God Bless. Nature Inspires. Enjoy God’s beautiful creations. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Plants and Flowers at the Greenway: Horse Road Entrance
Nornal Hule Waters: My Dad’s life as I know it…Part One
Nornal Hule Waters was born in Lancaster, South Carolina to John Thomas Waters and Mary Alma Jorden (aka Jordan) on May 24, 1929. He and his parents lived in Lancaster until 1934. Two years after his birth he gained a sister when his parent’s had Mary Dalline Waters on March 31, 1931. His little brother, Eddie Woodrow Waters was born three years later at home in Great Falls, South Carolina on June 25, 1934.
and
Nornal Hule Waters
From my understanding my dad’s family moved a few times from Lancaster to Great Falls a couple times. Nornal went to School in Great Falls. He lived with his family in a house, once known as a Mill House, at 14 Walnut Street which was directly across from Miller’s Grocery and kitty corner from the J P Stevens Mill #3.
Mary Dalline Waters.
In front: Eddie Woodrow Waters
Upon completing his education, Nornal began working at the local Ford dealership in Great Falls. He worked there until he joined the US Navy, at the age of nineteen, on September 24, 1948. From South Carolina, he was transferred to San Diego Naval Base in San Diego, California.
While at San Diego Naval Base, he received training as a hospital corpsman through the Naval Hospital. Upon completion of his training, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Consolation. He served in the Navy from his enlistment in 1948 until his discharge in 1952. During his time aboard the U.S.S. Consolation, he was out at sea helping the wounded soldiers during the Korean War.
U.S. Naval Hospital Ship
During the time he was stationed in San Diego, he met Doyce Eileen Watson. The dated during the times he was in port, and after a time they decided to marry. So, at the age of twenty-two Nornal and Doyce drove to Yuma, Arizona and got married on July 31, 1951. [I guess that Arizona did not have a waiting period at that time]. Shortly after they were married, he brought her home to Great Falls, South Carolina to meet his family.
They stayed with his parents during his leave and Doyce was able to spend time with not only his parents but also his brother and sister. Once his leave was over, they drove back to San Diego. They shared a home together and he decided not to reenlist in the Navy. He was discharge from the Navy on September 24, 1952. After getting out of the Navy, He went to work for Pearson Ford in San Diego. He continued working there for thirty-five plus years. He worked in the Parts Department, keeping track of the parts inventory and servicing customer needs. On June 1, 1953, Nornal and Doyce had a son they named Larry Dean Waters.
Thank You for visiting. I will continue the remembrance of my father, Nornal Hule Waters, in my next post. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Exhausted and Frustrated: My two-year-old grandson is not sleeping through the night…
Two-year-old
grandson,
Coleman
In a previous post entitled Recovering and Moving Adjustments, I discussed our moving and the adjustments being frustrating. For Coleman, it appears he is not adjusting too well yet to sleeping in a new place. He has the same bed, but has not been allowed, so far, on the top bunk. We/I have concerns about his safety on the top bunk. In his room in the new apartment, we now live in, there is a ceiling fan where the fan blades stretch across part of the top bunk.
Coleman is rambunctious and curious. He loves to climb, turn lights on and off, and investigate anything and everything he can get his hands on. I’ve already discovered him tuning on the fan from the top bunk after climbing up. I, myself, had difficulty turning it back off without getting hurt from the blades. So how can I allow him to sleep 💤 on the top bunk he enjoys being on when I’m concerned he’ll get hurt?
He’s been waking up after only a few hours of sleep, and exciting his room. After leaving his room, he proceeds to turn on every light in the kitchen, hallway, and living room. Then he rummages through the kitchen drawers and the boxes yet to be unpacked. When he gets bored with that he comes into my room. Thus, preventing me from sleeping. Hence, I am exhausted during the day from lack of sufficient sleep.
I want my energetic cooperative little boy back. The problem is I am not sure how to achieve his sleeping through the night again and staying in his own room all night to sleep. The rest of us, especially myself, would appreciate a full night of uninterrupted peaceful sleep.
this morning
after being awake
half the night
(or more).
Can you understand my frustrations and my being exhausted? Pray for us that a solution can be found to remedy this problematic situation.
God bless. Thank you for listening. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Strength From Jesus Christ The Lord: Bible verses
Who is the True Source of Strength?
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13
“The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare human habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
Exodus 15:2
“Fear though not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10
“ For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Luke 1:37
“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”
Psalm 29:11
and He’ll give you His strength
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Joshua 1:9
He is My Strength
God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, so we could be strengthened when we go through our trials and challenges. I pray that these verses will inspire you to rely on Jesus and find peace, courage, and strength to live according to His gospel.
STRENGTH
IN JESUS
Thank you for visiting! Remember I appreciate y’all. Good bless.
Alcohol abuse and the Effects on Family
Why do people drink and drive? Some people that drink and drive do not think they have a problem with alcohol. They think they can handle it and that drinking alcohol won’t impair their judgment. However, I know for a fact that drinking alcohol does have an effect on a person’s judgment while behind the wheel of a car.
People that drink when something is bothering them, or when they get upset with someone often do not think that they are an alcoholic. A person that can go days without drinking is considered a moderate drinker. An alcoholic cannot go days or weeks without a drink. To them it is an essential part of their lives. Alcohol takes priority over their financial responsibilities, their family obligations, work, and social gatherings with friends.
Some alcoholics drink to suppress negative moods, such as anxiety and depression. Some drink to feel good and to escape unpleasantness. They might also use alcohol to help them deal with or manage uncomfortable situations and emotions. During these times their depression, anxiety, or paranoia get worse after drinking.
I cannot speak for everyone, but I know when I drank it affected by ability to drive, and to care for my infant child. It took time, but I quit drinking thirty-eight years ago. I took me almost losing my son to jerk me awake to the need to stop drinking. I had responsibilities and a child that needed me.
Not everyone that drinks have come to that point of understanding yet. I know for a fact that my son-law has not come to that realization in his life to this point in time. His drinking and driving have impaired his judgment whether he realizes it or not. I witness the affects his drinking has on my daughter. It stresses her out and sends her heart racing, jeopardizing her life. Last night he went out drinking and driving. He was supposed to be going and picking up my daughter from work and bringing her home. Instead, he goes to the local convenience store and buys beer. He then proceeded to drink multiple beer cans while driving. He wound up not arriving at her work to pick her up. At which time, she proceeded to try and work home. Her work is over four miles from home. She has a heart condition, and the added stress from his behavior and walking to try to get home sent her heart racing to the point where her heart rate was 210 BPM. Way too high, which affected her breathing and her ability to keep walking.
His drinking impairment caused him too not even be able to see her as she was walking, and he drove past her. He didn’t just drive past her once, but several times. When he finally did stop to pick her up, he continued to drink and drive and drove at speeds over 80 miles per hour. Thus, in dangerous my daughter’s life again. He has put so much stress on her with his drinking and his unwillingness to stop drinking and driving. It makes me extremely upset. She loves him, I do not understand why, but maybe I do. Her father was an alcoholic, whom I loved very much. It is hard to come to the point where one is strong enough to admit they have had enough.
I am not sure if he will stop and not drink and drive again. I have to admit that I am worried about his alcohol abuse and the effects it has on my daughter and grandson. I do not see how he hasn’t been pulled over by the cops while he’s been drinking and driving with open alcohol containers in the vehicle, not to mention the weed he almost always has in his vehicle. I know he has even drunk and drove with my two-year-old grandson in the car. I am concerned for his and my daughter’s safety.
