I had to really take some time to think through what this poem meant for me. The last year has been so transformational because I finally had the courage to let go of my comfort zone and step out in faith without being keyed in on a direction or knowing what was next. I think the most important thing I have learned in the process is to remain open to growth, but not try to force my own growth. Healthy growth comes through faith and listening to God's direction and being willing to wait when his guidance doesn't come right away. I'm not the most patient person, so sometimes the waiting is the hardest part. But God's timing is always perfect and in the waiting growth can happen, too. Graham, thanks for the reminder that the discomfort of growth is exhausting but always worth it.
I agree with you, Cathey, we have to be open to growth and God's direction in our lives. Often, in my past, I wasn't especially looking for growth, but God allowed me to get in a situation or position that required growth that I wasn't necessarily seeking. After coming out "on the other side", I could look back and see how far I had come even if it had been a tough season. Graham is right that we always come through tough times and I know that I have always learned my best life lessons because of the hard times!
I totally understand on not knowing what is next, but based on the last year I know there are many blessings ahead and much beauty. I’m not promised that there will be no more storms but the growth, blessings, and beauty are worth it!
Amen Cathey! When I've gone through trials of discomfort, it is exhausting, but afterwards, I've always learned something and continue to grow each and every time.
It is but worth it because we grow from each and every experience! I know I have and too many times to count. I don't want it to stop either. Take care my friend!
Your poems today you brought up some good questions? I have to step back and think it through. I feel so lost in a great big world seven years ago also afraid to share of my sufferings. Slowly I am going to “ unstuck “ cry out to God to release my fears , my anxiety and my pain and have a fresh start. I have learned to dance my storm with my strong faith God will guide me to continue to be courageous and to begin unstuck and move forward. “ I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”He didn’t say you might make it, he didn’t say some things, He said all things.We have been effected by life’s storm to some degree but the best shelter, the one that can protect us and save us is Gods word. I have to accept and be victorious coming out of this storm it will not break me. Today I fell a sense of peace, purpose and though we may not understand every storm, we can rise above and come out stronger. Thank you Graham for the reminder of the growth is exhausting.🙏❤️
Lucy you are doing an amazing job. Your story to the road of healing and your beautification journey is so inspiring. I truly hope that you are one of the people that Graham will choose to bring up on stage at his live group chat so you can share your story with us . Keep up the great work ❤️
I hope so too but I screwed up today, someone DM me asking to post the date when Graham goes live and never think of it that I or we are not supposed to share it to no one only for paid subscriber. I screenshot and posted on Telegram within minutes I was can’t say the words here. But I realize I was wrong I deleted immediately and send a text to Graham with my apology to make it right. It wasn’t my intention but I was played by someone. Whoever messaged me I forgive them .
Your story is truly inspirational. Thank you for opening your heart and sharing with us. I too hope Graham talks to you because I look forward to more.
Thank you Graham again for your inspiring poem it always for me comes when needed. Last night my girlfriends’s husband passed away and I’m distraught I’m trying to find the words of comfort she needs right now , it’s getting hard for me to type because I’m crying because memories of my own loss are flooding back and the thought of knowing exactly what she is going thru right now , I want to be strong for her and comfort her , the sense of loss, loneliness and anxiety she is feeling right now I know is sometimes unbearable . My take away on all of this is life is short as I’m sure we all know and it’s a gift to be lived to the fullest we take chances everyday we wake up , everyday I try to accomplish something whether it’s just to be there for someone to give comfort to someone in need or to push out of your comfort zone and live your life and step out into the world for me it’s to force myself to do things that I’ve put off for so long because as you have said it’s a fear of stepping out of my comfort zone and at least trying It was out of my comfort zone just writing my blog on substack I am by far not a writer off any kind but it’s a start and I think a lot of people have become complacent with the world and everything happening we can’t let it I pray for all Canadians everyday and what you are all going thru you can never give up God bless you all but it’s like everything in life you have to know that out of every negative comes a positive and my one final thought make sure we tell people in our lives or even someone having a bad day that we love them no matter what because as I have said life is short , I wish you peace Graham and all Canadians we love and stand behind always
Hi Halina. I am so sorry about your friend and I'm sorry that you are re-experiencing your own loss. In my life, I have found that as I have gone through a difficult situation and worked my way through it (which may be an ongoing process) that there is usually someone that God places in my path that can benefit from my experience (even if I am still experiencing it!) You are so valuable and necessary to your friend at this time, and for now, that may be your calling - to minister to your friend. Too often, I was looking for something "big" that life or my destiny was calling me to do, but after many years, I have learned that often our calling or destiny is to serve those people that enter our life on a daily basis. What may seem routine or mundane to us is a lifeline for someone else. I have seen your posts on the Telegram Chat (I usually just read and don't post too often), but it's obvious that you are a very kind and caring person. Keep channeling that and you will be working towards your life goals.
