tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40891242376078006892024-03-04T22:22:35.708-08:00Come Walk With MeStories about Walking through Life in Faith with Multiple SclerosisCome Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-51043269219769794622021-06-28T10:34:00.002-07:002021-06-28T10:44:53.514-07:00The Truth<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZknb3kao9dz4RC618MKlOOzPE9A2jzzOE9SWK6dkmStL86g9Peawmnbh9_UPiyAY5-xfkQ4Pbk5LINg06IdeSDEJ0DAKSWQRwUX2NgoLl04J3Q1oagMjHjrU0XTte2D7S99I7y6HJWRV3/s1920/truth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZknb3kao9dz4RC618MKlOOzPE9A2jzzOE9SWK6dkmStL86g9Peawmnbh9_UPiyAY5-xfkQ4Pbk5LINg06IdeSDEJ0DAKSWQRwUX2NgoLl04J3Q1oagMjHjrU0XTte2D7S99I7y6HJWRV3/s320/truth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><b>Unfiltered ~ Unedited</b></span></div><p></p><p><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">The truth crept up on me like the unwanted vine
overpowering the roses growing outside my kitchen window.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">With undeniable certainty Multiple Sclerosis
has taken yet another chunk out of my life.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">
</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">I am usually quick to fill the void - with a combination of unwavering
faith, overall acceptance and a large dose of humor.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">But not this time.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">The truth is just too painful for a quick remedy.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And so, I give myself permission to remain sorrowful
to the truth surrounding my disability.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To say out loud, “I am not OK.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">That I’ve been better.”</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">For there
is no amount of pruning to free me from my reality.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And no set time to cross into the light.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Some lessons must come out of the darkness.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The thrill of living a full & long life is
best captured in rearview images.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">It is from this perspective that we recall memories
both good & bad.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Checking the area behind
is a necessary precaution to see where you have been and adjust to what is ahead.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">But forward-thinking Chris cannot stop staring
at what is behind her and lost to this disease. </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Just 13 years ago I would never have imagined the
truth before me now.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>A</o:p></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">nd that just might be the cause of so much
darkness.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Rearview</span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Can anyone honestly say they look good from
the rear?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a funny question but one
to ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know my curly hair is not how
I imagined, and my posture needs some work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Forget the fact that my “behind” is a little flatter than I care to
admit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A quick check in the rear is all
anyone needs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">But I am stuck viewing my life just a few
short years in the past. Brighter days behind me are glaring reminders that my
physical strength today is reduced to the simplest of tasks completed with the
greatest of difficulty.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">My legs and arms
needing devices to assist with walking and carrying items but a short
distance.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The slow creeping progression
of my illness (as seen in the rearview) is the cause of so much darkness.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Darkness</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I hear the rally cry.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As I write these words - my tribe cheering me
on.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ken’s wide shoulders bear the
weight of my every struggle.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our kids
witnessing their mom “not at her best”.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Within my home, I am the recipient of fierce
love casting a bright light.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My inner
circle cannot help but notice cancelled plans & NO to RSVP’s.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But still, they continue to invite.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I receive their encouragement in tiny doses of
hope. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Unproductive days becoming the
norm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I wake each day with gratitude as my prayer.
Stepping into the morning, I gather strength for the hard work ahead. Carrying
the cruel truth of my limitations – I will continue to seek and search for a
way out of this darkness.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">It is on the
horizon, this I know – but for now I have only the strength to say, “I’m going
to be OK”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Berlin Sans FB",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-15519498636008122262021-02-21T17:32:00.004-08:002021-02-21T18:28:27.634-08:00Intention<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiFU2Ykgz5CGyVV4zBT_Mo20f2kaRJP3Ik5nu-SqdoSwexH3NJRt-fhEupCKH1Y3ah2etO7SwbNOgEjZfuLG5E9KQfbnMVn0QZIh4_H78lrzf_IS-Di4f7NumY-ZNCuqvm6hfWJ-KyfXl/s752/ladder+intention.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="752" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiFU2Ykgz5CGyVV4zBT_Mo20f2kaRJP3Ik5nu-SqdoSwexH3NJRt-fhEupCKH1Y3ah2etO7SwbNOgEjZfuLG5E9KQfbnMVn0QZIh4_H78lrzf_IS-Di4f7NumY-ZNCuqvm6hfWJ-KyfXl/s320/ladder+intention.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia;">To balance out my Netflix binging, I am trying to read more novels. Settling in with a paperback (large print no longer an option) and I am instantly entertained by a new cast of characters. With my current choice of a memoir, you will find me laughing out loud at the authors’ creative & imaginative storytelling. All is well until I am nearing the end of the book. Somewhere on page 196, smack in the middle of a paragraph is a sentence that stops me from reading further…</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia;"><b><i>“The Universe is a series of unintentional consequences”. </i></b></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia;">Seems harmless enough but the stringing together of these words and its implication cuts me deep. In that moment – I want only to grab the remote and fast-forward past this section of the story.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia;">I cannot stop reading the sentence. Turning it over. Pulling it apart. Breaking down each section, each word. <b><i> “The Universe… series… unintentional… consequences”</i></b>. I am challenged to find any of myself in its meaning. For mine is a life of intention. A life defined with a higher purpose by an all-intentioned God. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia;">Picking up the paperback, I resume reading in the hopes of understanding the authors’ viewpoint. What I find is a story showing how his best intention was never realized, instead replaced by something altogether different. Although he did not envision this for himself – it proved to have a wonderful <b><i>“unintended”</i></b> outcome. Hence his sentence (and I paraphrase) – <b><i>“The Universe just threw him a bone”.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia;">We can all agree that the actions of others can result in some unplanned outcomes. Free Will being the cause of many <b><i>unintended</i></b> ripples running through the world. Some good, some bad. But with the appearance of each wave in our lives, we must learn where to cast our eyes. So that when we need to fight and lean in - or - when we are offered a mountaintop experience <b><i>“unintentional”</i></b> will never be the direction of our gaze. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkui8pX-1XL-KVpWOKd94WSgd5STEPjiyZOzLKvJDETWDFI43kPHV1yX8UihUVYHcZxaS6PCJ-ootrBZc4hcaAwHOpy80cpQsllrlqbJ8nbYb2xkRGyANzIsHJMrotjwcmY1pCRNZIGJtw/s300/rainbow.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkui8pX-1XL-KVpWOKd94WSgd5STEPjiyZOzLKvJDETWDFI43kPHV1yX8UihUVYHcZxaS6PCJ-ootrBZc4hcaAwHOpy80cpQsllrlqbJ8nbYb2xkRGyANzIsHJMrotjwcmY1pCRNZIGJtw/w279-h156/rainbow.jpeg" width="279" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia;">Not to oversimplify a complex theological discussion – but maybe… </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: georgia;"><b><i>“Some Unintentional Consequences are the Universe (or Creator) attempting to get our attention”</i></b>. To interrupt and set us on a new course ~ to hear the voice of angels directing our path ~ trusting in a guiding force whose only intention is </span><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia;"><b>LOVE.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">"For I know the plans</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> I have for you,” declares the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: start;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">, </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“plans to prosper</span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Jeremiah 29:11</span></span></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div></div>Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-76419726648712247862021-01-03T12:36:00.001-08:002021-01-03T12:38:48.312-08:00Exclamation Point (!)<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><p></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9irtK1zNxtF2-kalWo0VACvR-XwzMM90EZj_awv0yghzOvEUTgeY2o831ha1GmEcscEd_R41sSZuzDtRBGjyD54n1H5ybDMhpiSw3yPGYi9M-RxO9XjET8RLHgtGUmd82rdlJEhNZDaiv/s600/%2521.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9irtK1zNxtF2-kalWo0VACvR-XwzMM90EZj_awv0yghzOvEUTgeY2o831ha1GmEcscEd_R41sSZuzDtRBGjyD54n1H5ybDMhpiSw3yPGYi9M-RxO9XjET8RLHgtGUmd82rdlJEhNZDaiv/w168-h163/%2521.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-align: justify;">A harmless text.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">Nothing special about the words exchanged.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">What set it apart was the punctuation mark
that concluded his thoughts.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">KC’s choice
of the exclamation point spoke volumes!</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">I remember staring at my phone, somewhat perplexed. Exactly what he
meant was unknown to me.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-align: justify;">I am just a mom
asking her son a basic question and his short response was sweet but peppered
with the (!) indicating STRONG feelings.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">Did I say something wrong, was I meddling, maybe he was having a bad day
or angry at his mother for another reason.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> My mind</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>goes into overdrive analyzing that simple line with a dot (!).</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">*****************************</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: 107%;">An exclamation used to be my favorite mark at the end of a
sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would see it as an
interjection of a sharp or sudden utterance of amazement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yes, the good old innocent days! Now life
is lived with some level of anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pandemic
with confirmed cases & deaths still on the rise - I dare say - has given
the (!) too much power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our every
thought in 2020 seems marked with it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Overly sensitive, maybe.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But as we bid farewell to a year that rendered us vulnerable, kept us off
balance and exposed many insecurities – I propose we remove the use of (!) when
sending harmless text messages.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <b> </b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Reserving them only for moments of prayer! </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Moments of awe! And the occasional