For those of you that prayer, I would request prayers for him and my family. Prayer that he soon wakes up and realize the harmful effects is drinking has on others, especially the family.
Thank you for visiting and listening to me. I appreciate y’all.
Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Silly Boy: Always curious, Always adventurous
Gotta love his antics. Always into something, investigating his surroundings.
Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Daily Bible Verse: Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Number our days,
that we may gain
a Heart of Wisdom.”
—- Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all. May you gain wisdom throughout your days.
Black and White: Oldie from the late 60’s
Picture was taken in the late 1960’s, probably somewhere between 1966 – 1968. The picture was taken in San Diego, California where we lived on South Meadowbrook. I’m not sure if this was in May or December. The bicycle was a present I received. It was my first 24” bike after my old stingray. I believe it was a Schwinn. I was excited to receive it back then. Back when times seemed simpler and a kid could just be a kid and have fun.
Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all. Enjoy life.
Gratitude Quotes: Let’s not Forget to Be Grateful
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
— Cicero
What is Gratitude? Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. It is a positive emotion that is associated with several mental and physical health benefits. When one is grateful, you respond with kindness and generosity.
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
— Melody Beattie, Author
Our Church.com
“O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.”
— William Shakespeare
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”
— Eckhart Tolle
(c) 2019 Margaret B. Moss
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.”
— Henry David Thoreau
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.”
— Karl Barth, theologian
“I know for sure that appreciating whatever shows up for you in life changes your personal vibration. You radiate and generate more goodness for yourself when you’re aware of all you have and not focusing on your have-nots.”
— Oprah Winfrey
When we practice being grateful in our thinking, we turn our attitudes and our attention away from negativity and then we focus on those things that are working in our lives, and how far we have already come on our journey. Being grateful helps us release the pressure of worry and can brighten pour outlook on life. Gratitude helps us to relax and feel joy and contentment in our present circumstances.
Thank You! I appreciate y’all and am grateful for each and every one. Join with me in practicing gratitude on a daily basis.
May’s Desktop (PC): Share your Desktop
A monthly challenge called Share your Desktop, hosted by Clare from Clare’s Cosmos.
Clare invites all to join in the fun by sharing your desktop photo on the 15th of every month.
My current desktop on my laptop is from Crosscards.com. It depicts orange flowers and a scripture verse I am trying to implement this month, to put my Hope in God.
Thank You! Remember I appreciate y’all. Join the fun in the Monthly Share your Desktop Challenge. I’ll be looking forward to seeing yawls desktop photos.
National Peace Officers Memorial Day
Today, May 15th, is National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The day was proclaimed back in 1962 by President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, that May 15th be known as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week which May 15th falls as National Police Week. It was established by a joint resolution of Congress to honor those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
— May 15 —
It is important that we remember and honor all federal, state, and local officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty, all those who were killed or disabled serving to protect our lives and the communities we live within.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is located in the center of the 400 block of E Street, NW, Washington, DC. It is the nation’s monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The Memorial was dedicated on October 15, 1991. It honors federal, tribal, state, and local officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving to ensure the safety and protection of our nation and its people.
Currently, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., United States, at Judiciary Square, honors 23,229 U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty throughout American history.
The memorial features four bronze lions. two male and two females, each one watching over a pair of lion cubs. Below each lion is a different quotation:
“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.”
— Vivian Eney Cross, Survivor
“In valor there is hope.”
— Tacitus
“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bole as a lion.”
— Proverbs 28:1
“Carved on these walls is the story of America, of a continuing quest to preserve both democracy and decency, and to protect a national treasure that we call the American dream.”
— President George H.W. Bush
Please join with me in honoring our fallen peace officers, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives in death while serving to protect you and me, our nation, our communities, and all those who live here in America. You may or may not know any of them personally as I have, but regardless our peace officers (law enforcement officers) are putting their lives on the line every day. Why? They have the strong desire to keep our nation, our states, our local communities safe and work extremely hard to protect every one of the citizens living in America.
Dear Lord, I pray for the protection of our law enforcement officers that serve and protect us. Hep them to walk safely through their communities with honor so they that they can keep the peace. Help them to be humble and honest as they perform their duties. Lord, I also pray that you be with their families as the wait at home with anguish for their loved one to return from a dangerous mission. Calm their hearts and minds as they wait at home. Amen.
Thank you! I appreciate y’all. Stay safe. Please pray for our law enforcement officers safety.
Recovering and Moving Adjustments
Apologies for being absent from the blog for the past week. Our home is still in recovery mode from illnesses. My daughter and grandson are now better and for them most part over Covid. The rest of us have been fighting spring allergies that have drained our energy. On top of all that, we had to move. Our landlord informed us he was not renewing the lease, that he had other plans for the property, and we would have to move out. It had been a real struggle to find a place to move to. Rent prices have skyrocketed, in my opinion, way too high. They are outrageous, more than doubled in the past two years. Incomes have not gone up, except for a minutest amount kin comparison to the higher inflation.
A little less than a month’s notice time wasn’t enough to sufficiently locate an ideal place to live. However, we did end up locating a place. Not one like we would have preferred, but a place all the same. We just finished moving our belongings yesterday. It is a major adjustment for all of us, but even more so for my two-year-old grandson. It is difficult for him to understand that he can’t take off and run around outside without us right near him. He was used to having a large yard to run, hike, and play in and now we have no yard. We went from living in a single wide trailer with an acre of land to an apartment with a small patio and no yard. We were able to bring his trampoline with us which is a big help in assisting with his adjustment.
in his trampoline
before the move
in apartment
after the move
This move inhibits his freedom to roam like he has been used to. Therefore, after we’ve all had time to settle into the new living arrangements, I’ll need to find places close by where we might be able to walk to for him to have some time to run and pay and burn off his excess energy.
I hope you’ll all be patient as I get back into the groove of blogging as my own energy slowly returns to normal. Thank you for visiting. remember I appreciate y’all.
Coleman Selfies: iPhone camera
My grandson, Coleman, loves to get ahold of my phone 📱 and snap multiple pictures. Just gotta love his expressions as he hams it up in front of the camera.
God Bless. Thanks for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Living With a Covid-19 Positive 2 Year Old: Update
—- 6 Days after
Covid-19 positive diagnosis
Apologies for being absent from posting. Since last Monday night, I’ve been primary caregiver for my two year old grandson who was diagnosed with being Covid-19 positive. The first two days he was really really sick, upset stomach, vomiting, high fever, lack of ability to keep food or drink down, lack of energy and an overall feeling irritability. It had been difficult seeing him so miserable.
Last Tuesday we took him to the doctor at the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte where a Covid-19 test was run. We received notice of his being Covid-19 positive on Wednesday. Not much could be done besides giving him Motrin for his fever, and pushing fluids. Sometimes he didn’t want to drink, but had to keep trying.
Thursday and Friday were days of sleeping off and on. Rest he much needed to help him recover. Rest I also needed, having been up off and on all week, I was exhausted. Saturday, he wake up with more energy than he’d had all week. His fever gone. His appetite also started to improve.
Overall, I suppose you can call his case a mild one. It’s also high allergy season here and with a being driven to exhausted taking care of him, my sinuses have taken a toll on me. My allergy medication is working, however, I’m not up to par and he now has more energy than I do.
