Thanks Graham for another thought provoking poem. This week’s poem is fantastic!! I really needed to hear this message today!! There are a lot of feelings and emotions that I need to let go but I’m not quite ready to share it here in public but I will take your advice and I will write all that I’m feeling in my journal. It has been a weird kind of month with lots of ups and downs, my heart feels very heavy so I will be writing everything I feel down . You certainly look so happy and free . 🙏❤️
I found grief writing to be cathartic in the months after our son died, but going back and reflecting on those writings later was reliving dark moments and I found it better to let those writings go and not revisit them. Don't be afraid to do that. But each of us has our own grief journey so you may find comfort in keeping them and processing with them. Hugs and prayers for your journey!
Hey Irene…just look at the comments below…wow. Unconditional love and support from this community. It’s wonderful and I sure hope and pray that it will lift you up and put a smile on your face. You know a few poems ago I chose not to share with this community an experience I had many years ago…and I most likely won’t share it and be “born again” until I ascend above. It will be then that I will be free…and I can celebrate … and can remove the baggage I’ve been carrying for a lifetime. Graham respected my decision at the time. Actually I am using your comment as my response to this poem as well. I hope you don’t mind. Now you smile and be thankful and feel blessed that you had a lot of wonderful years with your Mom. Cherish those memories. And remember one day you will again be by her side….love and prayers to you.💕🙏
Thank you Danny so much , you are so right ,I feel so much love and support from everyone and I will always cherish all our wonderful memories together :)
This will take time to process I am here if you need to talk, I am still processing of both my parents and they been gone for so long but I keep them in my heart.Sending big hugs love you my friend.❤️🙏
Irene, it will take months to rebound back from where you are. We love them but we know we can’t keep them. We draw strength from our memories of them. Let your heart love like it’s good at it,
Irene, dear heart, I have not experienced grief as deep as yours. What I have read and with my limited experience, personal and of others, the task is to learn to cope with grief. Also, the most helpful for me is to talk - to myself and perhaps more importantly, to others. I have a friend whose still young husband died suddenly one Saturday morning doing yard work. She told me anyone who didn't welcome her talking about her husband could not be her friend. As you see, you have all friends here; however, I pray you also have friends in your presence who welcome talk of your memories and feelings. Perhaps talking with others who were close to the person you grieve will help them as well. Blessings!
Irene. My heart is totally with you believe me I know some what you are going through. Baby it will get a little better with time. Sometimes it feels like it will go on for ever. But God is on your side. He said he would never leave or forsake us. That’s a promise to us Sending you all my love and prayers. Blessings
Take your time Irene. Your feelings and emotions are recent, and you are certainly not ready to let them go yet. You need to take the time to tame them, and maybe just live with them without abandoning them
writing it down does help I took his advice early on and it gave me perspective. I will be thinking of you and praying you and your heart can begin to feel light again. I truly do understand what you are going through and wish the best for you
Irene I have so many tears for you and for me as I read your words. Yes I’ve been there twice and I am still, so many years later, in private pain because of the loss. It’s so many things and so many feelings of “alone”. I’m here to talk and listen most importantly dear friend. 🙏🏻💜
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Irene. Healing takes time so don’t try to rush it. Cherish your many memories and remember to take care of yourself. Hugs!! 🙏🙏🥰🥰
To be "Born Again" and let go of the baggage of the past. I've shared so many things in my comments with you and this community over the past 4 1/2 months or so. Things I thought I never would share with anyone much less now writing a blog about these. By doing so, I've shared from the heart all what I feel God is leading me to share. The phrase "Born Again" has a very special meaning for me being a follower of Jesus Christ. I won't go into a lot of what that means at this time, because I believe a lot of us in this community understand what I mean by that phrase. I've let go of the things I know of from the past. I cannot change the past. I must move forward, live in the moment and my favorite phrase right now "One Day at a Time." No pun intended or toot my horn, but literally, that's how I live right now. I honestly take life as it comes on a daily basis. I recently rededicated myself to my FAITH to totally surrender to it and seek out God's will for me on a daily basis. That is what separates me from re-living the past to living in the present in this moment. This is my heart's desire for each and everyone of us, to know this can be done, to love one another, appreciate the God given gifts each of us brings to the table, and live accordingly. Whatever you may be facing, know that I care and people in this community care. Life itself is not easy, but it's an individual choice we all must make. For me, I choose the present, not to re-live the past, but press on to whatever and wherever life takes me with God as my constant guide. Blessings to you Graham and this entire community! Thank you for letting me share what's on my heart once again.
Anne. !! So well said !! You are so great with words. I could really take lessons from you !!! Thanks for being a great friend. Our community is made up of great people !! I am so proud to be a small part of it. Sending my love and prayers to everyone. Blessings 🙏🙏
Thanks Patty! All words are inspired from God and come from the heart. Believe me, I've had to learn a lot from life, and you know what I still am, as we all are. Some days are better than others, but that's life. It's how we choose to live it. I am so blessed and humbled that God led me to this wonderful and amazing community. I'm grateful to be a part of it. Take care my friend and God bless you!
Thank you Anne for being there for me and I think I can speak for all in this community! You are a true blessing. Your positivity and guidance has helped me tremendously. Much love to you! ❤️
Thanks Jan. Feeling is mutual my friend. I share what's laid on my heart and hope and pray God uses that to inspire and encourage others. So glad I'm born again and not living in the past. It's not easy, but I believe so necessary. Take care and God bless you!
