In the midst of the unknown what didn’t change was a diseased and useless leg on my furry companion, Finley. It has been said, “dogs have 3 legs and a spare.”
As a fellow blogger stated, “Dogs are such stoic positive creatures, I often think they are better off for not having the words to describe…”athousandbitsofpaper.com💚
This little sweetie had something holding her back, giving her pain, and slowing her down. She played anyway. Number four leg, creating the “typical”anatomically correct pooch, was nothing but a stumbling block. Yesterday morning I gave her lots of hugs and kisses (and admittedly shed a few tears). I confidently handed her to the experts. She was in good hands.
She’ll have a few “ouchy’s” and some rough patches. Amazingly, she doesn’t seem to even notice the absence of the worthless leg. Literally a weight, although tiny, was lifted. Aren’t dogs extraordinary healers? (I know miraculous humans stories too😊)
Yes, she’s just a dog. But she carries a lesson for me. What’s dangling, painful, and useless hanging in your life? What’s dragging you down and causing your entirety to suffer? Is an amputation needed? If you have lost parts you truly needed, I’m sorry~ I know a healer who can restore. Do what you need to live more abundantly.
“In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence.” Hosea 6:2 NLT
I’m finally starting to see through the “blog fog”. After journaling my own thoughts for years and aspiring to one day publish, I began this site with low expectations. Not on you the reader, but for myself. I had lost confidence in beginning new challenges. The feeling of defeat seemed to creep into my mindset. And then I became a part of the WordPress community. The salve of encouragement and the daily dose of comradeship has soothed the sting of our new reality.
Encouragement is the trait that seems to naturally be a part of me. Isn’t that what we should be in life? Encouragers? We all have gifts and talents. And it seems the blogging community, in addition to sharing their own writing talents, thrive in encouraging others. No, my writing isn’t going to be everyone’s “cup of tea”. No, my beliefs may not align with everyone. But yes, we are all human~and the kindred spirits seem to congregate.
The Liebster and Ideal Inspiration Blogger Awards
There are many opinions about awards. And for the sake of time, I understand. When I think back to my first year teaching I remember fondly the veterans who helped me build on the small steps of success (and oh boy, do I recall those who taught me quickly, and a bit painfully, how NOT to motivate others). For me, accepting these awards, as I begin my life in the blogosphere, is an important step to recognize other “newbies” and respect the chain of gratitude.
In a struggle to find balance between the layers of current life and create a writing routine, the acceptance posts can seem daunting. Yet, I believe them to be the jumpstart to fertilize the rich soil of dreamers like me. So to those of you that have thousands of followers and are following me, thank you. I’m humbled. And to those that have just started and have fewer followers, be encouraged and thank you for joining me. With time, and faith, connections will occur. It’s only human.
I want to thank Janet @ endless-rivers.com for nominating me for the Liebster Award. It is really humbling~sincerely it is. Janet has been a wonderful supporter and I encourage you to check out her site. You have to know her story! It’s truly an inspiration. You must know how she became an overcomer. 💚
RULES • Thank the blogger who nominated you, and provide a link to their blog. • Answer the 11 questions given to you. • Share 11 facts about yourself. • Nominate 5-11 other bloggers. • Ask your nominees 11 questions. • Notify your nominees once you have uploaded your post
Answers to Endless Rivers questions:
What is your greatest life lesson so far? I’ve had so many. Keep going, keep my faith, ultimately God has me.
What’s your favorite Car Karaoke song to sing? All of them~but rap! Musicis my life 🎶
Name one habit you would like to quit, and one you would like to start? Stop apologizing so much and start a habit ofwriting more each week.
What has been your greatest challenge in the past month? Life hasn’t altered too much in regards to social distancing. However, not falling into the fear among the masses has been challenging. I keep faith and reality in my holsters at all times.
Share one thing you’ve never shared before about yourself. I love counting things. It’s weird.
What are you most afraid of? Distracted drivers and hate
Have you ever been mistaken for someone else? Yes! I’m a twin!
What’s missing in your life? Being near my kids and grandchild. But I know they’re in my heart and I’m thankful for technology. Otherwise, I’m beyond blessed.
What is the number ONE thing on your bucket list? Visit Jerusalem
Would you rather camp or do a five star hotel? Camp!
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I’m an ambivert. I had to be extroverted in my career and can handle small spurts. But I love my alone time and do not like big crowds.
Thank you Rising Star ⭐️
It is such an honor to humbly accept the Ideal Inspiration Award from Rising Star ⭐️ @ idealinspiration.blog He is truly a well of positivity! From resources to help your site, to beautiful pictures, and ways to just do daily life and /or grow your business! Please check out the site.
