Deb L Waters

2-22-22: Happy Twosday

Every where you see people saying or posting about 2-22-22. Why are are people posting Happy Twosday? What is so special about it?

2-22-22 is a palindrome. It doesn’t happen often. Wonder what a palindrome is all about? A palindrome is something that can be read backwards and forwards. It says the same thing either way.

How rare is the occurrence of 2-22-22 on a Tuesday? According to the National Weather Service, “Twosday” won’t happen again for another 400 years. This Twosday is actually a part of an eight-day palindrome. That means each day this week are palindromes.

Did you know that palindrome dates only occur in the first few centuries of each millennium? That means they only happen every 1,000 years.

2-22-22 is not only a palindrome, but also an ambigram. We already discovered it can be read backwards and forwards. However, did you know it can also be read upside down. It says the exact same thing no matter how you read it. Now that’s an interesting fact I hadn’t known before.

I’ve had some enjoyable days on 2-22 in the past few years. From visiting the USS North Carolina Battleship in 2017 to being on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2020.

Businesses and a lot of people are on the 2-22-22 bandwagon. Giving discounts, posting memes or other images, texting happy Twosday. Have you jumped on the bandwagon?

The only part of 2-22-22 on a Twosday that has meaning to me is the 22. 22 veteran commit suicide everyday. As an individual we can pray and support our veterans. As a government, more should be done to help our veterans. They need better assistance especially for for the basic needs of healthcare and shelter. Mental health is a tremendous concern. When other needs are not met, the mental heath tends to decline. We must not forget about our veterans and what they sacrificed to serve the United States of America.

http://www.tilvalhallaproject.com A company run by veterans to support and give back to veterans.

Have a blessed Twosday. Enjoy your day. Do what you can to give back. Feel free to like, comment, and follow. Thank y’all!

Nice Day: Swinging – Sliding

It was such a nice day to be outside with my grandson today. After so many freezing cold, wet, and dreary days it felt terrific to feel the warmth of the sun. My grandson really likes being outdoors. It is extremely difficult on him when he has to stay indoors. He was relieved to be able to go outside run around, climb on his swing set, slide down, and swing on his green disk swing.

How does it make you feel when the weather is cold and dreary? Does it get you down? Does it change your mood? Changes in weather do have an effect on how we feel. When we are cooped up inside, it plays on our emotions. At least it does for me. Being outdoors is so freeing, it makes me feel alive.

My grandson is always so full of energy. It was relieving to be able to allow him the freedom to enjoy playing outside today. It brings me joy and happiness to watch him enjoying himself.

Hope you were able to enjoy your day. Take time, when possible, to enjoy the outdoors. Feel alive and free. You are appreciated. Be sure to like, comment and follow. I’d enjoy hearing from y’all.

ADVICE: What would your advice be to your teenage self?

If you could go back in time, would you? Would you go back and give yourself some advice? Would giving yourself advice change the outcome of how you live is right now? Yes, we have all made mistakes in our lives, but I believe we have all learned from them. I, at least, hope I have. Going back in time and giving advice to oneself could be a dangerous thing. Why? If we took our own advice, did things differently, our mistakes would not necessarily be the same. We would still make mistakes no doubt about that, but the lessons we learned would be different and the transitions we’ve gone through in life would not be the same. Therefore, we would be in an alternate universe so to speak. Plainly speaking, we would not be where we are today. At this point in time, if we listened to our own advice and made changes to how we lived. Then again, only God knows what the outcome would be.

Giving advice would mean that we were giving ourselves guidance, opinions, or recommendations regarding our future actions and conduct. Would that be a good or bad? Giving advice to yourself after everything you’ve lived and experienced might hinder yourself from taking the time to look inward and listen to yourself. To learn on your own, at that particular time period, who you are and what you want out of life. Advice should only be given if it is sought after. Even though we have learned that we probably should have done some things differently when we were teenagers, we might not have listened to the advice we gave ourselves if we went back in time to give it.

Now we are at an impasse. Do we give ourselves advice? What would be the best advice to give ourselves? There is not just one specific piece of advice I would give myself, but several suggestions would be made. The following is a list of some of the suggestions I would advise myself.

Never Give Up….You are stronger than you think…You can do anything.
Never try to be someone else…you are perfect exactly as you are.
Stay true to your faith…. Live your life for God
Take time to know yourself…Learn who you are.
Worry less…live in the present
Don’t make assumptions…. they’re usually wrong
Be courageous…. Step out of your Comfort Zone
Trust yourself… Have faith in your abilities
Smile… Laugh… Be kind… your life will be different by doing so
Always be the best person you can be.
Do not judge… you never know what someone has been through

The list could go on forever, but I won’t. Always choose your words wisely, they can never be undone. You can beat the odds. Know what you are meant to do and don’t let anyone, or anything prevent you from doing what you know in your heart you are meant to do.