Anne I do know what you mean. I have been born again. It was a special time in my life when I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I try to live for him but sometimes I fail. I have a past and I have put my past behind me. Now I am trying to live in the present and move forward in my life. I have a place I am trying to get too and that is heaven and I am looking forward to it. Because it is real and I have loved ones I am looking forward to seeing again. But mostly my Savior. I loved what you said it is true and it us how I feel also. 😇❤
❤️❤️Thank you for your words. I depend fully on God. I lost my high school sweetheart, who became my husband of 27 years. He was sick for 27 years with brain tumor and then stroke before he died at 49 and I was 45. Single, raising two boys and terrified. After eight years I met and married a bachelor. My sons loved him and he loved us with all his heart. We were married 15 happy years. On vacation at the beach with family, he drown. It took me awhile to not blame God. Then i blaming myself, before realizing and remembering God is love. He got me through the sad and bad years but also helped me enjoy the good ones. I feel so good sharing this after hearing Graham.
Thank you, Anne, for continuing to share your journey. You inspire me as I too am working to rededicate to what is most important in my life, my faith. 🥰
Philip, I have recently been reading through Exodus 14. I have been struck by the idea that the cloud was what gave the Israelites the light to see the path to take to cross to the Red Sea. I am choosing to see the cloud (or the valley) that I am walking through right now as a light to a beautiful freedom. This does not have to make sense. Personally, I am not sure many struggles really ever do make logical sense in our human brains. It is in the mystery of our faith that can bring a little clarity in the mystery of our struggles. I am praying for you!
Philip, I want you to know I lifted you up in prayer this morning during my quiet alone time with God. Everyone goes through their trials at their own pace, etc. It can't be explained. It's just that. Even though you may not be able to make sense of this right now while going through it, I truly believe you eventually will. Just hang on, pray, pray, pray and lean on God. I believe you have that belief because I have read it in some of your previous comments. I will continue to lift you up in prayer. When I went through the nearly four years of care giving for my mother, I cried, yelled, and did not understand why I was put through that, but now since it's been 14 years since her passing, God has used that experience for me to help and encourage others that may be going through something sort of similar. Hang in there my friend. God will take you through this. Pray, Pray, pray my friend, and he will. God bless!
Thank you so much. Yes, I am a believer and trust in God. So I will continue to pray. Just don't understand why so much pain for so long with no relief. Very difficult. Again, thanks and God bless!
Philip, you got it any time. I thought you were. We don't know why, and it is difficult, but know we are here for you, and I'm glad you feel comfortable to share these feelings. Hang in there my friend! Take, the phrase - ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!! Take it and run with it! Blessings to you my friend!
Thank you Anne, you give us such inspiration. You teach us things every day. You are reminding us once again that God is where we need to lay our problems. He will help us be a little more lighter. Our past is the past we have to learn and grow from it. Thank you again Anne God bless take care.
Thanks Shari for those kind words. Remember, God is the total inspiration behind any word(s) I share. God teaches me things each and every day. We will always learn something new, but the past can't be repeated, and I truly believe God wants each of us to live our lives serving and honoring HIM and live in the present. There are so many lost people in the world today that need to know that someone cares and appreciates them. That is the present, and that's what I'm trying to do. Take care my friend and God bless!
Amen Jody! The past is the past and cannot be changed. Even when we think we've left it behind us, sometimes something happens that triggers one of those old thoughts to pop up. Then it's up to us how we deal with it. I always turn to God through the Word and through prayer. If that doesn't work, I will reach out to a friend because like you said, The best is yet to come, and I don't want to dwell on those old thoughts. Take care and God Bless!
Thanks Graham for this inspiring poem with the beautiful background. Letting go of “baggage” is something I’ve been working on the past few months. I’ve worked on letting go of many hidden feelings, heartbreaks of the past, and thinking about the past in terms of “ if I had only done this”. It has been a revealing time for me, I can’t change what happened in the past, it’s been the journey that has brought me to where I am today. Opening my heart to letting go of those things has been so “freeing”, my heart is no longer heavy. The journey also filled my life with many wonderful memories and blessings that fill my heart with joy. I now start each day writing 3 things I appreciate in my life, give thanks for the blessings yet to come and finding joy in each new day. A friend recently sent me this quote: “ Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like and learn to find joy in the story you are actually living “ Blessings to all.
Linda. We cannot change the past you said so many things that I can relate to. I know you are so right!! You are a beautiful person. Thanks for sharing this with us. !! Really appreciate you. Sending you my love and prayers 🙏🙏Blessings
Graham, a beautiful poem thank you. I loved it. All I will say is I have grown and I have changed , this is my time and I am enjoying every moment life is too short. 💖🇦🇺🙏
As I read, listened to, then reread the poem, it brought a smile to my face. I instantly thought of a turning point in my life where I visited a place where I found my authentic self. The true goofy me that had fun & didn't worry about what I wore, how long my hair was or if I wasn't acting the proper way. Even though this feeling got squashed every now & then, I at least knew who I was. Each time I went to my special place, the authentic me got resurrected again. I eventually realised that I was tired of pushing my thoughts, my feelings, the real me aside. I wasn't going to be a puppet anymore, but ME. I finally know who I am & what I love in life. I still slip at times, & have moments of going back into old habits, but at least I know the authentic me & just say to myself, "This is who I am. Don't worry about what others think. You are a good person & it's your life."
I have written this down & refer to it when I'm not having a good day etc.
Thank you Graham for reminding me of being the authentic me. 🙏💕🇦🇺
Christine !! You are so right on about everything!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us This is really how my life has been. So I am older and I just think I am myself. I don’t have to be someone I am not. Blessings to you love everyone in this community. Send you my love and prayers 🙏🙏❤️❤️
Good for you Christine. It took me a lot of years, too many, to finally realize I didn’t need to be, and shouldn’t be, who others thought I should be. Life is much happier now for me as I’m sure it is for you too.