Thank you for sharing. I heard recently that just sitting in silence and crying with your a friend in grief can be a blessing. Being present with her can be so painful, and I am certain she is grateful. Blessings to you both.
I know what is like to loose a loved one. My sister died it will be five years in March. I had a recent friend from work her father passed a couple of weeks ago. My inspiration for them is this is not the end it’s only the beginning. God calls us home because we are done with our life here on earth. We can expect to see our loved ones soon. It may not be tomorrow or in a month or year. Though one day he will call us to be with him in the kingdom of his heavenly home. Tell your friend when the sun shines look up she will feel the beams of the sun shine down on her and that his him with a warm embrace. He may not be with her here on earth, but he will always be with her in her heart in her soul and features.
I am so sorry about your friend and the painful memories it brings up. You are a kind and loving person so I know you will find a way to help her. God will guide you with the right words and the opportunity to just be there for her. Love you Halina! ❤️
So sad to lose someone you love. I know as well from personal experience. I lost my closest friend from childhood to brain cancer in2005. She was my ‘person’ and suffered a great deal for 6 months I was her primary caregiver for most of that time together with her nurses. It took years to be able to even talk about that horrible time. I understand. Thank you for sharing!
Well once again Graham you have me in tears. I have 75 years of things all buried that have left me numb to any sort of feelings so that I don't know what my heart is feeling nor do I see anything in my mind. If it wasn't for God and His mercies I wouldn't have gotten through all the events that have caused me to be this way. I just want to be alive to life in all its fullness. Thank you that you have a way of bringing things into the open for me.
I learned this lesson in a really hard way. In 2011 my husband of 28 years took his life. The unknown was before or being stuck in my pain. After 3 years of being stuck I knew I had to do something different, even with counseling I had stayed stuck. So I chose to put one foot in front of the other and work through the pain. I lost people along the way, some were family, some friends but I kept moving forward, making a life for myself that honored my relationship with God. Life does keep throwing things in the way, so are really painful and hard. It's all about the choices we make that honor your beliefs and the boundaries we set fir our life. I look at life decisions differently now. I see life as a swiftly flowing river that we have to cross by putting one foot in front of the other we can safely get to the other side but if you stop it will overtake you, so keep moving snd growing
Bev I cannot say how you feel. I had neighbor that her son 13 year old son accidentally shot himself. I just listened to her let tell me about this tragedy. The best thing I have learned in 77 years people just wants someone to listen . So love you for sharing ,don't know your pain but I can listen. GOD know your pain.
Thank you for sharing. I love the idea of you setting boundaries. So difficult, but so important to do and a way to opening your heart to more than you thought possible. I love the idea of life being a swiftly flowing river. So true! Amen!
Susan, things are OK. My family went through another loss in 2020 when my son passed away from a brain tumor. This time I had the tools and recognized when I was keeping my protective armor on. Again it's just taking a step forward when life pushes me back.
What gets me out of bed in the morning? Well, as I advance in age reality is that its one day less I have to exist in this world and for that I must spend that time enjoying, sharing, feeling connected, reaching out to those in the present, in the past , sharing feelings that I may have intentionally or unintentionally repressed and come to the realization that it's basically now or never! How many times have we had a friend or loved one or even an acquaintance who has passed and you regret that one thing you wished you had said to them or done for them or shared with them? What drives me forward is trying to find opportunity so that everyone I have touched gets that opportunity to connect with me so they do not have the same regrets!
When those you love pass, we always tend to wonder what we could have said & done. But we also sense our own mortality & I believe appreciate life more. I try to think about each precious day we have when I fall into a dark place. I think you have a great philosophy & something I need to do more of.
Thanks. Hold your head up high and do you what your heart tells you to do - it is never the wrong thing when you do what is for others first just not for yourself only
I have been absorbing, all the inspiring things, you Graham have shared and I have done a lot of reflection. I am aiming for a stronger me. If I am stronger in spirit, mindfulness, and my life I can then offer myself up to be there for others. In this pursuit I am weary but determined.