use telling mom you Love her!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-92228648875138177192020-12-11T12:40:00.000-08:002020-12-11T12:40:04.796-08:00Comes and Goes<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPWx-YjHrsVBG3kkefGb_Vg8OoOZZtv41D_WruYm7oSp7y-EEeEeydAtvpo_UzX5fE2-Bn5f2Ei5XYaFdNYrPuJtQgP0YRXzCy9GH7hV8cwqzQVRCzl9HnbbKPloNrh_HmYPArSLMqr05/s840/flower.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="840" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPWx-YjHrsVBG3kkefGb_Vg8OoOZZtv41D_WruYm7oSp7y-EEeEeydAtvpo_UzX5fE2-Bn5f2Ei5XYaFdNYrPuJtQgP0YRXzCy9GH7hV8cwqzQVRCzl9HnbbKPloNrh_HmYPArSLMqr05/w200-h177/flower.png" width="200" /></a></span></div></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The positioning of the potted plant on the windowsill provides much-needed sunlight. For deep within its roots hold the memory of my sister-in-law. It was gifted to me at her passing. I tend to the soil; carefully water on a weekly basis. And with the removal of every brown leaf comes forth the arrival of lush green shoots. The process of accepting loss to clear a path for life unknown is not lost on me. For what <b><i>comes and goes</i></b> is part of the surrendering we must all experience. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The evening sun has set ushering in a gloom of despair. When it <b><i>comes</i></b> - I have neither the strength of character nor the power of will to avoid what is inevitable. My anger at this disease and the simplest of abilities it has stolen from my life has once again - shaken me to the core. I retreat to bed, pulling the covers tightly around me. Peace eludes my spirit as I whisper to myself, “It is OK to feel bad”.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have entered this darkness but am not alone. God is with me, this I am sure. I have come to this place to receive the gift of tears. Cleansing tears that need to fall. As much as it hurts – I must <b><i>go</i></b> through this shadowy night. Surrender is needed but cannot be rushed. I remind myself, “It is OK to feel bad”. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ken is there with his reassurance of love. He wants this to pass and falters finding any words of comfort. The right words just cease to exist. He leaves me to be with a heavy heart. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The morning breaks open a new day. Once more, I am keenly aware of God’s presence. He has not left my side. My evening tears <b><i>gone,</i></b> having cleared a new path providing much-needed hope. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I smile through the brokenness of my illness seeing the joy in life unknown. </span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: right;">For what <b><i>comes and goes</i></b> is the process of surrender. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: right;">In confidence I now say, “It is OK to feel good.”</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /><i><br /></i></b></span></div>Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-90900648201456091132020-07-05T08:35:00.001-07:002020-11-07T18:44:51.514-08:00The Fall and Rise<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxKC2OfPtO-BCNzQ-3GqfMauWUl6hWVgMbOe_A-ZVFNG1wLFrxwnrLN4Dli8q50X2Gj8W7NV2gV5JmRp4GT5XFPtAHg0pZLFei-FAybTGi9WV3ZDFqp1jqDh9W2LhHm003Q9u98VSSEDP/s6000/edwin-hooper-Q8m8cLkryeo-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxKC2OfPtO-BCNzQ-3GqfMauWUl6hWVgMbOe_A-ZVFNG1wLFrxwnrLN4Dli8q50X2Gj8W7NV2gV5JmRp4GT5XFPtAHg0pZLFei-FAybTGi9WV3ZDFqp1jqDh9W2LhHm003Q9u98VSSEDP/s320/edwin-hooper-Q8m8cLkryeo-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">The world finds itself suddenly on </span><b style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"><i>pause</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">, left vulnerable to the unknowns of this virus.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">I have had to face my own </span><b style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"><i>pause</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> head on for many years with fear and helplessness taking the front seat.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">But during these pandemic days - my gaze is outward on the world as it navigates thru a disabled reality. Everyday seemingly falling a little further - and I am left empty. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Overnight freedoms have been removed. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Essential workers are on the frontline and medical personnel courageously become our heroes.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Any sense of normalcy has been shattered.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">The streets, skies and waterways are bizarrely quiet.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">In an instance, so many privileges are beyond our grasp. Without warning we seem to have fallen and lack the grace to regain our footing.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">This loss of control is unnatural to the entitled world.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">But for me, I am all too familiar with the art of </span><b style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"><i>pausing</i></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Normal is but a dream as days turn into weeks and quickly months. Yearning for many simple things we took for granted when this virus did not threaten our lives. I wait for inspiration from the divine artist to stir my soul. Await the filling of my empty shell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Today is exactly 3 months since the epidemic closed our churches. But today the doors will be open to receive, with other Catholic Christians, the gift of the Eucharist. I am overly excited to gather in fellowship after such a long absence. With our faces covered we sing through our masks; “Lord, send down your spirit & renew the face of the earth”. (Not exactly sure this is what God had in mind for our renewal.) But it’s a glorious day to be at mass. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">It is time to come forward and receive Holy Communion. The line is long & patience is required. Waiting for my turn, I am conscious again of how low the world has fallen and aware again of my emptiness. I move alongside Ken (for support) and approach the front. With outstretched hands our pastor places the blessed bread in my hands, only to have it fall from my grip onto the floor. A hush settles over the congregation. Without <b><i>pausing</i></b>, Father bends down low to the ground picks it up and places it back in my hands. I am mortified but move away, remove my mask and consume the Bread of Life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Making my way slowly back to my seat, I am filled with meaning as to what just transpired. The fall of what is most sacred (our world) will not remain in this low place. It will be lifted and in the rising we will once again find healing. I wholeheartedly trust in God’s plan for me – as I am witness to my own fall & rising with MS. And before me now, I have seen that same assurance of God’s promise for our world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Athelas Bold"; font-size: 14pt;"><b>A glorious day to be gifted a story.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Athelas Bold"; font-size: 14pt;"><b> One, which most certainly will be titled …“The Fall and Rise”</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Athelas Bold"; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div></i>Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-47080880198917787002020-01-03T16:21:00.001-08:002020-01-03T16:21:16.181-08:00"without ceasing"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz7Mb-7m3Z7NTPD_yWWH4ZiePRneCCe73yan7pES0E5m5J_mnepyCwafvraQ8zRywTIlQ6TbOiUvBykOp6pvBODDfVEiAK0-skyvpL9qJ_wWIYgXCs_d_B44peY-KXTb0loTgO-IQE6fj/s1600/2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz7Mb-7m3Z7NTPD_yWWH4ZiePRneCCe73yan7pES0E5m5J_mnepyCwafvraQ8zRywTIlQ6TbOiUvBykOp6pvBODDfVEiAK0-skyvpL9qJ_wWIYgXCs_d_B44peY-KXTb0loTgO-IQE6fj/s400/2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Watching the sea of people packed into Time
Square – cheering & counting down the arrival of 2020 – makes my comfy
couch seem even more comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ushering
in a New Year with the added twist of beginning “the roaring 20’s” decade has
me feeling rather nostalgic. Maybe it is my middle-age view, but the dawning of
future days cannot be imagined without reflection on some wisdom I’ve picked
up along the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The 10-year
snapshots of days passed are almost surreal.</span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It’s like looking at the pages of a glossy magazine portraying “the best
& worst” of times. </span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Each frame of my
memories now has this chronic, unwelcome,</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> fateful, fearful </span></span><i style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">MsMonster </i><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">lurking about.</span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The full smile across my face cannot mask the
dreaded presence of fatigue.</span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">My body
language, either sitting or standing, highlights my battle to remain
strong.</span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And a closer look into my bright
eyes does little to offset the weariness behind them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">My MS
diagnosis… undeniably present this last decade… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has also been my greatest teacher. Being in the classroom of loss - has slowly taught me to appreciate the things that make a full life. And like an old Polaroid photograph from years ago - time is needed to develop that kind of understanding.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">Today, in our digital world (where photographs are taken & shared freely) life seems to
be always on display. </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">But the truth of
each moment captured lies not in what is observable.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">The imperfections
within us reveal what it means to be fully alive.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">And we are called to honor the gift of life from our glorious creator no
matter how imperfect. </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Armed with
this wisdom comes a new mindset on the adventures before me. It is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“without ceasing”</i> that I choose to live
& be seen in the coming days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“without ceasing”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will look to the heavens to guide my
every step.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“without ceasing”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my hands will fold and my lips will
utter a prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“without ceasing”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never forget the hearts who shape
me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“without ceasing”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the light inside of me will shine onto others.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“without ceasing”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will seek out people who challenge me to
grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“without ceasing”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trust will reign in my heart<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“without ceasing”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will move and push and never give up.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“without ceasing”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will receive the blessing of each outstretched
hand<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>offering
help as they walk this journey with me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir book";"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy & Healthy New
Year!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir book";">May your days be ceaseless in </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir book";">Wonder and Awe!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-86295232830765710542019-10-22T14:40:00.000-07:002019-10-22T14:40:53.371-07:00Ice in My Glass<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“My mission in life is not merely to survive,
but to thrive; and to do so with</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>some
passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”</span></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Maya Angelou</span></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The temperature is perfect on this summer day
as I float in the center of the pool. With
a delicious beverage delivered (courtesy of my cabana boy), I enjoy a momentary
feeling of utter bliss. Ken tests the
water with those colorful strips; purple indicates the pH is off resulting in a
visit to the pool store. I remain
captive on my raft with drink in hand.
He returns to carefully measure & pour the chemicals into the water.