God bless. Be the best you can be. Stay true to yourself. Keep the faith. Please feel free to like, comment, and follow. I appreciate y’all.

Superpower: What’d you like yours to be?

Did you watch Superman or a different superhero growing up? Did you ever dream of having your very own superpowers? I watched Superman growing up, never actually imagined myself having any superpowers though.

Before one can decipher their superpower, we must first define what we mean by superpower. Most commonly superpower is referred to as supernatural abilities like flight, enhanced strength, invulnerability, or enhanced speed. Probably the best definition though is a Power that is superior or very great. Your superpower is your contribution, the role you are supposed to fulfill here on Earth. It is what you do better than anyone else. A superpower is not a skill, but a perspective, a mindset, a way of working that enhances everything you touch.

A few examples of superpowers are:

Endurance, strength or resilience… you enjoy challenges and use them as an opportunity to preserve.
Observation…
Speed…
Agility…
Sensitivity to what other people are thinking and feeling…
The power to influence your environment… You have strong persuasive skills and enjoy leading others.
Flying… You are willing to take risks and enjoy seeing things from new perspectives.

There are many other examples of superpowers that one might have. Some types of superpowers that are being taught to children in some areas are:

Courage
Openness
Humor
Authenticity
Creativity
Gratitude
Compassion

The list could go on and on. I never considered these abilities as being superpowers before. Have you?

I think it is fantastic that children are being taught that they have superpowers. Would you have that to teach your children they have superpowers? That humor, the ability to make others laugh, is a superpower. That Love, the ability to love unconditionally and easily, is a superpower. I think teaching children they have superpowers would help uplift their esteem, build their self-confidence.

As a leader you have superpowers as well. A leader’s “superpower” is their most positive and impactful personality asset. It is the part of oneself that influences, persuades and inspires others to follow. What make you shine?

Using the above list, I would determine that I would have more than one superpower. I have Compassion, Empathy, Kindness, Love, Gratitude, and Love of Learning as my superpowers. I have an appreciation for all these abilities; however, I believe I am not influential in them at this time period in my life.

Stop and take the time to consider what your superpower might be. How would you use your superpower? Be sure to use your superpowers positively and for the benefit of others. We all have superpowers, we just never realized it. Embrace your superpower.

God Bless. Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate y’all. Would enjoy hearing from y’all, so please like, comment, and follow.

Challenges: Embrace – Understand – Overcome – Stronger

Nana’s Boy

My favorite subject, my grandson. He’s a handful, but gotta love 💕 his antics and expressions.

Turkey 🦃 turkey

Nature’s wild animals enjoyed from the comforts of own backyard.

Life lesson: NEVER GIVE UP

What is a life lesson you feel everyone can benefit from? There is an abundance of lessons you go through in life. What we learn from them is up to us. Life lessons are sometimes referred to as valuable experiences. A life lesson is something from which useful knowledge or principles can be learned. Have you ever learned a lesson from your life you wish you could pass on to others? Perhaps, so they will not make the same mistakes, or possibly for them to gain insights from lessons you have learned.

Types of lessons one can learn in life are numerous. Most of our important life lessons we tend to learn the hard way. We often make mistakes, make choices we later regret, but if we learn from them then it becomes valuable. The following is a few examples of the possible lessons we could learn.

Walk your own path…be yourself
Don’t hesitate when you should act…take the risk
Experience what you have learned…
Good things do not come easy…
Never fail to try more…. keep trying
Take care of your health early….
Make every moment count…. Don’t waste it
Live and let live….

One of the lessons I am continually learning comes from the Bible. That is to always trust God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And he shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

What does that mean, to trust in the Lord? It basically means that we/I should not depend upon ourselves, on what we/I know, but trust God with all our hearts. We might not know what his plan is, however, it is usually better than any plan we develop ourselves. I need to include God in everything I say and do. In doing so, he helps give me the right words to say or lets me know what the best course of action I should be taking. Our/my mistakes, wrong choices are often made when I leave God out of the planning and don’t trust that He knows everything. His wisdom is far greater than mine.

Other lessons I feel everyone can benefit from are:

Never Give Up.…you may struggle, but never quit. Keep trying
Stay focused on your dreams, who you want to be
Be strong when you are weak, Brave when you are afraid, and Humble when you are victorious.
The most valuable relationship one can have is with Jesus Christ.
Alway be grateful for the good things in your life.

Thomas Edison stated: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
pixelsquote.net

Enjoy living your life. Remember to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love; it is a privilege to be alive. Pass on what you learn to others. Be an inspiration. Have the courage to let go of the past, you cannot change it. You can only change yourself. You cannot change the world, but you can be a small influence in someone else’s life. The world will change by the small ripples we create.

God bless. Trust in the Lord. He will never fail you. I appreciate y’all. Be sure to like, comment, and follow.

