Author: Deb L Waters

I am an avid reader. I read mostly Amish fiction but also read other novels. I enjoy romance, mystery, and Christian devotionals. I enjoy hiking in the outdoors, especially in Greenways and State or National Parks. I love my grandson. He is my favorite subject, so I'll post about him and his antics.

STARS

How do you feel when you look at the stars? Does it make you feel a sense of awe? Does it make you feel calm? Does looking at stars make you feel relaxed and happy? There are vast resources that describe the stars and the astronomical atmosphere. They are full of scientific facts and knowledge about what stars, how they are formed, or about their lifespan. Such knowledge has little to no significance on how gazing up toward the makes us feel inside.

The Bible mentions stars numerous times throughout the Old and New Testaments. In Genesis 1:16 states, “God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; the stars also.” This verse speaks to the formation of the stars and who created them.

The following verse speaks to the control of the stars, and again refers to who created them “When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained;” (Psalm8:3)

The word stars as been used symbolically to represent people, specifically the twelve tribes of Israel. A star was used to guide the wise men to the location of Jesus after his birth. “He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.” (Psalm 147:4)

There are many more verses in the Bible that indicate the importance of stars. However, I will not go into all of them today. Instead, I will discuss some of the ways looking at the stars can make us feel. Feeling awe can be a mixed emotion. It can make you feel fear or astonishment. Being in nature gazing up at the stars can give us a sense of peace, a calming us and help us to become better people. The wonder of the vastness of the stars helps us to look on the positive aspects of life and also inspires creativity.

How do I feel when I look up at the stars at night? I feel amazed looking at the enormous expanse of stars in the sky. On a clear night, I can see so many they are countless. I feel one with nature, it relaxes and relieves the stress from the day. It gives me a calmness which brings me peace and tranquility.

This post is one of many from the Bloganuary challenge. I got started late with the challenge, but I have enjoyed writing about the various prompts. Hope you have enjoyed reading about the many perspectives given in regard to the daily prompts.

TREE

How would I describe myself as a tree? That is a hard question to answer. When you think about tree, what type of tree comes to mind? A physical tree, a metaphorical tree, or possibly an ancestral family tree. There are many different types of trees for each of these categories. Some trees are softwood, others hardwood, and still others are broadleaf.

Softwoods are flexible, lighter in weight, and less dense than most hardwoods. They are less resistant to fire. They are mainly used for windows, doors, plywood, and paper. They also split more easily and easier to cut with cutting tools. They tend to be less expensive, use less waste, and growing at a faster rate than hardwoods.

Hardwoods are hard, dense, and heavier than softwood. It doesn’t split or break easily. Since hardwood trees tend to not grow straight, there is more wastage, and they are more expensive than softwoods. They grow at a slower pace and are more resistant to fires. Hardwoods are used for high-quality, high durable furniture, deck, and flooring.

A metaphorical tree is referred to as a tree of life. The Bible uses the tree of life as a symbol of God’s life-giving presence and the fullness of eternal life that’s possible through Jesus Christ. It can also be a symbol of personal growth, strength and beauty. As humans we grow stronger, strive for greater knowledge, wisdom, and have a desire to gain new experiences throughout life.

In the Bible, John 15:5-6 states “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing, If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” This implies that a person grows stronger in the Lord, but separate from God becomes weak and discarded.

An ancestral family tree is a family tree that takes you back generations. It is also called a genealogy or a pedigree chart. It is a chart that represents family relationships in a conventional tree structure, both ancestry and descent of family members within a family. Nobility, in later medieval times, adopted the tree as a symbol of lineage. Learning about your ancestors, understanding where you came from can enlighten you too how beautiful and unique you are. It can give you a sense of self-worth and belonging.

How do I see myself as a tree? I see myself as a hardwood, strong and durable. As a part of the tree of life, gaining strength from Jesus Christ who helps me grow and strive to become a better person. I also see myself as an integral part of my ancestral family tree. I am just one of the many members in my family tree. I gain knowledge about my past ancestors which help me to know where I come from and to learn from their experiences.