This loosely translates for me to this: I know it hurts, and it really sucks. But it’s been long enough. Things are getting easier bit by bit. I need to get back on track now and stop making excuses. There’s some great plan ahead for me or I wouldn’t still be kicking around on this great floating rock in the air. I need to get ready. Finish losing weight and continue getting in shape. I haven’t come this far to go dead in the water. Just have to push through. There are so many blessings ahead, and so many beautiful things! I just need to get off my butt and get moving towards them again. Thanks for the boot in the booty Graham! 😄😄
When my mother passed away it was my rough patch. I wanted to have assurance I would see her again. My faith believed I would but in a vision I saw her take the Saviors hand. That moved me from pain to comfort. My kingdom is eternal but why wait for eternity when life is meant to live now. I look for opportunities to look at what I can’t change and trust with faith He who can make any change. Love is my destination and faith and hope is my path.
Lucinda - I can relate to this. Losing my mother 14 years ago after being her care giver for the previous 4 years was rough. It was exhausting and the hardest thing I've experienced thus far, but I trust that God is always there to bring us out of each and every circumstance which he did for me in this case. About a month before she passed, God answered two prayers that I so desperately wanted reassurance of - 1. Hearing her say the words, "I Love You" to me and 2. - to know that she knew about Jesus and eternal life. When I actually heard her say these two things, it brought me the comfort I needed then and now.
Over the past weeks, I've taken a step back to look at my life to reflect where I've been, where I am now, and the future. Your writings along with my faith have really inspred me to step out of my comfort zone in sharing with this community my thoughts and maybe words of encouragement to others, etc. That's what it is about for me, and I've been so uplifted and blessed reading everyone's comments . For me, I'm challenging myself each morning when I wake up to make this the best day possible and be used in a way to encourage others to do the same. For me, this is through prayer, faith, listening, and trusting in God on a daily basis to guide me through this daily walk we call life.
Like you stated, it has been a tough week to watch the news of what has been going on in Canada and other countries. It really breaks my heart to see the pictures and read the headlines of what has transpired over the past few years. These are challenging times we live in. For me, praying for the leaders of our countries, my friends and family is what helps me through the trials we go through. We need to be there for another because we have this one life we're given.
Prayers and blessings to you Graham and to everyone in this community.
Hi Anne thank you for my " you can do it". I too find this a very inspiring place to be and a safe place to get feedback and always encouraging. Keep up your good work and i will keep up mine..
I read this poem very early in the morning and I have been re-reading and thinking about it for hours since then. I’m just going to write what I am thinking and hope it doesn’t ramble for the reader.
For me this poem speaks specifically to this amazing journey I am blessed to be on- a spiritual journey of discovery which I have been gliding on for several months since opening the passage to a never before experienced level of consciousness, truth, love, peacefulness, and gratitude.
My personal experience began with Graham's words and Lynette’s guidance. It has not been painful. It has, by contrast, been cathartic, actually wondrous. Each day it seems I wake seeing so clearly what I never knew existed. It just fills my heart to be moving forward in this light. Now that I see in the present I realize that I “knew” in the long ago past as a child . Now I am astounded to make the connection.
I am so very concerned about the world around us. I’ve immersed myself in reading to be informed and accessing real time reports regarding the status of events. That side of me feels the need to control my world. The light I see today though allows me to put it all in some meaningful perspective, to support those who are courageous standing up for our freedoms we hold dear, and to be mindful of my own inner truth. I will never unsee again… and that itself is my kingdom.
Somehow I have always been blessed with faith that things will turn out okay. And I'm not really sure why. It's just always been part of my fabric. I've had two close calls with death, faced many challenges as a child with an alcoholic parent, been through divorce, bankruptcy, homelessness, joblessness, and lost loved ones but never once did I feel hopeless or defeated. Yes, I felt pain but never succumbed to the depths of despair. My friends and loved ones wondered how I stayed upbeat and hopeful. And I really don't know. Faith? Love?
But now that I'm older I feel that my crooked, winding, rocky life path formed me....gave me perspective, understanding of other's challenges and molded me into a more caring, empathetic being. Helping others out fuels me and nourishes me. I wouldn't change a thing.
