Well done, like “ playing ping- pong” to describe how the two seasons go back and forth. One year while living in Washington, D. C., spring had cherry blossoms in full bloom, winter came and covered them with a blanket of snow!
I love the feeling of the bipolarism as the seasons change from one to the other. Delighted that you have found your writing "voice". I hope you continue to explore and enjoy expressing yourself this way!
Teresa, this is quite lovely piece!!! I love it. I would not want to live in a place where I could not experience all the seasons. There is something about each season that makes it special. In my piece I wrote about each season as I have experienced where I live in the woods. Snow can be a nuisance in winter, but it creates such a beautiful winter wonderland where I live. GOOD job!!!!
Teresa…Tis the season. Very well written…new seasons bring new opportunities in life…we must get on board and take advantage of the changes seasons bring.🙏
Graham, I have had a great deal of HOPE over the past six months of coming out of my comfort zone. So many amazing things have been discovered inside myself that probably always existed, but like you've previously shared were either not ready to be discovered or they were kept hidden because of fear and acceptance. This morning, I wrote the poem called "HOPE." This poem basically describes the current me, my authentic self in my personal relationship with God, and HIS promises that always give me the HOPE to move forward and Press On literally One Day at a Time. This poem describes who I am and the HOPE I wish to bring to other people through encouragement and exhortation.
Thank you Graham for challenging me. What has resulted from this challenge for me personally, words simply cannot express my gratitude. Thank you again so much! Hope you enjoy.
HOPE
Hope gives us confidence
That leads to trust and guidance.
Hope comes from from the Holy Spirit
To keep us happy and peaceful which is the greatest gift.
God's Word brings us hope.
It is the law of God that should be followed.
Hope is never lost
Because of our salvation, Jesus paid the total cost.
Hope gives us confidence of eternal life.
God's truth brings faith that never dies.
Hope in God will never lead us to despair.
It's unseen and HIS promises can be found everywhere.
AMEN to that! Hope springs eternal is one of the best quotes, but I didn't want to use that this morning. From that quote and thought came this poem. I don't know how God does it, but HE does. Who am I to argue! I surely won't do that. Take care and God bless my friend!
Anne on my phone I could not see the like/reply but wanted to tell you that I loved what you wrote as always. Hope is positive. And you are that person each time I hear you speak! 🙏🏻💜
Loved this, Anne. Hope certainly keeps us going. Without hope we have nothing. Certain circumstances in our lives require hope to keep us going. Anne you are becoming quite a writer!! I am enjoying reading you.
Beautiful job Anne. Your faith and how you lean into it is truly special. I love reading everything you share. I am so happy you discovered this amazing part of yourself. 🥰
So beautifully written Anne! You not only write beautifully, you write songs and sing. You continue to encourage others too. You are living proof of God’s greatness! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Jan! I appreciate these words of encouragement from you! God, this community, and my FAITH is what literally keeps me going. Take care and God bless my friend!
Thank you Patty! You are such a sweet and dear person. Even though we haven't met in person, I do feel you are truly a friend indeed. I appreciate you and your kind words so much. This all literally comes from my heart and what God lays on it. This was literally written this morning after my quiet alone time with HIM. We all need HOPE and that's what I wish for all of us. Take care and God bless you!
Well said Anne I love it, Hope is never losing it. God is our everlasting hope with out him our hopes and dreams are just that. You surly inspire me every time you write. Hoping I will be able to write like you one day. Gods blessings to you and always Anne.
When we first start sharing our writing, we have a tendency to want to explain the story behind the piece we have written. Over time you begin to feel more comfortable with letting the interpretation be with the reader. There is satisfaction in letting the writing speak individually and become what others feel when they read. That said, here is my contribution for Week 4. It will be what it will be.
The Journey
Eyes open but not seeing, hands touching but not feeling.
Shell is present but spirit is long gone.
Questioning choices and restless for space.
False warmth from a form left behind;
the heart has already vacated, seeking, longing
to beat for something that matters, that moves you.
A solitary journey has begun to find peace and healing.
I want to go with you.
I want you to want me to go with you.
I want to know if you go that you’ll come back.
And more than that, I want to know if you come back
that you’ll want me to understand why you needed to go.
Cathy you are a very special person!! We all have memories of things that has been in our life. We want everything to turn out good. We trust in our lord to help us. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Cathey…I know there is a message here … often a journey will open your eyes and heart. I know I’ve have such experiences. Great work and skill with words.🙏
You blow me away Cathey. I love all that I have read that you have written for many different reasons. Your heart is there in every word and I feel that intensely. It touches me. Thank you 🙏🏻
I mean EVERY word Cathey. Writing is a joy and sometimes about difficult subject matter. Conveying those many feelings in a way which resonates is talent. You.
The inspiration for this poem came to me when I was looking through old photo albums trying to find a photo of my first car to show my grandson. I spent a couple of hours flipping the pages of albums enjoying the feeling of love, laughter and joy of life the photos shared with me. Oh, didn’t find my first car photo, but the memories were wonderful.
I can lose days looking through pictures, Linda. This poem I can totally relate to! Memory lane is a fun place to visit and refresh those old memories...just as long as we emerge out of there and let it go until another time. Love this!
Periodically I go look through the old albums, gives me a grounding and appreciate for my life. Helps to find my center again, plus all the happy memories! Thanks for encouraging words.
I also was touched by your writing and now want to find some time to remember my own sweet memories of special times with my special people! Thanks, Linda!
Linda you certainly did such a good job with this, I love it. Looking through old photo albums definitely brings back so many good memories. You described it well. Good times create so many good memories and photos help to keep those memories intact!!!!
Thanks Kathleen, it was a process with initial thoughts, then refining it, rewarding during the whole process. Gives me a warm feeling of love and family when I reread it.
Thanks, Danny. Flipping through the pages of an album warms my heart with memories, and if my grandchildren are around it’s fun to share the stories associated with pictures.
I very much enjoyed this poem Linda because it is well written and expressive of your forever feelings. Also it talks to how I feel when I do the same - sitting with old photos is a lost art and pastime that needs to be re-erected! 🙏🏻💜
I love your poem linda, there’s nothing like holding a photo album they are moments of of our lives frozen in time. They bring joy, smiles, laughter & sadness. Photos also help hold our lost loved ones close to us. Thanks you for you poem this spoke to me. Photos are a treasure that has no price.💖
This is great. Perusing old photo albums is almost a lost art with photos now digitalized and we have online "albums". That feeling is not the same as turning pages one by one. Well done, Linda!
Thanks Cathey, it was fun working on this one after spending time going through old albums, recalling such fun times, running my fingers over different photos, so heart warming.
Linda makes me want to flip thru all the photos from my past. Remembering those pictures of trips 4th of July pictures between neighbors. Loving our growing up years so fun. Thanks for the reminder of how fun my child hood days were.
I have been inspired to share my feelings of Hope this August. I am a story teller by nature, but have enjoyed the challenge of putting them into poems.
Emphasizes too the reality if the importance of play for young and old alike.
Thank you for sharing.
Being a parents is such a beautiful amazing gift, being a grandparent!! Well is off the charts and if we can't have our own we can to our neighbours or friends. After all who never wants a loving fun grandparent?
Jan, you have inspired me to be more fun.
This ties in with the journey Graham has embarked us on. So when reading poetry or stories so wonderfully written it helps release my soul, my past fears, doubts or inhibitions. Thank you
Love it Jan my granddaughter Juniper would be loving the brown grizzly tree. She loves things that move. I’ll be watching juniper in September can’t wait to see her smiling face. Thanks for sharing such a cute poem.
It was fun, Bonnie! When they were little, I had a costume closet for them. They loved getting dressed up in different outfits. They are older now and I miss that part.
The creative “CAGE” metaphor has inspired me to write about one of my passions in life which is painting and how it makes me feel when I’m painting. I know this doesn’t look much like a poem but I thought I will post it anyway as I like to complete every challenge that I commit to !!
"Week 4 – Challenge Accepted"
-PAINTING
Painting is a gift I give to myself
I paint to create
It gives me a great feeling , deep in my soul.
My way to to express and to relieve my stress.
It doesn’t matter what you paint ,
You’re in it ,making every detail count.
A painting requires a little mystery and some fantasy .
Painting just hypnotizes you and relaxes your mind.
There is something magical about a canvas
The brush strokes are done flawlessly
Makes you paint a beautiful picture .
You see beauty in everything
Pick a colour or two that represents your feelings
My colours of choice are blue and purple .
Painting has the power to silence the chatter in the mind and lift us to another place ,
Thanks Lucy, you should try it if they do painting classes in your area. I love it especially when we get together with my friends and paint. It is the best way to relax after a hard day at the hospital.
I have participated six times this last couple years as they have painting classes and yes it’s fun except I wear most of the paint lol. Let me find my last finish painting except my grandaughter did 70 percent of it
I feel that Irene deeply when I paint. Those are some of the feelings I would express as well. A piece of me with each stroke puts some pinch of love on the canvas. I’ve been painting since a teen and it has provided me with an outlet belonged only to me! Self-care!