I watch, taking note of all that he must do to keep things perfect for my
floating. There is a comfortable quiet
between us as I continue gazing in Ken’s direction. This time noticing the red patches of poison
ivy on his arms, the result of pulling weeds maintaining our beautiful
flowerbeds. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">It’s a lot for me to take in and I recognize
immediately - all his responsibilities to keep me <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">afloat.</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is painful
viewing my inability to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“carry my load”</i>
around here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can do very little to unburden
him of the many tasks he performs for my comfort & happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can do is receive the gift of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">floating</i> - trying to regain that sense
of bliss.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVlwYye7UJSdClKrAcd-7bBVN9dWbooQbAZfzn6R7pK3vVDiqnvWo0TigP7AwRFdz1FsYjujZwPyj1z8Z3_-vkCMFT4YDKNtPXNBL5uWHLHcdDKlVMA8d7em3FL13Dd8gfSoFksooBUOX/s1600/glass+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And so, time passes as I recline on my raft in
the middle of the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eyes fixed on Ken
who has not stopped working. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last
thing I want is to have another need... but alas, that refreshing drink made
especially for my pleasure has gotten warm. Finding the courage I lift my glass
(OK, maybe momentarily shaking it) and ask, “could I bother you for some ice?” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: "helvetica neue";">Ken’s response is priceless, worthy of this
story.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: "helvetica neue";"> </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Exhausted, dirty, itchy from poison ivy he smiles,
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harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His words spoken to acknowledge
the truth that is often silent between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">In our usual way – we laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His laughter coming from a place deep within
that would do anything to please me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
my laughter spills out from an awareness of my dependence on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together we find humor in what could easily
destroy us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that we are and all that
we have is a combination of our efforts to strive, to thrive and to live a
blessed life ~ always with a little ice in my glass. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVlwYye7UJSdClKrAcd-7bBVN9dWbooQbAZfzn6R7pK3vVDiqnvWo0TigP7AwRFdz1FsYjujZwPyj1z8Z3_-vkCMFT4YDKNtPXNBL5uWHLHcdDKlVMA8d7em3FL13Dd8gfSoFksooBUOX/s1600/glass+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="590" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVlwYye7UJSdClKrAcd-7bBVN9dWbooQbAZfzn6R7pK3vVDiqnvWo0TigP7AwRFdz1FsYjujZwPyj1z8Z3_-vkCMFT4YDKNtPXNBL5uWHLHcdDKlVMA8d7em3FL13Dd8gfSoFksooBUOX/s200/glass+water.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-18808942846383867972019-08-15T07:42:00.000-07:002019-08-15T07:42:09.086-07:00Objects Appear Larger Than They Are<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Hebrew"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s
usually the roar of the engine that gets my heart racing and STOPS me from what
I’m doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking up with radar like
precision, I track the huge commercial aircraft flying <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very </i>low overhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sheer
size of these planes takes my breath away as they come into view above the
trees lining our property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family
often laughs at me (not appreciating or feeling the same exhilaration) as I
freeze midsentence – to begin searching the clear blue skies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ken finds it irritating and often yells, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">squirrel</i>” depicting how my attention is diverted
in an upward direction for those few moments of flight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Hebrew"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What is
the deal with these low flying planes?” has become normal conversation with
friends in the neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are miles from an airport large enough to
accommodate Boeing commercial jets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
for reasons unknown to me air traffic patterns have changed, directing these
monsters to begin descent over the area surrounding the ½ acre I call home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This summer has allowed me hours of mindless
entertainment watching the skies populated by massively large, low flying
airplanes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in awe of how fast they travel,
often joking about “seeing the color of the pilots’ eyes”! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But like so many other objects that come into
view – they often appear larger (and closer) than they really are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Anniversaries are customarily acknowledged in
some sort of way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this given day in
July – as my legs dangle off the examination table at my neurologist office – I
have much to celebrate (if you can call it that).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10 years ago, I held Kens’ hand as tears
fell from my eyes hearing the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10 years ago, I knew nothing about the stages
of loss & acceptance to be endured with the progression of this
illness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I certainly knew nothing
about the faith I would need to call upon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just remember those early years navigating
new pathways and patterns for my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My diagnosis became unavoidably the biggest interruption – very much the
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">squirrel</i>” in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But I am witness to the healing power of
“living by design”. It has been a slow climb bringing me here today, legs
dangling in the waiting room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ken wanted
to be with me for support, but I am feeling strong and confident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The giant MS beast – not long ago filling me
with fear – comes into view smaller than it once appeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it is undeniably still present, its looming
shadow does not conceal all the sunlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My doctor visit is over quickly and I receive the thumbs up that all is
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Not the usual anniversary gift….
but I’ll take it)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I rush home to sit in the yard & enjoy
the passing of those large jets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there
is a noticeable change again in the air traffic patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not know why but the skies are silent
and void of any activity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like that
new patterns and pathways are being made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">I’ll miss my pulse racing and the
excitement of seeing those large objects – or maybe they really weren’t that
large after all.</span></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-36489538413567160362019-06-06T18:02:00.001-07:002019-06-06T18:02:14.850-07:00Collecting Evidence<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mBrRmUZmlbNZzusTOgdzWyHY2tI4IJH83muhGwjX9dBKRCn_d5AuvV4QShXFZVKwQOjFw5C80vPndmhiKB5ACpkBf7CZPj48UKFEIaOY4Q5hj31GEX1vcf80YY9CL0S9YcspjzZ059WH/s1600/remedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="500" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mBrRmUZmlbNZzusTOgdzWyHY2tI4IJH83muhGwjX9dBKRCn_d5AuvV4QShXFZVKwQOjFw5C80vPndmhiKB5ACpkBf7CZPj48UKFEIaOY4Q5hj31GEX1vcf80YY9CL0S9YcspjzZ059WH/s320/remedy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Peering
through a 20/20 lens, everything comes into focus with an unobstructed view. I am observing what I know to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love is the only remedy.</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here at my friend’s kitchen table, I am
witness to the unassuming power of Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And </span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14pt;">I find myself - Collecting Evidence.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She
contacted me through the Facebook Messenger App.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just like that, two old friends were
reunited in a very millennial sort of way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She knew about my Multiple Sclerosis, and admitted to reading many stories
posted on my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, in turn knew of
her husband’s ALS diagnosis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
her purpose for reaching out was the offering of a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her husband had acquired a few mobility
devices throughout the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly
learned that he was no longer able to use the many toys gathered in their
garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The invitation to visit her home
and see if I could benefit from anything was met with an enthusiastic </span><span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes”</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Is
tomorrow OK?” she asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And 24 hours
later, I’m ringing her doorbell, eager to embrace my old friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came almost dancing and singing to the
door, welcoming me into her home (and life).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hugs and kisses were quickly exchanged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Her
husband was peacefully sitting at the kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stage of his illness quite advanced
making communication difficult (if not impossible).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend fills me in about the past few
years, bringing me to his present condition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the hours spent exchanging “war” stories,
my friend continually cared for her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She included him in every detail of our conversation and encouraged him
to eat the spoonful of yogurt she put to his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Transferring him to a nearby counter, she lifted
him upright (to stand and stretch his muscles).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All this done without stopping or losing her place as we chatted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her patience tested but never failing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her every response that of tender mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not find an ounce of anger or
bitterness in her voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, I saw
only the illumination of love between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">BUT THE STORY CONTINUES…as
more evidence is collected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">She
brings out a tiny scooter explaining its impact on their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were able to continue traveling and sharing
many adventures after learning the fate of his illness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every joy was acknowledged and appreciated
during those years with the help of this travel scooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now it held no other purpose than to be
given away to someone who could benefit from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was to be that someone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the midst of the greatest sorrow imaginable, my friend showered me with
kindness in her offering of the scooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where there could be resentment – only love was found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More evidence collected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
zip ahead to catch up to my family and friends walking on the Jones Beach
boardwalk on a beautiful Saturday morning. It is with ease that I meet them
all, while on the scooter collected from my dear friend. We get in formation
while I shout, “strike a silly pose,” with our Walk MS mardi gras beads
displayed proudly. After all the love and support exchanged I get home and
decide to share my photo on social media, in a very millennial sort of way. And
just like that, two old friends reunited as she commented, "I love that you
love your ride!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14pt;">In that moment I find that I too am evidence: of
struggle and of triumph, defeat and hardship, and the greatest love and
relationships conceivable</span><span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Baskerville; font-size: 18.6667px;"><i> Love is the only remedy.</i></b><span style="font-family: "baskerville"; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span></div>
Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-33197553178048963732019-04-04T09:15:00.000-07:002019-04-04T09:15:50.323-07:00Teachable Spirit<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">'ve
dreamed of this place <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>away
from my present landscape...<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>where
I'd be enveloped <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>by
the "loud quietness" of an <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>undisturbed canvas of grace.</i></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKLinU_xaKh-z9De4EGX8tHnyz6wI4ZhUpYfxIm0sZtll0ZdUmxdGVOSiFOYUIB_BUVSNXMIkj-sW39670elcqf45omg6_wc_o5tg31A3m__MmOoRcAJGbbHhX1G5ZBBDOZWW9S_PKhT6/s1600/IMG_6380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKLinU_xaKh-z9De4EGX8tHnyz6wI4ZhUpYfxIm0sZtll0ZdUmxdGVOSiFOYUIB_BUVSNXMIkj-sW39670elcqf45omg6_wc_o5tg31A3m__MmOoRcAJGbbHhX1G5ZBBDOZWW9S_PKhT6/s320/IMG_6380.jpg" width="240" /></i></b></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "bookman old style"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The movement of the Lake</i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>carries an energy & overflows </i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>with lessons.</i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I've
dreamed of this place <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and
arrive with a teachable spirit. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Speak, Lord, for your daughter is listening<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>and silent reverence is His offering. </i></b></span></span></span><br />
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>The turning, rising and flowing</i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>of the lake encouraging me to exhale. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>To
be still and release the many <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>knots
in my spirit. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>The water gently moves in time </i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>with the </i></b></span></span></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>rhythm of my heartbeat.</i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">And I hear a whisper from God ... </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Boundless Possibilities are for the taking. </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">When the water is still,</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">the awesomeness of my view is magnified.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Vibrant colors, trees that line the lake,</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">sky above and life below the water</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">are reflected like a mirror on the surface - </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">multiplying the beauty before me.</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">I inhale deeply and hear God whisper...</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><b>Receive this benediction of peace.</b></span></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyqrYARdGe7pS75jDCRBQ0qjz5h_FfqX2qUqA-mDH0au27ndDHA9-Ls88UMRLJwcwYf-o7deTEEIfZHtuD1WqcFnmxnpUFMxRJRGTiJDsdoUQrkf2gGxXhl3oqTrN9EZmtKg4aWgqjx5o/s1600/IMG_6223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyqrYARdGe7pS75jDCRBQ0qjz5h_FfqX2qUqA-mDH0au27ndDHA9-Ls88UMRLJwcwYf-o7deTEEIfZHtuD1WqcFnmxnpUFMxRJRGTiJDsdoUQrkf2gGxXhl3oqTrN9EZmtKg4aWgqjx5o/s320/IMG_6223.jpg" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "bookman old style";"><o:p></o:p></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>The lake and its water continue to offer lessons to my thirsting soul.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>-
Patience in all things.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>-
Humility vs Pride.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>-
Mindfulness of triggers that do not Magnify my Life.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>-
Grasping will not allow me to receive with openness.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
</div>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "bookman old style";"><o:p></o:p></span>
</span></b></i><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>And the
greatest gift from the lakes' transforming water </b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>is to bring home that
which has been my healing. </b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b> Living each lesson learned - </b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> not as if
borrowed - but mine for the taking.</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Speak, Lord, for your daughter is listening.</span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtLD89A4F92iyp5ZLClQGA6XvWFHE5CE7Wnw3nsjgyeWoVbBfdIVVGJ238lRzOVzYst-2n1QK05p4RBjmmDOmbUeif79OJUlRuXqSZ_Vxc52eYzJLO7T6TSx9dzxg51mJM8DJiO34E5nS/s1600/IMG_6195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtLD89A4F92iyp5ZLClQGA6XvWFHE5CE7Wnw3nsjgyeWoVbBfdIVVGJ238lRzOVzYst-2n1QK05p4RBjmmDOmbUeif79OJUlRuXqSZ_Vxc52eYzJLO7T6TSx9dzxg51mJM8DJiO34E5nS/s200/IMG_6195.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style";">
</span>Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-89397134556452719242019-01-28T18:19:00.001-08:002019-01-28T18:19:51.900-08:00Living Large<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9VSRfXYz1AHd-nBijAsNDdUydz29xpnBoEBctZ5NUYkjoHF6NBz8QRtDizn56tHqp6sBaY88ALyyx7O5lXSNmPb2kiI7sExElLazQb4FZiTk6EXaJ-27GBxZb2JsyrCpunD1yHBLy6in/s1600/snow+cap.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9VSRfXYz1AHd-nBijAsNDdUydz29xpnBoEBctZ5NUYkjoHF6NBz8QRtDizn56tHqp6sBaY88ALyyx7O5lXSNmPb2kiI7sExElLazQb4FZiTk6EXaJ-27GBxZb2JsyrCpunD1yHBLy6in/s320/snow+cap.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A path stretches before me.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the distance are snow-covered peaks
glistening in brilliant sunlight.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
road seems to know my name and asks, “Well, are you going to stay where you are?