What a beautiful expression that describes a space in life we are all seeking. Sometimes we go about our days without even realizing all the things that are holding us down. Once we come to a place of letting go of expectations, obligations, guilt, false beliefs about ourselves, it’s a freedom that’s hard to describe. It doesn’t mean we still don’t have things we must do, but our approach to our responsibilities and relationships becomes not so burdensome but from a choice and willingness to serve. When I think of being born again, it’s coming to understand that we live life in a new way with a different purpose, being surrendered to letting God have control and accepting the freedom that comes with that. I’m getting a deeper understanding and appreciation for that freedom every single day. Thanks for another beautiful poem and the gorgeous setting you shared it from, Graham. It seems you are working hard to carve a new path for yourself as you become more and more free from the past. Enjoy all the moments of where you are right now and the bright future ahead of you.
Cathy. You sure have a way with words!! I always love reading what you have to say. It’s all so true with a lot of us. I enjoy your writing very much. Sending Blessings to you !! ❤️
Interesting. Feelings often which carry a heavy weight we have no control of from the past? Why do we choose to frustrate? Why do we chose to involve others to increase the weight we drag forward? I guess I learned quite a while ago that these negative thoughts, negative people negative relationships just drag your down and never have redeeming value. Throwing off that weight not only gave a sense of freedom, floating but allowed the positives entrance in my world to protect my gates from never to deal with negative people, thoughts or situations. In 1966, there was a song by the Left Banke “ Walk away Renee”. Everytime negativity comes near that song comes to mind!?! Never did understand what the words fully meant but it is what has kept me free for many m as by years! Thanks Graham for thought stimulation!
You are correct Jeffry. Sometimes we have to walk away to protect our energy. I am recognising the need to take care where I place my energy these days - so I'm not 'leaking' all over the place trying to keep everyone else happy. Much love to you. Missed your posts. Sending prayers and light to you.
Thank you for this poem Graham, which reminds us that every day we must enjoy the present moment. Even though we can no longer interfere with the past, it is part of us, part of who we are, but it is important to focus on the present and move forward in the most positive way possible, with what past events have made of us.
Patricia, I so agree that all of the past events in our lives have helped to shape us into who we are. We can learn from them and grow forward without letting them hold us back.
Oh to be child like. They have no cares when they play just have a good time. I can hear laughter when my grands play. They live in the present moment. That is what we should do everyday. Don't live in the past , yesterday is gone . Tomorrow may not come . Just live today that is all we have. Thank you for sharing your talent of writing with us. You are amazing and talented young man. Don't let anyone take that away. Blessings to you .
I’ve done the work to “let go” of the things that troubled me in the past so that I truly can enjoy the childlike wonders of the world now. I think that is one of the most important keys because saying you let go is different than actually truly letting go and being free to be your authentic self, not repeating maladaptive coping mechanisms.
One of the most freeing things I ever gifted myself was to stop people pleasing, over functioning and caring what others think about me. I live my life doing the things that bring me happiness, regardless of others thoughts and opinions of me. I don’t give to people anymore to get them to like me, I only give from a genuine place in my heart to the things that align with me now with no expectations in return. I’ve grown and I’ve matured, but now I can tap into the inner kid in me daily and enjoy the small wonders that surround all of us if we just stop and enjoy the present moments♥️
Thanks for this one Graham, it is a great poem! Have the best week and have so much fun✌🏻
So proud of you Laurie, I am also learning “ people pleaser “ trap that it leads feeling discouraged. Everyday I am blessed and living my best life for me .
Lucy you are the closest person I know to a saint and everything you do comes from a genuine place deep in your beautiful heart. Unfortunately with people pleasing discouraging feelings are not avoided because there will always be some that no matter how much you do, it will never be enough.
Awwe thank you reading this made me tear up and I have to agree with you there is always someone and it makes them more puzzled when I just throw kindness back and stay silent.
Laurie. You are so true in all your thinking about life. !! Just really like last weeks poem. Re. Member. !! This makes us realize how life is after we get over the past. Being our selfs. Now. We love how it is. Sending you prayers and love 🙏🙏please be safe. And stay happy. ❤️❤️
Good morning Graham and thank you for another beautiful poem, and your background is so serene place by the water. To be born again? Freedom ? I must say I am moving forward and let go of the fast especially I have been gifted twice with a new life? Yesterday I feel very brave to share and post my fast experience and to be honest my anxiety climbs to the roof and I have this amazing friend just knows how to say the most beautiful words to lift me up and calms me down. This are some words she said to me “ don’t be afraid as God is not done with your life yet? God has given me new life twice , because he loves me that much. Everyday that we are blessed with a new day is a chance to start over and keep moving forward. This poem hit me hard , As soon as I’m still worry creeps in ,thoughts of talking to God if I can move forward past earthly revelation? It is this time I find the Courage, and the Strength, the Peace , the direction to push forward one more day. It is here I fell my purpose my connection radiates rays of the strength grows. It is here I know you are always with me, for me, never against me. It is here my favorite place to gain ground before dawn. From my psychological trauma, wondering if it is now my time to let go my past medical journey? Lord help me be still. Today will be the day I am fully believing and listening to God out of habit pushing into his presence for my healing, growth, vision and what God has in store for me. Have a blessed day everyone and to you too Graham. Cheers❤️🙏❤️
Lucy, as I've said before, you are a true inspiration. You have been through so much, yet you're always smiling in those beautiful photos of yours. Keep up the good fight. 🙏💕
You are right, Graham. As children we're so free. Running, jumping, chasing butterflies, stomping in puddles and rolling in the snow. We just do it. No thought. We just be.
I always felt that children, because they are so newly released from God's hands, live their life with such joy and abandon and as you say, raw love....until the other earthlings manage to pollute that pureness and steal that abandon from them little by little.
Of course we grow to adulthood and the many demands of life slowly push down the child in us to a place we rarely see anymore. School, jobs, family and meeting expectations of this life is how we are now programmed. The child is left behind.