Who inspires you? Why?

Who is someone that inspires you and why? Before we/(I) can decide who inspires me, I must first decipher what inspire means. Inspire means to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something creative. It can also be to create a positive feeling in a person. Do you think you have inspired someone? It is a possibility to inspire someone and not consciously know it. For instance, a letter, a Facebook post, or even a blog post might inspire someone in a positive way, and we might never actually know it. Some might say that when we inspire another person or when we are inspired it is by divine influence or action. What do you think? Does inspiration come supernaturally?

In the Bible it states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

So, is only the Bible inspired by God or does all inspiration come from God?

Have you ever wondered why inspiration is important in life? I’ve always known that the Scriptures were inspired by God, but I never considered that inspiration is important to our lives. Why is it important? Inspiration can transform the manner in which we perceive our own capabilities. It can awaken us to new possibilities and expand our experiences beyond what we ever imagined. Inspiration won’t change our past, but it can help us change our ending.

Our inspiration can come from many different types of sources. We can be inspired by something we read in a book, or come from a mentor, a family member, an author, or literally anyone. Our inspiration, however, doe does not have to come from a person. It can be found in nature, in technology, through random occurrences, and even from within ourselves.

One of my favorite places to go is to Andrew Jackson State Park. I look over the lake as I walk around it and feel inspired. It brings about an inner peace within me. And I am thankful for God’s creation. It draws me nearer to God and helps me to understand that I can do all things through Jesus Christ.

I can be inspired through the words written in a book by one of my favorite authors. Sometimes their words seem like God is using them to speak directly to me. Their words can make me realize I am not alone; God is right there with me giving me the strength to get through any and every situation in my life.

In the past, I would have said that I was inspired by my youth pastor. I say this because he was the major influence who encourage me to study and memorize the Bible. He also instilled in me a love of nature, the enjoyment of camping and hiking.

Nowadays, I am inspired most from the novels written by Christian authors and by observing nature. I love to combine by love of reading with my love of nature. It is so relaxing and inspiring to read while relaxing at a park, or by a lake. I am also inspired by friends in a group I’m in on Facebook. My friends have gone through numerous experiences, overcoming difficulties, rejoicing with loved ones, and yet they never give up. They know we are all there for each other and that God will see us/them through any and all circumstances.

I leave you with this thought, be an inspiration to those around you. Be an encouragement. Build one another up. Let us all seek to inspire others to create, to grow, to change, to make a difference.

God bless! Be sure to like, comment, and follow. I appreciate each and everyone.

World Cancer Awareness: CANCER SUCKS

All Cancer Sucks – http://www.tilvalhallaproject.com

The prompt I’m answering today is: What is a cause you’re passionate about and why? If you haven’t figured it out from my title, I’ll simply state that one of the causes I am passionate about is Cancer. This being World Cancer Awareness Month I believe it is appropriate for me to discuss it now. World Cancer Day was February 4th.

Most of us have heard about or been affected by Cancer, either personally or known a friend or family member that has or is affected by the disease. What is cancer? According to cancer.gov, Cancer is a disease caused when cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. It is caused by changes to DNA. Most of the changes occur in sections of DNA known as genes are referred to as genetic changes.

There are many different types of cancers which effect various organs of the body. The type of cancer that is discuss and commercialized the most is Breast cancer. However, there are quite a number of other types of cancers ranging from prostate cancer to bone cancer, to liver cancer, and the list could go on and on. Cancer affects people of all ages and races worldwide.

Cancer is a deadly disease. Research continues throughout the world and yet it still exists with no end in sight of it ever going away. I wish all cancers could be cured. That would be miraculous. The deadliest types of cancers are Lung, colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and prostate. For survival, early diagnosis is best. Some of the risk factors you can control and some you cannot. The risk factors that you cannot control are family history and genetics. Risk factors that you can manage are environmental and behavioral triggers.

Enough about what cancer is and what factors influence whether you are likely to develop cancer. Instead, let’s talk about what cancer patients want and need as they progress through their journey. Does everyone with cancer have the same needs or desires? Usually, their main concern is not the cancer itself. It is more about how their cancer will impact their ability to maintain a job, will they still be able to pay their bills. When considering treatment options, they worry about what possible side effects they could develop. Cancer patients care needs to address their psychosocial needs, which include emotional and practical concerns. Some of those concerns involve financial assistance, transportation obstacles, and anxiety issues. Concerns can be as diverse as racial and ethnicity. We all desire to be of one race, but in actuality, we are all different and are needs and concerns are not all the same. Other concerns are about how their diagnosis of cancer will affect their families. Will it put a hardship on their finances? Will their lives be emotionally uprooted? Cancer does not just affect the patient alone. It affects their whole family.