How do you see yourself as a tree? Strong like a hardwood, pliable lie a softwood, or a part of a metaphorical or ancestral family tree? Think about it. Let me know what you think. I am always interested in what readers have to say.

This blog is a part of the Bloganuary challenge. I challenge you to participate. #Bloganuary @Bloganuary #Tree #TreeofLife #Familytree

Changing The World

How am I changing the world? How are you changing the world? That is a thought-provoking question. One might think that they cannot do anything to change the world. But why not? To change the world does not mean you have to do something big or extraordinary to change the world. Each and every one of us can change the world one step, one thought, one act of kindness, one person at a time. It is the little things that we do every day in our lives that help to change the world.

When you assist a friend, help a neighbor, say a kind word to anyone you are helping to change the world. When you give a gift without expecting anything in return, when you cook a meal for someone in need, you are helping to change the world. A smile, a note of encouragement, a hug, being considerate and respectful of others are all ways we impact the world for change. We do not have to be famous, a politician, a pro-athlete, to make a difference in the world. The most effective changes occur in the small things, the daily moments of kindness we can demonstrate every day.

So, what am I doing to help change the world? I help my daughter out my watching my grandson so she can work. I send notes of encouragement to others. I recycle whenever possible. I try to reduce or eliminate my use of plastic as much as possible, which includes bringing my own reusable grocery bags to the store. I try to treat everyone with kindness. I spend time in nature walking and am considerate of others on and off the trails.

These are just a few things I do and a small example of what you could do to impact change in the world. All it takes it one step at a time, one act of kindness, one word of thanks, one smile. It is the simple things that make all the difference. Let us all work together and individually to change the world one step at a time.

#Bloganuary29 #Bloganuarychallenge #Bloganuary #Blog #changetheworld

My Current Music Playlist

MY current music playlist is one in which I listen to often, but it is not the only genre of music that I listen to. I am currently listening to Randy Travis Radio with Garth Brooks singing Friends in Low Places. Even though country music is one of my top main music genres I listen to a lot it is not the only genre I enjoy listening to.

There are 10 main genres of music with hundreds of subgenres for each genre of music. The 10 main music genres are:

  • Pop
  • Hip-hop and Rap
  • Rock
  • Dance and Electronic music
  • Latin music
  • Indie and Alternative Rock
  • Classical music
  • K-Pop
  • Country
  • Metal

I am not going to go into the hundreds of different subgenres for each category. Instead, I will just let you know about the types of music I enjoy. I listen to Pop music mainly from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. The music of the Beatles crosses over from Pop into soft rock. I also enjoy the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Eagles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, just to name a few. The list could go on forever.

I also enjoy listening to Rock, not the current Rock forms though. I appreciate Classical Rock and Southern Rock which include the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, and Bon Jovi. As you might can imagine from my playlist, I love Country music. A sub-genre of Country music is Bluegrass. Bluegrass music is good ole fiddle playing music. Some of my ancestors grew I’m playing and singing Bluegrass music, so you might say it is in my DNA. One of my cousins that performed Bluegrass music was Doc Watson. You may or may not have heard of him. He played with some of the best, including Flatt & Scruggs, Chet Atkins and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

What is on your music playlist right now? What is your favorite genre of music? I’d be interested in knowing the various genres of music people favor. Bloganuary 28 has been one to reflect and enjoy the music as I write. I am enjoying being a part of this Bloganuary Challenge. Hope y’all are enjoying reading and writing the many different blog post perspectives.

#Bloganuary #Bloganuarychallenge

Solitude

Solitude, what is it? Solitude differs from loneliness, in that one can be lonely and yet be surrounded by people. Solitude is the state of being alone. It is more a choice to be alone and not an involuntary separation. There are various reasons why a person would choose solitude. You might choose solitude to relax and recharge your mental and physical well-beings. To get away from the stress of your everyday life, your work environment, or to find a few moments of peace. By taking time for solitude, you are able to mental recharge your mind, build mental strength, increase your happiness, and improve your stress management.