—— six days after
Covid-19 positive diagnosis
Thank y’all for praying for him and all of us throughout this experience. I pray we won’t have to go through it again. I pray y’all will be safe and healthy. God bless. May He watch over you and surround you with His love and protection.
—- feeling better.
Thank you God!
Last Photo on Cell Phone
Brian from Bushboy’s World is asking us to share the very last photo on our SD cards for April 2022 .
The rules are simple:
1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 31st January.
2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate.
3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do
4. Create a Pingback to Brian’s post here
5. Tag “The Last Photo”
From my Cell phone
Black and White: on the Trail
Nature Trail
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Living With a Covid-19 Positive 2 Year Old:
Yesterday I posted that I’d appreciate prayers 🙏🏼 for my grandson who is really sick. His mom and I took him to Levine Children’s Hospital in downtown Charlotte to have a doctor check him out. You might ask; “What prompted that action?” Well, let me tell you.
Approximately around midnight the day before ( Monday evening) he woke up and came out of his room all irritable and making groaning noises. We didn’t think much of it at the time ( he has woken up in the middle of the night before). So we ( his mom and myself) comforted him, had him use the potty, gave him some milk and some yogurt. He seemed okay ( looking back, maybe 🤔 not fully). After some cuddle time we put him back to bed.
The next morning, Tuesday, he was lethargic, running a high fever, irritable, not able ( or interested in eating), barely drinking fluids. For him that’s extremely unusual. Normally, by 9:00 am he has drunk 2 cups of milk, had some cereal, and either French toast, waffles, or pancakes. The cereal is mainly to tide him over until I get his breakfast cooked. I do not use frozen breakfast items. He is allergic to dairy and soy, so any store bought items need to have the ingredients examined before purchasing to ensure they do not contain those ingredients.
Back to Coleman’s condition, he was not able to keep food or drink down and he was running a high fever. I tried to cool him down with a cold bath, however, that did nothing to bring his fever down. I had already given him children’s Tylenol. At that point I texted my daughter asking her to come out of her room. [She had been in bed not feeling well herself]. She had the thermometer with her which she brought out. His temperature was 102 °. At which time I asked her to call his doctor. His doctor’s office stated they could not get him in to be seen for 2 days. They suggested, if we wanted him seen sooner, we take him to Levine Children’s Hospital.
At the hospital, they took his vitals, his temp after we arrived was 103°. The children’s hospital is a little over a half hour, longer if there’s a lot of traffic. The nurse gave him Motrin and a anti-nausea medication. That seemed to temporarily make him feel a little better.
Once the doctor saw him he ordered a couple of tests, one of which was a test for Covid-19. By the time we got back home, he was back to running a fever and not feeling very good. Luckily ( for me anyway), he slept through the night. And so far no more vomiting, I’m am very glad. Yesterday he threw up all over me. Not the situation one exactly wants.
I will update as the week goes along. For now, my time is all taken up with caring for my grandson. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you!
May the 4th Be With You: Star Wars Day
Prayers would be appreciated:
I’d appreciate prayers. My daughter & grandson are sick. Both throwing up. Grandson is running a fever & very irritable. Not eating. Not sleeping hardly at all.
On way to Levine’s Children’s Hospital to have him checked out and probably given fluids. Thank you!
Geese: Beautiful creatures of God
A wedge (aka flock) of geese
God bless. Enjoy God’s beautiful creations. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Rest in the LORD: Wait Patiently
before the
LORD
Being still in the Lord is simply resting in Him. Trusting in His Word of truth and enduring in His love while awaiting His timing. Trusting His timing to be accurate and precise and not relying on our own timing.
“Rest in the LORD
and Wait
patiently for Him.”
—- Psalm 37:7
We are called to wait patiently for the LORD. When we wait on Him we surrender calmly to His will. Psalm 27:14 states, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” When we wait we fully put our hope and trust in Him.
my soul
finds
Rest
in God.
—- Psalm 62:1
When we are at rest, we are quiet before God. It is in the quiet, the silence, which we can trust Him to speak to our Hearts. In the quiet, God brings scriptures to our minds. The scriptures help to calm our minds and comfort our hearts.
all you who are weary and burdened and I will give
you rest.
—- Matthew 11:28 NIV
Let us all make time to REST in the Lord, to trust Him with all our Hearts. God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
God’s Protection: He’ll see you through….
God covers us with His love ❤️, warmth, and safety. He is gentle and attentive while being fierce and protective. God shelters us from all harm. He sees us through every situation, every circumstance. He looks 👀 out for us and is always there in our time of need. Whenever we face troubles, He is there to carry us through them. He makes sure we are safe and secure. No need to be afraid, our hope lies in Jesus Christ, our deliverer.
Thank you God for protecting me, keeping me from safe and secure. Thank you for always watching over me.
God Bless. Thank you! May God watch over y’all and keep you safe and may you know He is there protecting you.
National Volunteer Month: Quotes – Giving Back
April is almost over and so is National Volunteer Month, however, volunteering and giving back shouldn’t stop when the month ends. There are many many ways to give back to our communities, to those in need, or to help protect and clean our local, state, or national parks. Have you volunteered lately? I have to admit I haven’t done much volunteering since the presence of Covid-19 affected everyone around the world. I do miss volunteering though.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
—— Martin Luther King Jr.
What are you doing for others? Is a question where the answer will be different for all of us. Doing something for others doesn’t need to be a big extravaganza. It’s the little things that mean the most. It could be anything from picking up trash along the beach or by the side of the road to keep it clean. It could also be lending a hand to help someone that has need of assistance, like going to the store for a shut-in, reading a book to a person in a nursing home, or helping out at a school. The list of ways to volunteer and give back could go on and on for eternity.
—- trash pick up
“ Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don’t live in the world all of your own.”
—- Albert Schweitzer,
theologian
—- Feeding the hungry
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands —- one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
—— Audrey Hepburn
— Reading to children
“ The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
—— Mahatma Gandhi
—- Reading to younger children
“ Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.
—— Sherry Anderson,
writer
Volunteering is beneficial not just for those that we help, our communities, but also to remind us that we are all a part of a much bigger society. Whether we volunteer our time or our skills doesn’t matter, the important thing is to volunteer, to give back.
It is important to recognize that we all need to do our part in order for our society to thrive, to grow. Volunteering is beneficial for the volunteers as well.
- Volunteering reduces stress
- Volunteering increases feelings of joy
- Volunteering increases gratitude
- Volunteering improves our moods
- Volunteering improves our sense of optimism
- Volunteering improves our immune system
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
—- Elizabeth Andrew,
writer
“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”
—— Maya Angelou
—- AESOP —
— even if you never know it.”
—— Greg Louganis
God Bless. Thank you to all who volunteer! May you be blessed as you bless others.
YOM HASHOAH: Holocaust Remembrance Day | NEVER FORGET
Never Forget.
Never Again.
This year, Yom HaShoah place from sunset on April 27, to the sunset on 28 April 2022. It is also referred to as Holocaust Remembrance Day. It is a day of commemoration for the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust.
We will never forget
The first official commemorations took place way back in 1951, adhering to a date in the Hebrew Calendar. Yom HaShoah takes place according to the Hebrew Calendar which is based on the lunar cycle. The date changed when using the Gregorian calendar.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Yom HaShoah is one of four modern Jewish holidays which were established after World War II and the establishment of the state of Israel. Yom HaShoah means the “day of remembrance of the Catastrophe and the Heroism.” The observance is held one week after the seventh day of Passover.