But here I am now...a senior. Lots of life gone by in that rear view mirror. And yet, I've seen my life taking a u-turn of sorts journeying back to that child I hid away. As a grandma, I get to play again. I play with my grandchildren as if I was a child again. They accept me as a playmate without judging.
I really didn't do a lot of that as a Mom. I was always the task master, making sure the kids were eating, doing their homework, chores and taking them to all their activities. Sure, I loved them and supported them, but there was so little playing. So little time to release that baggage I felt I needed to carry around. No time to figure that out then. Just get through it.
Not now. Playing is a Grandma's job. And the thankful parents are happy to have you do it!!
The funny thing is...with all the playing physically the mental and emotional part starts to lighten up too! I found I didn't need material things as I thought I used to and I didn't need to try to impress anyone...those kids just squealed in delight the moment you step in the door, running and jumping on you like you were the most exciting thing on the planet. Some gift in hand? Nope. Just little old me. Now, that is what it is all about!
So there it is. My life now is surely becoming free of that past baggage. It isn't needed or wanted any more. Like sifting out dirt from water...I see clearer. I don't worry about impressing others with a made up version of who I am. I've made the u-turn back. But before God takes me back into his hands, I'm cleaning out the garbage and releasing the baggage so the journey is light and my soul has been made pure again. Just as it was when I was a child.
Barbara !! Your words are well spoken and I can relate. We didn’t have time to play when we were raising our children. But we did our best to give them what was important in life. I guess that’s just what parents do. Grandparents have a total different role to play in life. Come and play and when they get tired they can go home!! It’s a great life!! Love it. Sending you prayers and love 🙏🙏❤️
I love ❤️ this poem, and your sharing about it. It is the most amazing feeling to be finally free from the weight of the past and to experience a childlike wonder in every moment. There is a release of the pressure to perform - and a freedom to 'just be'. This has been a struggle for me my whole life. Everything has felt like a performance on which I am continually judged - and come out 'less than' or 'not good enough'. I come from a theatrical family where performance was everything. That is why I now struggle so much with putting myself 'out there' online, even though I believe I have a lot of gifts to share. The past few weeks I have had this internal pressure pushing me to let it all go. To just take the leap without fearing repercussions. In the past I always felt like my father was looking over my shoulder and shaking his head.
I am finally winning this battle with my soul. Just bought the book 'eight secrets ....' by Mandy Morris and looking forward to the podcast episode.
So happy for you Graham, you look and sound as if you are truly 'born again'.
I can relate as I wore a mask for a long time before saying, 'No more! I need to be me!' Not always easy to break free after being moulded, brainwashed to act a certain way.
I would like to rewrite yours as mine ( i wont) but i feel it is me too. I came from a crafty family...I didnt get any of those talents even though my mom tried some times toooo hard .
youare right graham looks and sounds so happy, light and free
BEAUTIFUL poem Graham!! I loved it. Gives me much food for thought. Each one of us here will have a different take on this, depending on where we are,and where we have been in our lives. Over the many years being married and raising children, I have been born again many times. Different phases of life present new and different situations. We deal with it, make it right and move on to be born again to face the next challenge life sends us. My husband and I have freed ourselves of many burdens over the years, one thing being free from debt. Debt from building a home and educating three children has felt so consuming at times. You pray to your God for guidance and are so grateful for his help. We have played a lot, had much fun over all these years, now we are free to relax and just enjoy what God has planned for us . Life has not been easy all the time, but we are in a much much better place now. BORN AGAIN to live the life God has planned for us. We are truly blessed, and so very thankful
Two years ago I sold virtually all of my possessions including my home of 31 years to move across country. I felt renewed and a sense of freedom! Now, my focus is on stripping away that which is weighing me down psychologically. Graham, your words and inspiring stories help me to push through the tough parts. Thank you for your commitment to help those looking for renewal/rebirth.
Thanks Graham for another thought provoking poem. This week’s poem is fantastic!! I really needed to hear this message today!! There are a lot of feelings and emotions that I need to let go but I’m not quite ready to share it here in public but I will take your advice and I will write all that I’m feeling in my journal. It has been a weird kind of month with lots of ups and downs, my heart feels very heavy so I will be writing everything I feel down . You certainly look so happy and free . 🙏❤️
I found grief writing to be cathartic in the months after our son died, but going back and reflecting on those writings later was reliving dark moments and I found it better to let those writings go and not revisit them. Don't be afraid to do that. But each of us has our own grief journey so you may find comfort in keeping them and processing with them. Hugs and prayers for your journey!
Thank you Cathey 🙏❤️
Hey Irene…just look at the comments below…wow. Unconditional love and support from this community. It’s wonderful and I sure hope and pray that it will lift you up and put a smile on your face. You know a few poems ago I chose not to share with this community an experience I had many years ago…and I most likely won’t share it and be “born again” until I ascend above. It will be then that I will be free…and I can celebrate … and can remove the baggage I’ve been carrying for a lifetime. Graham respected my decision at the time. Actually I am using your comment as my response to this poem as well. I hope you don’t mind. Now you smile and be thankful and feel blessed that you had a lot of wonderful years with your Mom. Cherish those memories. And remember one day you will again be by her side….love and prayers to you.💕🙏
Thank you Danny so much , you are so right ,I feel so much love and support from everyone and I will always cherish all our wonderful memories together :)
Danny, that was beautifully said.
Thanks Susan🙏
This will take time to process I am here if you need to talk, I am still processing of both my parents and they been gone for so long but I keep them in my heart.Sending big hugs love you my friend.❤️🙏
I know you are thanks for always been there Lucy 🙏💜
Irene, it will take months to rebound back from where you are. We love them but we know we can’t keep them. We draw strength from our memories of them. Let your heart love like it’s good at it,
Yes it will. Be patient with yourself💚
Thank you Lucinda 🙏❤️
You’re welcome Irene
🙏❤️
Irene, dear heart, I have not experienced grief as deep as yours. What I have read and with my limited experience, personal and of others, the task is to learn to cope with grief. Also, the most helpful for me is to talk - to myself and perhaps more importantly, to others. I have a friend whose still young husband died suddenly one Saturday morning doing yard work. She told me anyone who didn't welcome her talking about her husband could not be her friend. As you see, you have all friends here; however, I pray you also have friends in your presence who welcome talk of your memories and feelings. Perhaps talking with others who were close to the person you grieve will help them as well. Blessings!