Family members can be extremely supportive, but they can also feel worried, angry, or even afraid. Daily routines will change and the whole family will be impacted by them. Whether a family member needs to take time off work to drive you to work, or perhaps another member needs to take over or help with cooking or other chores that become difficult for you to do. The cost of cancer treatments can put a strain on the family. If the cancer patient cannot work, other members of the family may need to pick up the slack. When others have to take over some of the items that you normally took care of it might make you feel less independent and cause you to have stress or anxiety.

Friends and other family members may desire to help. Allow them to assist you in some way. It might be difficult for you to do, but it will allow them to feel better. They truly want to be supportive in tangible ways. Let them know that you can still do things for yourself but appreciate some assistance and their prayers. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It takes a lot of strength and courage to admit and accept help.

Why I am passionate about cancer awareness? Even though I have not developed the disease personally. I have been affected by it. I have last family members and friends to cancer. I lost both of my parents to cancer, as well as other family members. I have lost close friends and neighbors to cancer. The genetic risks exist for me. I have no idea if someday I might develop some form of cancer or not. However, having both parents die from cancer, it is a possibility. So yes, I think cancer sucks.

My (ex)husband, my children’s father. June 2018.

God bless. Pray for those around you affected by cancer. Be a friend. Offer a ride, a meal, or just be there for them. Hope that one day a cure will be found for all cancers.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Is it for Romance or for everyone?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, most commonly on February 14th. Did you celebrate? As for today, I did not celebrate it. I did, however, send Valentine’s Day cards to a few friends.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated to honor the 3rd century Roman saint, Saint Valentine. It began as a Christian festival. The festival was an alternative to a pagan Roman festival called Lupercalia. It was held during the middle of February. A fact that I had not previously known was that there were more than one Saint Valentine. Did you know that there were two Saint Valentine’s that were martyred?

Growing up, Valentine’s Day was celebrated at school, at least in elementary school. We would decorate lunch bags with hearts and other designs depicting Valentines. All the students would pick out their pack of Valentine cards they wanted to pass out to their classmates. Carefully sign their name to all the cards, enough for the whole class, including the teacher. Some packs were funny, others more general, and still others had candy attached to them. It was a fun time apart from the normal studies. Generally, cupcakes or other treats were sent by parents to help the children celebrate Valentine’s Day. Did you celebrate Valentine’s Day in school?

There are some fascinating facts surrounding the holiday.

It originally was not a romantic holiday. That did not come into play until around the 14th century.
The 1st Valentine was written from prison.
Candy hearts were initially medical lozenges. They were not heart shaped until later.
Pink and Red are considered the colors of love.
The heart shape wasn’t always about romance. The heart was believed to be the human’s center of memory. A place where feelings of love were registered, preserved.
Most men and women prefer to receive candy instead of flowers.
The majority of gift giving is done by women. Women tend to give themselves a gift or gifts for Valentine’s Day.

One of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day is to remember the love of God. Know that it is a time for giving, not just for lovers. It is a time for everyone to show those we love how much we love and appreciate them. It is a time to show our friends how much we they are valued.

The Bible has several verses throughout the Old and New Testaments that refer to love. One of the most common verses about God’s love is:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NIV)

There are other verses that speak of God’s love for us, and some that command us to love one another. The following are a few examples:

“We love because he first loved us.”
I John 4:19

“A friend loveth at all times.”
Proverbs 17:17

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your Hod with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Matthew 22: 37-39

Valentine’s Day is a day for everyone to celebrate, it does not matter whether you are a part of a couple or are single. Each and every one of us can show our friends and family that we love them, appreciate them, and let them know they are valued. I do not know a single person that wants to be left out. Some might think the holiday is not for them. However, I think they would appreciate hearing from a friend reminding them they are loved.

I want to express my appreciate for each and every one of you. I want you to know God loves you and so do I. God bless! As always please feel free to like, comment, and follow. Have a blessed day. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Assumptions: Right or Wrong Part Two

In review, I discussed what assumptions are, how wrong assumptions can hurt people, their relationships and their friendships. Today, I will discuss different types of assumptions and ways to you can use to stop making assumptions.

Among the different types of assumptions are:

Paradigmatic Assumptions, also known as Worldview Assumptions, relate to how you see and order the world.
Prescriptive Assumptions are what you think should happen in each given situation or circumstance.
Casual Assumptions are connected to how things work and how you can impact those processes.

By these types of assumptions, we can see that we make them based on what we see, what we think, and what our possible impact. Assumptions come from our past experiences stored in our brains. We call upon our assumptions to assist us when we are confused, afraid, or surprised and are unsure of what we should do. They clarify our understanding of our situation.

Now that we’ve seen what type of assumptions we often make, let’s see how we can stop making assumptions. According to http://motherhoodcommunity.com there are 7 steps we should follow.