Holocaust Remembrance Day, as it is also known, is to remember all those who died in Shoah. The word Holocaust comes from a Greek word which means “sacrifice by fire.”
The Holocaust was initiated by the Nationalist Socialist Party ( better known as NAZI) which seized power in Germany in 1933. The Germans disliked the Jewish people and thus counted them “unworthy of life.” At the time, there were approximately nine million Jews living in Europe. Of those, it is estimated that two-thirds were concentrated, tortured, and assassinated by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
It is those Jews who suffered, and those who died that we remember and will never forget. This is also a time to honor deceased family members. Traditionally, families may light a Yizkor candle ( memorial candle), plant a tree in Israel, or dedicate a name plaque. Others may choose to make contributions to charities, hospitals or hospices, or other organizations as a meaningful memorial for their departed loved ones.
who bore the brand
of Hitler’s death camps
on their arm,
only a mere handful
lived to tell
of the horror
that was the
HOLOCAUST.
let us take a pledge
to always be kind
to our fellow human beings
and never treat
anyone with cruelty.
God Bless. Always be kind. Treat others with compassion. Never be cruel. God loves you! Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Portrait Mode: Coleman
~ Gotta love his expressions
Wide camera — 26mm f1.5
ISO320 1/60s Apple 13 Pro
—- Coleman
God Bless. Love ❤️ my family. Love your family. Appreciate them while you have them. Take care of each other. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Wordless Wednesday
Plano, Texas
Photo Credit: (c)2022@LarryDWaters
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Roadside Rest stop Gardens
from South Carolina Welcome Center
— Fair Play, South Carolina
— Fair Play, South Carolina
— Lincoln, Alabama
— Lincoln, Alabama
Looking back to 25 April 2020, remembering the drive back from Texas and the beautiful landscaping seen at travel or rest stops. The views were a reminder of the beauty that can be seen throughout the United States. The beauty was also an encouragement to thank God for his comfort, strength, and safety. No matter where I am or where I go God will always be there with me, seeing me through every step of my journey.
God Bless. Thank God for the beauty He has created. I’m thankful for his strength, comfort, and the safety He provides me. I am thankful for all of you. Remember I appreciate y’all.
A Favorite Verse | 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It is one of the many verses I memorized as a teenager as a part of my church youth group. My youth pastor always encouraged us to memorize scripture. In fact, he believed in scripture memorization so much, he made it a requirement to attend church camp or any week long youth group activity. We had to recite the assigned memorization scripture before boarding the church bus.
Memorization may seem like an odd requirement to attend a church youth group outing, but it was one aspect that has remained with me for life. I can still recall quite a number of the scripture verses I memorized way back in my youth. I thank God for a youth pastor who always demonstrated his faith and showed everyone he met God’s love and how to walk a godly lifestyle.
Thank you PJ for being a fine example of God’s love and faithfulness. PJ is at home with God the Father, but his faith and example lives on through the many youth and people he ministered to while here.
God bless. What are your favorite Bible verses? I’d love for you to share them. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Happy World Penguin Day
April 25
It is World Penguin 🐧 Day. I didn’t even know there was a day to celebrate Penguins. Did you? Think you know all there is to know about Penguins? Maybe, or maybe not. There are many interesting facts about penguins that I did not know about before. Let’s learn more about them together.
Did you know there are around 17 or 18, possibly more, different species of Penguins? I sure did not know there were that many different types. All Penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere. Although, some Galápagos penguins tend to straddle the equator occasionally. Penguins inhabit extremely cold regions, like the Antarctic. The penguins of the Antarctic are probably the ones you think of when you hear penguins. However, not all penguins live in the Antarctic. Many live in temperate regions, like In Melbourne, Australia. [ I never considered penguins living in Australia before, new fact for me, perhaps you as well]. The penguins which live in Australia are known as Fairy penguins or little penguins. These are the smallest species of penguins.
Penguins have feathers 🪶, not fur. Their feathers provide excellent insulation which enable them to survive in extremely cold environments. One other factor about the feathers is their ability to repel ice.
Penguins do not have teeth. It is interesting, though, that they do have spines inside their beaks which can look 👀 a little teeth-like. They also have spines on their tongues. All their spines point backwards. [Learn something new every day]. Penguins eat a variety of fish and crustaceans. The larger the penguin, the deeper they dive for food. Their food is swallowed whole and later regurgitated for their young chicks.
Penguins are monogamous, but only for a season. The next season they may stick with their mate or choose a new one. They have the ability to drink salt water. [yuck, I can’t stand salt].
The Penguin populations are declining. What can we, as humans, do to help them? Most of the ways involve keeping the animal’s home and breeding grounds—the ocean —clean and healthy. The following are other ways you can help:
- Only buy and eat fish from responsibly managed fisheries. Over fishing limits the available food for Penguins.
- Support the creation of marine reserves. At marine preserves, all animal and plant life are protected from fishing.
- Support legislation that fights climate change or supports carbon reduction goals.
- Do you best to use less power, drive less, and otherwise use less energy to reduce your contribution impact on climate change.
— Penguin locations
around the world.
God Bless. Happy World Penguin Day! Do your part to help preserve the Penguin populations. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Labyrinth: Abilene, Texas
Meditation and
Community Garden
Labyrinth; what is it? What is its purpose? A labyrinth is a complicated irregular network of passages in which it is difficult to find one’s way; a maze.
Is there a difference between maze and labyrinth? In a way, there is not much of a difference. Both refer to a series of networks of passages or channels which can be complicated and confusing in nature. The two words do have different origins though.
Maze is thought to have come from an Old English word ( not recorded) masian which means “ to confuse.” Whereas, labyrinth has its origins back to Ancient Greek legends. The legends indicate that King Minos instructed an inventor named Daedalus to create a labyrinth beneath his palace which housed a fearsome monster, the Minotaur.
Don’t worry, has been said that the monster Minotaur was slain by a Greek hero named Theseus. Afterwards, Theseus managed to find his way out of the labyrinth by using the assistance of a ball of thread which was given to him by Ariadne, the daughter of Minos.
A ministry of FCPC (USA)
Presbyterian Women
Labyrinths can be in many ancient cultures, however, it is most commonly associated with Ancient Greece. The symbol, and its many variations, date back over 4,000 years. Labyrinths symbolizes many different things some of which are as follows:
- Wholeness – achieved by the meandering walk to the center, completing the pattern.
- A journey of discovery – seeing different perspectives and directions as you walk.
- Clarity and understanding – walking the labyrinth to achieve a thoughtful, ponderous state leading to clarity and discovery. Finding a solution to a problem and achieving understanding.
- Confusion – It illustrates confusion and complexity. The symbol represents an enigma, a puzzle and confusion.
- Spiritual journey – Seen as a metaphor for a spiritual journey. The entrance is viewed as representing the birth and the center as symbolizing God, knowing and enlightenment. A journey of growth.
- A Pilgrimage – Likened to going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Jerusalem.
- Sacred geometry – The designs incorporate sacred geometry.
This particular Labyrinth is located on the property of First Central Presbyterian Church PC (USA) in Abilene, Texas. It is partially funded by Synod of the Sun PC (USA). It was designed as a place to:
- Nourish both body and soul
- Nurture healthy relationships with nature and neighbors
- Sow seeds of gratitude for God’s creation
Suggested uses for Walking Labyrinth are listed below:
- FOCUS: Quiet yourself before entering
- RELEASE: Following the path, let go of concerns and free your mind to receive
- RECEIVE: Linger in the center — open to God’s guidance
- REFLECT: Ponder the experience as you return by the same path
Visited: March 2020. Duration: 30 minutes
God Bless. Peace be with you. Thanks for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Who are you? Who am I ?