Irene. My heart is totally with you believe me I know some what you are going through. Baby it will get a little better with time. Sometimes it feels like it will go on for ever. But God is on your side. He said he would never leave or forsake us. That’s a promise to us Sending you all my love and prayers. Blessings
🙏❤️
Take your time Irene. Make sure you look after yourself & know that I am always here for you my friend. 🙏💕
Thanks Christine for always checking on me mate 🙏💜
Take enough time to process these feelings, Irene. My thoughts are with you💕✨
🙏❤️
Irene, A lot of faith. ❤
Take your time Irene. Your feelings and emotions are recent, and you are certainly not ready to let them go yet. You need to take the time to tame them, and maybe just live with them without abandoning them
writing it down does help I took his advice early on and it gave me perspective. I will be thinking of you and praying you and your heart can begin to feel light again. I truly do understand what you are going through and wish the best for you
Irene I have so many tears for you and for me as I read your words. Yes I’ve been there twice and I am still, so many years later, in private pain because of the loss. It’s so many things and so many feelings of “alone”. I’m here to talk and listen most importantly dear friend. 🙏🏻💜
Lifting you up in prayer my friend! 🙏🏻❤️
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Irene. Healing takes time so don’t try to rush it. Cherish your many memories and remember to take care of yourself. Hugs!! 🙏🙏🥰🥰
Sending prayers to you for the strength to get thru this time! 🙏
Praying for you to have the strength to get through this. ❤🙏
To be "Born Again" and let go of the baggage of the past. I've shared so many things in my comments with you and this community over the past 4 1/2 months or so. Things I thought I never would share with anyone much less now writing a blog about these. By doing so, I've shared from the heart all what I feel God is leading me to share. The phrase "Born Again" has a very special meaning for me being a follower of Jesus Christ. I won't go into a lot of what that means at this time, because I believe a lot of us in this community understand what I mean by that phrase. I've let go of the things I know of from the past. I cannot change the past. I must move forward, live in the moment and my favorite phrase right now "One Day at a Time." No pun intended or toot my horn, but literally, that's how I live right now. I honestly take life as it comes on a daily basis. I recently rededicated myself to my FAITH to totally surrender to it and seek out God's will for me on a daily basis. That is what separates me from re-living the past to living in the present in this moment. This is my heart's desire for each and everyone of us, to know this can be done, to love one another, appreciate the God given gifts each of us brings to the table, and live accordingly. Whatever you may be facing, know that I care and people in this community care. Life itself is not easy, but it's an individual choice we all must make. For me, I choose the present, not to re-live the past, but press on to whatever and wherever life takes me with God as my constant guide. Blessings to you Graham and this entire community! Thank you for letting me share what's on my heart once again.
Anne. !! So well said !! You are so great with words. I could really take lessons from you !!! Thanks for being a great friend. Our community is made up of great people !! I am so proud to be a small part of it. Sending my love and prayers to everyone. Blessings 🙏🙏
Thanks Patty! All words are inspired from God and come from the heart. Believe me, I've had to learn a lot from life, and you know what I still am, as we all are. Some days are better than others, but that's life. It's how we choose to live it. I am so blessed and humbled that God led me to this wonderful and amazing community. I'm grateful to be a part of it. Take care my friend and God bless you!
Anne, your words always come from your heart! Blessings to you💕
Thanks Mary. That heart is guided solely by God. Blessings to you also!
Thank you Anne for being there for me and I think I can speak for all in this community! You are a true blessing. Your positivity and guidance has helped me tremendously. Much love to you! ❤️
Thanks Jan. Feeling is mutual my friend. I share what's laid on my heart and hope and pray God uses that to inspire and encourage others. So glad I'm born again and not living in the past. It's not easy, but I believe so necessary. Take care and God bless you!
Anne I do know what you mean. I have been born again. It was a special time in my life when I gave my life to Jesus Christ. I try to live for him but sometimes I fail. I have a past and I have put my past behind me. Now I am trying to live in the present and move forward in my life. I have a place I am trying to get too and that is heaven and I am looking forward to it. Because it is real and I have loved ones I am looking forward to seeing again. But mostly my Savior. I loved what you said it is true and it us how I feel also. 😇❤
❤️❤️Thank you for your words. I depend fully on God. I lost my high school sweetheart, who became my husband of 27 years. He was sick for 27 years with brain tumor and then stroke before he died at 49 and I was 45. Single, raising two boys and terrified. After eight years I met and married a bachelor. My sons loved him and he loved us with all his heart. We were married 15 happy years. On vacation at the beach with family, he drown. It took me awhile to not blame God. Then i blaming myself, before realizing and remembering God is love. He got me through the sad and bad years but also helped me enjoy the good ones. I feel so good sharing this after hearing Graham.
Janis, thank you for sharing. I know that can’t be easy. We can survive anything as long as Jesus is in control. Take care and God bless! 🙏❤️
Thank you, Anne, for continuing to share your journey. You inspire me as I too am working to rededicate to what is most important in my life, my faith. 🥰
Thanks Leigh! Wish you all the best! Take care and God bless! 🙏🏻❤️
Thanks Anne, your words always reach the soul. ❤
Thanks Elizabeth - so do yours my friend! Take care and God bless!
Thanks for sharing, Anne. I'm hearing the Podcast and what you have shared, but right now none of it is making any sense for me.