We can still write one about photography in private like we did for our Spring poems ? I still haven't posted that one and I don't think I will ever do so though lol
Thanks Kathleen , I wouldn't call myself a painter ,I do it as a hobby and still have lots to learn . If you want to see some of the paintings I have done ,check my Instagram profile as I have shared some of the paintings there .
Irene. This reminds me of my younger brother, he was an artist. He done a lot of painting. He always said he felt good. And peaceful !! Love this. Sending you prayers and my Love Blessings
Your paints show your love for painting. I love to do pottery, but my real passion is the cuisine. But, yesterday my inspiration tooks me to another place.
You are welcome, we started the challenge together it was lovely to finish it together. You poem was amazing I can visualise you standing at your canvas. 💖🙏🇦🇺
Graham, reading your piece in Find Your Truth, Inspired me to write the following. I recognized the boy by the heater and wanted to tell the other side of the story. I hope that former students will know that most teachers understand their adolescent pain, but are hard pressed to find ways to help. We can only try to understand.
Twenty four faces I don’t know
The boy by the heater,
Not asleep, yet not awake,
Keeping secrets, dark and deep
The girl in the corner with vacant eyes
What secrets must she keep inside?
I want the to know
This is one chapter in their book
Another, waiting to be written
There is no ticket needed to be a rider on this storm
I can relate to this poem, during my years of teaching many students came into my classroom carrying things a young child should not have to carry. For some students school was a safe haven, place to be fed both physically and emotionally….the only place to get a hug or smile.
Barbara. Thanks for sharing this I felt like I was there seeing your class room. My granddaughter tells these little stories about her students. That’s what it reminds me of. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
I am also a teacher Barbara and it breaks my heart to really look into the eyes of some students and see the pain they carry there. They have experienced some things no child should ever experience. We are their safe place.
Leigh, I am retired but am wondering where you teach? I feel really frightened when I think of hoe unsafe our schools are here in the US. Not only because of the shootings, but because we don’t have enough support staff. So many of my former students needed so much more than I could give them. My colleagues and I worked so hard to give them a voice. Too often administrators never wanted to hear what we were asking for on their behalf or so many parents refused to see. My daughter is now a teacher and things seem to have only gotten worse. I would be so joyful if you could tell me things are different for you and your students.
I teach in a small town in Texas. We have greatly upgraded our security since the last school shooting. We are very fortunate that we have plenty of great support staff.
ALL IS NOT LOST when our time on this earth is done , money or material things will not
matter , But the love, time, and kindness we have given others will shine and live forever !!
if I can help anyone to get on the right track , then I would feel I have done my part in life.
Believe in yourself , Believe3 in your capacity to do good and great things , Believe that no mountain is *so high that you cannot climb it Believe that no storm is so great that you cannot weather it .
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF The Trumpet will sound and then in a twinkling of an eye all will change
When I lost my Best Friend
the moment that you left me My heart split in two one side filled with memories
the other side died with you . I often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep
I take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek. Remembering you is easy
I do it everyday But missing you is a heartache that never goes away
I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain as my life
That was so beautiful and so easy to relate to. I lost my daughter and my husband and that is exactly how I feel. Thank you for putting it into words so eloquently.
Karen. I am so sorry for your loss. I know your heart is hurting. But you have lost so much!! We are going through a lot of heartache I do thank God for putting this community in my path. Everyone is so good to each other. Means the world when you know they understand and I appreciate each and everyone of them. Thanks so much for your response. Sending you prayers and my Love Blessings
Oh Patty. The memories will live with you forever. I know how you feel. When my sister first passed I would have dreams of her. The first dream, I was working or washing tables some where. I saw a girl walking downstairs, I didn’t think anything of it . I went back to washing tables, when I turned around I just hugged her really tight. She told me she could only stay a min. I said to her is this a dream she smiled and then she was gone. I had a few more dreams of my sister it was like she knew I needed to say good bye. I felt guilty because they wouldn’t let us stay with her at the hospital. I said to after she was gone that it should of been me that died not her I was ready. Though God had other plans. Memories are now just that. I loved my sister so much. I’m glad I have those memories to look back on. Now you do to. It’s hard I know, and it will get easier just not for awhile. God will help you thru your loss. So will the people here in this community. God Bless Patty.
Shari. I am so sorry about your loss that’s so hard to bear. But God will help us. I know I am so thankful for this community!! I have never met a more beautiful group of friends. They are so supportive. I just love everyone. Thanks so much for being a great friend. I appreciate everyone so much. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Shari. I just wanted to say that Was a blessing from God for you to have the dreams. I do believe she knew you needed to see her and talk for a minute. God is so good to us. He knows what we need.
Oh my Patty…this is so beautifully written. I can feel your hurt but I mostly feel the love in your heart that you have for your friend. Thankful that you shared such a personal time in your life with this community.🙏
Thanks Danny so much it means a lot to me for everyone’s response. I appreciate this community everyone shows so much love to each other. Thanks for your comment. Sending you my prayers and Love. Blessings
Patty, I loved your poem. Losses are very hard. I lost my husband and to this day I miss him so much. But the good memories are very present and I see it in my children and grandchildren. So life goes on. Be alright. God bless you. Cheers.
Matilda. You are so kind. Thanks for reading my comment. Sorry for your loss Yes I know God is with us life goes on. Have our memories. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Happy Tuesday Graham and to everyone here in our community, I have step out of my comfort zone and shared my journey. I am not a writer I am learning slowly with others . Here is my week # 4 challenge poem.
GRATITUDE
A life of thankfulness
Of gratitude in your breath
Can carry you
Through life’s storms
No matter what the test.
When you hear the voice
Overflowing from the depths
Of your being,
And feel the love
For all things surrounding-
Your heart will not fail you
When your mind says
It’s too hard.
Build your foundation
On solid stone ,
And know your never alone
As the sun rises
And warms your soul.
Breathe in the thankfulness
Of all life before you.
“Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for entering into earth’s time and space so I could inhabit Your lavish grace. Help me to remember daily what Your gift of grace truly cost. You gave Your life so I could live. As I move through each day , I pray that a heart of thankfulness will envelop my thoughts and words and deeds. I want my home and my heart to overflow with a deep and sincere gratitude for who You are and all You’ve done.
Lucy, I love this, it is a job well done. I love how gratitude makes you feel. I know that you are a person who is so grateful for God in your life. God has surely taken good care of you. Always there for you. I enjoy your writing.
Lucy you are so strong. I wish I could be as strong as you. All the trials you have been thru and coming up with Grace. Thank you chi or sharing your poem.
Lucy !! You are a beautiful blessed person!! You love and have a good heart you are so Thankful for all God has blessed too with. I love this. Thanks for sharing this with us. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Well week 4 can you believe it! I am still uncomfortable doing this but seeing this is the last week I will finish it off. I was not going to post, but I was always taught if you start something you should finish it.
Meditation
As I get myself comfortable to start my meditation, I place a blanket over my knees as I get cold and I really want to enjoy this experience.
The meditation starts, eyes closed, deep breath in through the nose and exhale slowly though an open mouth to release all that built up stress.
As I settle in I can feel my breathing slowing down as my body completely relaxes, my mind is clear and open as I listen to the beautiful melodious voice that has me so relaxed and I can literally feel the built up tensions that I have in my shoulders leaving my body.
I have surrendered to this experience as I want to enjoy every single moment, so I cannot believe that the hour has gone by so quickly.
I am so at ease and so relaxed that I do not hurry to get up, I embrace the moment and slowly open my eyes. I am feeling at peace and rejoice in the moment taken for me.
So you were brave after all and posted what you wrote. I don’t feel confident yet to post mine, I’m hopeless but Good for you Bev ! I’m proud of you!♥️
You are not hopeless, Irene. You have done so well during an extremely difficult time in your life. Whether you do a post today of not, I am so proud of you & know this has been out of your comfort zone.
Yes it is I feel asleep after she finished lol very calming and soothing for me as I get up bright early and see my clients and I don’t get home until late afternoon.
Congratulations! You made me feel what you were saying there within your words. Great description of a good meditation and some of its benefits. I could read this again and again as a guide.
Bev. Thanks for sharing this. I felt like I was going with you on this meditation. Yes Bev your writing is beautiful. !! I am having a hard time with this sometimes my words don’t come out like They should. But I am trying. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Loved this!!   and can totally relate. Love my meditations, and I’m trying very hard to book end them! Thanks Bev for writing what I feel in my meditations too. Blessings!
Week 4: I nearly wasn't going to submit this poem, as I wasn't too sure about it. Very simple. But in the end, I decided to as it tugged at me. So here it is.
GRACE
A gentle breeze blows, as I sit upon the beach
Listening, watching, no need for speech.
Waves lap the shore, they ebb & flow
Dipping my feet in, time goes slow.