Acknowledge they happen. …
Connect to your heart’s intelligence daily and regularly. …
Ask Questions. …
Listen with your full attention. …
Bring mindfulness into your daily life. …
Breathe through emotional reactions and uncomfortable assumptions.
Meditate to work out your thinking muscle. …

What do people incorrectly assume about me? My son-in-law thinks I’m a control freak, that I’m unlovable, and homeless. I am none of those things. I take care of my grandson 24/7, so he thinks I’m controlling. I currently live with my daughter, but it is not because I could not have another place to live. She wants me here to care for her son.

I asked friends what assumptions they made about me, and this is what they said.

Organized, computer literate. I try to be organized, but don’t see myself as computer literate. I took a computer class a few years ago, otherwise I learn as I go.
A kind and caring heart, excellent writer with a great imagination, intelligent. Kind and caring heart I agree with. I’m not stupid, but I do not see myself as intelligent either. I strive to never stop learning. I try my best at my writing, but I am far from being an excellent writer.
Christian lady seeking to live out a genuine Christian life, good sense of humor, observant.
A beautiful person inside and out.
A great friend, woman of God, a helping hand to those in need. I try to be a friend to all, do what I can, and show Christ’s love top everyone.

As you can see not all of these assumptions are negative. Positive or negative assumptions that are wrong still affect a person’s outlook of themselves. I think, negative assumptions hurt worse and can cause emotional and psychological pain. Let’s look at ways to deal with assumptions.

Discuss assumptions you have made. It does not have to be with a partner, it could be a close friend and confidant. Analyze how angry you were by someone’s behavior. How badly did it affect you? How should you/I react to inadequate assumptions about us?

How would our lives be different if we didn’t make assumptions? How would it be different if our reactions to assumptions was more loving and positive toward others? Let us all look for the good in everyone. Let’s respect each other. Let us love one another unconditionally.

Always remember that it is always best to ask questions rather than assumptions. Learn about a person, or situation. Try to understand and not judge. Remember we all have feelings, try to be respectful and not hurtful. And always think before speaking.

I might be silent and appear calm inside, however that does not mean I am unaffected by your words, your assumptions. I am not weak, my strength comes from my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thank you for listening. I am here and willing to listen to what you have to say as well. God bless. Please like, comment, and follow.

My daily view – Backyard Deer

Assumptions: Right or Wrong? Part One

One of the Bloganuary daily prompts was What do people incorrectly assume about you? Before I discuss that I would like to ask, What do you incorrectly assume about others?

What is an assumption? It is a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen without proof. Having an opinion about somehow someone is different than having an assumption about something. Opinions are personal views about a fact, a true statement, whereas assumptions are beliefs without any proof.

Assumptions are usually wrong and can lead to broken relationships, broken friendships. When we assume we probably interpret a situation or circumstances surrounding a person inadequately. It is best to ask questions and communicate with others instead of making assumptions. If you what to know something, just ask. If you need something clarified, ask don’t assume.

Pause and Remember – quote by Jenni Young from SimpleReminders.com

Like it or not, we all make assumptions. We make them based on our past experiences whether they be good or bad. We use our belief system to make assumptions. These assumptions help us form judgments, make meaning, and draw conclusions about what is happening around us and what others are thinking.

Tomorrow, I’ll discuss part two. What kind of assumptions do we make? How to stop making assumptions. What assumptions are made about me and whether they’re correct or not.

Comfort Zone: Step out yes or no?

What do you think about when you hear comfort zone? A place? A feeling? A person? Or perhaps an object? A comfort zone can be different for everyone.

According to the Cambridge dictionary, a comfort zone “is a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your ability and determination are not being tested.”
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/

A comfort zone is psychological, behavioral, and emotional state of mind whereby a person operates in familiar anxiety/stress free environment. You are comfortable, at ease and in control of your circumstances. In a comfort zone little risk is exhibited. It is where you feel most comfortable, not doing anything new or challenging.

There are 2 types of comfort zones which include:

Habits of Action – examples are eating your certain foods, never missing your favorite tv show, or yelling when you are frustrated.
Habits of Thinking – include focusing on the negative, feeling grateful for small things, or finding fault with others.

There are some habits that exuberate both action and thinking. Samples of these consist of repeatedly playing caretaker, being the expert, being the free spirit, and/or playing the martyr.

People, especially in work environments, often say you need to step out of your comfort zone. Is stepping out really necessary? Often times we stay in our comfort zones because that is where we feel safe. Other times it is simply out of habit, routine. Staying in our comfort zones could mean we are avoiding doing something that might actually be beneficial for us. It can also prevent us from reaching our full potential.

Where do you stand? Where do I stand? Before Covid-19, I think sometimes I resorted to staying in my comfort zone. Why? Being afraid of trying something new or going to new places hinders me from the excitement or adventures that exist out in this world. I used to be more carefree, now I hardly go anywhere. I see people traveling, being around lots of people, but I am not at the point where I feel safe from COVID.