Philip, I have recently been reading through Exodus 14. I have been struck by the idea that the cloud was what gave the Israelites the light to see the path to take to cross to the Red Sea. I am choosing to see the cloud (or the valley) that I am walking through right now as a light to a beautiful freedom. This does not have to make sense. Personally, I am not sure many struggles really ever do make logical sense in our human brains. It is in the mystery of our faith that can bring a little clarity in the mystery of our struggles. I am praying for you!
I appreciate that! It doesn't have to make sense. It just is and I have to deal with it. Thanks for the prayers! God bless.
Amen! It is hard when it logically does not make sense. That is the mystery of Faith indeed.
It really can be difficult! I like that term "the mystery of Faith."
Philip, remember the words of Santa Rosa de Lima "Jesus is my strength, prayer is my refuge, faith is my shield. Blessings
Yes! I do remember her special prayer. Thanks for sharing! God bless.
Philip, I want you to know I lifted you up in prayer this morning during my quiet alone time with God. Everyone goes through their trials at their own pace, etc. It can't be explained. It's just that. Even though you may not be able to make sense of this right now while going through it, I truly believe you eventually will. Just hang on, pray, pray, pray and lean on God. I believe you have that belief because I have read it in some of your previous comments. I will continue to lift you up in prayer. When I went through the nearly four years of care giving for my mother, I cried, yelled, and did not understand why I was put through that, but now since it's been 14 years since her passing, God has used that experience for me to help and encourage others that may be going through something sort of similar. Hang in there my friend. God will take you through this. Pray, Pray, pray my friend, and he will. God bless!
Thank you so much. Yes, I am a believer and trust in God. So I will continue to pray. Just don't understand why so much pain for so long with no relief. Very difficult. Again, thanks and God bless!
Philip, you got it any time. I thought you were. We don't know why, and it is difficult, but know we are here for you, and I'm glad you feel comfortable to share these feelings. Hang in there my friend! Take, the phrase - ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!! Take it and run with it! Blessings to you my friend!
Love your sharing, Anne. Bless you .
Thanks Carole! Take care and God bless you also!
Thank you Anne, you give us such inspiration. You teach us things every day. You are reminding us once again that God is where we need to lay our problems. He will help us be a little more lighter. Our past is the past we have to learn and grow from it. Thank you again Anne God bless take care.
Thanks Shari for those kind words. Remember, God is the total inspiration behind any word(s) I share. God teaches me things each and every day. We will always learn something new, but the past can't be repeated, and I truly believe God wants each of us to live our lives serving and honoring HIM and live in the present. There are so many lost people in the world today that need to know that someone cares and appreciates them. That is the present, and that's what I'm trying to do. Take care my friend and God bless!
Thanks Lori! Speak from the heart! Take care and God bless my friend!
Amen Jody! The past is the past and cannot be changed. Even when we think we've left it behind us, sometimes something happens that triggers one of those old thoughts to pop up. Then it's up to us how we deal with it. I always turn to God through the Word and through prayer. If that doesn't work, I will reach out to a friend because like you said, The best is yet to come, and I don't want to dwell on those old thoughts. Take care and God Bless!
Thanks Graham for this inspiring poem with the beautiful background. Letting go of “baggage” is something I’ve been working on the past few months. I’ve worked on letting go of many hidden feelings, heartbreaks of the past, and thinking about the past in terms of “ if I had only done this”. It has been a revealing time for me, I can’t change what happened in the past, it’s been the journey that has brought me to where I am today. Opening my heart to letting go of those things has been so “freeing”, my heart is no longer heavy. The journey also filled my life with many wonderful memories and blessings that fill my heart with joy. I now start each day writing 3 things I appreciate in my life, give thanks for the blessings yet to come and finding joy in each new day. A friend recently sent me this quote: “ Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like and learn to find joy in the story you are actually living “ Blessings to all.
Sometimes I have to 'let go' on a daily basis! Never realised how much I was actually holding on to.
It can be really hard to leg go of past traumas. I'm getting better at this & been working on it of late.
All the best with working on your past Linda. 🙏
Linda, thank you so much for the quote.Just what I need ❤️
Linda, that was so well said. I know it is hard to let go. Seems like you have a good start and will continue to do well on this journey.
Linda. We cannot change the past you said so many things that I can relate to. I know you are so right!! You are a beautiful person. Thanks for sharing this with us. !! Really appreciate you. Sending you my love and prayers 🙏🙏Blessings
I’m a major work in progress also. It is amazing what Graham and this community has done! Blessings to you too! ❤️🙏
Graham, a beautiful poem thank you. I loved it. All I will say is I have grown and I have changed , this is my time and I am enjoying every moment life is too short. 💖🇦🇺🙏
I am right there with you Bev
Thanks Bonnie💖🇦🇺🙏
Good on you Bev. 😊
Thanks Christine 💖🇦🇺🙏
Amen, Sister!
As I read, listened to, then reread the poem, it brought a smile to my face. I instantly thought of a turning point in my life where I visited a place where I found my authentic self. The true goofy me that had fun & didn't worry about what I wore, how long my hair was or if I wasn't acting the proper way. Even though this feeling got squashed every now & then, I at least knew who I was. Each time I went to my special place, the authentic me got resurrected again. I eventually realised that I was tired of pushing my thoughts, my feelings, the real me aside. I wasn't going to be a puppet anymore, but ME. I finally know who I am & what I love in life. I still slip at times, & have moments of going back into old habits, but at least I know the authentic me & just say to myself, "This is who I am. Don't worry about what others think. You are a good person & it's your life."
I have written this down & refer to it when I'm not having a good day etc.