[John the Baptist] said: “ I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
John 1:23
Who am I ? John the Baptist did not hesitate in answering this question. He knew exactly who he was, he was not confused. He stated: “I am the voice.” He did not stutter, he did not have to think about it. He immediately knew and answered: “ I am the voice.”
Can you answered the question: Who are you? Who am I? Without hesitating, without a doubt, without confusion? I am not sure that I can answer: Who am I? without hesitation. Sometimes, I do not think I know myself who I am. Who am I in relation to God? I know in my heart I am a child of God, a daughter of the most high.
“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Isaiah 40:3
What does it mean to prepare the way of the Lord? How do we go about preparing ourselves for the Lord? To prepare the way of the Lord is to prepare the way of holiness. We need to prepare our hearts for the coming Jesus Christ. We prepare the way of Jesus Christ the same way John the Baptist did centuries ago. By doing the following:
- Feeling godly sorrow for sin.
- Confessing and forsaking sins.
- Making amends, where possible, for wrongs done.
- Obeying the commandments.
- Turning to the Lord and serving him.
We should be encouraging, Informing, and inspiring others and ourselves to build up our faith and connect or reconnect with God. Let us use our energy to demonstrate God’s love to others, create peace, make a positive impact on those around us.
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
Luke 3:4
God felt it important for us to prepare the way. He emphasized it by repeating several times throughout the Bible that we should prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight. When something is repeated over and over, it means we should pay attention and do what it is telling us to do.
Making his path straight is to clear all obstacles out of the way. We need to seek to live our lives for the glory of God, above anything else.
“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on you own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5,6
When we trust in Jesus and let him guide us through our journey of life we will be following the path He has prepared for us. We should not hesitate to let others know about our Lord and Savior. We should not need to hesitate in letting others know we are children of God ( I am a child of God, the most high King).
God Bless. Do you know who you are? Let others know. Prepare the way of the Lord. Trust God in all things. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Public Art Sculptures: Abilene, Texas
I visited Texas in early 2020 near the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. One portion of my Texas trip was to visit my elderly aunt who resides in Abilene. No matter where I am at, I try to walk at least two times or more a week. My aunt isn’t able to walk very far as she uses a walker to maintain her balance as she walks. Therefore, I would go walking about the neighborhood on my own discovering what sights and interests I could find.
Visit Duration: 2 months March and April 2020
God Bless. Hope you enjoyed my short tour of public art sculptures throughout the city of Abilene. The sculptures were all within a couple of miles from the corner of Palm Street and South Seventh Street.
Thank you for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all. Till next time, take care.
Happy Earth Day!
EARTH 🌎 DAY
save our planet
April 22
What is Earth day? Why do we celebrate it? Earth 🌎 day is celebrated around the world in approximately 190 + countries. April 22 marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Earth 🌎 day is held annually to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
The idea for Earth day was originally conceived in 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, California. It was then that John McConnell, a peace activist, proposed a day for honoring the Earth 🌎 and the concept of peace. It was originally scheduled to be observed on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere.
of the Earth
for the future
of our children!
On Earth 🌎 Day in April 1970, Americans gathered together to raise awareness of pollution and the effects of pollution. It brings attention to the importance of long-term ecological sustainability. While we in America celebrate Earth 🌎 Day on April 22, parts of the rest of the world celebrate it on the day that the vernal equinox occurs.
should encourage us to
Reflect on what we are doing
To make our planet a more
Sustainable & Livably place.
It is our responsibility to take care of our planet, Earth. It is our responsibility to handover Mother Earth in a Healthier Shape to our Future Generations. Let us all work to Make it a Better place.
One way we can help to make it a better place is to use sustainable practices in our daily lives. The paper and packaging industry has been taking amazing strides to support a healthy future by using sustainable practices and products.
We can do our part in protecting the planet by using paper products. You ask, how does using paper protect and make our planet healthier? Good question. The paper, packaging, and boxes we use every day are designed to be easily recycled over and over again. Did you know that paper is the most recycled material in the United States? I didn’t realize that, one can learn something new everyday. Paper comes from trees 🌲 which are a natural and renewable resource. By choosing paper products, you encourage U. S. Forestry owners to grow and maintain healthy forests.
the Earth
we honor ourselves.
—- From https://catwisdom101.com/
is a fine place
and worth
fighting for.
— Ernest Hemingway
“ WE DO NOT INHERIT
~ Native American Proverb
THE EARTH
FROM OUR ANCESTORS,
WE BORROW IT FROM OUR
CHILDREN.”
This years Earth Day theme is “ Invest In Our Planet.” It is meant to encourage businesses, government, and people everywhere to act on climate change and other issues to develop and maintain a healthy sustainable future. Please let’s all do our part to help our planet to be more sustainable and Healthy. Use paper, recycle, and reuse ♻️.
God bless. Protect our Earth 🌎. Be Proactive. Reflect on our actions, make improvements to help our planet to be healthy for future generations.
Thank you for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all. Feel free to like, comment, and follow.
Failure or Success: Quotes and thoughts for today
fails
999 times,
and if he
succeeds once,
he’s in.
~~ Charles Kettering
Failure is lacking the success or the inability to achieve a determined expectation. Is failure good or bad? Is failure beneficial? Can we learn from our failures?
Failure is beneficial and an essential aspect of our self-development. Albert Einstein stated, “ Failure is success in progress”. How is failure beneficial?
When you know and accept failure as a possibility, you learn to not let fear of failure hold you back. You accept that failure is apart of trying. Sometimes you fail, other times you succeed. However, if you never try you won’t have the opportunity for failure or success. Therefore, you always need to push yourself to keep trying.
The following are some of the many failure of failure:
give you
a recipe
for success,
but
I can
give you
a recipe
for failure:
try to
please
everybody.
~~ Frank Langella
- Failure builds character – It makes you a humbler person. It can make you stronger and enable you to become more honest with yourself.
- Failure builds compassion – having failed you can understand and empathize when others have similar failures.
- Failure builds resilience – Failure is not a stopping point, it is a bouncing off point to regroup, refocus, and strive to improve.
- Failure builds creativity – Allows you to try other ways, be more creative in your approaches in working to accomplish your goals.
- Failure is a blessing in disguise – one cannot succeed without having first failed. It gives us the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and allows us to appreciate our success.
- Fear of Failure is worse than failure itself. Look for the lessons from it, then your chances for success will increase.
Realize you cannot please everyone, if you try you will surely fail. Believe that failure is not fatal; it takes courage to continue. Never give up. Success is not impossible. It comes from the struggles, the defeats, the learning, the progress and through the courage to keep keeping on. Believe in yourself.
no meaning.
~ Benjamin Franklin
It is part of success.
~ unknown
God bless. May you be blessed in disguise. Keep keeping on. Be creative. Be courageous. Keep learning. Never give up. Always continue to try.
Sought the LORD: Continue seeking daily
What does it mean “sought the LORD?” Sought means to attempt or have a desire to obtain or achieve something. Sought is the past tense of seek. What do you seek or have sought in the past? Perhaps you seek a better job, a better life, or perhaps you have sought someone to love. Regardless, if you have or have not, we all seek something out of this life we are living. We may seek different things, but we may all be passionate about seeking out of dreams, our purpose in life.
“Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God , so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.”
1 Chronicles 22:19 (NIV)
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
God instructs us to seek him. There are many many verses in the Word of God which speak regarding seeking the LORD, however, we are given a choice whether we desire to seek Him or not. As for me, I choose to seek the LORD. When I was younger I was more passionate about seeking the LORD. When one gets busy with life, sometimes, you let slide the things which are truly important. When you get older, as I am, you reignite your passions for the important things in life. One of those important things for me is to be passionate about seeking the LORD daily. To trust Him with my life, to guide me, to comfort and strengthen me.
and His strength;
Seek his face always.
—— 1 Chronicles 16:11
the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness;
and all these things
shall be added to you.
—- Matthew 6:33
God bless. As for me, I will seek the LORD continually. Have a great day. Thanks for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Coleman Selfies: Tuesday antics
Another day when Coleman swipes my phone. Opens the camera app. Snaps multiple pictures while saying “Cheese.”
…. He loves
taking pictures
of himself.
looking 👀
at his
self.
this
Nana?
Not made pictures for a two year old. Gotta love ❤️ my grandson. He’s definitely not camera shy.
Collage (c) 2022@DebbieLWaters
God Bless. Enjoy life. Thankful for family. I appreciate y’all. Feel free to like, comment, and follow. Thank you!
Monday Meanderings: Short walk with Coleman
Today was kind of dreary. It started out with a downpour of rain 🌧. Only in the low 40°’s in the morning. Coleman always loves to go outside, but since it was chilly, wet, and a little windy I managed to have him wait until the afternoon to go for a walk.
seen along
today’s
walk
with Coleman
amongst
the trees
Kept the Monday Meanderings to a minimum today. It was still cool and a little windy in the afternoon, however, the rain 🌧 let up for our walk.
Hope y’all had a blessed Easter Sunday. I appreciate y’all. Encourage you to spend time outdoors. Thank God for his many blessings.
Thanks for visiting. Please feel free to like, comment, and follow.
Share your desktop – April Challenge: Desktop photo.
This month nowathome.Wordpress.com shared a challenge hosted by Clare from Clare’s Cosmos to share your desktop photo, called Share your Desktop. Mine is from Ocean Conservancy. Ocean Conservancy is an organization that supports clean beaches and a healthy ocean. It works to protect our oceans from this present ages vast challenges. They create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean as well as the wildlife and communities that depend on it.
Why do I support them? I believe in helping to provide safe, clean environments for people everywhere to enjoy. Too much plastic and trash land in our gulfs, and oceans. Both trash and plastics are harmful to sea life. Let’s all do what we can to protect our oceans.
God Bless. Protect our Environment. Protect our Oceans 🌊. Thank you!
- Please join in by sharing the photo* you have set as your wallpaper;
- Provide as little or as much detail as you wish;
- Either comment here with a link to your post or use a pingback so I know you have joined in the fun and I’ll visit your blog and your post and read all about your photo; and
- Share the fun around 🥰
Eyes 👀: Windows to the Soul
Windows
to the Soul
The expression Eyes are Windows to the Soul conveys the idea that one can understand a person’s emotions and possibly thoughts when you look into his or her eyes. Do you think this idea is realistic, true?
Through the eyes our hearts can be known to others. They tell others what we cannot say with words. Our eyes channel our feelings, those feelings range from trust to distrust, security, contentment, and fear. They are the sincerest part of our face and we do not have control over what our eyes reveal to others. Our eyes can convey whether we are sad or happy, whether we are paying attention or not, or if we are angry or if we are uncertain amount anything. We might try to hide or not admit to how we feel but our eyes always reveal the truth. The best way to get to know someone is to look them in the eyes and notice what they divulge about their emotional state.
….. He endured the Cross for us.
The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross …. “
As we look back upon history, we know this week is a week of remembrance for what Jesus Christ did for us by dying on the cross. He took the sins of the world upon himself, and willingly gave his life so that we might life eternally with him one day. That day seemed very sad to his mom, his brothers, his disciples, because they did not realize the grave could not hold him. Alleluia, Jesus Christ rose from the grave, he restored our life. He lives!
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made Heaven and Earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 KJV
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV
These verses indicate our eyes should be focused on God and not on ourselves. Wisdom comes not from our own eyes, but from the Lord. Our help, our comfort, our strength comes from the LORD and if we do not keep our eyes on Him, we may make incorrect decisions that may be detrimental to our well-being. Our eyes give us the ability to understand the Good News about God’s glory. He is the light and when we look up to Him, He sees what is in our hearts and souls.
I pray that my eyes and yours might enlighten our hearts to know the hope that is freely given by Jesus Christ. I pray that you might know and understand God’s richness, His mercy, comfort and strength. I pray you may know how much he loves you and me.
#Wordprompt: Green
Coleman wearing Green outfit standing amongst Green plants.
Green Flag shirt: The Green is used for Mental Health Awareness. It is a symbol for mental illnesses, bipolar disorder, and depression. Green symbolizes the continual awareness of mental health in order to help fight the stigma that is too often associated with it.
Green trees 🌲 and green grass meadows in nature. The color green is the color of nature, growth, freshness, energy, and fertility.
Spiritually green carries the vibration of growth, new beginnings, health, renewal, harmony, hope, and peace.
Psychologically green evokes reactions which affect our moods and emotions. Green is also described as refreshing and tranquil. The color green can positively affect our thinking 🤔, our relationships, and our physical health. It is also believed to relieve stress and help us heal.
Although the color green can represent many things, I prefer to look 👀 on the positive aspects of the color green. One of my favorites is that it brings awareness to mental health issues. Mental health is a real concern and it’s issues among people around the world seems to have increased with the various circumstances that surrounds Covid-19 and its sub variants.
Mental health issues are not always visible so beware of your words and actions. Unkind words or actions might have extreme affects on someone else. Always be kind and loving, be calm and peaceful. Show God’s love ❤️ to all those around you.
” But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.”
Psalm 52:8
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.”
Psalm 23:2
God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all. I hope you’ll stop by for a visit again soon. Please feel free to like, comment, and follow.
Tuesday Hiking: Coleman Ramblings
Tuesday Ramblings with Coleman through the woods and across the meadows we went hiking and traversing through nature observing God’s beauty and marvelous creativity.
……Tuesday Ramblings
enjoying being in nature.
Plants in bloom
The following link is to a video of our Tuesday Rambling hike Coleman, and I enjoyed together.
http://www.relive.cc/view/v8qVBnmNd3q
God Bless. Enjoy nature. Get Outdoors. Go for a walk or a hike and spend time with a friend. Thank You! I appreciate y’all. Hope you enjoyed your visit and come again soon.
Reflections: In the Quiet Moments
“Be still, and know ( recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 (Amplified Bible)
Reflections can be defined as the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it. It can also be a serious thought or consideration. It is looking back and taking notice of how one feels about how his/her live has been and how he/she has grown over a period of time.
waters of life
Do you take time to reflect on your life? How it’s been, how it’s going? Do you have a specific place or time you prefer to reflect on your life? I love to go to the lake and look out over the reflection of the sun upon the waters. I reflect on what God has done for me and look to him for guidance for the future. That is where I can lean back, be still, and know that God exists and He is amazing.