It is said that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. The assumption is that you are not truly living if you remain in your comfort zone. There are varying lists of suggestions to assist you in stepping out of your comfort zone.

Changing your daily routine. For the past two years my routine, my schedule basically stays the same. I take care of my now 2-year-old grandson, and he needs to maintain a routine for stability. However, a change in the walking route is makes is not so dull or boring.
Trying a new hobby. This I have not done for a long time, maybe I should.
Setting a major goal. A goal I have is to become debt-free. That is difficult, but not impossible to achieve.
Saying “yes” more.
Exploring more. This I need until I developed cataracts and depend on others for rides. I do occasionally try to explore the woods with my grandson.
Confronting a fear.
Showing others your idea.
Keep Learning.
Never Give Up.
Enjoy what you do.

The lists are numerous. The lists contain excellent suggestions for stepping outside of your/my comfort zone. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?

I believe the last time I stepped out of my comfort zone was 2 years ago in 2019. I had recently retired and on an impulse, I accepted an invitation to go on a cruise with my sister-in-law’s sister. The cruise sailed out of Galveston, Texas. I traveled by bus from Charlotte, North Carolina to San Antonio, Texas where I was picked up by Monica. I then stayed at her home for a couple of weeks before the cruise. The stay at home was not exactly as I had imagined it would be and was ready to leave rather quickly. However, I did not leave. I stayed and kept my promise to go on the Royal Caribbean cruise with her to San Marcos and Cozumel, Mexico. I am glad I did. I enjoyed myself. Show some fantastic entertainment, ate some delicious food, and saw sites I would never have seen otherwise. Was I afraid? Skeptical? Yes, I was. Even so, it was well worth leaving my comfort zone.

God bless. Feel free to like, comment, and follow. I would enjoy hearing about when you last stepped out of your comfort zone.

Introvert comfort zone

;IGY6

No matter what you are going through, you are not alone. Never give up. Be strong when you are weak. Brave when you are afraid. Don’t face your demons alone. Keep moving forward. ;IGY6 – I Got Your Six, I got your back.

Emoji’s

What emoji(s) do you like to use? What is an emoji? It is a pictogram, logogram, or smiley embedded in a text and used in electronic messages and web pages.

What is the purpose or function of an emoji? It is to fill in emotional cues otherwise missing from typed conversations. The word emoji is Japanese in origin. The “e,”meaning picture, and “moji,” meaning character. I did not know is was of Japanese origin before. Guess one can learn something new every day.

My favorite emojis to use are: These are my most used emoji’s 🎈📫📚🙏🏼🎂🎉. The 🙏🏼 is most often used to signify praying. However, it was originally intended to express an apology or to show gratitude for a meal.

Every emoji has a mean. I do not know all the meanings for every emoji. I only know what I intend by the ones I use. I use the 📫 when asking if something is in the mailbox 📫 or ask my daughter to check the mailbox 📫 for a package. I use the 📚 to refer to reading or books 📚 I want to share and recommend to my friends. I use the 🎈🎂🎉 to celebrate someone’s birthday.

What are your most used or favorite emoji(s)? How do you use them? Do you know the meaning behind the emojis you use?

Let me know what you think 🤔. Have a blessed 😇 day.

Laughter

What makes you laugh? What makes me laugh? What is laughter? To laugh is to show emotion with a chuckle or an explosive vocal sound. To laugh also implies finding amusement or pleasure in something.

Do you find things to laugh about easily? I use to be able to laugh easily, but not so much anymore. Especially not since Covid-19 and it’s mandatory protocols have been in place.

It is said that laughter is the best medicine. Do you find that to be true in your own life? I wish it was that easy to laugh. Sometimes life’s circumstances just make it more difficult to happen.

What are the benefits of being laughing? There are several benefits divided into three categories which include Physical, mental, and social.

The physical benefits include strengthening your immune system, boosting your mood, and diminishing pain. Laughter relaxes the whole body, burns calories, protects your heart, and triggers the release of endorphins.

The mental benefits include easing anxiety, adding joy, improves your mood, lightens your burdens, inspires hope, and keeps you focused and alert. It also helps to release anger and enables you to forgive more easily and sooner.

The social benefits consists of strengthening relationships, enhancing teamwork, and aids in defusing conflict.

What are some ways that you can encourage laughter? Just a few ways involve watching a funny movie, reading a funny story, laughing at oneself, and not dwelling on the negative.

The Bible mentions laugh, laughter, and joy in several places in both the Old and New Testaments.

Genesis 21:6 “Gos has brought me laughter, and every who hears about this will laugh with me.”
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
Ecclesiastes 3:4 (ESV) “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”
And in Philippians 4:4 (ESV) it states, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice.”