Or are you going to trust?”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can see
this road is not smooth.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It
dips low in places and ascends high around the bend.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My longing to reach those peaks must be
travelled with no shortcuts.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> The</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> assignment is to follow, allowing the path to be my guide.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style";">Quite often, I move toward the familiar. Setting a course in the direction of what comes easy. My struggles are real and courage is needed every step of the way. I dare not be adventurous or risk the heartbreak of
defeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Chains of my own making are placed upon my feet. The temptation to </span>stay where I am comfortable, s</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";">urrounded by the familiar - is very strong. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style";">But this attitude</span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"> does nothing but shrink the very world before me. It makes my life small - and small does not serve me!</span><br />
<a href="https://www.mattmorris.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Picture98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://www.mattmorris.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Picture98.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style";">My longing to </span><b style="font-family: "bookman old style";">Live Large</b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"> breaks me
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>"Life has no limitations except the ones you make"</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Ken and I set out on an adventure - we will leave for the month of March. Ken working from his office in NC as I relax in warmer temps. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>~Bring on the wonder - Bring on the joy~</i></b></span></div>
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Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-22089575136071854322018-12-30T06:56:00.004-08:002018-12-30T20:17:11.934-08:00The Smith's Christmas Card<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDwuxYSIH4GEllxQZyGQA2zYwmcGa1O2kfwh6UMCleFvv8ByBHzXi5WrvSuFn9HncUKkSjSAVGvjRpBNhVYt_QyfYYcOhYMQX_-dddA_ieu6OqNkeIB4Dbdh9BEO79M2LUUCVg8VnW_1D/s1600/your+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDwuxYSIH4GEllxQZyGQA2zYwmcGa1O2kfwh6UMCleFvv8ByBHzXi5WrvSuFn9HncUKkSjSAVGvjRpBNhVYt_QyfYYcOhYMQX_-dddA_ieu6OqNkeIB4Dbdh9BEO79M2LUUCVg8VnW_1D/s320/your+house.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
Smith’s Christmas card just arrived. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "apple chancery";">The Reilly Family</span></i> meticulously
written with the help of a calligraphy pen (no Avery printed label affixed to
their envelope).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turn it over and upon close examination find
the return address has the same handwritten script lettering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
card is simple, adored with a winter scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our full names again, neatly printed inside ~ <span style="font-family: "apple chancery";">To Christine, Ken and Family,</span>
followed by a short, <span style="font-family: "apple chancery";">Merry Christmas!</span>
message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We certainly must be very
special… to receive such a lovely card from The Smith’s.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But
every year, when the card comes in the mail - I am completely
flabbergasted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see I have little to
no remembrance of The Smith’s. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere
down the line, our lives intersected and we were added to their Christmas Card
List. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would venture to say we have
received a personalized card for the past 15 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help but imagine Mrs. Smith smiling
with memories of us, as she puts the stamp on the envelope of their card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I envision The Smith’s getting to our name on
their list - excited to reach out with some holiday wishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From our Home – To Your Home.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But without fail their sentiments go
unanswered - as I have never mailed a card back. (Remember, I barely have the
faintest recollection of who they are). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This
brings up an ongoing debate between Ken & myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has to do with our Christmas Card List.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year new friends and extended family
members earn a place on our list as a testament to the relationships we hold
dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now
comes the point of contention… when are families removed from the list? </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ken
holds firm to the Smiths’ notion of Never!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the other hand, I believe in the ebb and flow of life…. There are
certain people who cross your path for a period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually for a reason – and exit as swiftly as
they arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my mind, it is fitting
that after a few years with no interaction – the name gets axed from the List.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Yes, I’ve been told “Harsh” is my middle
name).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But
this year, the Smith’s Christmas card has me thinking differently….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some
of the beauty of the season is recalling Christmas’s past – evoking memories –
remembering people on the journey – extending love and good cheer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, just maybe the Smith’s have it right!
Once a family’s name is included on your Christmas List – it should remain
there forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The passing of time never diminishing the
important moment that family won a place on your sacred list.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Memories
and thoughts age, just as people do.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But
certain thoughts can never age, and certain memories can never fade</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
hear Ken snickering after reading this story, knowing he has finally won the
argument. “Hey,” he asks, “Did it taste like vinegar the whole time you were
writing these words?” ... He has always been one to gloat!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeWd7Q2Nm_X2GASxa3t2B8F0cf5MBftUQMPgmd42-GVlRC8sM7oDY6u1fTtiNVyao5NFlhSKaEBZurou3D-WfYVAvsn8go_bdDCjOTiWJLE2CZjS2XCxBDCmLVJCJfWxtDZs_wn1ADkPm/s1600/Happy-New-Year-Greetings-and-Images-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="576" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeWd7Q2Nm_X2GASxa3t2B8F0cf5MBftUQMPgmd42-GVlRC8sM7oDY6u1fTtiNVyao5NFlhSKaEBZurou3D-WfYVAvsn8go_bdDCjOTiWJLE2CZjS2XCxBDCmLVJCJfWxtDZs_wn1ADkPm/s320/Happy-New-Year-Greetings-and-Images-2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJXvfk1KzoTMLeY1tgCpuCjgXcBNU5LFDKbT4wlXli0CDCAECkDhiQNV1Fj7UfWkq5M_DOTgC1EIaKcrOgtv1OqVbSZe8vhpF3Wfp3j1Aj-rbzxgLlGonYOrW0GokX_ZtOBJJ0YEmk_Ro/s1600/IMG_5970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJXvfk1KzoTMLeY1tgCpuCjgXcBNU5LFDKbT4wlXli0CDCAECkDhiQNV1Fj7UfWkq5M_DOTgC1EIaKcrOgtv1OqVbSZe8vhpF3Wfp3j1Aj-rbzxgLlGonYOrW0GokX_ZtOBJJ0YEmk_Ro/s320/IMG_5970.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Love, The Reilly's</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-52646487710412147842018-11-28T10:33:00.002-08:002018-11-28T10:33:59.699-08:00Marinade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gQ3EVOGvGS9du327O9qjd9CfBXPbUor9RYqe_kicFUlWjfkG8EhrTVx7K2THWZGkmrSqh3xuj7UzDCUHt3xLwV8hNUUm0Qj4LlCB7KKF7uT4gl2e8d7nFRIrYXV_1fmbta9GrawZR5Nu/s1600/thinking-face_1f914.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gQ3EVOGvGS9du327O9qjd9CfBXPbUor9RYqe_kicFUlWjfkG8EhrTVx7K2THWZGkmrSqh3xuj7UzDCUHt3xLwV8hNUUm0Qj4LlCB7KKF7uT4gl2e8d7nFRIrYXV_1fmbta9GrawZR5Nu/s1600/thinking-face_1f914.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ken knew something was up. Might have been the look on my face or the way
my body suddenly grew stiff that got his attention. He stares at me, puzzled by my odd
behavior. Having been caught in the act, I innocently ask,
“What?” in response to the smirk, which has settled across his lips.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">“What? Is that all you have to say?” Ken
remarks, moving closer to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s
with you and that weird like trance?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing gets past him so I confess, “Well, if you must know – I’m
marinating.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">“What?” is now Ken’s only appropriate
response!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shaking his head accompanied by a hardy laugh,
he questions what he just heard, “Marinating?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">“Yes, exactly.” I continue to explain, “I
sometimes get a thought or an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
write it down - so as not to forget. “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ken leans in for further clarification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What you witnessed was me letting it rest, letting it absorb into my
heart, turning it over in my mind and giving my imagination permission to run
wild.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may have gone too far
explaining – but I’m enjoying the bewildered expression, which has now settled
upon Ken’s face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I cease any further enlightening – choosing
instead to keep the creative process of “marinating” a secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
only recently come to understand it myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For whenever I’m given the gift of a thought – I cannot rush its
development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must separate my own understanding
and wait for the revelation of something greater than myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have become good at receiving inspirational
thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is where it
ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the work is in the marinate –
which has little to do with me and everything to tenderizes and add flavor to
an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need to step aside,
believe in the process and give the Holy Spirit “a little” wiggle room to
create a masterpiece within me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: cambria; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: cambria; font-size: 14pt;">With any luck, the right amount of marinade
will give life to a story which all began with the gift of a single thought.</span></div>
Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-48001095567053010632018-10-16T16:33:00.001-07:002018-10-16T16:33:42.202-07:00Extraordinary<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #20124d;">"THE HEALTHY WEAR A
CROWN WHICH ONLY THE SICK CAN SEE"</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TThyphenhyphen8YaA500VemBfJR-cm8ckxTYbQI-MSjTen5Y7pjf2K7FNXKxraP3LJ59v9XP-kToN9BGAtZMw897WhVoyyljvjPxcUNOsOa_BTVlEq6Ly9zumgpVQFu7KuNcQRCmABfHHwRHsQDac/s1600/crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="771" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TThyphenhyphen8YaA500VemBfJR-cm8ckxTYbQI-MSjTen5Y7pjf2K7FNXKxraP3LJ59v9XP-kToN9BGAtZMw897WhVoyyljvjPxcUNOsOa_BTVlEq6Ly9zumgpVQFu7KuNcQRCmABfHHwRHsQDac/s200/crown.jpg" width="148" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">And just like that, ordinary is
gone. Never acknowledging its hidden powers. Never
appreciating the magnitude of its gifts. Ordinary defined my life.