I think of treasured memories, on the sand so soft
Christine I love this. Being that I grew up on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia I can so relate to this happy and peaceful place. I love that part of your poem about your Dad. Definitely a beautiful memory of him. Thanks for sharing this.🙏
I think about my dad a lot & feel him with me whenever I take photos or explore. So many happy memories. Silvina, I'm glad you can feel your dad with you. 💕🙏
This is excellent because I’ve not really thought about my writing process too much aside from using it to work through my things in a way that I can be apart from them.
I just get the itch to write and do it. Thinking through it though, your metaphor of a cave is quite accurate. I feel discontent if I don’t emerge from the cave with something positive. Do you feel that way Graham?
This was something I had written(and edited a dozen times)and decided not to share, but this seemed like a good place for it.
Aimee. This is so beautiful and we all have these feelings. About ourselves. But God made us and we all have perfect hearts to love. Thanks for sharing this. Sending you prayers and my love. Friend. Blessings
Aimee…so glad you had the courage to share this. Yes God can help you deal with hurtful situations and provide you a path for comfort in the end. Good job.🙏
Hey, Aimee ~ I'm not sure this is about a man doing you dirty, but I feel that -- a guy who tried to diminish a woman because HE was inadequate. Nicely written! xoxo
It’s the opposite of an ode to my ex husband. Which I discovered by the way that there is apparently no word for. Lament is close, but is more for grief and sorrow and not anger. And yes he was certainly inadequate lol Thank you ☺️
His trip was a daily thing and his words became confused.
The conversations he was having were with people from his past .
The days were shaking him with every step he took and life was taking him away. Nothing he said would ever stay.
His life was ending and his mind was going too. Often he didn’t know where to go or what to do.
He still knew his name when others came to call.
His name was Cliff, and where he was going it was a wall.
Our walks were quiet now, me he no longer knew at all.
I would just hold his warm hand making sure he did not fall.
He remains in my memory so it’s only good ones that I can recall.
The combination of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s together is a devastating thing for many. This was my experience watching my father go where I could not help him.
Lucinda, I know first hand what it's like to lose someone to Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Your expression is so honest and real. I'm especially touched by the phrase " I would just hold his warm hand making sure he didn't fall." It 's so hard feeling like you can't help, and yet, the touch of your hand seems like such a beautiful gift. Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful Lucinda, I feel you this is one of the hardest diseases., but all we can do is be there and show our love and cherish our memories together 🙏♥️
I love the journey in this writing. You clearly walked it with your dad. I love that even though he didn't remember you, you held his hand and it gave him comfort. Beautiful, Lucinda!
Losing a parent is always difficult, Lucinda, but watching him waste away must have been extra tough. This is very powerful and beautiful at the same time.
Lucinda. I can relate to you. I went through this with my dad it’s so heart breaking not being able to help but us just holding their hands They knew we was there. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
I love this Jan and yes God is always there , I can tell you that myself my husband and son begging my medical team to bring me back to life. And God did as he gifted me life twice .🙏❤️
Jan. Yes we are here for you!! You are very dear to our hearts. God never did leave you. He is our best friend. Sending you prayers my Love. And. Blessings
Oh my you actually said from my experience seeing the light , it got dark and I travel thru tunnels then the bright lights . I can go on and on but it will be a book . This is well written Sue.❤️🙏
Sue. This was a special feeling!! God. Was not ready for you to go. He has more work on this earth for you! You are a special person. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Happy Tuesday Graham!! Two of my three writings very emotional for me. Need to go lighter today. So take a walk with me as I try to describe the almost heaven I live in.
My Life in the Forest
Raised a city girl
When I married my HS sweetheart
Built a home in the deep country Very secluded
My life is changing truly scares me to death.
Fears unfounded adapted well
A daily dose of God's creations
Each season offers its own beauty
Winter fresh fallen snow
Creates a Winter wonderland
Tree branches sparkle with the white snow
Soaring pine trees provide pine cones for decorating
Whitetail deer visit us daily a beautiful sight
Spring brings nature to life
Trees flourishing with new leaves
Grass turning bright green again
Mallard ducks coming to the ponds
Wild turkeys prancing through the yard
Summer awakens many colors
Wildflowers and berries coming alive
Magnolia trees share their sweet fragrance
Wild dogwoods sprouting their white flowers
So many species of birds, Orioles, Chickadees, Woodpeckers and Bluebirds
Each sing their own song come to nest and lay eggs
The Hummingbirds so tiny yet so Majestic
Fall is my favorite leaves begin to fall exploding with color
Creating a ground blanket shades of Gold,Red,Orange
As I take my walk in the woods privy to God's masterpieces
Many sounds fill the air leaves rustling in the wind
It is very delightful out here there's a lot of nice things to see in here it has been quite a learning experience for me over the years because as I said in my piece I was a city girl for many many years walked everywhere we had to go and coming out here was a big Challenge and I was very afraid but I got over it and here we are all these years later
Kathleen your writing took me back when we first got married we lived in the country in a little farm house I definitely was a city girl my husband was a farm and animal person. We lived there for 5 yrs, and the stories OMG are endless. I enjoyed your post it personally took me back to some awesome and best memories of my marriage
Thank you Linda it is a very peaceful life and as I spoke in my peace I was really scared I was so used to living in the city and we were so deep in the country buses didn't come out here it's a 20 minute drive to go to town to get anything but now that I've done it for all these years I wouldn't want to have done it any other way
Linda the buses that I was referring to where the school buses they didn't come out this far and it was like a mile or more to the nearest bus stop so fortunately my husband taught at the same school where my children were going so they went to school with him everyday
It certainly is Jan, and I love it here now. But it was a real challenge for me in the very beginning, being a city girl all my life prior to. THANKS!!!!!
Leigh thank you so very much I appreciate it. It is a lovely place to be living and as I mentioned in my piece for me at the beginning it was very scary because I lived in the city all my life prior to getting married.
4th challenge 3rd Poem. I am not a writer but this has been good for me to step out of my comfort zone.
Seasons
Clouds skimming
Icy wind blowing
Sun shining
Trees full of blossom
Two seasons merging
Winter hesitant to depart
Spring waiting to arrive
Will they keep playing ping pong
Till winter gives up and retires
And spring comes into her own
Only He who controls the weather
Can answer this riddle for me
I just have to be patient
To see what that will be.
Well done, like “ playing ping- pong” to describe how the two seasons go back and forth. One year while living in Washington, D. C., spring had cherry blossoms in full bloom, winter came and covered them with a blanket of snow!
I love the feeling of the bipolarism as the seasons change from one to the other. Delighted that you have found your writing "voice". I hope you continue to explore and enjoy expressing yourself this way!
You've done so well, Teresa. I'm so proud of you. Love this one as I am living through this at the moment. 😊💕
Teresa, this is quite lovely piece!!! I love it. I would not want to live in a place where I could not experience all the seasons. There is something about each season that makes it special. In my piece I wrote about each season as I have experienced where I live in the woods. Snow can be a nuisance in winter, but it creates such a beautiful winter wonderland where I live. GOOD job!!!!
Teresa…Tis the season. Very well written…new seasons bring new opportunities in life…we must get on board and take advantage of the changes seasons bring.🙏
Well done Teresa. I really enjoy the imagery.
Beautiful and so playfully and aptly described, Teresa. Thankful and blessed to live where we do have seasons.
Thats awesome Teresa.
Teresa. This is beautiful !! Thanks so much for sharing this I love the season changes. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
So beautiful, Teresa! Well done!✨
Great Job Teresa. 👏
awesome.
So good! ❤️
Great job again Teresa ♥️
Thank you.
Graham, I have had a great deal of HOPE over the past six months of coming out of my comfort zone. So many amazing things have been discovered inside myself that probably always existed, but like you've previously shared were either not ready to be discovered or they were kept hidden because of fear and acceptance. This morning, I wrote the poem called "HOPE." This poem basically describes the current me, my authentic self in my personal relationship with God, and HIS promises that always give me the HOPE to move forward and Press On literally One Day at a Time. This poem describes who I am and the HOPE I wish to bring to other people through encouragement and exhortation.
Thank you Graham for challenging me. What has resulted from this challenge for me personally, words simply cannot express my gratitude. Thank you again so much! Hope you enjoy.
HOPE
Hope gives us confidence
That leads to trust and guidance.
Hope comes from from the Holy Spirit
To keep us happy and peaceful which is the greatest gift.
God's Word brings us hope.
It is the law of God that should be followed.
Hope is never lost
Because of our salvation, Jesus paid the total cost.
Hope gives us confidence of eternal life.
God's truth brings faith that never dies.
Hope in God will never lead us to despair.
It's unseen and HIS promises can be found everywhere.
Helping Other People Everyday
Hold On Peace Exists
Hold Onto Prayer Everyday
He Offers Peace Eternally
Another great one, Anne. I truly don't know how people do life without the Hope of the Lord, especially in today's crazy world.
AMEN to that! Hope springs eternal is one of the best quotes, but I didn't want to use that this morning. From that quote and thought came this poem. I don't know how God does it, but HE does. Who am I to argue! I surely won't do that. Take care and God bless my friend!