Thank you dear Graham for sharing your inspiration with us. You are indeed an old soul who has been brought into our lives for a reason. Each of us may have a different chord that you touch, but touch us you do....and this loving community has been born. We will forever be thankful for your vision that included us because many of us had gifts that were buried for so long that just now have been uncovered.
Barbara - what you shared is so touching. I truly believe we're taken through many different experiences that eventually shows us the path to follow. For me, I truly believe that God has constantly shown me each and every path.
Graham, this poem relates to where I was two years ago when I stepped out of my comfort zone…moved from my home of 30 years in California to new home in Colorado. At age of 72, I started a new path in life…..this was scary enough alone but it was also at start of pandemic so making new friends, getting involved in new activities was even more challenging. My faith carried me as I started this new life, I started by taking baby steps, focusing on one challenge at a time. First challenge was finding people who had similar interests, then slowly form friendships. Along the way there were signs that kept me going, one that kept reappearing was “bloom where you are planted. “. The blessings I have found along the way keep me going, strengthens my faith and I know it was the right decision.
Linda, I can so relate, I also sold my home of 30 years in California and moved to North Carolina just before the pandemic. Faith is all we can depend on as we start a new chapter.
I was so lost in my life for years. I struggled through, but wasn't really living. Then lost my dad just before covid, which left me in a void of pain. With Covid the pain was worse as the isolation left me without a place to escape. But then I found Heartland & through that Graham & his podcasts. This was a huge comfort to me & I was inspired to push myself out of the void I had been in. Once I was able, I did things I'd wanted to do, but had lacked the courage & drive to. I felt so free, & achieved a peace & happiness I hadn't felt for years. Then this gotten taken away with more lockdowns as well as the loss of my mum, the day before my birthday & breaking my wrist. I felt myself falling back into that void & struggle once more. But recently I have been slowly breaking out of the void once more & trying to find that peace & happiness once again. Harder this time, but trying. Had some set backs but hope to push through.
Christine, I believe by your sharing this is a step in that direction. I too struggled with the isolation at first with all the lockdowns and what you constantly hear in the news, but the good news is the faith I have in God will carry myself and all of us through these dark days. Prayers for you!🙏
Fear was king
Fear of financial uncertainty
Fear of not being interesting anymore.
Fear of letting go of what I have. Fear kept me captive in a golden cage.
And then I found Lynette and Graham's Mathamagical.
I was shaken awake.
A determination ignited.
A sparkle, a fire, falling in love with life...
I jump into an adventure now.
I have confidence.
Faith is the key, self-awareness the keyhole.
My heart knows the way to my kingdom.
Dancing with life is my engine.
I go for it! ✨
Yes you are so right!!! I know the way to my Kingdom and God is leading the way!!!!
This is beatiful Bie. It describes many of my feelings❤
Beautiful Bie. I feel what you wrote deeply.
WOW!!! this was beautifully stated and felt by me.
I can so relate to this poem you wrote it speaks to me as well...be well and keep dancing Bie Matthyssen
Thank you. I will... ✨
Beautiful!
Thanks for this poem Bie. It is so my story although I think I am a few faltering steps behind you in the dance. I will get there
Yes, step by step. It is a choice to stay positive. Not always easy. And as Graham says: breath... Thank you for your reply 🙏✨
Wonderful!
Beautiful post
oh so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your heart and your dear poem!
I had to really take some time to think through what this poem meant for me. The last year has been so transformational because I finally had the courage to let go of my comfort zone and step out in faith without being keyed in on a direction or knowing what was next. I think the most important thing I have learned in the process is to remain open to growth, but not try to force my own growth. Healthy growth comes through faith and listening to God's direction and being willing to wait when his guidance doesn't come right away. I'm not the most patient person, so sometimes the waiting is the hardest part. But God's timing is always perfect and in the waiting growth can happen, too. Graham, thanks for the reminder that the discomfort of growth is exhausting but always worth it.
I agree with you, Cathey, we have to be open to growth and God's direction in our lives. Often, in my past, I wasn't especially looking for growth, but God allowed me to get in a situation or position that required growth that I wasn't necessarily seeking. After coming out "on the other side", I could look back and see how far I had come even if it had been a tough season. Graham is right that we always come through tough times and I know that I have always learned my best life lessons because of the hard times!
Sounds like my story, Jody! I wasn't looking for a major transition either, but God had other ideas and I'm so glad he did!
Amen to that, Cathey. Thankfully, God knows what's best for us even when we don't know it!!