Wonderfully Ordinary. For in those moments of living, I was truly<i> foot
loose and fancy free </i>- unaware of the jeweled crown I was wearing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Then emptiness set in. Days,
years praying to go back. Missing all that I was and all that I was able
to do in the ordinary. Donning a crown of thorns.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But if I may, I'd like to share a
secret. A little truth that came out of that empty space....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Sometimes we are forced to create an
extraordinary life. The tools are not the same and the guiding principles have
to be tweaked. But it is possible to be fed by extraordinary friends,
extended extraordinary kindness and compassion, challenged to experience
extraordinary joys and unhurried pleasures. Moving through life with eyes
wide open and a heart bursting with hope. A deeper sense of peace all received
through the struggle. A new crown of glory placed upon my head.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Ordinary can never be enough once you
have tasted extraordinary.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-74777736460803254932018-09-25T17:05:00.002-07:002018-09-25T17:05:41.795-07:00Shedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9TjaASXMm44a5Fzw6gYgxggxbmIYqoRNR7rD6C3ai2_GgbfaU2YfloOM_YeMzGu3PKb11KWp32j59YrfCaFuamAjqwhLCIRrlsiQrJtMg-RoR1WF1GK9ClEvSjV6gWG_n-oF2qP5LViv/s1600/Stand-Clear-of-the-Closing-Doors-Review-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9TjaASXMm44a5Fzw6gYgxggxbmIYqoRNR7rD6C3ai2_GgbfaU2YfloOM_YeMzGu3PKb11KWp32j59YrfCaFuamAjqwhLCIRrlsiQrJtMg-RoR1WF1GK9ClEvSjV6gWG_n-oF2qP5LViv/s320/Stand-Clear-of-the-Closing-Doors-Review-2.png" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We were enjoying great music, singing our favorite
songs at a summer concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nearing
the end when the lead singer pointed to the guitarist in the band and explained
how after each performance, no matter the amount of applause received, this
talented musician would spend days behind closed doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was driven to refine the music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making improvements to rework what was
already close to perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The singer went on to explain that what the
guitarist was doing was called “shedding”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I couldn’t tell you much
about the playlist or the length of the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For that matter I have little memory about the guest
performers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But w</span>hat I do hold onto is<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">ave little memoryH</span> the
image of that guitarist “shedding” - knowing I would somehow make it my own.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Lately a verse from the bible
tugs at my heart - “For the old conditions and the former order of things have
passed away”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Familiar during moments of great sorrow, but
today these words accompany me as I close the door to begin my own manner of
“shedding”.</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is not the first time I’ve
entered this room and definitely not the last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For it was my first place of solace when the symptoms of my illness took
hold of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early on I needed to come to
terms with my new self and leave behind the old order of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But recently I’ve sensed a need to return to
that room…. closing the door again (for a little while).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I know the answer to my
question before asking - but still I ask:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Ken - “Does my walking seem awkward? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are my movements unnatural?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Lisa - “Can you notice a difference in the way I
move?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Katie -“Am I dropping more things?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Ann - “Is my pace slower than ever before?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And lately to anyone around I ask, “Do I seem worse?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Each of my dearest
companions doesn’t seem to notice what I know to be the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking directly into my eyes they comfort
me with assurances of how great I am doing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the nature of my progressive illness tells
me differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My ever changing,
stumbling gait points to weakness in both legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The combination of increased stiffness in my muscles and numbness all
through my hands – plunges me deeper into a dark reality.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">With little else to do
(after MS drugs have been poured into my veins and routine exercise keeps me
moving) - I become conscious of the need for “shedding”. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">To alter, once again the conditions I’ve grown
accustomed to and search for a new sense of order. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The whole process allowing me to put on a stronger armor for protection. All the time trusting that through the "shedding" I will be
made perfect.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU6X2UEJyuxgHFcJ_nxm5W3pq6iZ1RzQLGY24jTn_eRl3vPJjEvmdmgk_pbnttKn1Ky7dclCJrNrP_KkN-LFyoXN0Gfzo4zzUDV8lJY1RO60HiBBWHIcenVES6b_hyphenhyphenMVo5uIJg63wPNrX/s1600/IMG_5765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="637" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU6X2UEJyuxgHFcJ_nxm5W3pq6iZ1RzQLGY24jTn_eRl3vPJjEvmdmgk_pbnttKn1Ky7dclCJrNrP_KkN-LFyoXN0Gfzo4zzUDV8lJY1RO60HiBBWHIcenVES6b_hyphenhyphenMVo5uIJg63wPNrX/s320/IMG_5765.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-65657407918192705612018-08-14T08:28:00.000-07:002018-08-14T08:36:41.478-07:00Dream Journal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaHx5JY8UxC8thoSgofYfTgqk3RU0z7vOXpNng3OHcJIsgfISgoaT9DMg57FfKIwInpfY0GIY6-cUs0tc68mxYCzXcWIT72KO94wcCl9AEIVnD0j0D6_MC1LvlGWsggxtOqotpbnUzt4Y/s1600/dreams1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaHx5JY8UxC8thoSgofYfTgqk3RU0z7vOXpNng3OHcJIsgfISgoaT9DMg57FfKIwInpfY0GIY6-cUs0tc68mxYCzXcWIT72KO94wcCl9AEIVnD0j0D6_MC1LvlGWsggxtOqotpbnUzt4Y/s320/dreams1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">To
Dream or Not to Dream - that is the Question?</span></i><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’ve never
been one who wakes from sleep recalling every detail of a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually believe my mind shuts down,
forcing my slumber to be a black veil of nothingness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I fail to accomplish during the state of
mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness, I recognize
fully during the hours of wakefulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply stated…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I like to Dream with my eyes open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A few weeks back, I read of a mother who was
having problems with her teenage daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was acting out and seemed unable to communicate her feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This wise mom decided to bring her child to a
quiet place where they could be alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sitting across from one another – the mother simply placed 2 beautiful
leather journals on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
instructed her daughter to choose one and to begin writing her dreams on the
pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She encouraged her to doodle her
feelings and express her goals in pictures or with words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The daughter smiled and gladly choose one,
asking what the second journal was for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Oh, that one is for me, it's time I start dreaming again.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Dreams take courage at any age, but from
where I stand – dreams come with a deadline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a middle age reality to see what goals have been realized, what dreams have been tweaked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This is an easy view of the past. </span> But being fearless to envision the future with possibilities broader and deeper than anything you ever dared to image - is a serious journal entry, my friend!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I live with an illness that can make dreaming impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Sometimes I</span> have to hold
off plans for tomorrow and simply get through the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in these difficult moments that I stare
at the blank page – unable to lift the pen, unable to dream for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned to just relax in these moments
and to not let fear rob me of the precious gift of dreaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And there
are days living with responsibilities too great to allow for such
foolishness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dreams are hard to set into
motion when the bonds of obligation hold you down. And then there are days
living simply to please others, sacrificing the freedom found in selfish
imaginings. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But still I dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Many times altering them to fit new boundaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Oftentimes envisioning paths unknown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But still I dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">How I’d love to share some of my doodles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let you peek at my writings and glance in the
direction of my hopes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But instead of telling of my dreams <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">My life will be an open book</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Showing them to you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">in the very way that I live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Is