Anne on my phone I could not see the like/reply but wanted to tell you that I loved what you wrote as always. Hope is positive. And you are that person each time I hear you speak! 🙏🏻💜
Thanks Sherry! Hope is definitely positive. I try to remain positive but I have my days but far fewer than I used to.
Yes. It’s the human condition to have “those” days. Just keep you smile as you do each time I see your happy face!
Beautiful Anne! The idea of Hope is inspiring and what give us life! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Tricia! This topic was on my mind for a couple of days and then this came together in about 45 minutes before work! God’s on the move!
Yes it is Jane! Amen to that! Thank you and God bless!
Beautiful Anne thank you, hope❤️
Thank you!
You can tell from your writings, you not only believe it but live what you write about. Another precious piece. Thank you for sharing Anne.
Thanks Debbie! I definitely try to. This came to me this morning right after that daily quiet alone time with HIM!
Loved this, Anne. Hope certainly keeps us going. Without hope we have nothing. Certain circumstances in our lives require hope to keep us going. Anne you are becoming quite a writer!! I am enjoying reading you.
Thanks Kathleen! I'm trying. I appreciate it. Love the quote Hope springs Eternal, and this all came from those three words. Take care and God bless!
Anne…yes He gives us HOPE. Today HOPE has to be the cornerstone of living today in what I see is a broken world.🙏
Yes HE does Danny. Amen to that!
Beautiful job Anne. Your faith and how you lean into it is truly special. I love reading everything you share. I am so happy you discovered this amazing part of yourself. 🥰
Thanks Leigh! Never saw myself doing any of this, but I’ve learned God knows best and he will guide you and provide everything needed!
Thank you, Anne! It is so important to keep on hoping...🙏✨
Yes it is Bie. This was inspired from the quote Hope springs eternal. Take care!
Faith does give us hope, prayerful writing. Blessings to you!
Thanks Linda! God bless you also!
God is our hope and our strength. Thanks Anne ❤
Yes he is! Take care and God bless!
A great testimony of your faith, Anne! 💕
Thanks Cathey! That means an awful lot! I do try! 🙏❤️
Beautifully written Anne. ❤️
Thank you Anna! God laid that on my heart this morning. Take care and God bless!
I hope you are well and that was a great poem
Thanks Bonnie! Everything is great! Take care care and God bless!
So beautifully written Anne! You not only write beautifully, you write songs and sing. You continue to encourage others too. You are living proof of God’s greatness! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Jan! I appreciate these words of encouragement from you! God, this community, and my FAITH is what literally keeps me going. Take care and God bless my friend!
ANNE this is so beautiful !! like I said before I Look forward to reading your words
you are so great with your writing . you are a special person Thanks for sharing this
with us . Anne this community loves you I AM honored to call you my friend sending
you my LOVE and BLESSINGS
Thank you Patty! You are such a sweet and dear person. Even though we haven't met in person, I do feel you are truly a friend indeed. I appreciate you and your kind words so much. This all literally comes from my heart and what God lays on it. This was literally written this morning after my quiet alone time with HIM. We all need HOPE and that's what I wish for all of us. Take care and God bless you!
You are so welcome! You truly are a blessed beautiful person. You have God in your heart!! Would love to meet you.
Patty Maby some day God will make it possible for us to meet I would love that
Same here Patty!
Beautiful Anne 💜
Thanks Irene! Hope has been on my mind the last few days!
Well said Anne I love it, Hope is never losing it. God is our everlasting hope with out him our hopes and dreams are just that. You surly inspire me every time you write. Hoping I will be able to write like you one day. Gods blessings to you and always Anne.
Thanks Shari. God laid that on my heart this morning, so I just needed to share with everyone! Take care and God bless you my friend!
Beautifully written once again Anne ♥️
Thank you Irene! Literally came to me this morning after my time of meditation and devotion!
When we first start sharing our writing, we have a tendency to want to explain the story behind the piece we have written. Over time you begin to feel more comfortable with letting the interpretation be with the reader. There is satisfaction in letting the writing speak individually and become what others feel when they read. That said, here is my contribution for Week 4. It will be what it will be.
The Journey
Eyes open but not seeing, hands touching but not feeling.
Shell is present but spirit is long gone.
Questioning choices and restless for space.
False warmth from a form left behind;
the heart has already vacated, seeking, longing
to beat for something that matters, that moves you.
A solitary journey has begun to find peace and healing.
I want to go with you.
I want you to want me to go with you.
I want to know if you go that you’ll come back.
And more than that, I want to know if you come back
that you’ll want me to understand why you needed to go.
Holding on and letting go are not exclusive.
Trust is the power to do both.
Cathey my friend, this is so different from your other writings but very beautuful in its own way. Glad you followed your heart and shared it.
Thank you. It tells a story that I'll be happy to share a bit about after the challenge is over. For now, I'll leave you guessing. 😉
Ok. am happy to wait.
Cathy you are a very special person!! We all have memories of things that has been in our life. We want everything to turn out good. We trust in our lord to help us. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Thank you, Patty. 💕
Cathey…I know there is a message here … often a journey will open your eyes and heart. I know I’ve have such experiences. Great work and skill with words.🙏
Thank you, Danny! I'm grateful it resonated with you. Sometimes we have to go on journeys to find our true calling.
You found yours for sure
Yes, I think so. But maybe there's even more to come. I want to stay open to that.
Powerful poem Cathey. So much can be taken from this. Thank you for sharing and letting it touch each of us. You are a gifted writer.
Thank you, Leigh! 💕🙏
Very moving! Very powerful! Thank you for continuing to share your gift, Cathey.
Thank you, Joan! It means a lot to me that you were moved. 🙏
Beautiful, Cathey✨
Beautiful Cathey. ❤️
Love this Cathey! Powerful! Also I agree with what you said before about letting the reader interpret. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Tricia! 💕
Wow, this poem is wonderful, thank you Cathey. ❤
You blow me away Cathey. I love all that I have read that you have written for many different reasons. Your heart is there in every word and I feel that intensely. It touches me. Thank you 🙏🏻
Wow. Thank you, Sherry, for your beautiful endorsement. It truly means the world to me. 💕🙏
I mean EVERY word Cathey. Writing is a joy and sometimes about difficult subject matter. Conveying those many feelings in a way which resonates is talent. You.
Well, I'm quite speechless now.
There's a lot of story in this poem. Lots of feelings too. It is a powerful work. May God bless you for the writing of this story and sharing it. XXX
Thank you, Marsha. There is a story to be sure. I'm glad you enjoyed exploring it. 💕
You're so good with your writing, Cathey. You have a gift. 💕
You are always so supportive and kind. You are a great writer in your own rite.
Cathey, this is beautiful!!! I so enjoy reading you. Thanks for sharing here!!
Thanks so much, Kathleen! 💕
Love this Cathey 🥰
Cathey you made me cry, I love this. Everything you just said I felt. With losing someone and wondering if they’ll come back. Powerful words Cathey.
Thank you, Shari! Sorry about the tears....💕
You are such a blessed resource. Thank you.
The inspiration for this poem came to me when I was looking through old photo albums trying to find a photo of my first car to show my grandson. I spent a couple of hours flipping the pages of albums enjoying the feeling of love, laughter and joy of life the photos shared with me. Oh, didn’t find my first car photo, but the memories were wonderful.
Photo Albums: Story of Life
Black and white of days gone by.
Family members since passed
Photo memories of time together
All parts of who I am.
Memories of carefree days
Birthdays, holidays, weddings
Picnic, parades, family reunions
Reminders of special times.
Baby pictures, school photos
Colorful high school memories
Friends, proms, graduations
Taken along life’s pathways
Childhood home no longer there
Scenic vistas from unknown places
Roads leading to who knows
All memories wanting to share
Treasured snapshots of life’s story
Carefully assembled in a book
Waiting for pages to be flipped
As someone sits to reminisce.
I can lose days looking through pictures, Linda. This poem I can totally relate to! Memory lane is a fun place to visit and refresh those old memories...just as long as we emerge out of there and let it go until another time. Love this!
Periodically I go look through the old albums, gives me a grounding and appreciate for my life. Helps to find my center again, plus all the happy memories! Thanks for encouraging words.
I also was touched by your writing and now want to find some time to remember my own sweet memories of special times with my special people! Thanks, Linda!
Am happy my writing touched you, hope you find the time to take a trip down memory lane with your special people.
Beautiful writing Linda.
You did it again Linda,great piece of writing. I also love looking at old photographs 💜
Thanks, Irene for your encouraging words.
Linda you certainly did such a good job with this, I love it. Looking through old photo albums definitely brings back so many good memories. You described it well. Good times create so many good memories and photos help to keep those memories intact!!!!
Thanks Kathleen, it was a process with initial thoughts, then refining it, rewarding during the whole process. Gives me a warm feeling of love and family when I reread it.
Linda…perfect description of photo albums loaded with beautiful memories. I like this.🙏
Thanks, Danny. Flipping through the pages of an album warms my heart with memories, and if my grandchildren are around it’s fun to share the stories associated with pictures.