Thank you Graham for reminding me of being the authentic me. 🙏💕🇦🇺
Christine !! You are so right on about everything!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us This is really how my life has been. So I am older and I just think I am myself. I don’t have to be someone I am not. Blessings to you love everyone in this community. Send you my love and prayers 🙏🙏❤️❤️
Thank you Patty for your kind words. 🙏❤️
Good for you Christine. It took me a lot of years, too many, to finally realize I didn’t need to be, and shouldn’t be, who others thought I should be. Life is much happier now for me as I’m sure it is for you too.
Thanks Leigh. Took me awhile, but got there. Glad you got there too. 😊🙏
I personally love the true, goofy you! 💕😉
You are a beautiful blessing to all ❤️
Bless you too, Jan🙏
Well said Christine.. Feel the power
What a beautiful expression that describes a space in life we are all seeking. Sometimes we go about our days without even realizing all the things that are holding us down. Once we come to a place of letting go of expectations, obligations, guilt, false beliefs about ourselves, it’s a freedom that’s hard to describe. It doesn’t mean we still don’t have things we must do, but our approach to our responsibilities and relationships becomes not so burdensome but from a choice and willingness to serve. When I think of being born again, it’s coming to understand that we live life in a new way with a different purpose, being surrendered to letting God have control and accepting the freedom that comes with that. I’m getting a deeper understanding and appreciation for that freedom every single day. Thanks for another beautiful poem and the gorgeous setting you shared it from, Graham. It seems you are working hard to carve a new path for yourself as you become more and more free from the past. Enjoy all the moments of where you are right now and the bright future ahead of you.
Cathy. You sure have a way with words!! I always love reading what you have to say. It’s all so true with a lot of us. I enjoy your writing very much. Sending Blessings to you !! ❤️
You are so right, I love reading Cathey's writings
💕😘
Thank you so much, Patty! 💕
Amen, Cathey. 🙏💕
Interesting. Feelings often which carry a heavy weight we have no control of from the past? Why do we choose to frustrate? Why do we chose to involve others to increase the weight we drag forward? I guess I learned quite a while ago that these negative thoughts, negative people negative relationships just drag your down and never have redeeming value. Throwing off that weight not only gave a sense of freedom, floating but allowed the positives entrance in my world to protect my gates from never to deal with negative people, thoughts or situations. In 1966, there was a song by the Left Banke “ Walk away Renee”. Everytime negativity comes near that song comes to mind!?! Never did understand what the words fully meant but it is what has kept me free for many m as by years! Thanks Graham for thought stimulation!
You are correct Jeffry. Sometimes we have to walk away to protect our energy. I am recognising the need to take care where I place my energy these days - so I'm not 'leaking' all over the place trying to keep everyone else happy. Much love to you. Missed your posts. Sending prayers and light to you.
I remember that song! A good one!
That was one of my favorites from back then. I agree that the words make more sense now.
Thank you for this poem Graham, which reminds us that every day we must enjoy the present moment. Even though we can no longer interfere with the past, it is part of us, part of who we are, but it is important to focus on the present and move forward in the most positive way possible, with what past events have made of us.
Patricia, I so agree that all of the past events in our lives have helped to shape us into who we are. We can learn from them and grow forward without letting them hold us back.
That's exactly right, Cathey
Oh to be child like. They have no cares when they play just have a good time. I can hear laughter when my grands play. They live in the present moment. That is what we should do everyday. Don't live in the past , yesterday is gone . Tomorrow may not come . Just live today that is all we have. Thank you for sharing your talent of writing with us. You are amazing and talented young man. Don't let anyone take that away. Blessings to you .
I'm 100% with you, Susie. Well said!💕✨
Well said Susie
I’ve done the work to “let go” of the things that troubled me in the past so that I truly can enjoy the childlike wonders of the world now. I think that is one of the most important keys because saying you let go is different than actually truly letting go and being free to be your authentic self, not repeating maladaptive coping mechanisms.
One of the most freeing things I ever gifted myself was to stop people pleasing, over functioning and caring what others think about me. I live my life doing the things that bring me happiness, regardless of others thoughts and opinions of me. I don’t give to people anymore to get them to like me, I only give from a genuine place in my heart to the things that align with me now with no expectations in return. I’ve grown and I’ve matured, but now I can tap into the inner kid in me daily and enjoy the small wonders that surround all of us if we just stop and enjoy the present moments♥️
Thanks for this one Graham, it is a great poem! Have the best week and have so much fun✌🏻
So proud of you Laurie, I am also learning “ people pleaser “ trap that it leads feeling discouraged. Everyday I am blessed and living my best life for me .
Lucy you are the closest person I know to a saint and everything you do comes from a genuine place deep in your beautiful heart. Unfortunately with people pleasing discouraging feelings are not avoided because there will always be some that no matter how much you do, it will never be enough.
Awwe thank you reading this made me tear up and I have to agree with you there is always someone and it makes them more puzzled when I just throw kindness back and stay silent.