it time to start dreaming again?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-13965248900127046722018-07-06T10:28:00.002-07:002018-07-15T13:31:39.753-07:00Creatures of Habit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw8l1o4EM0Q6XJ1gxrbYR4_oayWuJatTdchC8YUYeR1XflUm3soQzsMfVDHv92acHrSG71kK8dkzjCzFqp5Ww7FLUeNtvA5gM4ypIecr31oqiAJpC22tR87zNgmtxig4-j030p2MTvNyX/s1600/as-we-grow-wiser-we-realize-what-we-need-and-what-we-can-leave-behind-quote-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw8l1o4EM0Q6XJ1gxrbYR4_oayWuJatTdchC8YUYeR1XflUm3soQzsMfVDHv92acHrSG71kK8dkzjCzFqp5Ww7FLUeNtvA5gM4ypIecr31oqiAJpC22tR87zNgmtxig4-j030p2MTvNyX/s320/as-we-grow-wiser-we-realize-what-we-need-and-what-we-can-leave-behind-quote-1.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">As I was opening the drawer in my kitchen to grab a fork, the entire cabinet broke </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">completely off the hinge.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">No amount of fixing could repair the damage to the splintered wood.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">So I resorted to using “gorilla” glue to permanently seal it.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"> Although unusable, the drawer still appeared like its old, reliable self. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">This break happened several months ago. Even so, each of my family members (including myself) will inevitably try to open that drawer to retrieve a needed utensil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has become quite the practical joke to see each person tug and pull at the sealed cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve come to look at it like a physiological experiment demonstrating how we are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">creatures of habit</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">It has been 6 months since the death of my father-in-law and Ken is quick to list all that has happened since his passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> First the dreaded </span>Funeral Directors which led to Attorneys & Financial Planners and finally Real Estate Agents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been busy trying to get everything settled and move to an emotional place of comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that needs to be done takes us away from being the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">creatures of habit</i> we were before his passing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And today, Ken’s childhood home which his parents lived in for 60 years, has been sold - it is officially “under contract”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no moving forward without the painful reality of letting go of the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And forward is the only direction possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFLKxUYw4xMcdcOzxjdqUZ_kJu2P_R85AQgHYu6LFL_klVwREzpB-IqZieYdl7mG0A2ui-hHVSEfWeliMkqtCBJomWkpQBY0LDZGibzX6lCvwBqcCQf5wJb2jNe4FAnkiHdgEgsC93YLQ/s1600/the-past-present-future.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1600" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFLKxUYw4xMcdcOzxjdqUZ_kJu2P_R85AQgHYu6LFL_klVwREzpB-IqZieYdl7mG0A2ui-hHVSEfWeliMkqtCBJomWkpQBY0LDZGibzX6lCvwBqcCQf5wJb2jNe4FAnkiHdgEgsC93YLQ/s200/the-past-present-future.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Now begins the work of clearing out the contents of a family’s’ life.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Every picture hanging and worn out piece of furniture carries with it a story.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Every garment hanging in the closet and strip of paper tucked in a drawer holds another memory.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The job of going through everything, which has been neatly arranged within the house, is emotionally draining.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But the elimination of things will never erase what the heart carries.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And in the process of clearing we see how God was present through it all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">So we pick and store that which will move into the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we clear and remove items not physically coming with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 14pt;">The house will stand and appear as its old, reliable self but it will no longer be where we spend holidays, share meals, or stop by to visit Nanny and Poppy. The doors will be sealed to us, like my kitchen drawer, but our hearts are full and bursting with the memories that we take with us. We are straddling the good ol' days and clinging to the Hope found in tomorrow, reveling in the opportunity to become </span><i style="font-family: cambria; font-size: 14pt;">creatures with all new habits. </i></div>
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Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-88147486515464387042018-06-01T09:03:00.000-07:002018-06-01T10:06:54.568-07:00The Least<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is nothing funnier as a parent then seeing your
adult children unconsciously mimic you. My oldest daughter, Megan, can be
heard using my favorite words, “Well, I don’t hate it” when she is uncertain
about how she feels. And Aileen teases me but still says, “Surely
you jest!” when speaking with friends.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I seem to have a never-ending collections of catch
phrases. These quick-witted sayings come flying out of my mouth –
too many to even count. They are from old movies, TV shows or expressions
I heard as a child. Every time someone breaks or
destroys anything around the house, you’ll most assuredly hear me
scream, “This is why we can’t have nice things!” And I’m
known to yell, “Immediately if not sooner” when my nagging has gone
unanswered. The other day my son’s girlfriend, Jillian, asked why he
always kids around saying, “What is your major malfunction?” KC
thought a moment – then said, “my mom always says that!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But lately, I've noticed my overuse of a certain catch
phrase. A friend is sick and I immediately say, “Lets bring
her flowers – it’s <i>the least</i> we can do.” Or we are
driving over a bridge, pouring down rain with an evening sky on fire
with lightening; as Ken grips the steering wheel I say, "well a<i>t
least </i>there is no wind tonight.” And just yesterday
I announced, "I'm eating this burger without a bun - it's <i>the
least</i> I can do to lose weight"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ken is quick to mumble, “and no one will ever say YOU
didn't do <i>the least</i>!” When I think about it <i>the
least is </i>a poor excuse for doing close to nothing. It
sounds small and of no consequence. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From my overuse of this expression, I’ve come to
understand that sometimes the <i>very least</i> is all I can
accomplish. Simply completing one task for the day has me feeling pretty good.
Multiple Sclerosis has lifted the burden of multi-tasking and replaced it
with an acceptance of <i>the least</i>. And in my world, that
really isn’t small or inconsequential. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now mind you, the month of June marks the anniversary of
the first symptom and diagnosis of this disease. It happened 9 years
ago and acceptance has come as slowly as its progression. More often
than not, the only suitable response to the harshness of each new affliction is
to accept <i>the least</i>. But not in a lie down and
take it sort of way. Never! The trick is to accept the struggle
while never letting it overshadow the possibilities found in the
day. Sometimes peace is found in the compromise of what seems
small. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Get busy living or busy dying.” </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I’m fighting like hell to keep busy enjoying the
ride. And that means living a full, large life challenging myself
every step of the way. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After all, that's <i>the least</i> I can
do. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXXkIBb3MLSOTublvj9qiIpgC7FAx5htDJAFvU7lUqmRzoREoDP1KU7G1buBrkHtI27RdppBDqDa0s4y677J95_5e8EUEC4g_Gyyu3DgNnIa0qVIcNcfGvCilURzwXs4ggCuSlbc7UTMs/s1600/enjoy-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="564" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXXkIBb3MLSOTublvj9qiIpgC7FAx5htDJAFvU7lUqmRzoREoDP1KU7G1buBrkHtI27RdppBDqDa0s4y677J95_5e8EUEC4g_Gyyu3DgNnIa0qVIcNcfGvCilURzwXs4ggCuSlbc7UTMs/s400/enjoy-life.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-86188268866535994352018-05-07T05:52:00.000-07:002018-05-08T06:03:46.166-07:00Hotel Lobby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdMt6LsXPSu5xdoeTYpROrc7McwjRGLgH4kRYdWdC1vk6F1ASobv2sc-FoDyYrK1b04JTiPEzTFq6vqoe1XWWKa8au4ROPKyRpEkynjoBfhIvvJ9CRx3z8H4bH_NLo9qdsh5t7PbfzTd0/s1600/IMG_5257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="624" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdMt6LsXPSu5xdoeTYpROrc7McwjRGLgH4kRYdWdC1vk6F1ASobv2sc-FoDyYrK1b04JTiPEzTFq6vqoe1XWWKa8au4ROPKyRpEkynjoBfhIvvJ9CRx3z8H4bH_NLo9qdsh5t7PbfzTd0/s400/IMG_5257.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Why did I agree to come along on this business trip?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The question I force out of my
mind as I sit alone at a Holiday Inn in rural Pennsylvania. Ken has left for the
day to work at a nearby facility. Although the hotel has everything needed for
me to pass the time, I still eagerly await his return. I think about all the
possibilities of entertaining myself: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shall
I swim?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shall I read some magazines?</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Or
binge on Netflix?</i> Regardless of which option I choose, I vow to live in the
moment, accepting whatever is offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I make my way to the lobby which
has a nostalgic vibe, retro in design and worn from the many travelers who have
already passed through. The majority of people speaking add “y’all and mam’s”
to their sentences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few minutes I
am both charmed and annoyed listening to the southern drawl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With its faded décor and southern
hospitality, this hotel in a quiet Pennsylvania town is surprisingly buzzing
with activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On today’s agenda I see
countless signs posted announcing, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Annual Meeting of Grand
Knights.<u><o:p></o:p></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Situated in the lobby I witness a
large crowd of men dressed in black tuxedos move around the halls. They proudly
parade about wearing ornately decorated robes signifying levels of authority
within the assembly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if on cue a booming voice yells, “Meeting
of the Knights is called to order” which begins a procession into the banquet
hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find the fraternal bond
endearing and admire their commitment to what at first glance appears ridiculous.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the large doors of the banquet
hall close, I remain in the lobby with a few wives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They begin their wait, respectful of their
position outside the closed wooden doors. Chatter makes way to conversations
about knitting, grandchildren and recipes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even among the chatter, a couple women just sit there quietly
listening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As hard as I try, my mind
continues to wonder about the happenings behind the closed doors. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Am I the only one upset that these wives have
been left here to wait?</i> I begin to scan their faces, looking for a shred of
discontent. I lower my eyes to stop from staring, suppressing my anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In prayer I ask, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Lord, forgive me for judging the simplicity of these women. Empty me
of self so that I may gain a new perspective.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Upon lifting my gaze – the
unmistakable kindness and peace of these ladies has replaced my narrow
opinions. And just like that I am in awe of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">grace</b> these women possess and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">quality </b>found in their waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For it is not about being left behind those mighty wooden doors. It has
nothing to do with feeling less important and unworthy. What I am witnessing is
the simple act of hearts united in friendship – fully present to one another in
and through the waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I examine my own capacity to wait
and see nothing but impatience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I take
note of how difficult it is for me to pause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To not move forward in thought and deed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wait with little grace for time to pass, prayers to be answered and
plans to be fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I started my day, vowing to live
in the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To embrace whatever comes
my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I really have no idea how
to achieve that state of being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How to
peacefully remain conscious of what is before me without anticipating what is
coming next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Schooled again!</i> I chuckle,
this time by a few grandmas’ sitting around passing time. In a hotel lobby I have clarity to see that living