I love to look at old pictures Linda. There are so many memories stored up in them, the snapshots of life.
Little trips down memory lane…
I love this one, Linda! Thank you!✨
Thanks, Bie, photo albums are trips down memory lanes…with stories attached.
I very much enjoyed this poem Linda because it is well written and expressive of your forever feelings. Also it talks to how I feel when I do the same - sitting with old photos is a lost art and pastime that needs to be re-erected! 🙏🏻💜
Thank you , Sherry for kind words. Creating photo albums is also becoming a lost art, my kids and grandkids enjoy looking at my old photo albums!
Mine too !! (wasn’t sure the other response posted. This app is very unstable today. 🙏🏻💜
Great writing Linda. 👏
Thank you, Christine. It has been a step out of my comfort zone to share my writing.
I love looking at photos of times gone by. It keeps me remembering so many beautiful times!❤️ Thank you for sharing Linda😊
Looking through the albums are short trips down memory lane, recalling stories of times passed.
I love your poem linda, there’s nothing like holding a photo album they are moments of of our lives frozen in time. They bring joy, smiles, laughter & sadness. Photos also help hold our lost loved ones close to us. Thanks you for you poem this spoke to me. Photos are a treasure that has no price.💖
Thanks, Lisa. When I was looking through albums it was like a trip back in time.
I know the feeling! Thanks for rekindling it for me this morning, Linda. xoxo
Good to you enjoyed my writing and it brought positive feelings for you. Photo albums are becoming a lost keepsake.
Linda this is beautiful it really makes us all want to get out our photo
albums !! It brings us back to let us know how short life is I think
was I EVER that young ?? wow how beautiful this is thanks for
sharing this with us sending you prayers my Love BLESSING
Had a few of those “ look how young and thin” moments flipping the pages. Also reminders of family history. Thank you for kind words.
This is great. Perusing old photo albums is almost a lost art with photos now digitalized and we have online "albums". That feeling is not the same as turning pages one by one. Well done, Linda!
Thanks Cathey, it was fun working on this one after spending time going through old albums, recalling such fun times, running my fingers over different photos, so heart warming.
Linda makes me want to flip thru all the photos from my past. Remembering those pictures of trips 4th of July pictures between neighbors. Loving our growing up years so fun. Thanks for the reminder of how fun my child hood days were.
Isn’t it fun to take those occasional trips back in time and experiencing those times again in our heart?
I have been inspired to share my feelings of Hope this August. I am a story teller by nature, but have enjoyed the challenge of putting them into poems.
Best gig ever
Grandma
Staging “The Bear Hunt”
On a front yard set
Two little characters
Happily, costumed in
Oversized cowboy boots
And white straw hats
Suddenly, starring up at the
Grizzly brown tree
With its arms branching out
And its claws ready to grip
ACTION
(Scene is alive with squeals of excitement)
HANNAH (swinging on her tire horse):
Get the gun, Gabby! Get the gun!
GABBY (grabbing the lime green pool noodle):
I’ve got it, Hannah! I GOT him!
(The grizzly brown tree sways in the breeze)
Applause erupting
From the front porch
Grandpa
Best gig ever
Love the happy playful feeling. Being grandparents is the best gig ever!
Thanks, Linda! That's what I was hoping to create. I figured all you grandparents would know the feeling. xoxo
Jan, Absolutely, positively SO delightful.
Emphasizes too the reality if the importance of play for young and old alike.
Thank you for sharing.
Being a parents is such a beautiful amazing gift, being a grandparent!! Well is off the charts and if we can't have our own we can to our neighbours or friends. After all who never wants a loving fun grandparent?
Jan, you have inspired me to be more fun.
This ties in with the journey Graham has embarked us on. So when reading poetry or stories so wonderfully written it helps release my soul, my past fears, doubts or inhibitions. Thank you
❤️
Thanks so much, Deborah!!! Are you subscribed to my blog -- That's Good to Know? It could inspire you more. Lots of crazy, fun stories. xoxo
Now I am 🥰
Once again, you and I have something in common - grandkids!! They are truly life's reward! I love the way you wrote this!
Thanks, Jody ~ we grandparents definitely know grandkids are the best thing ever!!!
I love this Jan being a grandparents is the best gig ever as I can act like them most time lol
Thanks, Lucy! You are right -- it's so much fun being a kid again with them. Mine are older now, but I love living some of their adventures with them.
So dear! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Tricia! You & I know hope comes in the smallest of moments. xoxo
It's so good that you have found a passion that you love to share. 👏
Thanks, Christine! I was so busy teaching others I never nurtured my own interests. It's kinda fun.
Well done Jan, being a grandparent and great grandparent is a great gig for sure!
Thanks, Debbie ~ tea parties with my granddaughters when they were little were so much fun!
Jan, this is well done. I love it!!!
This is so much fun Jan. I love it. I can’t wait to be a grandma someday.
Absolutely purely delightful! 🥰
Thanks, Deborah! I like that -- "delightful." That's what it was... xoxo
I love this. So fun.
Thanks, Donna! It was fun. I'm glad you liked the poem. xoxo
Love it Jan my granddaughter Juniper would be loving the brown grizzly tree. She loves things that move. I’ll be watching juniper in September can’t wait to see her smiling face. Thanks for sharing such a cute poem.
Thanks, Shari! How old is your granddaughter Juniper?
oh what fun to be had
It was fun, Bonnie! When they were little, I had a costume closet for them. They loved getting dressed up in different outfits. They are older now and I miss that part.
Jan. This message is so playful and sweet. You have a good heart!! Thanks for sharing this with us. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Thank you, Patty ~ I just "caught" your love & prayers. I can probably slay that grizzly brown tree all by myself now. xoxo
You are truly blessed! ❤️
Yes, I am !!! I'm glad you could see that in my poem, Jan. xoxo
Love this Jan ♥️
Thanks for always being encouraging, Irene!!! I hope you are seeing your mom in a lot of beautiful sunrises. xoxo
The creative “CAGE” metaphor has inspired me to write about one of my passions in life which is painting and how it makes me feel when I’m painting. I know this doesn’t look much like a poem but I thought I will post it anyway as I like to complete every challenge that I commit to !!
"Week 4 – Challenge Accepted"
-PAINTING
Painting is a gift I give to myself
I paint to create
It gives me a great feeling , deep in my soul.
My way to to express and to relieve my stress.
It doesn’t matter what you paint ,
You’re in it ,making every detail count.
A painting requires a little mystery and some fantasy .
Painting just hypnotizes you and relaxes your mind.
There is something magical about a canvas
The brush strokes are done flawlessly
Makes you paint a beautiful picture .
You see beauty in everything
Pick a colour or two that represents your feelings
My colours of choice are blue and purple .
Painting has the power to silence the chatter in the mind and lift us to another place ,
I love painting .
I love this but I have no talent about painting as I wear it more than the canvas. I am so proud of you !🙏❤️
Thanks Lucy, you should try it if they do painting classes in your area. I love it especially when we get together with my friends and paint. It is the best way to relax after a hard day at the hospital.
I have participated six times this last couple years as they have painting classes and yes it’s fun except I wear most of the paint lol. Let me find my last finish painting except my grandaughter did 70 percent of it
Wearing the paint is the fun part of painting. I would love to see that painting 🖼 if you find it send me a DM .
I found it sending it to you DM
Thanks 😊
Beautiful poem Irene! "A painting is a poem without words". ❤
Thank You Elizabeth ! I agree with that quote :)
I feel that Irene deeply when I paint. Those are some of the feelings I would express as well. A piece of me with each stroke puts some pinch of love on the canvas. I’ve been painting since a teen and it has provided me with an outlet belonged only to me! Self-care!
Thanks Sherry I didn’t know we share the same passion for painting . I agree we have to throw lots of love on the canvas!!♥️
And it shows Irene 💖, I was going to write about quilting or Photography but the other one jumped in my head first 😂
We can still write one about photography in private like we did for our Spring poems ? I still haven't posted that one and I don't think I will ever do so though lol
I like that idea Irene 💖💖🙏🇦🇺
Irene this is beautiful, it’s whatever comes to mind put it on the canvas. The mystery will appear let’s see what you create.
Thanks Shari ♥️
Irene…I’ve never painted before but you definitely have the internal inspiration for it. Keep painting and feel the peace and joy it gives you…🙏
Thanks Danny this is exactly what I plan to do. You should try it as well . You will love this feeling of peace while you are painting!!
Beautiful Irene. I wish I had the talent to be able to paint. You can tell that painting calms your soul.
It sure does Leigh , you should try it one day!🙏💜
Irene, I did not realize that you were a painter. That is fabulous. Let us see some of you work sometime!!!
Thanks Kathleen , I wouldn't call myself a painter ,I do it as a hobby and still have lots to learn . If you want to see some of the paintings I have done ,check my Instagram profile as I have shared some of the paintings there .