Where do I go to find solitude? When I am unable to go someplace away from home for solitude, I retreat to my room. What is my purpose in going to my room away from other family members? It is a time for me to relax, to release the stress from the day, to reflect on God and to clear my head from any negative inputs from the day. When I spend time alone, I am able to commune with God and listen to his voice without distractions and clearly understand what he might be trying to communicate with me. During times of solitude, I might read whether I read a Christian novel, a devotional, or my Bible. God can speak to us through many different formats. Sometimes it is healthy to just sit, relax, and listen. It is also a good time to let God know what you are thinking, what you are feeling, what your troubles are, but also what you are thankful for, what brings you joy and happiness.

Psalm 46:10 states “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” When I take time to be still, it is a time that I can relax, reflect on my life, and a time when I can let God know that I am thankful he is in my life. I can tell him all my troubles and he will hear me. But mostly, it is a time when I can appreciate all that God has created and everything that he has done for me.

Solitude is a time when I allow myself to grow closer to God. I am able to more clearly see and understand God’s perspective on what is or should be important in my life.

Do you take time out of your life for solitude? Where do you go for solitude? Feel free to comment, like, and follow my blog. It is a part of the bloganuary challenge. I challenge you to participate, if you’re not already, in the bloganuary challenge. #Bloganuary #Bloganuarychallenge

Vintage Stuffed Monkey

Did you have a favorite toy as a child? Perhaps a favorite stuffed animal?

My favorite toy as a child was a stuffed monkey I received when I was around 5 years old. The picture above illustrates a similar vintage stuffed monkey to what I had, except mine was a little bit different. Mine was red and white instead of the standard black and yellow. It was similar in the fact that it also had the red suspenders with the small bell on each suspender. It also had the banana in one hand that you could insert into the monkey’s mouth and pretend it was eating it. I carried the monkey around with me as a child. I would also sleep with it, even as an adult on occasion. it was and is much loved. I still have my red and white stuffed monkey and I will have it till the end of time.

This type of stuffed monkey was called ‘Zippy the Monkey’ or by some as ‘Zip the Chimp’. It is a stuffed rubber faced chimpanzee doll that was introduced in the 1950’s on the television show Howdy Doody. Did you ever watch the Howdy Doody show? I know i did as a when I was growing up. There was also a 45rpm record that was distributed by the Howdy Doody show. I still have my 45 to this day.

I’d love to hear about your favorite toy as a child.

This is a part of the bloganuary challenge and is ad supported. Feel free to follow, like, and or comment.

Favorite Photo

On Lake at Andrew Jackson State Park

I have more than one favorite photo if that is even possible. This photo was taken at my favorite place to visit, hike, and camp. The place that I like to spend my free time when possible is at Andrew Jackson State Park in Lancaster, South Carolina. I enjoy walking around the lake and enjoying the sun reflecting off the water and the “visitors” that, sometimes, show off their beauty. The lake is where I like to spend time in nature, reflect on my life. It is the place I enjoy observing the beauty and wonders which God has created.

Why do I consider this photo my favorite? I love how the sun is reflected off the water and the visibility of the water ripples. I photograph the lake and the nature trails each and every time I visit the state park. No two photos are ever alike and the views even though the same are different. It might be the same location, but the glimmering of the sun is different on each visit.

To find out more about the lake or about Andrew Jackson State Park, visit https://southcarolinastateparks.com/andrew-jackson .

This post is one of several I am posting as part of the bloganuary challenge. Feel free to like, comment, and or share my blog with your friends. #bloganuary

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Strength From Above

What makes you feel strong? Feeling strong can mean something different for each person, as well as where they draw their strength.