in the moment sometimes means just peacefully waiting. </span><!--EndFragment--><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-47295390539904567322018-03-28T06:36:00.000-07:002018-03-28T06:36:15.558-07:00The White Blouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43GstxoJ9qADyXc2f4wi6hXFpfm9yBVVlf9YtL695PW_clelui-BHq4DBkR9BJBDVcuxUJPc5c76Rw-HDUnDe-OQSxl6rQKzlrXgHuKohp8pPnRYSFuDRvFGmG7bDckR196zEW-p3dgB7/s1600/white+blouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="646" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43GstxoJ9qADyXc2f4wi6hXFpfm9yBVVlf9YtL695PW_clelui-BHq4DBkR9BJBDVcuxUJPc5c76Rw-HDUnDe-OQSxl6rQKzlrXgHuKohp8pPnRYSFuDRvFGmG7bDckR196zEW-p3dgB7/s320/white+blouse.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I have everything covered – prayers ✔, music ✔,
handouts ✔<span style="color: black;"></span>. All I can think is, what an honor to be
leading a group of my peers for a “Day of Reflection”. I am almost ready to ✔ off the wardrobe box as I reach for the <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">classic
button-down oxford shirt</i></b>. This shirt would most certainly lend me the
confidence needed to stand before the gathering of women. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">It is a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">simple white blouse</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A timeless classic, that had not been worn in
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only a special occasion will get
me out of comfy yoga pants and oversized sweatshirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning, I am reunited with a hidden gem
hanging in the far corner of my closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I welcome the forgotten blouse with the “prodigal son returning to me” sort
of excitement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Although I have no concern about the agenda or
reflection itself, I am troubled by my own appearance. Most people attending
the retreat know nothing about me and are unaware of my illness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My not-so-hidden vulnerabilities are exposed
due to the imposing symptoms of my condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">As I slip the shirt over my arms, I say a
little prayer,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Lord
– let my legs carry me there, let me mouth speak words of wisdom, let my heart
be light and let my hands….”</i>
I stop mid prayer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Out of my mouth flies a few explicit swearwords
because of my real struggle getting dressed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hands and fingers have lost the fine motor
skills necessary to grasp the tiny buttons on my blouse. I lack the dexterity
to fasten them through the buttonhole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
stand there half clothed – looking down at my hands in utter disbelief. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A somewhat new weakness with my Multiple
Sclerosis is happening to my hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have been quietly adjusting by eating left-handed, using only cross body bags,
picking up objects with both hands and writing with easy flowing markers. But,
the inability to dress myself this morning – was a crushing blow to the resilient
woman reflecting back at me in the mirror. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">With nothing else to do, I yell out for
Ken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enters the bathroom a little confused
at my cry for help and quickly assesses the current situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel ashamed as I hold out my now trembling
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He moves close and begins
buttoning the front of my blouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
strength and lack of concern warms my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He continues to talk about anything other then what is before him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually laugh a little watching his big
fingers handling the delicate buttons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In that moment we are taken to another level of intimacy. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ken moves even closer to kiss my tear stained
cheek and gently whispers in my ear, “Hey, remember young Ken – who couldn’t
wait to unbutton your blouse?” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdVZzYw2W7qUns8qmAUOrnxjToakiYmkFAEyoP1eO7hUnQeqDwmc_UoQTMAdEesLgrdBk2zDoplqiHoGbbeYMVUwKbiHoZHYnu9Kv3j2W0JEMMEaeBrS_I0SNDzCb9AYBZFo3OUiE9fFq/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdVZzYw2W7qUns8qmAUOrnxjToakiYmkFAEyoP1eO7hUnQeqDwmc_UoQTMAdEesLgrdBk2zDoplqiHoGbbeYMVUwKbiHoZHYnu9Kv3j2W0JEMMEaeBrS_I0SNDzCb9AYBZFo3OUiE9fFq/s200/IMG_0016.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Now smiling, I give thanks to God,</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">for the gift of laughter,</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>for His grace to endure todays struggle,</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and oh yeah,</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>for yoga pants and oversized sweatshirts!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br /></div>
Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-39971241082721089492018-02-18T19:28:00.000-08:002018-02-18T19:28:01.663-08:00Morning Brew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TpqF3VNU5PzCcwhsbWBxua46zPsnugF93UuoCMkVlPf26bKOXP3vD0azHW-XJ0dK0bB4S4KhwkGEYr4egqAKLm378OCxZcHAsR9jbhbVEKSzJen7ddxk261YnGmbY7sUN_T8DCf1J9FO/s1600/Cup-of-coffee-coffee-17731301-500-313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TpqF3VNU5PzCcwhsbWBxua46zPsnugF93UuoCMkVlPf26bKOXP3vD0azHW-XJ0dK0bB4S4KhwkGEYr4egqAKLm378OCxZcHAsR9jbhbVEKSzJen7ddxk261YnGmbY7sUN_T8DCf1J9FO/s320/Cup-of-coffee-coffee-17731301-500-313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I shuffle barefoot across the
chilled tile floor, as in a performance of a series of rehearsed, choreographed
dance moves. Upon my completion of these four simple steps, the aroma of
Maxwell House Coffee is filling the air.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Honestly, I don’t really like coffee.
But, I like my <b><i>routine</i></b>. It’s the dance and the anticipation of filling my cup
that fuels my mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I have
to rush and miss those steps, I find myself a little off balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On mornings when I get those timely
steps in, I lift the steaming hot mug to my lips and go for a sip of the brewed
goodness. But, upon my initial tasting, I become keenly aware of my
indifference to this substance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever
I am thirsting for, whatever needs quenching within me, is left unsatisfied. The
morning brewing of coffee is but a poor substitute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">------------------<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is something therapeutic about
a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">routine</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the heartbeat of life moving us from one
moment to the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living with Multiple
Sclerosis gives me the vantage point of appreciating the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">routine</i></b> of everyday
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On any given day I am unsure of
how I will be feeling and if my body will cooperate with what I’m hoping to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The regular, monotonous, often calculated
and predictable daily activities have become the backbone of my existence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We favor routines for their
predictability, but I have found that sprinkled in my everyday routine are
surprises. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Surprises </i>that are meant
to bring me joy, appearing in the form of a blessing. And then there are those S<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">urprises</i> that break through with
unwilled and unwelcomed heartbreak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The act of brewing my morning coffee
does little to satisfy my taste buds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I approach each mug in the hope that it will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I wake each day excited about my morning
brew, fully enjoying the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">routine</i></b> of the dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe those steps of plugging in the machine,
filling the water line, adding 4 scoops of ground coffee and hitting the on
button are really all I need.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A need to give my, not so stable life
– a little </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>routine</i></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And with a warm
cup of Joe in hand – I am ready to be </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">surprised</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
by the Joy & Heartbreak headed my way.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-16402852231689311322017-11-24T04:33:00.000-08:002017-11-24T05:33:58.380-08:00Before Every After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0kuoCCPD_TbscU3lbdgEFEt7y4tZwYA4S4b2N1mJ1o-br4Wazn0YVfP1hpiqMRXvZTDG1nM0sUpfZP16ez13pduWUDpYxBj5d3iO2GUJXIhHd0GOxiA66Hra4Kbt3avR9xh4hrv3P9Rb/s1600/never-be-afraid-to-trust-an-unknown-future-to-a-known-god22-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0kuoCCPD_TbscU3lbdgEFEt7y4tZwYA4S4b2N1mJ1o-br4Wazn0YVfP1hpiqMRXvZTDG1nM0sUpfZP16ez13pduWUDpYxBj5d3iO2GUJXIhHd0GOxiA66Hra4Kbt3avR9xh4hrv3P9Rb/s200/never-be-afraid-to-trust-an-unknown-future-to-a-known-god22-2.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "avenir medium"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "avenir medium"; font-size: 14.0pt;">There are <b><i>Before and After</i></b> instances in everyone’s lives. It is the universal shift, altering our direction and leading to paths unknown. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">The<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b><b style="font-style: italic;">Just Like That</b> moment in life, when <b><i>Before</i></b> turns upside down to become the <b><i>After</i></b>. </span>I can
identify so many big and small <b><i>After</i></b> instants (like falling in love, giving
birth…), which changed the course of my future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can clearly see the <b><i>Before</i></b> my Mom’s death and defining shift in my world <b><i>After</i></b> her
passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further reflection brings into focus the <b><i>Before</i></b> MS diagnosis and the <b><i>After</i></b> effect on my life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "avenir medium"; font-size: 14pt;"><i>The moment <b>After</b> this
one, </i></span><i style="font-family: 'Avenir Medium'; font-size: 14pt;">very often has to be lived
as never <b>Before.</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfFAiQs7HteNHKOuGj8BQ7YOKZsFMi7v7vHm3Ec8CE-Nm5eLY20vr11VZFI2UROqL_f33EBYKJg5hdE06kCRJ8H9N1QQxznkUX42-i9cT1AIMWGaqHxtPd3iuxAyYNwEjfW8lY2g83o2t/s1600/move-forward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfFAiQs7HteNHKOuGj8BQ7YOKZsFMi7v7vHm3Ec8CE-Nm5eLY20vr11VZFI2UROqL_f33EBYKJg5hdE06kCRJ8H9N1QQxznkUX42-i9cT1AIMWGaqHxtPd3iuxAyYNwEjfW8lY2g83o2t/s200/move-forward.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "avenir medium"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I listen carefully to the
sound floating through the air as I leave the funeral mass for my friends son …
what exactly am I hearing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot immediately
pinpoint the origin of the sound. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stop;
lift my head, giving full attention to its whereabouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have heard this certain something <b><i>Before</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is STILLNESS - a QUIET that cuts through the sorrow piercing my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The s</span>ound is like the gentle rhythm of a heartbeat …and I know that what I am hearing is the sound of Life Moving Forward. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir medium"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Without skipping a beat, <b>Before </b>is gone making room for