Okay Irene I will do that and thank you
Irene. This reminds me of my younger brother, he was an artist. He done a lot of painting. He always said he felt good. And peaceful !! Love this. Sending you prayers and my Love Blessings
Thanks Patty 💜
Brilliantly written Irene. Your paintings are always amazing. You and your friends always look like you have had fun times. 👏💕
Thanks Anna, we always have so much fun when we get together for our painting classes!!🙏💜
Your paints show your love for painting. I love to do pottery, but my real passion is the cuisine. But, yesterday my inspiration tooks me to another place.
Beatiful poem Irene.
Thanks Silvina ,pottery sounds very interesting, maybe I should try it in the future?
Yes, I have been practicing it for 4 years, but my passion is still cooking...
One day I will post some of my pieces....
Irene I love this I knew you could do it 💖💖🙏🇦🇺
Thanks for pushing me yesterday Bev :)
You are welcome, we started the challenge together it was lovely to finish it together. You poem was amazing I can visualise you standing at your canvas. 💖🙏🇦🇺
I love this. It is your hear... and your heart is beautiful! ❤️❤️
Thanks Jan for always been so kind 🙏♥️
Love this poem Irene. You have really expressed what painting does for you. 🤗💕
Thanks Christine, I tried my best ! :)
Graham, reading your piece in Find Your Truth, Inspired me to write the following. I recognized the boy by the heater and wanted to tell the other side of the story. I hope that former students will know that most teachers understand their adolescent pain, but are hard pressed to find ways to help. We can only try to understand.
Twenty four faces I don’t know
The boy by the heater,
Not asleep, yet not awake,
Keeping secrets, dark and deep
The girl in the corner with vacant eyes
What secrets must she keep inside?
I want the to know
This is one chapter in their book
Another, waiting to be written
There is no ticket needed to be a rider on this storm
We are all fellow travelers
Waiting for the dawn to come.
I can relate to this poem, during my years of teaching many students came into my classroom carrying things a young child should not have to carry. For some students school was a safe haven, place to be fed both physically and emotionally….the only place to get a hug or smile.
Yes, and now there are so many teachers not willing to give that hug fore fear of being accused of some thing nefarious.
I love this. I just wanted to read more.
Barbara. Thanks for sharing this I felt like I was there seeing your class room. My granddaughter tells these little stories about her students. That’s what it reminds me of. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Thank you! Hope your granddaughter finds the strength it takes to teach in these most difficult time for educators.
Thanks Barbara she loves it !! She is thinking about being a Principal. They asked her but I don’t know if she will. She is so good with the children.
I am also a teacher Barbara and it breaks my heart to really look into the eyes of some students and see the pain they carry there. They have experienced some things no child should ever experience. We are their safe place.
Leigh, I am retired but am wondering where you teach? I feel really frightened when I think of hoe unsafe our schools are here in the US. Not only because of the shootings, but because we don’t have enough support staff. So many of my former students needed so much more than I could give them. My colleagues and I worked so hard to give them a voice. Too often administrators never wanted to hear what we were asking for on their behalf or so many parents refused to see. My daughter is now a teacher and things seem to have only gotten worse. I would be so joyful if you could tell me things are different for you and your students.
I teach in a small town in Texas. We have greatly upgraded our security since the last school shooting. We are very fortunate that we have plenty of great support staff.
Beautifully written Barbara , I think we might have something in common, your surname sounds Greek to me !💙🤍
Thank you Irene. Yes, it is Greek; but only by marriage. My families of origin were Irish and Italian. My children are really world citizens! Lol.
World citizens for sure 😉 thanks have a good day Barbara!
Thank you. Sending you blessings for a wonderful day as well.
The classroom is a safe place for our students and we can change their lives. ❤
I hope so.
Well done! We all have our secrets. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, we do!
Touches a fellow retired teacher's heart. xoxo
How amazing the universal truths in teaching. My heart goes out to those in Ukraine
ALL IS NOT LOST when our time on this earth is done , money or material things will not
matter , But the love, time, and kindness we have given others will shine and live forever !!
if I can help anyone to get on the right track , then I would feel I have done my part in life.
Believe in yourself , Believe3 in your capacity to do good and great things , Believe that no mountain is *so high that you cannot climb it Believe that no storm is so great that you cannot weather it .
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF The Trumpet will sound and then in a twinkling of an eye all will change
When I lost my Best Friend
the moment that you left me My heart split in two one side filled with memories
the other side died with you . I often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep
I take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek. Remembering you is easy
I do it everyday But missing you is a heartache that never goes away
I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain as my life
goes on without you but will never be the same .
That was so beautiful and so easy to relate to. I lost my daughter and my husband and that is exactly how I feel. Thank you for putting it into words so eloquently.
Karen. I am so sorry for your loss. I know your heart is hurting. But you have lost so much!! We are going through a lot of heartache I do thank God for putting this community in my path. Everyone is so good to each other. Means the world when you know they understand and I appreciate each and everyone of them. Thanks so much for your response. Sending you prayers and my Love Blessings
Oh Patty. The memories will live with you forever. I know how you feel. When my sister first passed I would have dreams of her. The first dream, I was working or washing tables some where. I saw a girl walking downstairs, I didn’t think anything of it . I went back to washing tables, when I turned around I just hugged her really tight. She told me she could only stay a min. I said to her is this a dream she smiled and then she was gone. I had a few more dreams of my sister it was like she knew I needed to say good bye. I felt guilty because they wouldn’t let us stay with her at the hospital. I said to after she was gone that it should of been me that died not her I was ready. Though God had other plans. Memories are now just that. I loved my sister so much. I’m glad I have those memories to look back on. Now you do to. It’s hard I know, and it will get easier just not for awhile. God will help you thru your loss. So will the people here in this community. God Bless Patty.
Shari. I am so sorry about your loss that’s so hard to bear. But God will help us. I know I am so thankful for this community!! I have never met a more beautiful group of friends. They are so supportive. I just love everyone. Thanks so much for being a great friend. I appreciate everyone so much. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Shari. I just wanted to say that Was a blessing from God for you to have the dreams. I do believe she knew you needed to see her and talk for a minute. God is so good to us. He knows what we need.
I lost my best friend Patty,and your words are exactly mine and how I feel! Take care ❤️
Thanks Lynn. So sorry for your loss. Thanks so much for responding to my comment. You are so sweet. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Oh my Patty…this is so beautifully written. I can feel your hurt but I mostly feel the love in your heart that you have for your friend. Thankful that you shared such a personal time in your life with this community.🙏
Thanks Danny so much it means a lot to me for everyone’s response. I appreciate this community everyone shows so much love to each other. Thanks for your comment. Sending you my prayers and Love. Blessings
❤️❤️
Thanks Leigh !! So sweet of you. Sending you prayers and my Love.
Blessings
Patty my best friend of 40 years was killed in December. I can so relate to this❤️🙏
Cheryl. My heart breaks for your loss. Thanks so much for responding to my comment. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Patty, I loved your poem. Losses are very hard. I lost my husband and to this day I miss him so much. But the good memories are very present and I see it in my children and grandchildren. So life goes on. Be alright. God bless you. Cheers.
Matilda. You are so kind. Thanks for reading my comment. Sorry for your loss Yes I know God is with us life goes on. Have our memories. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
❤️
Anna. Thanks. Sending you prayers and my Love.
Blessings
Patty I am crying as I am reading this beautifully written.❤️🙏
Lucy. I appreciate your response to my writing. That’s so sweet of you. Thanks so much. Many blessings to you.
Your welcome Patty I love to read anything. I sometimes read it to my 95 year old client.
Such a wonderful, heartfelt piece. I love it.
Debbie. Thanks so much for your kind words. You are a special friend. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
I know that pain. God bless you!❤️
Thanks Mary for reading my comment. I appreciate it so much. Sorry for your loss. Blessings
So beautiful Patty! Tears are flowing. 😭
I lost my sister, who was my best friend.
I feel your pain. Much love ❤️❤️
So sorry for your loss, Jan. Thanks for your courage in sharing.
Jan I am so sorry for your loss!! Thanks for responding to my comment you are so sweet. Sending you prayers and my love
Blessings
Ronja. Thanks for your response. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
Happy Tuesday Graham and to everyone here in our community, I have step out of my comfort zone and shared my journey. I am not a writer I am learning slowly with others . Here is my week # 4 challenge poem.
GRATITUDE
A life of thankfulness
Of gratitude in your breath
Can carry you
Through life’s storms
No matter what the test.
When you hear the voice
Overflowing from the depths
Of your being,
And feel the love
For all things surrounding-
Your heart will not fail you
When your mind says
It’s too hard.
Build your foundation
On solid stone ,
And know your never alone
As the sun rises
And warms your soul.
Breathe in the thankfulness
Of all life before you.
“Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for entering into earth’s time and space so I could inhabit Your lavish grace. Help me to remember daily what Your gift of grace truly cost. You gave Your life so I could live. As I move through each day , I pray that a heart of thankfulness will envelop my thoughts and words and deeds. I want my home and my heart to overflow with a deep and sincere gratitude for who You are and all You’ve done.
