Tag: Lessons

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Word by Word

“What a curious power words have.”

― Tadeusz Borowski

Growing up I don’t remember anyone in my family telling each other, I love you. Even after all these years, I am uncomfortable pushing those three words out.

Like so many times in my life, a teacher arrived when I was ready. Ann always said love ya as she left a gathering.  It was quick, casual, and had a note of sincerity to it.

My dearest friend, Ann, that stopped me in my tracks. At the time, I wasn’t even sure you liked me!

Okay, all my over-thinking friends, I know you can love someone and not like them This is one of those times I did not overthink. I chose to imitate her. I started saying love ya because it was comfortable for me. Each time I said those two words, the words flowed more freely.

Hold on a minute–I had just passed a lesson and here is another teacher entering my schoolhouse.

Last week, my friend, Sherry, posted a story about this topic. Her story was about her sister who believed without the “I” in the “love you” phrase, it does not count. Again, I had to stop and think. I was going to have to experiment.

Since reading this, I have placed an “I” in front of Love you.

Here is what I discovered:

  • Once again, I became uncomfortable. I realized there was a comfort curve–I am okay with that. It means it is an important lesson for me.
  • The addition of one powerful word, “I”, added weight to the statement.
  • Of all the phrases I use, I wanted this phrase to carry every single ounce of its power.

Word by word, lesson by lesson, I am growing.

Peace be with you, my friends.

I love you.

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Talking with God

I’ve been talking with God a lot these days.

It’s a good thing He is used to some of the language popping out of my head and mouth in moments of disbelief and frustration.

Here is a little bit of the conversation I had today:

Dear Lord, Please help me be still and listen–really listen–before I respond. Help me remember the power in silence.

Help me remember all my family members who sacrificed so much of their time to help my family. Help me to find a way to help others in that same spirit of true compassion.

Father, help me use the lessons I’ve been given and successfully learned to help others. There are many who are facing some of the same problems.

Please help me continue to learn and grow as I face what feels like overwhelming challenges daily. Help me stay strong and in connection with you.

In this crazy world, I believe in the power and forgiveness of you, my God. Please guide me to where I am needed and help me understand what I am here to do.

Thank you for listening, God. Thank you for never giving up on me and for always–always–loving me–unconditionally.

I am…

B…simply being.

~Peace~

Thank you, Debbie Long, for sharing your beautiful photo with me to use in today’s story. I treasure you and send you thanks and much love. xoxo

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Refueling

“Close friends are truly life’s treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. With gentle honesty, they are there to guide and support us, to share our laughter and our tears. Their presence reminds us that we are never really alone.” 

― Vincent van Gogh

Yesterday, I had a long conversation with one of my dearest friends.

Even though we’re a thousand miles apart, we talked just like we did when we lived across the street from each other. Our conversation took off like we’d just talked yesterday.

Our shared stories skipped back and forth between decades without the need for details. We’d seen each other through some of the highest and lowest parts of our personal and professional lives. We didn’t always agree with each other. This was a huge lesson for me because I wasn’t used to having someone disagree with me. I learned even though we did  not agree, we’re both good people and good friends.

That’s just one of the many lessons she taught me. I cannot imagine my life without her.

Thanks, MB, for spending happy hour–actually hours–with me. You refreshed my soul.

I love you.

“It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” 

― Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emerson in His Journals

I am…

B…simply being. 

~Peace~

Thanks, Deb Henderson, for letting me use your picture for today’s story. God bless you and your beautiful family. 

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Naps

“Here’s to the moments when you realize the simple things are wonderful and enough.” 

― Jill Badonsky, The Awe-manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder

One of the blessings of getting older is the ability to slow down and appreciate the small things.

Summer returned today which made working in the yard short lived.

As you can see, Abby had no problem showing me how to take a break this afternoon. Bud, Abby, and I headed inside to take a nap.

This little girl is sets a great example and is an excellent teacher.

Yes, my friends, I think she’s a keeper.

The Test

Oh, yes, I’ve reached those golden days

You so much about;

I don’t feel any older yet,

But will one day, no doubt.

The sky is still a lovely blue,

The rose is just as sweet.

Each day is like another chance

To make my life complete.

Sure, there’s hardship, sorrow and pain,

Who thougth there wouldn’t be? 

But now I know it’s just a test

To find the worth in me.

Betty Irean Loeb

I am…

B…simply being. 

~Peace~