In conclusion, we learn that the Bible states that we should laugh & it us good medicine. We’ve learned that there are many benefits to our physical, mental, and social well-being for laughter. We’ve also learned that we should look on the positive aspect of our circumstances and take time to laugh at ourselves, a movie, a book, or with a friend.

Take time in your day to laugh. Keep a positive outlook. God bless.

Ideal Day

What does your ideal day look like? Ideal is a standard of perfection. It can exist as a mental image or concept of what you perceive to be perfect for you. What one person imagines their perfect ideal day to be can be totally different than what you or I think would be a perfect day. An ideal day would consist of all your required or desirable elements, or characteristics wish to have as part of your day. What are some of the elements that you would need to exist to enable your day to be perfect?

What would my ideal day look like? What are some of the qualities that would facilitate my day to become ideal? I love to have peace and tranquility in my day. My ideal day would begin by rising to the sunrise welcoming me to the great outdoors. In my ideal day I would be walking through the trees, the forest and watching the sun’s reflection off the water at Andrew Jackson State Park. It is my favorite place to commune with nature and enjoy a peaceful, calm, relaxing day. After a nice enjoyable walk around the lake, I would be relaxing in my camping chair reading a book. For me reading helps calm my mind and releases tensions and anxiety. Ending my day would be reclining by a serene, peaceful campfire eating a meal cooked over the open fire. That would be genuinely satisfying.

I enjoyed reflecting on my ideal day. Hope you enjoyed my day with me. Let me know what your ideal day would be like. Please like, follow, and or comment. I would love to hear from y’all.

Grateful For Today

What are 5 things you’re grateful for today? This is one of the daily prompts that have been received as part of the #bloganuarychallenge. I started the challenge late, but better late than never. What are 5 things I am grateful for today? How can I limit the list of things I am grateful for to only 5 things? There are many things in which we should all be grateful for and there are several benefits to being grateful.

A few of the benefits of having a grateful heart, practicing gratitude are: (1) it helps improve quality of sleep, (2) improves physical, psychological, and mental health, (3) increases feelings of happiness and positivity. There are many more benefits of being grateful, however, I’ll leave those for another day.

Why should I be grateful? One of the reasons that I should be grateful is that the Bible instructs me to be grateful. We, I, should be grateful not only to God but also to my family, my friends, or others who may cross my path. In Psalm 9:1 it says, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Thank God for what he has done for me, I do not believe I do this enough. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 states, “Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” NO matter whether my circumstances are good or bad, in my opinion, I should still give thanks to God, be grateful for what I have. One more verse I’ll leave with you and that is in James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” The good, the perfect things in my life are from God above. They do not just magically happen or appear.

To remind us of things we are grateful, it helps to write them down, perhaps, in a journal. Try to think of at 1 thing you are grateful for each day. Write it down. Thank God for it. Thank a person for it. Write a thank you card. Let someone know that you are grateful for their friendship. You can express being grateful in many different forms. It does not matter what manner of expression you use. It only matters that you are grateful, and you share your gratitude with others.

There are over a hundred things to be grateful for like having food delivery service, entertainment streaming services, and toilet paper. Seriously though my top 5 things in my life which I am grateful for are: (1) Jesus Christ, (2) my family, (3) my friends (both old and new), (4) my health, and last, but not least, (5) my freedom. I am thankful for my freedom to worship God. I am thankful for my family, especially me daughter who is there for me. I am thankful to Jesus Christ for giving me life everlasting. I am thankful for my friends who have stuck with me throughout the years. I am thankful for my new friends, both near and far. I am grateful for your love and your prayers. I am grateful for having relatively good health.

What are you grateful for? Gratitude takes practice. Practice gratitude today. Let me know what’s on the top of your gratitude list.

This is my grandson; I am thankful I get to spend quality time with him every day. Sometimes he drives me crazy, but I love him with all my heart. I thank God for his presence in my life.

Have a blessed day. Be thankful. Share your gratitude with others. Maintain a grateful heart.

Writing

What do you like most about your writing? What do I like most about my writing? I never really thought about what I like about my writing before this prompt. Have you thought about it before? I think a good number of us just write and not necessarily think about why we write.

There may be different reasons why we right and the reasons do not really matter as much as the importance of writing does. Writing is beneficial for our well-being. Some of the benefits of writing things down include:

Record everything that grabs your attention.
Clears your mind.
Clarifies your goals, priorities, and intentions.
Recognize and process your emotions.
Develop a sense of gratitude.
Improves your memory.
Relieves stress, depression and anxiety.
Help improve your deep and critical thinking.

There are many more benefits of writing, however, I’ll let you find those out for yourselves. When I write things down it helps be to prioritize what I need to be focusing on and what I need to act on. I often will forget something I need to do if I do not write it down either on a notepad, or in my calendar. Writing down my thoughts helps to clear my mind. Most of the time I will sit and write near the end of my day. Sometimes I will write about my day, sometimes I will write about how I feel, or my thoughts on things that perhaps are confusing to me.