Way to go, you are doing an amazing job Lucy 💜
Thank you my friend I am braver every week lol.
I’m happy for you I wish I felt the same.
You will my friend , you have been thru so much this last few months and times heal. ❤️🙏
Lucy, I love this, it is a job well done. I love how gratitude makes you feel. I know that you are a person who is so grateful for God in your life. God has surely taken good care of you. Always there for you. I enjoy your writing.
Thank you Kathleen just seen it today.
Lucy thank you for continuing to share your journey with us. Your gratitude and love of life are so contagious. You are a very beautiful person.
Thank you Leigh I appreciate you very much❤️🙏
Amazing Lucy. You have been soo strong through your beautification journey. 💪
Thank you Anna ❤️🙏
Beautiful Lucy! Thank you for sharing!
Hermoso Lucy! Muchas gracias ❤
Gracias Elizabeth te agradezco🙏❤️
Its interesting how you chose GRATITUDE. I've been praying this past few days concentrating on giving thanks! Seems we think alike sometimes.
This is beautifully written. 😍
Thank you Ms. Marsha ❤️🙏
Lucy…this is amazing…I feel touched by your expressions of gratitude. Thank you.🙏
Your welcome Danny ❤️🙏
Have a beautiful weekend 🙏❤️
Lucy you are so strong. I wish I could be as strong as you. All the trials you have been thru and coming up with Grace. Thank you chi or sharing your poem.
Thank you Shari I appreciate you 🙏❤️
You are a writer Lucy!!
Thank you Mary Jane I appreciate you I will keep trying.❤️🙏
Lucy !! You are a beautiful blessed person!! You love and have a good heart you are so Thankful for all God has blessed too with. I love this. Thanks for sharing this with us. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Wow! Beautiful! I have sincere gratitude for you Lucy! ❤️❤️❤️
Lucy, this is beautiful. I love your prayer at the end. I agree with you in prayer. ❤️🙏🏻
Thank you Debbie ❤️🙏
Well week 4 can you believe it! I am still uncomfortable doing this but seeing this is the last week I will finish it off. I was not going to post, but I was always taught if you start something you should finish it.
Meditation
As I get myself comfortable to start my meditation, I place a blanket over my knees as I get cold and I really want to enjoy this experience.
The meditation starts, eyes closed, deep breath in through the nose and exhale slowly though an open mouth to release all that built up stress.
As I settle in I can feel my breathing slowing down as my body completely relaxes, my mind is clear and open as I listen to the beautiful melodious voice that has me so relaxed and I can literally feel the built up tensions that I have in my shoulders leaving my body.
I have surrendered to this experience as I want to enjoy every single moment, so I cannot believe that the hour has gone by so quickly.
I am so at ease and so relaxed that I do not hurry to get up, I embrace the moment and slowly open my eyes. I am feeling at peace and rejoice in the moment taken for me.
So you were brave after all and posted what you wrote. I don’t feel confident yet to post mine, I’m hopeless but Good for you Bev ! I’m proud of you!♥️
Love it Bev, I was there with you 💝
Thanks Kath💖🙏🇦🇺
You are far from hopeless! ❤️
You are not hopeless, Irene. You have done so well during an extremely difficult time in your life. Whether you do a post today of not, I am so proud of you & know this has been out of your comfort zone.
Thahnk you Irene, I still feel uncomfortable but take the plunge and finish the challenge 💖🙏🇦🇺
I feel like I am with you with this as I had meditation tonight and honestly I just woke up from it.Thank you for sharing Bev .🙏❤️
Thank you Lucy yes I was there also it was awesome, Lynette’s meditations are excellent. 💖🙏🇦🇺
Yes it is I feel asleep after she finished lol very calming and soothing for me as I get up bright early and see my clients and I don’t get home until late afternoon.
Bev…I can feel your meditated state as I read this…thank you.🙏
Thank you Danny 💖🙏🇦🇺
Bev, you sound so calm and at peace. Meditation is such an amazing experience. Great job of putting it into words.
Thanks Leigh and I feel calm and at peace , I must say I have to thank Lynette Elinda for her mediations also the Insight Timer one I love them. 💖🙏🇦🇺
Congratulations! You made me feel what you were saying there within your words. Great description of a good meditation and some of its benefits. I could read this again and again as a guide.
Thank you Marsha💖🇦🇺🙏
You've done do well Bev. I'm so glad you decided to write. 👏💕
Thank you Christine, I am still very uncomfortable but I started the challenge so I thought I had better finish it. 💖🙏🇦🇺
I have trouble meditating. You make it sound so easy that I will keep trying.
Thank you Donna💖🙏🇦🇺
Bev. Thanks for sharing this. I felt like I was going with you on this meditation. Yes Bev your writing is beautiful. !! I am having a hard time with this sometimes my words don’t come out like They should. But I am trying. Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Thank you Patty💖🙏🇦🇺
Love this, Bev. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Carole💖🙏🇦🇺
Loved this!!   and can totally relate. Love my meditations, and I’m trying very hard to book end them! Thanks Bev for writing what I feel in my meditations too. Blessings!
Thank you Mary 💖🇦🇺🙏
Yes! I love my meditation time! Beautifully expressed. ❤️
Thank you Jan💖🙏🇦🇺
Week 4: I nearly wasn't going to submit this poem, as I wasn't too sure about it. Very simple. But in the end, I decided to as it tugged at me. So here it is.
GRACE
A gentle breeze blows, as I sit upon the beach
Listening, watching, no need for speech.
Waves lap the shore, they ebb & flow
Dipping my feet in, time goes slow.
I think of treasured memories, on the sand so soft
Enjoying summer holidays, a loved one lost.
Of my dad, whose ashes, in this water I spread
Hearing his wise voice, inside my head.
He loved this special setting, along the bay
Of being with his family, enjoying the day
Like my dad before me, I love this place
Where God fills my soul, with all his grace.
This brought tears to my eyes. It is so beautiful.
I am so humbled that my poem touched you this way. Thank you so much Marsha. I can't express what that means to me🙏💕
That is so beautiful. My dad’s ashes were spread in a special place and I feel such peace when I am there with him.
Thanks Debbie. They are very special places, and I too feel close to my dad when I'm there.
Beautiful Christine!!!!
Christine I love this. Being that I grew up on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia I can so relate to this happy and peaceful place. I love that part of your poem about your Dad. Definitely a beautiful memory of him. Thanks for sharing this.🙏
What a lovely comment. I'm glad my poem brought was relatable. Thanks so much Danny. 🙏💕
Christine, I’m so glad you decided to share your poem. It’s beautiful and powerful. A nice tribute to your dad.
I really appreciate that Leigh. Means a lot. 🙏💕
This is so lovely, Christine. I can feel your love for your Dad. ❤️
Thanks Joan. I really appreciate that. 🙏💕
Beautiful Christine.❤️
Thank you Anna. 🙏
Beatiful Christine. I like to think that my father is still with me, in other ways.
I think about my dad a lot & feel him with me whenever I take photos or explore. So many happy memories. Silvina, I'm glad you can feel your dad with you. 💕🙏
All the time. Even in those so non happy moments, I talk to him, asking for heló and advice. In one waybor another, he answers to me.
Beautiful memories shared in beautiful words, Christine! 💕
Thanks my friend 🙏💕
Beautiful Christine!
Thanks for that Anne. 🙏💕
Beautiful Christine ,I'm so glad you decided to submit the poem :)
Thank you my friend. I'm glad you submitted yours also
🙏💕
So touching, feel the love.
I'm so glad I was able to get my feelings across. Thanks Linda. 🙏💕
This is soo beautiful!!!! 😭💙🙏
Appreciate that so much Jan. Means a lot. 💕🙏
Beautiful ❤️
I have memories much like yours Christine, of my Dad and the beach. Your poem brought those back to me. Thank you!
Thanks🙏
This is excellent because I’ve not really thought about my writing process too much aside from using it to work through my things in a way that I can be apart from them.
I just get the itch to write and do it. Thinking through it though, your metaphor of a cave is quite accurate. I feel discontent if I don’t emerge from the cave with something positive. Do you feel that way Graham?
This was something I had written(and edited a dozen times)and decided not to share, but this seemed like a good place for it.
Here is…Own the Emotions Set Them Free.
Am I allowed to hate you
For what you did to me?
What about the painful reminder
between my shoulders
and connected failure
that no one else can see?
The reminder of all my inadequacies
and every little horrible thing
you ever said to and about me.
My heart always knew they were lies,
but my brain just couldn’t understand
why God made me so imperfect
and why you hated me
so much for those imperfections.
God gave me a perfect heart
that drew me to someone
who could make it all clear
in the end.
Aimee. This is so beautiful and we all have these feelings. About ourselves. But God made us and we all have perfect hearts to love. Thanks for sharing this. Sending you prayers and my love. Friend. Blessings
Aimee this is beautiful, I love it. great description of how you are feeling. I enjoy reading you!!!!