Laurie. You are so true in all your thinking about life. !! Just really like last weeks poem. Re. Member. !! This makes us realize how life is after we get over the past. Being our selfs. Now. We love how it is. Sending you prayers and love 🙏🙏please be safe. And stay happy. ❤️❤️
Way to go Laurie. 🙏👍. You're doing great. 🙏
You are too! Keep being amazing 🙌🏻♥️
Thanks mate
😊💕
Good morning Graham and thank you for another beautiful poem, and your background is so serene place by the water. To be born again? Freedom ? I must say I am moving forward and let go of the fast especially I have been gifted twice with a new life? Yesterday I feel very brave to share and post my fast experience and to be honest my anxiety climbs to the roof and I have this amazing friend just knows how to say the most beautiful words to lift me up and calms me down. This are some words she said to me “ don’t be afraid as God is not done with your life yet? God has given me new life twice , because he loves me that much. Everyday that we are blessed with a new day is a chance to start over and keep moving forward. This poem hit me hard , As soon as I’m still worry creeps in ,thoughts of talking to God if I can move forward past earthly revelation? It is this time I find the Courage, and the Strength, the Peace , the direction to push forward one more day. It is here I fell my purpose my connection radiates rays of the strength grows. It is here I know you are always with me, for me, never against me. It is here my favorite place to gain ground before dawn. From my psychological trauma, wondering if it is now my time to let go my past medical journey? Lord help me be still. Today will be the day I am fully believing and listening to God out of habit pushing into his presence for my healing, growth, vision and what God has in store for me. Have a blessed day everyone and to you too Graham. Cheers❤️🙏❤️
Lucy, as I've said before, you are a true inspiration. You have been through so much, yet you're always smiling in those beautiful photos of yours. Keep up the good fight. 🙏💕
Thank you Christine 🙏❤️
Lucy you are such an inspiration to me! You are such a strong woman. ❤️❤️
Thank you Julie 🙏❤️
Lucy, your strength amazes me. For everything you are going through and with such positivity. You are a blessing. 🙏❤️
Thank you ❤️🙏
The innocence of a child is bliss. Carefree to play, run, jump and laugh. Oh, to re-member. 🤗🤗
You are right, Graham. As children we're so free. Running, jumping, chasing butterflies, stomping in puddles and rolling in the snow. We just do it. No thought. We just be.
I always felt that children, because they are so newly released from God's hands, live their life with such joy and abandon and as you say, raw love....until the other earthlings manage to pollute that pureness and steal that abandon from them little by little.
Of course we grow to adulthood and the many demands of life slowly push down the child in us to a place we rarely see anymore. School, jobs, family and meeting expectations of this life is how we are now programmed. The child is left behind.
But here I am now...a senior. Lots of life gone by in that rear view mirror. And yet, I've seen my life taking a u-turn of sorts journeying back to that child I hid away. As a grandma, I get to play again. I play with my grandchildren as if I was a child again. They accept me as a playmate without judging.
I really didn't do a lot of that as a Mom. I was always the task master, making sure the kids were eating, doing their homework, chores and taking them to all their activities. Sure, I loved them and supported them, but there was so little playing. So little time to release that baggage I felt I needed to carry around. No time to figure that out then. Just get through it.
Not now. Playing is a Grandma's job. And the thankful parents are happy to have you do it!!
The funny thing is...with all the playing physically the mental and emotional part starts to lighten up too! I found I didn't need material things as I thought I used to and I didn't need to try to impress anyone...those kids just squealed in delight the moment you step in the door, running and jumping on you like you were the most exciting thing on the planet. Some gift in hand? Nope. Just little old me. Now, that is what it is all about!
So there it is. My life now is surely becoming free of that past baggage. It isn't needed or wanted any more. Like sifting out dirt from water...I see clearer. I don't worry about impressing others with a made up version of who I am. I've made the u-turn back. But before God takes me back into his hands, I'm cleaning out the garbage and releasing the baggage so the journey is light and my soul has been made pure again. Just as it was when I was a child.
Barbara !! Your words are well spoken and I can relate. We didn’t have time to play when we were raising our children. But we did our best to give them what was important in life. I guess that’s just what parents do. Grandparents have a total different role to play in life. Come and play and when they get tired they can go home!! It’s a great life!! Love it. Sending you prayers and love 🙏🙏❤️
Never could have imagined being a grandma could be so much fun, right Patty? I'm so glad to experience it. It's been a blast!
What a story Barbara, and you spoke of it so well.
I love ❤️ this poem, and your sharing about it. It is the most amazing feeling to be finally free from the weight of the past and to experience a childlike wonder in every moment. There is a release of the pressure to perform - and a freedom to 'just be'. This has been a struggle for me my whole life. Everything has felt like a performance on which I am continually judged - and come out 'less than' or 'not good enough'. I come from a theatrical family where performance was everything. That is why I now struggle so much with putting myself 'out there' online, even though I believe I have a lot of gifts to share. The past few weeks I have had this internal pressure pushing me to let it all go. To just take the leap without fearing repercussions. In the past I always felt like my father was looking over my shoulder and shaking his head.
I am finally winning this battle with my soul. Just bought the book 'eight secrets ....' by Mandy Morris and looking forward to the podcast episode.
So happy for you Graham, you look and sound as if you are truly 'born again'.
Much love ❤️
I can relate as I wore a mask for a long time before saying, 'No more! I need to be me!' Not always easy to break free after being moulded, brainwashed to act a certain way.
I'm so happy you broke free. 🙏
I would like to rewrite yours as mine ( i wont) but i feel it is me too. I came from a crafty family...I didnt get any of those talents even though my mom tried some times toooo hard .
youare right graham looks and sounds so happy, light and free
Carolyn!! You sure have a way with the right words. I can relate to you so much. I do feel like I am born again more ways than one!! Blessings to you
carole
BEAUTIFUL poem Graham!! I loved it. Gives me much food for thought. Each one of us here will have a different take on this, depending on where we are,and where we have been in our lives. Over the many years being married and raising children, I have been born again many times. Different phases of life present new and different situations. We deal with it, make it right and move on to be born again to face the next challenge life sends us. My husband and I have freed ourselves of many burdens over the years, one thing being free from debt. Debt from building a home and educating three children has felt so consuming at times. You pray to your God for guidance and are so grateful for his help. We have played a lot, had much fun over all these years, now we are free to relax and just enjoy what God has planned for us . Life has not been easy all the time, but we are in a much much better place now. BORN AGAIN to live the life God has planned for us. We are truly blessed, and so very thankful
Two years ago I sold virtually all of my possessions including my home of 31 years to move across country. I felt renewed and a sense of freedom! Now, my focus is on stripping away that which is weighing me down psychologically. Graham, your words and inspiring stories help me to push through the tough parts. Thank you for your commitment to help those looking for renewal/rebirth.
Good luck, Pat! ✨