Why is it good to take time out and reflect? Reflecting helps you develop skills and review their effectiveness. Instead of just carrying on the same old way as always, you can reflect on what ways worked and what things you can improve on. Sometimes the old ways are fine and sometimes there are better ways to do things. If you do not take the time out for reflection, you might never realize change might be best for some areas in your life.
so one’s life reflects the heart.”
——- Proverbs 27:19
Reflecting is about questioning, positively, on what you do and why you do it. Afterwards, deciding whether there is a better, or more efficient, way of doing it in the future. Then you’ll need to decide if you want the change or not.
A great reminder that You and
I are God’s reflection and
image here on Earth.
——— @Diana’s Diaries
When you reflect upon your life do you reflect about God? In the quiet of the evening is when I reflect upon the scriptures. It is one of the ways I reflect on who God is and what he had done for me. Reflection on God’s Word involves more than merely reading it. It involves contemplating and pondering on the scriptures. Reflecting with understanding on what God is speaking to me. It is in reflection that I can comprehend the holiness of God, how faithful and loving He is to me, and how just and merciful He is with me.
as by the sea reflected is the sun,
too glorious to be gazed on in his sphere.
—- Brigham Young
Reflection can occur anytime and anywhere. Most often done in the quiet peaceful times of your day. For some that might be early in the morning, for others ( like me) in the late evenings. Sometimes one would reflect upon life or nature in the midst of the afternoon.
things in this world, it is but a
reminder that there is real beauty
of a lasting nature.
Nature is the reflection of God; it reveals the beauty of God’s creation and the revelation that God is in the world around us. What attributes of God can we see in nature? The following is just seven (7) of the many characteristics of God that are reflected in nature.
- Seeing God through HIs Creativity…
- Seeing God in Nature’s Strength…
- Seeing God’s Love of Beauty…
- Seeing God’s Attention to Detail…
- Seeing God’s Tenacity in Nature…
- Seeing God’s Orderliness All Around Us…
- Seeing God’s Redemption in Nature…
outside is a reflection
of what we feel inside.
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV
“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves, Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.”
James 1:22-25 NIV
When we focus on God and others instead of ourselves, we bring joy and happiness not only to others but to ourselves as well. When we reflect upon our lives, we should reflect on how much time we spend thinking and doing for ourselves and for others. We should put others first after God. When we put God first, He brings us peace, love, and happiness.
God Bless. Take time in your day to reflect on God’s Word, reflect on what you can do for others and reflect on how to become a more like Christ.
Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all. Please feel free to like, comment, and follow.
Trust in the LORD: Completely and Wholeheartedly
Why should we/I trust the LORD? Can I not trust myself? In reality, I don’t think I can fully trust myself to make wise decisions. Trusting God with my life takes faith.
Faith is having complete unequivocal trust or confidence in someone or something. I know when I have not relied on God to help me in my decision making, I have made some choices which I might not have made if I had trusted Him with my life.
is trusting God
even when you
don’t understand
His plan.
We are to trust with our whole heart ❤️. Not with part of our heart ❤️, but all of heart. Trust needs to be done with complete confidence, not lacking Faith. Believe God will take care of you/me. God keeps His promises. He has promised to guide us, strengthen us, direct our paths, and always be there for us regardless of our needs or circumstances.
My thoughts are not God’s thoughts. My mind is finite with limited understanding. I cannot fully comprehend everything about God or His power. Reading the Bible can give me insight into who God is and His characteristics, but to truly understand even a fraction of who God is and what He can do we/I have to have a relationship with Him. Relationships take work. If I don’t communicate with Jesus, how do I expect to hear Him. To trust Him is to know Him, believe in Him.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death”
Proverbs 14:12
“A man’s mind plans his ways [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.”
Proverbs 16:9 AMP
I might plan all I want, make decisions, but if I do not include God in the process and trust Him all will be for not. God knows what’s best for my life and even if I can’t see what that is or understand His plan, I know He has my best interest at heart and He will never leave or fail me.
God bless. Trust in God. God loves you! I appreciate y’all. Thanks for visiting and please come again soon.
Moving: Unplanned, but necessary …. Is Emotional
Moving refers to a change in residence. Moving is moving whether moving next door, across town, or across the country. Moving can be an extremely emotional experience. There is so much that goes through one’s mind when you think about moving. It is one thing if you plan on your own accord to move. In that instance, you plan ahead, know where you’re going and make realistic plans accordingly. However, when you’re told by your landlord your lease is not being renewed and you have thirty days to find a place and move, that brings about a whole different set of emotions.
Moving can be challenging and also frustrating. Frustrating in looking, hunting, searching, trying to locate a place to move. It can be difficult to locate a place to move to when you know way in advance that you’ll be moving, but on short notice it can become very stressful and irritating. It might make you feel like screaming, especially when you’re so frustrated by not finding a place right away knowing you do not have much time.
Frustrating
Moving
Challenges
Tips for solving and overcoming common challenges when moving. Moving can be exciting but also stressful. Your emotions are all over the place. ( I know mine are right now.) How we overcome tour challenges matters tremendously. Let’s take a deep look on what can be done to make a move a little bit less frustrating.
- Having Too Many Belongings – Packing is a necessary component of moving it accomplishing it can become difficult. It may be hard to decide what you need to keep and take with you and what you need to discard by giving away or trashing. Solution: Too many belongings, reduce them. Keep only what you really really need and get rid of things you don’t use much anyway.
- A Sudden and Unplanned Move – Failing to plan ahead May cause problems later. Too little time means you probably won’t be able to be organized. Packing and unpacking may not go as smoothly as you’d hoped. Solution: Start planning as soon as possible. Prepare a timetable and checklist for when things need to be done.
- Lost or Damaged Items – Remember to use special packaging for items like tv’s, mirrors, dishes, and lamps. Solution: Special packaging and handling helps to prevent damage when moving. Keep an organized inventory system, label boxes by contents.
- Not Enough Packing Material – Often we are unsure of how many boxes and how much packaging materials are necessary for the number of items you’d be moving. Solution: Moving companies, regardless of whether you’re moving yourself or using movers, are happy to advice you on the correct number of packing materials you’ll need.
What you need to do to prepare for your move:
- Before or while you are packing your belongings into boxes take inventory of everything you have and everything you need for your move.
- Invest in packing supplies. Those supplies should include boxes 📦, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers for labeling the boxes 📦.
- Create piles or boxes for “to throw away,” “to donate,” and “to sell.”
- Make a trip to the local donation center such as Goodwill and to the landfill or dump station.
Whenever and wherever you plan on moving be sure to use a checklist to ensure you have everything you need and do not leave anything behind. If you don’t use a checklist you might forget something and then you might become agitated and emotionally frustrated with yourself, with your situation, or with those trying to help you with your move.
God Bless. Stay safe. And if you plan on moving, be sure to plan ahead and use checklists. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
All Things Created: For and by Jesus Christ
Everything we see, touch, and feel were, are, and always will be created by God. The sky, the sea, the heavens, the depths of the oceans, everything imaginable and even the unimaginable (in our minds) were and are all created by God.
“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.”
Hebrews 3:4 NIV
“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36 NIV
—–Guidepost
God Bless. God is Good. He created you and me. I’m thankful for all His creation. I’m thankful for you! I appreciate y’all.
Coleman: Selfies
Today while I was occupied with mundane housework my grandson, Coleman, confiscated my phone. While the phone was in his possession he opened the camera. Mind you the phone was in the locked position. That did not stop him from taking random pictures including pictures of himself.
loves
the camera
Random shots …. I deleted the ones of the floor and his feet.
my #ASCGreenwayshirt
He loves modeling his new clothes. He’s growing up so fast.