every <b>After.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir medium"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir medium"; font-size: 14.0pt;">~~~~</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir medium"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i>
<b style="color: #274e13; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. </i></b><b style="color: #274e13; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, </i></b><b style="color: #274e13; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>for the old order of things has passed away.” </i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="verse-4" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Revelation 21:4</i></b></span></span></div>
</div>
Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-4951344591034570472017-11-15T09:15:00.000-08:002017-11-15T09:15:17.245-08:00Bittersweet Symphony<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNf7s-HxUT2xuX79Xy1WUnVVG_d56C21lRwSnDyl69sek7qlmS-K2pvyxknX15JjWEdiFb8CensCIIfzmEVrJ7KEsTeLAUyon4ENSmluhKjnIBqfHi9scozQWIv5TS5VdhDh6eQvoQ41Ue/s1600/music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="640" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNf7s-HxUT2xuX79Xy1WUnVVG_d56C21lRwSnDyl69sek7qlmS-K2pvyxknX15JjWEdiFb8CensCIIfzmEVrJ7KEsTeLAUyon4ENSmluhKjnIBqfHi9scozQWIv5TS5VdhDh6eQvoQ41Ue/s320/music.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="color: #45818e; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="text-align: left;">This is a "repost" from September 2016. </span></span><span style="text-align: left;">It tells the story about how I have become like a conductor - orchestrating my way around Multiple Sclerosis. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #45818e; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #45818e; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">B</span><span style="text-align: left;">ittersweet </span><span style="text-align: left;">YES - but beautiful just the same. </span>These words give voice to what that feels like. </span></div>
<div style="color: #45818e; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>(Thank you to my sister Pat, for the beautiful illustration) </i></span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With my hands clutching a small imaginary baton, I feel a sense of power. At my command a symphony lies waiting to be composed with a melody waiting to be heard. The players are all assembled eager to please. I am perched high on the podium, self conscious and wary of my ability to bring this song to life.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />I am ready to let go and give in, releasing myself from any feelings of despair. In return for this release, I gain confidence in my capacity to create a masterpiece. I am the conductor and responsible for all that follows from the movement of my baton.<br /><br />Every morning when I arise I am faced with the reality of my circumstances; but I understand that my job is not for the light-hearted. And I understand that the show must always go on, no matter how I feel. I channel my longing to pickup and play these instruments before me. They are within my grasp but better suited for those treasured “players” in my life who gladly, lovingly and joyfully carry the weight of each note. I am but the catalyst to bring this symphony to a swelling crescendo.<br /><br />And so, I begin to direct - unifying the performers, setting the tempo, listening attentively, correcting critically and shaping the sound of the ensemble. I make adjustments, work out interpretations and relay my vision for the score. <br /><br /> Each guiding stroke moves us wondrously closer to a newly constructed rendition of a timeless classic.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-41053990734020463222017-11-01T05:26:00.000-07:002017-11-01T10:45:32.252-07:00A Time to Behold<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0HoM35gZumQcUPTe2RwdpKlLxpiQHqReluK6TsnGUCyn5isZLQNxxdEnfiIGc22GjLckhJ0R6oYX5hbvv9LIoxxKAqOur15QvdA9XGMBj5XY2qXTZa8WWjc2U-IFx4nMmp2UIyLUUIoz/s1600/BUTTERFLY2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0HoM35gZumQcUPTe2RwdpKlLxpiQHqReluK6TsnGUCyn5isZLQNxxdEnfiIGc22GjLckhJ0R6oYX5hbvv9LIoxxKAqOur15QvdA9XGMBj5XY2qXTZa8WWjc2U-IFx4nMmp2UIyLUUIoz/s200/BUTTERFLY2.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A butterfly circles and glides past me with sovereignty
reserved for God’s holiest of beings. Its magnificent design embodies the spirit of
heavenly angels with delicate wings emulating the autumn sky. There is a gentle
aura of grace as it floats through the air. Peacefully drifting, awaiting only the
invitation to be noticed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How blessed I am to behold this divine creature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I could have easily missed it, as in days past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walked absentmindedly out the door, down the
porch steps and into my car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gone about
my day, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">missing this gift sent from heaven above.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But today, that was not to be…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For this is the story of my current life and it’s
unhurried pace. It is living in the present tense with gratitude for the breath
filling my lungs. Standing faithful and determined not to let trials cloud what
is gloriously unfolding around me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPXb5ZwXOQOeaXHqVesVOgNI2K6aAHD9vkjTzaL04IRX5FxdqY-y41CIIA5yMoEFCIOmDZqoKWfACjRXXA4rMoO6Hd8QiTcjHCwq-GZVqhY2vXgCe6rpJbpL0Ra5TF2xrFAoQuNNt1Fq6/s1600/butterfly01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPXb5ZwXOQOeaXHqVesVOgNI2K6aAHD9vkjTzaL04IRX5FxdqY-y41CIIA5yMoEFCIOmDZqoKWfACjRXXA4rMoO6Hd8QiTcjHCwq-GZVqhY2vXgCe6rpJbpL0Ra5TF2xrFAoQuNNt1Fq6/s200/butterfly01.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Through the movement of the butterfly – I am beholding the angels and saints who have come to let me know that I am not alone. This encounter with the butterfly grants me the fortune to - <i>not just see, but also witness - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">n</span>ot just observe, but also receive.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> </i> </span>Belief dwelling within me is given flight and
what was once unseen has been made known. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And in this time of beholding<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- it is well with my soul.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6DpcEAcUeZO-crgZn3n9mGE2ezhfuGGKWviVMEAaQAgADx-blGEbnz-owJEgxF6w36oba5xmC_qgatwWNZyZJYCqHuPUh7KDgwG1cG5WHZMEzrVS6rabWTKIYnxEfadVoIOdf-pcQDy8/s1600/divider_line.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="1000" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6DpcEAcUeZO-crgZn3n9mGE2ezhfuGGKWviVMEAaQAgADx-blGEbnz-owJEgxF6w36oba5xmC_qgatwWNZyZJYCqHuPUh7KDgwG1cG5WHZMEzrVS6rabWTKIYnxEfadVoIOdf-pcQDy8/s320/divider_line.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>* For Ann - who also received a gift from the butterfly *</i></b></span></div>
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Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089124237607800689.post-38725135312691223312017-10-20T16:38:00.000-07:002017-10-26T10:21:21.796-07:00A Smile<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Nam7478uKLm055_5bZUm1aBTCiJ8qku0RKLr2NmfjbwI9xuM0ccr_z8byaxK3zXR4QuRbNesXaiexkSQnaRHlbmtI4Mh0Zj57BVJJxDJwtcmH5dbmCJKvx4IIkJ8PMxW8K2RjIYrzmjR/s1600/smile.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="197" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Nam7478uKLm055_5bZUm1aBTCiJ8qku0RKLr2NmfjbwI9xuM0ccr_z8byaxK3zXR4QuRbNesXaiexkSQnaRHlbmtI4Mh0Zj57BVJJxDJwtcmH5dbmCJKvx4IIkJ8PMxW8K2RjIYrzmjR/s320/smile.png" width="246" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She sat in the front seat
looking straight ahead, as the car came to a stop in the unloading zone. Cautiously
opening the door, she swung her legs around to touch the waiting pavement. With great effort she moved to a standing
position and reached for the arms of her helpful driver. I knew by the tenderness of his touch that
this gentleman was her husband. Before
taking her first step, she turned and looked in my direction. I saw great sadness in her eyes and an
agonizing weight on her shoulders, which she struggled to carry. Our eyes did not meet, because of the tinted glass
window separating us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All this witnessed from my
seat inside the building as I looked out onto the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had arrived early in full anticipation of
receiving the newest miracle drug. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
FDA had taken months and finally “fast tracked” it through the system to the anxiously
awaiting MS community. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a bounce
in my step, smile on my face and joy in my heart waiting for my 8-hour cocktail
infusion to begin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She came into the room
very quietly with her head down, staring only at the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her husband made her comfortable in the chair
opposite me, and quickly went to check in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She fumbled through her handbag, searching for something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never a smile, never a word spoken, never a
glance upward – only great sadness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet, I felt drawn to her,
a deep connection with this total stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our journey to this
waiting room was very similar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
progression of her illness mirrored my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We looked to be the same age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
swag of her gait and unsteady manner of balance made for a carbon copy of
myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew nothing of her story
other then what showed on the outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
there was a magnetic pull drawing me toward this kindred spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to get closer, wanted to offer a light in her darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her name was called before
mine and she left in the same quiet manner with which she had first
entered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wait seemed forever but
finally my name was called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon entering
the tiny infusion room – I noticed 10 chairs and only one remained
unoccupied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made my way through the
maze of medical equipment, gadgets and gizmos in the middle of the room, and
stood before the empty chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said a
payer of thanks when I notice that my new friend would be sitting next to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Turning toward her I said
with a tone of authority, “Hey, I believe there’s been a mix-up – you are
sitting in my seat – I called ahead and reserved the one with a view”. For the first time, she looked up and into my
eyes with a somewhat confused/startled expression on her face. Ever so slowly her lips curved upward to form
a smile. Brightness radiated, warming my
heart. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLTTIHJwnfjWFDs8VNrGzsYI6LCfZLQ9qUfzasKZkt2vGyZd7obx6aSQeviYS5zS81bECEYpb1v1jbKo6OR3aQxLazFPXB0oYiZEwLi8gbhkHHW-AekOhvZv_5fxgQP85SSs2OCeaGbWA/s1600/smile+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLTTIHJwnfjWFDs8VNrGzsYI6LCfZLQ9qUfzasKZkt2vGyZd7obx6aSQeviYS5zS81bECEYpb1v1jbKo6OR3aQxLazFPXB0oYiZEwLi8gbhkHHW-AekOhvZv_5fxgQP85SSs2OCeaGbWA/s320/smile+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>** story dedicated to my MS swim friends - who share their smiles with me</b></span></i></div>
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Come Walk With Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02317937587107238735noreply@blogger.com0