Writing things down in this day and age can take place in many different formats. It can be making a reminder note on a sticky pad, writing an email, or writing your thoughts down in a journal. It does not matter whether the journal is a book or an online journal. In a way a blog can be a type of journal. I write to share my thoughts with others. Everyone does not have to agree with me, after all they are my thoughts, my feelings, that I am sharing.

I do not often express what I am thinking or feeling out loud. It is easier for me to express and analyze what is on my mind if I write them down. I used to write in a physical journal all the time. Now I tend to use an online journal or a blog instead. So, what do I like most about my writing? I like the fact, the idea that I can express my thoughts without holding back. I can write about how I am feeling without judgment. Writing things down helps to relieve stress and frustrations from the day. It is also a way I can appreciate and be thankful for everything and everyone in my life.

Thank you for listening. Have a blessed day.

Reading List

What book is next on your reading list? This is from an earlier Bloganuary prompt of the day which I will now discuss. I have several books on my reading list, however, the next book I am fixing to read is entitled “Their Secret Courtship” by Emma Miller.

Thew book cover asks the following questions: “Is love enough to bridge their different worlds? Just by the cover of the book one can tell that the lady is Amish, and the man is an Englisher. There are several differences between the Amish and the non-Amish, Englishers. It is obvious, at least to me, that their clothing styles differ. Although the man is dressed modestly, he is not dressed like an Amish man would dress. Amish men usually wear dark-colored clothing. They tend to be handmade broadfall trousers they hold up using suspenders instead of belts. They wear solid-colored shirts, black socks and shoes. The lavender shirt the man on the cover is wearing would not be considered plain. It is not dark in color, and it uses snaps unlike Amish shirts which uses buttons.

Most Amish women make their own clothing from fabric purchased in local stores typically run by women in their church community. The colors of fabric used are conservative in nature, nothing bright or bold. The women usually wear aprons over their dresses. The put their hair up in a bun covering it with a small white cap. The cap is referred to as a prayer covering. It is a symbol to remind them to Pray without ceasing (T Thes. 5:17).

The Amish and the English (non-Amish) have differing belief systems. The Amish meet for worship in homes rather than in a church building. They try to live a simple life apart from the world. There are circumstances where they do interact with the English, such as in business, or if they feel the need to seek a medical doctor. Amish and English share traditional Christian beliefs, for instance the Trinity, the inerrancy of the Bible, adult baptism, atoning death of Jesus Christ, and the existence of heaven and hell. The Amish try not to be prideful but live humbly.

I am looking forward to reading this book and to find out if love can bridge their worlds together. Can their commonalities outweigh their differences? Only one way to find out and that is to get started reading the book.

#Bloganuary #Bloganuarychallenge

Quilting

The prompt I will be answering today is: What is something you wish you knew how to do? This is a rather easy question for me to answer, I have always wanted to learn how to quilt.

Quilting is the process of joining a minimum of three layers of fabric together. This can be done by hand using a needle and thread or by the use of a sewing machine. The three layers of a quilt are referred to as quilt top or top fabric, batting, and the backing. The stitches done on a quilt can be extremely fancy, close together, and intricate or they can be very basic. Some quilts are done by using yarn to connect the three layers together instead of using stitches done by thread. Quilting done with a needle and thread is called Hand quilting. The use of a sewing machine to sew the layers together is referred to as Machine quilting, The third type which uses yarn to fasten the layers is called Tying.

The craft of quilting has been around since the early Puritans in America. In the early days quilts were made to serve a purpose. The main purposes of a quilt were to provide warmth at night, to cover doors and windows to reduce the amount of cold air.

Quilts are special in that they bring much more than physical comfort to a person. They also hold love and memories. Some quilts are made from the scraps of clothing a person has worn which makes them more meaningful than those made using brand new fabric. Quilts reflect the passion and love that a quilter has for life itself. The patterns can be symbols of life and death.

I have several quilts that I love dearly. The main reason I love them is the fact that they were sewn with love by my maternal grandmother. Two of my quilts were created with the same fabrics as some of the clothes that were made for me. When I use my quilts on my bed, they not only keep me warm at night, but also cover me with love. The love of my grandmother, and the memories we shared together.

It the love of quilting my grandmother had that inspires me to learn how to quilt myself one day. What is something you wish you knew how to do? I’m always interested in knowing what my readers think. Please like, comment, and share with your friends.

This is from the Bloganuary prompts. Even though it is no longer January I’m going to continue using the prompts to write posts. Hope you enjoy them.

#Bloganuary #Bloganuarychallenge #Quilts

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

Wordless Wednesday — 2026.02.25 – Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography on Wordless Wednesday — 2026.01.21February 25, 2026
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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

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

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