Love and light...

As I lite a candle this year letting go of the old and welcoming in the new, I was reminded how quickly this year had past and a new one was quickly and silently escorted in. Funny how we can't stop the time, live in the past or in the future, we can just live in the now.

There have been adversities, trials, moments of pure joy and moments of unbearable sadness. I wouldn't want life to be any other way.

I continue by trusting, loving,  and living with the knowing that life is just that life...Good, bad, sad, happy, it is what real life is made of.  Don't run from adversity, learn, grown and share what God has brought you through, that is His plan for all of us I think, is to change a life, be it our own or someone elses. Be the love that someone needs to see, feel and embrace.

We can't grow if we are never challenged. I don't want to live my life in darkness, but rather the light, for the light leads the way to where your journey will be taking you. But to see the light we must be enlightened. Fear not for God is always with you. Whether by your side or the side of a loved one, His presence is forever. Let the light envelop you, your heart and the heart of others. Let it shine through you so that others will see and feel the beautiful essence of God.

I do not pray because I believe God will give me all I ask for, I pray because I am not alone, and from gratitude that I am still in life. I pray not for magic but for closeness, not for miracles but for love. Everyday is the season of love.

In his heart a man plans his course; but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Joy comes in the morning...

It has been a long couple of months with family and friend issues that seem to come with just living our every day lives. Some great joys and some great sadness.

You try to sift through it all and give what you can to God. But some things only seem to come in God's timing and rarely our own. We struggle with that as our patience wanes and we wait.

I have made mistakes with those I love and care for. I have prayed for forgiveness and know that God's grace will see me through to another early morning sunrise and another day of joy.

We all pray I think, for the simple things in life, at least I do. I pray for my health, the health of my family and for my children to have their needs met, my grandchildren to live long productive lives and know the peace of God and what He can do in their lives. I pray for those who struggle with illness, sadness, and those who are seeking peace that it will be found.

My personal conversations with God are like an on going prayer. I stay open, give God my worries, fears, and share my joys that He has afforded me. I am more secure emotionally,  financially, and spiritually than I have been in years. I am glad to have celebrated another birthday and reach the age of 66. I am humbled that my health continues to amaze me, that if affords me to be with family, grand babies, and friends.

So much living still to do, and I will live all my days with at least one moment of joy. I wish you the same.
There is joy when you can get up, take your first breath of the day, have shelter, a meal, and have at least one person love you. That is more than enough.

God is as near as our next breath. Let us build our lives on the rock that cannot be shaken...let us trust in God.. And let us receive the joy that comes in the morning.

God is enough!

Encourage one another daily, as long as it is Today...Hebrews 3:13 NIV

"What Color is God?"

Written by Renee Rojas...Illustrations by Ellen Silva

It is the season love and great storytelling. We can speak of the birth of Christ, the presence of God in our lives, and it is a great time to teach our little ones of the importance and relevance of God in one's life.

I would like to introduce and recommend a new children's book titled "What Color Is God?" This book was written by a writer friend of mine that I met several years ago. Her newly published book is a delight. It speaks simply to children and introduces God in a warm and gentle way. What better way is there than to speak to children as if God were doing the talking?

Please take a look at Renee's website at www.ReneeRojas.com and consider making a purchase for a loved one or make a donation to a hospital, church or charity.

Supporting one another is what we should all do. Be joyful for the successes of others and your own success will come to fruition.

Bless someone today with a kind word or a helping hand.

It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose...Philippians 2:13 NIV

Comfort...

The stillness of a solitary chair is what caught my eye in this photo. You can almost hear the silence.

The cool air brushes across my cheeks as I am making my way to my chair. I can feel the white snow crunch beneath my feet, the warmth of my fall colored scarf wrapped around my neck and smell the leather gloves keeping my hands warm. In the distance the smell of burning wood permeates the air. I am suddenly in the mood for a hot cup of tea and a sit down.

When was the last time you had a sit down with a friend? When was the last time your were invited into someones world to share a story or two? When was the last time you gave comfort to anyone?

Sometimes we take a seat to enjoy ones company, share a story, have a meal together, or swap words of wisdom, but most importantly I think, it is to be a listener or to give comfort.

Comfort is like a warm blanket that just bathes you in security, gives one strength and gives meaning to life.

Comfort comes in many forms: holding someones hand, having a shoulder to lean on, a word of encouragement, perhaps a meal for a tired mom or running a errand for a friend; but for me the true comfort comes in the form of silence. In silence we can hear what the heart says.

In my life I have sat in many chairs, listening to many stories. I have laughed with my grand children, cried with my family, a patient and comforted those who are in need of comfort. I have shared a glass of wine, a cup of coffee, a sweet dessert, but the best part of a sit down is sharing yourself and allowing others to share themselves with you. If we never take the time for a sit down or a chat how can we learn, grow and enjoy the being of another?

So if someone needs comfort and you don't know what to say; fix a cup of tea, extend a hand, give a hug or touch, and if none of these seem to work try being silent and lending an ear.

Silence is nothing more than being present;  Present in life, present to others, and most of all present to ourselves.

We live in a "Me first" world that is fast paced and competitive. However, God instructs us to do otherwise. In God's kingdom , those who proclaim, "Me first," are last. God loves a cheerful, selfless giver. If we seek greatness in God's eyes, we must look our neighbors squarely in the eye and say, "You first." When we do, we will follow in the footsteps of the humble and be rewarded beyond anything we can comprehend.

Giving comfort is one of God's blessings, seek out someone who needs your touch, your silence and your love.

Silence is magical in its simplicity.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 NIV

Invisible friend...

In this photo you have to search for His face, but He is there looking back at you, as if observing your walk through life. He is a constant friend and is always close by. You are never invisible to God.

Have you ever felt invisible to others and or to yourself? I feel that way on occasion. Throughout my life I have felt the need to be strong, don't complain, don't look needy or show others that which lies deep inside of you.  It is a silly thing I suppose to try and be strong all the time and never feel vulnerable, but the truth is we all have moments of weakness and face trials we could never imagine.

I always felt I had to be the anchor in every one's life, how ego driven is that? But I have days I need an anchor to help keep my emotions in check and my feet firmly planted. I don't always feel strong and in control and those are the times I turn to God the most.  He is my invisible but constant friend. I never have to worry if He is home, available, listening or if He will be judgemental?  He is there to listen and comfort without any great expectations in return. He only asks us to trust and love.

The next time you find your courage tested to the limit or you need a friend, lean upon God's promises.  When we are worried, anxious, or afraid, call upon Him. Remember that God rules both the mountaintops and valleys...with limitless wisdom and love, now and forever.

And remember prayer is nothing more than conversation with God.

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust...Psalm 18:2 KJV