According to Google, being strong means having the courage to admit that you are not okay. Being strong means being able to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Being strong means you have healthy things that you do that help pull you out of dark spaces.

Do you feel like you are strong? I do not think I am strong. I know that I do not admit that I am not okay. Most times I will say that I am okay even if I do not really feel like I am okay. I keep things bottled up a lot and do not let others know what I am thinking. My one release is through my writing, whether it be in a personal journal or within a blog. I put down on “paper” my thoughts and feelings rather than sharing them with others. I am thankful for friends, some of which are only online, but they are ones that I trust and can confide in and will pray for me when I have the strength and courage to share.

Where do I draw my strength? Where I draw my strength maybe different from where you draw yours and that is perfectly all right. As stated in the Bible verse in the picture above, my strength comes from the Lord. Exodus 15:2 “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (ESV) When I am weary or troubled, I turn to the Lord for help to strengthen me. He always sees me through whatever circumstance may come my way, even when I do not see how I am going to make it.

A passage in the book of Isaiah is one I recall to mind when I am struggling. The verses are located in Isaiah 40: 29-31 (NKJV); “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

The Lord is my strength and without Him I do not know where I would be. He is my ever-faithful companion, my comfort, my protector, and my guide. I may not know the path in which I am headed, but my God does, and he is the light at my footpath. He gives me strength to see me through each and every day.

These are my thoughts for the #bloganuary challenge of the day. Feel free to comment and like my blog.

My Dream Road Trip

My grandson, my traveling companion.

What is a road trip you would like to take? Have you ever thought about what your next road trip, your next big adventure would be if you had all the time in the world and finances were not a problem? I have thought about it quite a bit off and on over the years.

I retired two years ago, and I had planned to take a long adventure. My plans got derailed and were delayed indefinitely due to shutdowns and stay at home recommendations from the Covid-19 pandemic. Have you ever had the best laid out plans and something came up to ruin, delay, or prevent those plans from occurring? What would you do if your road trip plans had to be cancelled or delayed?

What plans did I have for my road trip? Let me tell you. My plans were to travel across the USA and visit every state in America. I had planned to tent camp in at least one state or national park in every one of the 48 connected states in the USA. I had planned to visit relatives, cousins, that I had never met in person before. I had also planned to visit various cemeteries where my family and ancestors are buried. Do you like to visit cemeteries? Visiting cemeteries is not something everyone enjoys doing, but it is one thing that I enjoy.

I love to research my family history and visiting family cemeteries is just one aspect of my research. It helps bring my ancestors closer to me, helps me to feel close to them. Almost as if I’m able to communicate with them, and get to know apart of who they were, what they were like when they were alive. I have been able to meet a number of cousins online, some of which are DNA connections I’ve learned about through AncestryDNA, 23 and Me, or one the other genealogy websites that are available.

One of my many destinations was, and still is, South Coffeyville, Oklahoma. South Coffeyville is the location for some of my maternal cousins. They are descended from my maternal grandmother’s sister. I have become friends with them online through social media after finding out about our DNA connection. From there I was going to visit a family cemetery in Coffeyville, Kansas where my maternal maternal grandparents are buried. It may seem confusing to some, but what I am trying to say is my mother’s mother’s parents are buried in Coffeyville. In visiting my maternal great grandparents’ graves, it will help be to know more about my maternal grandmother’s side of the family and, in a way, more about me.

I could go on and on about the different places in each state that piques my interest and the reasoning behind my desires to visit them, but that could go on forever. So instead, I’ll just ask what a big adventure is, a long road trip, without having someone to be by your side while you are on your adventure? The person I would be having alongside me for my dream road trip is my grandson whom I adore. He is only 2 right now, but he is my life, my world, the love of my life. I would love to show him as much of the USA as I possibly can, to pass on my love for nature, the great outdoors, and camping. I hope to teach him about our family history and let him meet his many many cousins throughout America.

