Go Within or Do Without

Many people travel all over the world, yet go nowhere within themselves. Travel within, mentally and spiritually, and you will discover, within your depths, the goodness, fortune and happiness that you have been searching for. I remember, during many times in my life, that I felt as if I was at the highest point of happiness that I could ever achieve. Somehow, along the path, that same feeling has resurfaced several times but at different stages. The times in between these stages of life, I have experienced the "growing pains" of adulthood; each time reaching a feeling bigger and better than beyond. What I am proud to say the most is that I have learned that you don't need a Life Coach or Spiritual Advisor to get you to this destiny. You need to seek out the quiet times in your life because that is when you learn the most about who you really are. Go within or do without.

Taking Some Time

After taking some time to gather my thoughts after a long awaited short vacation, I am finally finding time to update. Our cabin in TN was gorgeous and it overlooked the hills along side of the mountain. I woke up around 6:30 am every morning to enjoy the sunrise along with the peace and quiet of nature that surrounded us. A momma robin had made her nest on the corner of the cabin and she watched us as much as we watched her for the five days that we were there. It was so amazing to me to see all of the things that are put on this earth for our enjoyment. We saw rabbits, two beavers, deer, wild turkey's, a skunk, and the highlight of the trip was the BEAR that we saw crossing the road in front of us! The most adventurous thing we attempted was tubing in the river and only advise that I can give anyone else desiring to do it is.......DON'T DO IT!! It is far from a leisurely stroll -- a brush with death is more of an accurate description!! That is all that I will say about that due to the lack of wanting to relive the moment.

Moving forward, my brother, Richard, has been battling cancer for the past several years and how it effects a family is so unfair. His recent PET scan has shown a 'hot spot' and we are anxiously awaiting the results of what our next steps will be next Friday. I have got to try to find a way to make peace with the situation of aging parents and a terminally ill sibling. The overwhelming feeling of not being able to catch a break causes me to feel a little pressed at times. Trying to juggle a healthy relationship, raising children and a career keeps me on my toes and brings me to the reality that life is not always how you would like it to be but you have to make the most of what is placed before you. If I look next door, it is pure evidence that there is always someone who is less fortunate than I am. I have been blessed.

Where does the strength come from?

Is it me....or is my "going on faith alone" being tested? The most unthinkable situation occurred yesterday and the only way to describe it is to say that it was like "ALMOST being struck by lightning." Around 6pm yesterday afternoon, the area in front of my house was swarmed by the fire department, EMS and several local police officers. The mother of a precious child came screaming from her house begging the emergency medical personnel to help her. The most tragic of all things had just occurred.......her 17 month old baby had drowned in their family pool. As I go through the thoughts of this story once again, the same feeling in the pit of my stomach occurs the very same way it did as when I first learned of what was happening. A small child drowning and a mother and father that have to live with the overwhelming grief for the rest of their lives? I just can't fathom it; not in a million years. Our test of faith happens every day; sometimes it is like a flashing neon sign and other times it is the very subtle obstacles that the Lord puts in front of us. However they are delivered to us, it is important that we hold true to the fact that there is a much bigger picture that we all fail to see. I don't know a lot of things and I, by far, don't have very many answers to the questions that my children ask me when they look up into my eyes. But, one solid answer will always remain and that is that my God is faithful and he will never fail to give us more than we can handle. He will protect Jake and Michelle through this trying time and when they cannot find comfort in each other; they will find comfort in the stillness of the uncomprehending love that the Lord has for them. Kiss your children tonight and tell them that you love them. They are a gift and a privilege from above. We should all be humbled.