethan’s case where he never meant them in person, he knows about them and the kind of people they were.  That blesses me, and someday, I think he will be very glad grandma shared it with him.

This is another wake up call for me.  Live well. Live long…as the Lord allows.  Life is full of lessons.  Listen to those who have learned them, so that, you can better share your legacy.

Until next time…

~JoAnn

 

 

Remember to… Stand Up

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

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Boy!  Are you feeling the waves of life hitting you today?  I have to say, I sure am feeling it.  So when these kinds of things happen for me, I seek out the things that will bring my heart back into alignment.  What do I do?

  • I start with a mocha in the morning.  img_6696
  • I don’t just drink it from the cup.
    •        I ENJOY the taste of it, enjoy the cup I use, and the place where I am drinking it.  The whole thing becomes an experience.
  • I dial down.
  • I listen for the birds talking.
  • I ask God to give me the perspective I need for my situation.
  • I and The Captain are taking a drive,  which is always a treat in my car!
  • The Captain and I are driving to the ocean today, and that is one place where I can FEEL my rhythm come back.
  • I begin to put hearts in my Gratitude Jar to remember what God HAS done.
  • I ask God to give me the love in my heart that only He can give.
  • I stay in the Word and study on a regular basis.  That in itself, gives me more knowledge and it reminds of how God wants me to live.
  • When I am in the Word, it also keeps my focus in the right place, and on the right things.

img_6687This was challenged this week as it become very apparent that my sweet vintage range is not going to be something that I can keep.  (I am going to sell it though, if anyone is interested.)  So begins our search for a range.  We have looked at so many, trying to find information and make a decision about what would be best for my kind of cooking.  It can be overwhelming.  Of course, money is an issue also.  I’m trying to be gracious about what I get and the money that is spent.  I am also having to get a fridge and so in order to do both, I may have to spend less on my range.  I could feel my attitude tanking a bit after going around to see so many different ranges that I would love to have.  My attitude surfaces: “I mean, how many times do I have to compromise?”  And THEN… the Holy Spirit taps my shoulder and reminds me of what He HAS done:

  • my ongoing faith journey with God
  • the car I drive
  • the car my hubby drives
  • the house I have
  • the extra for some of the work in the house
  • the remodeling I have been able to do
  • the back yard paradise

Aren’t we funny creatures?  We have the waves of life hit us, and we let them come and pull us under.  But really, all we have to do is stand up!  When we do, the waves aren’t nearly as high.  I know many of you are dealing with waves way worse than a decision about a range.  But the premise is the same.  We have to allow God to work.  We can’t sit in the waves, wonder why they are so rough, and why they won’t stop. They won’t.  They may become less ominous, but they won’t go away.  There will be another one.  It is best that we learn how we can stand up against them and move forward, and even away from the big ones.  Let the waves wash away the ugly and take it with.  What comes back is fresh and new.

Getting back to my revelation about what I had been given, there many.  Too many to count.  Then… I have to ask for forgiveness.  Yep. I silently ask God to forgive me, and give me what He thinks would be best for our kitchen.  And as I have done before, I lay it down and ask Him to give me joy; joy that I can even GET a new range and fridge.

ocean-for-two-3I once again heard a song this last week called, “Leave It There”.  Boy!   That is so fitting for me this week.  Take all my burdens to the Lord and leave it there.  So, once again, God knows what the desires of my heart are… He cares… and He will do what is best for me.

And maybe, just maybe, our TV will quit working.