I love my
new clothes ….
Thanks
Go ahead …
Take my picture
I’m rockin
my new duds
love ❤️
my grandson.
Love ❤️ U
Coleman!
Selfies are not new for Coleman. He constantly swipes my phone. I never no what pics are gonna turn up after I get the phone back from him. Even though I don’t like him taking my phone, I love ❤️ him so much. I would be lost without him.
God bless. Love y’all. Remember I appreciate y’all. Thank you for visiting with me and my grandson.
Bunk Beds: For Adults? For Kids?
When were they invented? What age range were they designed for? Have you ever used bunk beds? These are just a few of the tidbits I’ll be sharing with you.
A bit of History behind bunk beds they were invented way back around the 1400-1500. Did you know the bunk bed has been around for centuries? (I don’t know they existed that far back in time.) They we’re made too be able to save space in homes. They have also been used by the military too save space and accommodate more recruits/soldiers in barracks and in ships quarters.
The invention of the bunk bed hasn’t been narrowed down to any particular person. It is believed, by some, that they originated from ancient Egypt. While others tend to believe the origin is possibly Scandinavian.
Besides in homes and use by the military, they’ve been used on Ranches and Farms to provide housing for Ranch and Farm hands.
Bunk beds are two or more beds stacked one on top of the other. Most commonly there are two beds stacked together, although, on occasion you’ll see three beds stacked on top of one another.
Bunk beds are used by children and adults. However, it is not recommended for children under the age of six (6) to sleep on the top bunk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends bunk beds be used for children between the ages of 6 and 16. They also recommend for toddlers to outgrow their toddler bed before having them sleep on a bottom bunk.
Why do they suggest children under six not to sleep in a top bunk? The main reason for not allowing children younger than six to use the top bunk is a concern for safety. It is felt that younger children might roll off the top bunk while they sleep.
Approximately 36,000 bunk bed related injuries have received emergency treatment. Even though some injuries tend to be mild, there are others that are extremely serious with concussions and fractures. It is stated that half of these injuries occur to children younger than six years of age.
These suggestions are only guidelines. You must use your own judgment on whether your child or children are ready to sleep on bunk beds.
on top
of stairs
to
top bunk.
Even though my grandson is younger than six, he is very comfortable climbing ladders and stairs. It wouldn’t matter if we put him to bed in the bottom bunk or not. He would be in the top bunk before morning. While we are comfortable with him sleeping in the top bunk, not everyone would be for their child.
God bless. Take care. Stay safe. Make wise choices. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Monday Meanderings: Love the Greenway
This is Love the Greenway month for the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Today, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time at the Greenway with my grandson, Coleman. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, with no rain in sight. It was truly a blessing to get ourselves outdoors to enjoy nature and do a little bit of hiking.
— my hiking buddy
Anne Springs Close Greenway has 2,100 acres to enjoy and explore. It is a natural preserve that offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnics, and much more. They have 36 miles of hiking trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and /or horseback riding.
The Greenway also has a 28-acre lake. Lake Haigler has a fishing dock for those who like to fish. If you wish to fish at the lake, you must possess a South Carolina fishing license. The lake has beautiful views to enjoy, Geese swim freely upon the lake and occasionally come out of the water to greet you. You can observe turtles sunning on logs, or you can rent a kayak for an adventure of your own on the lake.
The top ten things to do at the Greenway for an enjoyable day with friends, family, or by yourself are as follows:
- Eat at the Greenway Canteen – The canteen features a seasonal menu and offers local beer and wine for your dining pleasure. One can dine indoors or outdoors in the covered patio area. The canteen is located at the Lake Haigler entrance. The food is excellent, and I highly recommend it.
- Live Music and Events (Seasonal) – Every Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9 pm feature Sunset Sessions with live music on the Greenway lawn. Bring a lawn chair or bring a blanket and sit on the grass and relax and enjoy listening to a variety of live music. The Greenway holds special events like the Blue Star Blitz and Earth Day Celebrations. A fun time can be had by one and all.
- Yoga – Yoga is offered two to three days a week. The workouts are taken place at the Amphitheater. Sessions are $12 for non-members, and 50% off for members.
- Hiking – 36 miles of hiking trails ensure you will not get bored hiking at the Greenway. The trails range from beginner to intermediate and there are various points of interest to see as you hike. There are a few swinging bridges along the trails. The most popular Swinging Bridge is located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. The Loop around the lake is the most popular trail for hikers and is easily maneuvered by the young and old alike. My two-year-old grandson manages it quite nicely.
- Mountain Biking – There are mountain bike trails for every level of bikers. You can bike on your own, take a beginner clinic, or have a private lesson. Just grab your bike, come on down and get to riding the trails. All the mountain bike trails begin at the Adventure Road Entrance. To ride your bike on the trails you must be a member of the Greenway or pay a minimal fee at the trailhead kiosk.
- Mary Warner Mack Dog Park – This park in the Greenway features 12 acres of enclosed natural space for dogs of all sizes to play and socialize. It is located at the Adventure Road Entrance and is open seven days a week. At this time, it is open to Greenway members only. Amenities include a Dog-washing station, Hydration stations, and a mile-long off the leash trail.
- Kayaking & Paddle Boarding – Located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available on weekends beginning in June. The cost is $15 dollars (Prices subject to change) for non-members and 50% off for members. If you own your own kayak or paddleboard, you are more than welcome to bring it on down and spend some quality time on the lake. Please only non-motorized are allowed.
- Fishing – Offered exclusively for Greenway members.
- Horseback Riding – The Greenway offers equestrian summer camps, group riding lessons, guided trail rides, and lead line rides. We took my two-year-old grandson on a lead line ride just before he turned two. He thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to do it again.
- History – Nations Ford Road, and The Graham Cabin both hold significant historical ties to the area. When you come to visit you can learn more about their history.
Our afternoon hiking in the Greenway took place at the Lake Haigler Entrance. We started our hike by the canteen and proceeded walking down to Lake Haigler. It was a beautiful sun shiny day. We walked part way around the lake, past the kayaks, and over to the spillway, traversing the Billy Walk and Wagon Loop trails. We took a short jaunt on Muscadine Trail and back to Wagon Loop and Billy Walk. Then we hiked over to the Swinging Bridge where my grandson ran back and forth across the bridge. The swinging didn’t faze him at all this trip. The first time he walked on it he was scared, but that was a year ago.
God Bless. Get outdoors. Stop by the Anne Springs Close Greenway if you get to the Fort Mill, South Carolina area. If you, do you won’t be sorry. You’ll have a fantastic time. Thank You for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Deer 🦌 sightings: so close yet far away
…. Sneaking a bite of grass
You looking at me?
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you , O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’”
Psalm 42: 1-3 NIV (New International Version)
God is always there waiting for us to come to Him, to desire to be in His presence. He never forces His Will on us, but rather is patient waiting for us to choose to be with Him. The deer come to the pasture to feast because they are hungry. They come to streams of water 💦 to quench their thirst. Just like the deer, we are given a choice whether to hunger and thirst for God. I thirst after the righteousness of God, longing to be like Christ and live as He desires me to live.
God bless. May you be blessed and drink from the living water of Jesus Christ. May your thirst be quenched as you draw nearer to God.
Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all. I hope you’ll stop by again for a visit. Feel free to like, comment, and follow.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 