No More A Secret

Recently my favorite Miss Universe contest finalist was asked the question “what was the one big mistake that you did in your life, and what did you do to make it right?” If I had been asked that same question, I would have had to request a box of Kleenex tissues, a sheet of paper and extra time to answer. Of course, all of that would have disqualified me. My only hope would be if they had allowed me to answer the second part of the question. Yes, it was not easy, but I have made it right by asking forgiveness from my Heavenly Father, and He has granted me total pardon. What about you? Have you made any mistakes in your life? What did you do to make it right? Forgiveness is extended to all ~ “come now let us reason together says the Lord though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool 1 … and I will hurl them (our sins) into the depths of the sea 2 .” I think that qualifies as...

Much to the delight of the younger members of my family, I finally gave in, renewed my cell phone contract, and upgraded to a new cell phone. Since the last upgrade in 2006, they had constantly reminded me that technology was moving, and I should move with it. My reasoning was, if you were able to hear me when I called you, and I was able to hear you, why was an upgrade necessary? In the midst of technological and multi-media changes, I am grateful that one thing never changes, never expires, or never needs upgrading, the faithfulness of my Heavenly Father. Listen to excerpts from the original contract ~ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever 1 /I am the Lord and I do not change. 2 I am enjoying the features of my new telephone … lightweight … compact … camera … picture texting … and the list goes on. What about my Heavenly contract? No plans for change, never, no never! 1. Hebrews 13:8; 2; Malachi 3:6 Photo – old phone...

 Recently as I took an evening walk through one of my favorite spots ~ The Norfolk Botanical Garden, the beauty of the Crepe Myrtles draping this pathway, quietly invited a diverted turn. Without hesitation, I stepped on to the delightful path, joined by a bright orange Monarch butterfly, and the music on my MP3, All Creation Worships You, sung by Tony Melendez. Memories were evoked … of paths that I have walked … paths that I would rather not remember, nor share. Then, I thought of the paths that I now walk that are creating memories … beautiful memories that I will be grateful to remember, to compare, and to share. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it 1 … and I will guide you with my eye. 2 ” 1. Isaiah 30:21; 2. Psalm 32 8b(NIV)  

The events of the week were tiring … tests … x-rays … scans. Then the words of Dr. Walters, though soft and concerned, echoed in my ears “due to the size of the tumor, it’s most likely malignant.” The glorious buzz of the eve of Summer June 1989 became an immediate whisper, except for the loud pounding of my racing heart. The past, the present, eternity, became a mirage of frantic thoughts. I deliberately chose the long route home, and in between tears, prayed. The glowing turquoise waters, the brilliant sunshine, and the chattering seagulls darting lazily across the snow white sand calmed me. I wanted a second opinion. More tests, x-rays, scans ~ a few days later ~ my fears and Dr, Walters' words were confirmed … cancer ... ovarian cancer! According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, “The American Cancer Society estimates that there are 170,000 or more deaths from cancer in the United States each year that could have been prevented.”  I was determined not to i...

A Tribute to My Dad One who used words wisely Whose face reflected strength Strength     wrapped in love     love that held a tiny baby     while singing lullaby and goodnight Love  that held a shaking hand  fearing the first day of school Love   that supported a tiny body   teaching it how to swim above deeper waters Love   that listened as tiny hands   banged chopsticks on a Baldwin piano Love   that proudly presented his now young lady   to a waiting would be son-in-law Maybe it was that strength that hid the pain Brewing beneath your breast We should have shared that pain The pain that took you away     Earth has lost you     It cries     Heaven has gained you     It rejoices     still I cry     I miss you! © June 2003

--> A 15 minute wait to resolve a customer service issue … a 45 minute maneuver through the light-rail construction traffic … a half mile tunnel backup. By the time I pulled into my niece Lorna's driveway, I was grasping to collect fragments of my distracted peace. Then, I spotted him. This wild rabbit, refusing to be disturbed by the whirring of the neighbor’s lawn mower, the pickup from the mailbox next door, or the mockingbird sitting on the nearby satellite receiver blasting his rendition of Sunset Sonata. He then sat undisturbed for my 20 minute photo taking session. After, I was composed. Frustration had disappeared. Thank you Mr. Rabbit ... thank you! “Father, 'when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; please lead me to the rock that is higher than I'.” 1 1. Psalm 61:2 (AMP)

Recently, I observed this Bald Eagle, as it sat at 90 ft, guarding the nearby nest of its young eaglets. I was immediately reminded of another favorite promise from the Holy Scriptures: “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength ... 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.” 1 The eagle … a symbol of strength and power. My heavenly Father ... the giver of strength and power! 1 . Isaiah 40:29,31 (NKJV) Photos – Norfolk Botanical Garden April 29, 2010