Walking the journey with you…

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A Great Book, Flashlight and Warm Covers

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

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When you were a child, did you ever get a good book from the library, you took it home, started reading it and it was so good that you had to read into the night? You even faced the discipline of parents to sneak the book into bed, wait until lights were out, turned on the flashlight, under the covers, and read? Your parents wouldn’t see the light through the blankets, right??? Hahaha! Yep! That was me!!! It still is one of my most favorite things!

img_7892Well, yesterday, I experienced that feeling all over again! I was privileged to receive an advanced read for the book, “Maybe It’s You” by Candace Calvert, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. As soon as I figured out the technical side of downloading it, I started reading. No housework catch up, a few hours break to hurry up and make something for hubby to eat, and back at it again. All. night. long. Laying in bed this time with no covers over my head, but the room is dark and only lit by my Kindle, but the feeling is the same. I felt just like a kid with a great book that I just had to finish… in the dark… but this time, on a device that would have shocked my parents. I think secretly, they liked that I read so much.

Why did I do the sleep deprived thing? BECAUSE! It was THAT good! She totally had me at “chocolate chip sea salt cookie”. It was a story about second chances,  love, truth spoken out of the mouth of a babe, doing what is right even when you know it will cost you, and how grace makes way for forgiveness. Absolutely loved this story. I have been following Candace’s books for years and like all others, this one really spoke to me.  God allows u-turns and second chances. What is in our past doesn’t have to determine our future.  God will see to that if we allow Him.  Candace weaves the story like no other and her personality comes out in her characters. You will find yourself laughing out loud, and then crying along with the characters…yep tears in the dark lit by Kindle light. So… you just have to read until 5 a.m. to find out what happens…just like when I was a kid reading under the covers. AND…you know what? Washington State is mentioned. Tickled me pink!!!!

I would highly recommend this book! I would recommend that you go right now to her website or Amazon and pre-order it! Seriously! It will be hard to put down!!! Sloane, her main character, has a lot to say to us!  Her website is: http://CandaceCalvert.com or Facebook http://facebook.com/candacecalvertbooks.  Here is a link to the first chapter!  http://candacecalvert.com/ChapterOneMaybeItsYou.pdf

 

~JoAnn

Set Aside Complaint

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

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Set aside complaint?  Are you KIDDING me?  I have a lot to complain about Lord!  I mean, look at what’s happened in the last few months!  I am not supposed to complain about it?  I am about to burst at the seams with complaints!!  It like that time when you had a mouth full of pop or something, and you are just about to burst out laughing?!  It wants to come out!!  But, you are telling me to set aside complaint and put on a smile.  Set aside complaint and change my expression.  That’s a tall order!

I kind of feel like Job in my life over the last two months, in particular.  But you know, he never complained, even though he lost family, home, possessions, friends, cattle…everything!  So when God gave me this picture yesterday and the scripture to go with it, I guess I was supposed to “get” this message!  I pondered these thoughts for a while, giving myself time to understand what God was telling me.  Here are a few thoughts:

  • It doesn’t ever do any good to complain really.
  • It doesn’t make me feel any better.
  • It doesn’t change the situation.
  • It doesn’t make those around us feel any better.
  • It doesn’t honor God either.

Job had to trust God even though all he saw was chaos.  I am choosing to do the same.  I tell Him out loud several times a day just to remind myself.  I think He likes to hear that!

IMG_0321So this morning as my eyes didn’t want to open to the chaos, I thought I would check my messages on my phone.  There was a text that the appraiser had finally submitted his appraisal to our lender!  Today was to be the day we were to close on the new house.  Now I can choose to complain that he made us have to wait another week, or I can be thankful that it is in.  I choose to be thankful it is finally submitted.  I won’t say I haven’t complained.  Hear me out.  I am saying, that God has gently reminded me not to.  I will move forward one more step and believe that we can close on the third of June as planned when we signed the extension.  I pray for the sellers of our new house, that they continue to be patient with us in something that was entirely not of our doing.  AND…I rest in God’s promise to restore what has been taken.

If you are dealing with a difficult situation, I won’t say ignore it, or that you don’t have the right to be angry.  That isn’t practical.  There is a place for anger.  But I will encourage you to set aside complaint.  We can’t change what we don’t have power over.  But we do have power to change what CAN be changed.  In my case, ME and my thoughts.  Do that.  Change what needs to be changed, so that, you can begin living the life God has planned for you.  Live the “tests” in life well.  As we have heard before, you can’t have a testimony without the test.