    Bloganuary 23

    Have you ever wanted to ask a fictional character a question? I’ve never really thought about it before, but now I wonder who I would most like to converse with and what would I want to ask that person. What are some questions you would ask if you could interview any fictional character past or present? Which fictional character would you interview? I’ve that about interviewing Biblical characters, but to me, they are not fictional they are real. So, it is a hard decision for me to make. If I chose a Biblical character, I would interview Mary, the mother of Jesus. Since I am going to interview a fictional character instead, I will interview Laura Ingalls Wilder.

    Me: Laura, what did you like about growing up on the prairie?

    Laura: What I enjoyed most about living on the prairie was the closeness of my family, the community, and with God.

    Me: Growing up, what was it that you liked the least?

    Laura: What I liked the least was moving. Just when I would make friends and feel like we were home, we would me again.

    Me: What inspired you to put your thoughts and life experiences down on paper?

    Laura: I always enjoyed writing my thoughts and experiences in a journal, or should I say journals as it turned out the more, I wrote the more journals I filled up with my thoughts on how the day went and about what new and exciting adventures occurred. In actuality though, it was my daughter, Rose, who encouraged me to write about my childhood experiences.

    Me: Just one final question, did you ever imagine that your writings would be read and enjoyed by many generations of children and adults alike?

    Laura: Honestly, I am amazed to learn that my writings, and eventually my books about my life, my childhood has fascinated so many people. I really was just thrilled when a publisher agreed to publish my stories. I am overwhelmed that my books still inspire children and adults to read.

    Me: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. May you and your writings continue to inspire the love of reading and imaginations for many, many more generations to come.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my bloganuary post and feel free to comment.

    Winter 2022

    My favorite quote is a Bible verse. It is from Philipians 4:13 which states “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Sometimes I am not so sure about that and need to be reminded that God is always with me and will give me the strength to do whatever I need to do.

    #bloganuary is a new adventure for me. I haven’t been on the computer for awhile and it has been a couple of years since I wrote my last blog. The bloganuary challenge is one I’ve decided to accept. My site here is mainly a reflection of my thoughts and reflections about life and the world around me. They are my thoughts, my reflections, and strictly my opinions. I mean no offense to anyone and hope everyone will be kind and responsive.

    This month has been a winter to behold. The area in which I live usually has mild winters seeing very little snow. So far this month we have had either ice, freezing rain, and/or snow. This has occurred two weekends in a row so far and who knows, but God, has much more wintery weather we might get this month or even this year. This year, this month, this winter has been the first time that my grandson has seen snow, ice, or freezing rain. Coleman, my grandson, loves being outdoors, so even though I would rather not be outside in the freezing cold, I have taken him outside so he could see, feel, and enjoy being able to walk around and play in the snow and ice. I do this because I love him and enjoy giving him new experiences.

    Since shortly after Covid-19 begin I’ve been staying with my daughter taking care of my grandson. There are blessings and misgivings at times. I love my daughter very much and really enjoy taking care of my grandson, but it can also be very tiring and sometimes frustrating. He wakes up by 7 am every morning bright eyed and bushy tailed. He is always extremely sunny and cheerful. I, my nature, am not a morning person. Like it or not I start each morning getting him out of bed, taking him to the potty, getting him dressed and fed. He is two years old and I’m trying to potty train him. The training has its ups and downs, good days and not so good days. The important thing is we spend quality time together and I love the time I have with him. You might wonder why I said that it could be frustrating at times taking care of my grandson. Simply put, there are times when he does not listen or want to do as I ask. Sometimes he will not nap and during his nap time is when I am able to get housework done or simply have a time to relax myself. During those times, i can become overwhelmed and have to breathe. Remember he is really young and needs my kind words and guidance. He will learn God’s love by my example. During these times is when I need to rely on God more for patience and wisdom on how to guide and instruct him.

    I will leave y’all to reflect on Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who stengthens me.” #bloganuary @bloganuary