Aimee…so glad you had the courage to share this. Yes God can help you deal with hurtful situations and provide you a path for comfort in the end. Good job.🙏
Beautiful Aimee ❤️🙏
This is so powerful and so painful expressed. It seems however, to have a happy ending. Sometimes, with age come wisdom. You seem to have found it.
Hey, Aimee ~ I'm not sure this is about a man doing you dirty, but I feel that -- a guy who tried to diminish a woman because HE was inadequate. Nicely written! xoxo
It’s the opposite of an ode to my ex husband. Which I discovered by the way that there is apparently no word for. Lament is close, but is more for grief and sorrow and not anger. And yes he was certainly inadequate lol Thank you ☺️
Oh yes, I got the grief and sorrow. It didn't seem angry at all.
It is good to be older because so many of ou insecurities melt away. Peace and joy to you Aimee.
Very powerful read.
So honest!❤️
So powerful! I love this! ❤️❤️❤️
Cliff
Daddy said he was leaving, he didn’t know when.
His trip was a daily thing and his words became confused.
The conversations he was having were with people from his past .
The days were shaking him with every step he took and life was taking him away. Nothing he said would ever stay.
His life was ending and his mind was going too. Often he didn’t know where to go or what to do.
He still knew his name when others came to call.
His name was Cliff, and where he was going it was a wall.
Our walks were quiet now, me he no longer knew at all.
I would just hold his warm hand making sure he did not fall.
He remains in my memory so it’s only good ones that I can recall.
The combination of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s together is a devastating thing for many. This was my experience watching my father go where I could not help him.
Lucinda, I know first hand what it's like to lose someone to Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Your expression is so honest and real. I'm especially touched by the phrase " I would just hold his warm hand making sure he didn't fall." It 's so hard feeling like you can't help, and yet, the touch of your hand seems like such a beautiful gift. Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful Lucinda, I feel you this is one of the hardest diseases., but all we can do is be there and show our love and cherish our memories together 🙏♥️
My heart was breaking as I was reading. Such a cruel disease. Bless you ❤️❤️
I love the journey in this writing. You clearly walked it with your dad. I love that even though he didn't remember you, you held his hand and it gave him comfort. Beautiful, Lucinda!
Understand this writing .Lost my mother to Alzheimer disease. She was there but not. She never lost her smile or kindness. Blessings to you Lucinda
Losing a parent is always difficult, Lucinda, but watching him waste away must have been extra tough. This is very powerful and beautiful at the same time.
Lucinda, this shows how much you love him, he sure felt you all over his journey. Beatiful writting
Lucinda. I can relate to you. I went through this with my dad it’s so heart breaking not being able to help but us just holding their hands They knew we was there. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
He has been gone 30 years and I still miss him.
Are you there?
Where are you?
We can’t see you.
We can’t hear you.
Where have you gone?
Are you lost in the great expanse of nature?
Are you there?
Are you trying to find yourself
Or are you getting lost in the chaos of life?
Have you tried looking deep inside?
Have you tried looking to God?
Are you there?
I am looking to God for comfort and answers.
I am accepting the love and encouragement of friends.
They are true gems.
Are you?
I love this Jan and yes God is always there , I can tell you that myself my husband and son begging my medical team to bring me back to life. And God did as he gifted me life twice .🙏❤️
Amen! And I thank God that he did bring you back to us! You are a true blessing! ❤️❤️❤️
Yes Jan God is always there when we call on Him. He’s the cornerstone to our survival in life…our rock!🙏
Absolutely! Good to see you back here Danny. Missed you. 🙏
Jan I have been in on all four writings but I was a late contributor because of vacation on a couple of them.
I somehow missed you.
No problem.💕
❤️❤️❤️
Thanks ❣️
I like this Jan! God is always there, I believe the real question is are we? Take care and God bless my friend! 🙏🙏
Yes he is always there. And the question to everyone is. Are you looking to God?
I know for sure you are. ❤️🙏
I try, but I do fail when I let pride win out sometimes. We’re human! Take care my friend!
FYI. I am looking to God NOT for God. I’m ok. The best me that I have been in a long time. The last line is asking. Are you? As in looking to God.
I hope this clears it up. Much love to you all ❤️🤍💙
God is here! Thanks Jan ❤
Yes he is!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
God never leaves us!❤️ Believe!
Amen!!!!
Jan. Yes we are here for you!! You are very dear to our hearts. God never did leave you. He is our best friend. Sending you prayers my Love. And. Blessings
You are the sweetest! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks ❣️
I’m so restless,frightened
It’s dark jet black
Can’t see or feel anything
I’m falling deeper into the stillness
I want to leave,still falling
Can’t open my eyes,frightened
Never felt so cold
Finding it hard to breathe
I feel at peace,content
There’s a warmth surrounding me
A light coming towards me
I just want to be bathed in it
It’s stopped just hovering
I try to move towards the light
But I can’t reach it
It’s telling me it’s not my time
I still have more life to live
The light moves away
I’m not cold or frightened
Laying in my bed i feel at peace
Love,kindness,heart bursting with joy
Oh my you actually said from my experience seeing the light , it got dark and I travel thru tunnels then the bright lights . I can go on and on but it will be a book . This is well written Sue.❤️🙏
Sue. This was a special feeling!! God. Was not ready for you to go. He has more work on this earth for you! You are a special person. Sending you prayers and my Love. Blessings
This is true I was very ill thought it was my last night. Had the dream started getting better ❤️🩹 every day is a blessing 🙏🙏🇬🇧
Wow! I felt like I was there with you in that moment. ❤️❤️
WOW Sue, very nice piece.
Beautiful Sue. Your time had not come. God has more for you to do here.
Beautiful ❤️
Beautiful and powerful words Sue ❤️
Happy Tuesday Graham!! Two of my three writings very emotional for me. Need to go lighter today. So take a walk with me as I try to describe the almost heaven I live in.
My Life in the Forest
Raised a city girl
When I married my HS sweetheart
Built a home in the deep country Very secluded
My life is changing truly scares me to death.
Fears unfounded adapted well
A daily dose of God's creations
Each season offers its own beauty
Winter fresh fallen snow
Creates a Winter wonderland
Tree branches sparkle with the white snow
Soaring pine trees provide pine cones for decorating
Whitetail deer visit us daily a beautiful sight
Spring brings nature to life
Trees flourishing with new leaves
Grass turning bright green again
Mallard ducks coming to the ponds
Wild turkeys prancing through the yard
Summer awakens many colors
Wildflowers and berries coming alive
Magnolia trees share their sweet fragrance
Wild dogwoods sprouting their white flowers
So many species of birds, Orioles, Chickadees, Woodpeckers and Bluebirds
Each sing their own song come to nest and lay eggs
The Hummingbirds so tiny yet so Majestic
Fall is my favorite leaves begin to fall exploding with color
Creating a ground blanket shades of Gold,Red,Orange
As I take my walk in the woods privy to God's masterpieces
Many sounds fill the air leaves rustling in the wind
Birds in flight ready to go south
Deer snorting walking through the trees
So this city girl now and forever
Has become a full fledged Country Girl
God has blessed me
The forest is my home!!!!❤
Kathleen! You do live in the forest!! So many things to see, hear and smell. Just a cornucopia of delights!
Thanks so much Barbara!!
It is very delightful out here there's a lot of nice things to see in here it has been quite a learning experience for me over the years because as I said in my piece I was a city girl for many many years walked everywhere we had to go and coming out here was a big Challenge and I was very afraid but I got over it and here we are all these years later
Love this Kathleen. ❤️
Thank you
I love this ❤️🙏
Great job Kathleen
Thank you Donna
Kathleen your writing took me back when we first got married we lived in the country in a little farm house I definitely was a city girl my husband was a farm and animal person. We lived there for 5 yrs, and the stories OMG are endless. I enjoyed your post it personally took me back to some awesome and best memories of my marriage
Thank you very much Kathy
Kathleen. You have a blessed beautiful life !! I love nature and the forest is my favorite place !! Sending you prayers and my love. Blessings
Patty thank you very much
Your home sounds so peaceful, you are blessed.
Thank you Linda it is a very peaceful life and as I spoke in my peace I was really scared I was so used to living in the city and we were so deep in the country buses didn't come out here it's a 20 minute drive to go to town to get anything but now that I've done it for all these years I wouldn't want to have done it any other way
Linda the buses that I was referring to where the school buses they didn't come out this far and it was like a mile or more to the nearest bus stop so fortunately my husband taught at the same school where my children were going so they went to school with him everyday
So great! It sounds so peaceful and beautiful! ❤️❤️
It certainly is Jan, and I love it here now. But it was a real challenge for me in the very beginning, being a city girl all my life prior to. THANKS!!!!!
It is very peaceful here Jan and a lot of ways it was a learning experience for me
This poem is wonderful Kathleen. You did an amazing job of describing the beautiful place you live. I felt like I am there enjoying every season.
Leigh thank you so very much I appreciate it. It is a lovely place to be living and as I mentioned in my piece for me at the beginning it was very scary because I lived in the city all my life prior to getting married.