In school we couldn’t take a test over because of a bad grade.  We had to prepare ahead to enable us to get that good grade.  In this instance, with God we CAN have do-overs.  We can turn our life around!  We can set aside complaint and put on a smile or happy expression.  Not because what is happening to us is ok, but because we know that God will restore what has been taken from us, if we will be faithful!  Stay the course.  Stand!  May God help you to that end.

Walking the journey with you…

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P.S.  If you are going through a tough time and want some prayer, just leave a message in the comments and I will include you in my prayer list.

In Your Life, You Will Have Trouble

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

IMG_0084Today has been a double shot kind of day!!  I have been reminded of the title of this post for several months now, but more particularly, in the last few months.  I have to admit, I am a bit overwhelmed by the circumstances of this whole mess of selling and buying a home this time!  THAT doesn’t happen often for me.  But if it weren’t for some fun activity in my day today, I think more words and unkindness would definitely be swirling around our house right now.  The thing is, people just don’t do what you expect them to do.  When they don’t, things don’t go as planned.

Today brought some more decisions and one of them was to accept an offer on our home.  Again.  We lose to gain, but we have an offer that allows us to move forward.  At least that is our plan again for our house on the hill.  The first showing of the house when it hit the market again, was the offer we chose, and she was very excited it seems, because we had an offer almost the same day she saw it.  So now we go through the process of an inspection and appraisal.  Yep….all over again.

But the kicker came when, the first offer went into default.  We had to change how we plan our mortgage.  We also find today that the appraiser on the new house we are buying is not an approved appraiser for the lender we are working with.  So now what???  We have to have another appraisal done with an approved appraiser of the lender.  More time spent that we were hoping to shave off so we could get into the new home earlier.  The waves are coming in high and mighty!

No early home ownership for this couple.  We want to scream at the unfairness of it.  We want to be mad at the couple that mishandled their situation which made them not able to get our home the first time.  That made us have to:

  • re-list the house1620846_663367490411504_7125225829380545061_n
  • change our financing
  • camp out
  • use laundromats
  • have 4 storage units
  • pay for the appraisal up front instead of at closing
  • upset at the lender
  • delay our sale and closing from an early closing for the new house
  • makes us look rather flaky to the sellers of the new home we are buying

and… yet none of it is our fault.

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Shopping for the Bel Aire house.

So… what do we do with these kinds of feelings?  Well, I let God hear a few of my thoughts in words today…He’s big like that and He can take it.  He knows them anyway.  He lets me go on for a while and then I feel the nudge and have to calm myself down.  It does absolutely no good to continue to feel like that.  There is absolutely nothing else we can do except go with the flow and take the next step, asking God to smooth the rough and rugged road we are traveling.  Do I feel like it?  No.  Do I need to?  Yes.  I only hurt myself by staying in the place of emotions.  So ok.  Shift gears JoAnn.  Then, I find myself turning to the enjoyment of planning how we want our new home to look.  That makes me smile, my heart rate slows a bit, and some of that joy seeps back into my spirit once again.  I thank God for it.  I drop a heart in my jar with thanks that God sends the Holy Spirit to nudge me in the right direction when I need it.  And…when I am too mad to do it by myself, He helps me focus in the right direction and turn me around!  You should see some of the fun ideas I have for our new home!  Now THAT changes my focus!

Stand your ground friends!  Don’t let satan’s schemes keep you from the joy that God has planned for you.  Open the door, tell him to take a leap off a very short dock and close the door behind you!  I hope by sharing my struggles with you that you will be encouraged in your own!  I’m cheering you on!

I fee like I’m kind of like a football player who is dodging the hits, moving and swerving, pushing and shoving my way to the goal.  I may be little, but I’m mighty!  God made me that way.  I’m pulling up my big girl pants and pushing through!  Touchdown!

Walking the journey with you…

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