Answers to Rising Star’s questions:
What is your best inspiration source? The Bible and my journals. There are many inspiring authors/bloggers that I read that inspire me.
What is the main purpose of your blog? To encourage and inspire, but also to share a bit of my RV life and legacies in my own family.
What inspires you to write? Simply stories of faith and also deep thoughts about the human mysteries.
How often do you write? Not enough right now! But I try to publish once a week.
What is your best time of creativity? It hits at different times and a lot while I’m trying to sleep. Lol.
And my nominations are (insert drum roll)…
Each and every person on this list has impacted me. If you need encouragement please visit them. Nominees, do not feel pressured to accept. I only want you to know the impact you’ve had on me.
In lieu of answering 11 questions choose 11 words that describe you (it could be a noun, adjective, verb,….any word that is YOUR word). For example, two of mine would be music and nature. Thank you to all of my followers and readers. You truly make the blogosphere ~and this writer~feel encouraged.
Happy Earth Day! I feel the need to get down-to-earth. Since Mother Nature threw a front on me (which knocked out a hike) I’m going to get “down and dirty” about what has really been stinking up my environment. It’s me~I’m the pollutant.
The beginning of 2020 came in with a bang. It seemed so different than years past. Officially, I’ll be a member of the “cool older kids club” when I turn 50 (right?). Surely since I’ve spent so many years being “young and dumb” that being “old and wise” might be within reach?
Although there have been many life decisions~where to go, what to do, and what’s home base for me, I have still struggled with who am I?
As I type this the rain is pitter-pattering on the roof of the R.V. And as I look outside, the lushness of the trees and dripping of the rain reminds me of the emotional downpours I’ve recently experienced.
For the last several days I’ve partied-unfortunately the occasion was pity (a big thank you to my pup, Finley, for always being a loyal guest and not eating all the party food). A few close friends, loved ones, and family were dragged innocently. All I wanted to do was cry. I mourned the fact that my adult children and grandchild (and one on the way) are so far away. I cried after a lady slammed on her brakes in front of me and told me I need to get my f’in cheap-#$% Subaru (ouch) off the road. I cried when my pup hurt her leg, I cried that my stimulus check hasn’t arrived and the IRS says I OWE them for the insurance that wouldn’t pay for anything! And then I’d cry more because I was being pathetic! Has anyone else had a pandemic pity party for one? Or was Mother Nature just showing her power with my emotions in honor of Earth Day?
Is this what they call a mid-life crisis? And for heaven’s sake, how many tree branches have to slap me into reality? Here’s what I’ve learned during this nesting period(pegged by a fellow blogger):
I don’t want to go back to the way it was before. It’s going to be better. This hit me like a ray of sun. 🌞
Quiet time alone is essential. Placing necessary boundaries is not mean. Everyone can benefit from boundaries. This hit me like a hurricane. ⛈
Do I really need all I have? And is what I’m doing with my extra time beneficial? Answering these helped me realize that what was “normal” for me was not producing growth. It was time to prune. This hit me like a tornado. 🌪
Human connection is important. We need each other. Although I prefer very small groups and being alone, it’s good to connect with others. This hit me like a tidal wave 🌊
Table Rock Lake, Branson, MO
How can I be the calm and peace I feel WITHIN every morning with meditation, devotion, yoga, and setting my mind on “things above” on a consistent basis? Through reliable experts on the mind and health, and the most reliable book I know, the Bible, I know this: we are all humans with emotions. We are all loved. We are all forgiven. We are all journeying together. We can all learn. It’s ok to sometimes not be ok.
Do you really wish to go back to the way it was? Perhaps to a job you hate? Working with someone you need to learn to tolerate? To go back to the mechanical way of just getting through a day? Stop thinking you have to be perfect. Start being kind to yourself and allow yourself the opportunity to cleanse your soul clean. Let it out. Take a deep breath. Inhale the love and grace. Exhale slowly. Love yourself. Whether you know it or not, you are loved.
It’s been important for me to fast lately, not from food, but from the media and technology. During this quiet existence I’ve had to isolate my brain a bit from the toxic virus of negativity. There’s positiveness all around if we choose to see it. Just take a look at the 97 yr old veteran dancing below. 💚
I’ve often wondered, “what can be discovered or invented that will top the charts of what we have already?” I’m watching and waiting. This is a fertile field for miracles.
The truth
You may know it
You may think you know it
We are all in this together
For real
Why judge?
Six feet apart
Are we immune to grace?
It won’t be this way forever
Play nice
Tough times
Are you alone?
Are you doing ok?
You have my love and my support
Hold on
Don’t fear
It all will end
How will we be better?
Take off our masks and shake a hand
Have faith💚