I totally understand on not knowing what is next, but based on the last year I know there are many blessings ahead and much beauty. I’m not promised that there will be no more storms but the growth, blessings, and beauty are worth it!
So true! And if you know the hard things bring growth it helps to be more patient in them. ❤👍
Yes it does! I try to take every experience, perceived good or bad, as a learning experience.
Your last line, Cathey….the discomfort of growth is exhausting but always worth it. So very true!!
With God, everything is possible.
You have done an amazing job with your blog, Cathey. I'm so glad that it's all working out for you.
Thanks, Christine! 💕
Amen Cathey! When I've gone through trials of discomfort, it is exhausting, but afterwards, I've always learned something and continue to grow each and every time.
Growing is such hard work, isn't it? But I never want to stop. 🙌
It is but worth it because we grow from each and every experience! I know I have and too many times to count. I don't want it to stop either. Take care my friend!
Your poems today you brought up some good questions? I have to step back and think it through. I feel so lost in a great big world seven years ago also afraid to share of my sufferings. Slowly I am going to “ unstuck “ cry out to God to release my fears , my anxiety and my pain and have a fresh start. I have learned to dance my storm with my strong faith God will guide me to continue to be courageous and to begin unstuck and move forward. “ I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”He didn’t say you might make it, he didn’t say some things, He said all things.We have been effected by life’s storm to some degree but the best shelter, the one that can protect us and save us is Gods word. I have to accept and be victorious coming out of this storm it will not break me. Today I fell a sense of peace, purpose and though we may not understand every storm, we can rise above and come out stronger. Thank you Graham for the reminder of the growth is exhausting.🙏❤️
Lucy you are doing an amazing job. Your story to the road of healing and your beautification journey is so inspiring. I truly hope that you are one of the people that Graham will choose to bring up on stage at his live group chat so you can share your story with us . Keep up the great work ❤️
I hope so too but I screwed up today, someone DM me asking to post the date when Graham goes live and never think of it that I or we are not supposed to share it to no one only for paid subscriber. I screenshot and posted on Telegram within minutes I was can’t say the words here. But I realize I was wrong I deleted immediately and send a text to Graham with my apology to make it right. It wasn’t my intention but I was played by someone. Whoever messaged me I forgive them .
I hope you are one that he chooses as well Ms. Lucy💚❤️
Thank you Ms. Aimee
I agree Irene. Lucy's story is amazing. God Bless. 🤗
Thank you Irene 🙏❤️
Lucy, your are an example of life. Your story inspires us to face our challenges with faith and courage. ❤
Thank you Silvina🙏❤️
Your story is truly inspirational. Thank you for opening your heart and sharing with us. I too hope Graham talks to you because I look forward to more.
Thank you
Lucy you are a brave woman. I wish you the best.
Thank you Elizabeth 🙏❤️
Thank you Graham again for your inspiring poem it always for me comes when needed. Last night my girlfriends’s husband passed away and I’m distraught I’m trying to find the words of comfort she needs right now , it’s getting hard for me to type because I’m crying because memories of my own loss are flooding back and the thought of knowing exactly what she is going thru right now , I want to be strong for her and comfort her , the sense of loss, loneliness and anxiety she is feeling right now I know is sometimes unbearable . My take away on all of this is life is short as I’m sure we all know and it’s a gift to be lived to the fullest we take chances everyday we wake up , everyday I try to accomplish something whether it’s just to be there for someone to give comfort to someone in need or to push out of your comfort zone and live your life and step out into the world for me it’s to force myself to do things that I’ve put off for so long because as you have said it’s a fear of stepping out of my comfort zone and at least trying It was out of my comfort zone just writing my blog on substack I am by far not a writer off any kind but it’s a start and I think a lot of people have become complacent with the world and everything happening we can’t let it I pray for all Canadians everyday and what you are all going thru you can never give up God bless you all but it’s like everything in life you have to know that out of every negative comes a positive and my one final thought make sure we tell people in our lives or even someone having a bad day that we love them no matter what because as I have said life is short , I wish you peace Graham and all Canadians we love and stand behind always
Hi Halina. I am so sorry about your friend and I'm sorry that you are re-experiencing your own loss. In my life, I have found that as I have gone through a difficult situation and worked my way through it (which may be an ongoing process) that there is usually someone that God places in my path that can benefit from my experience (even if I am still experiencing it!) You are so valuable and necessary to your friend at this time, and for now, that may be your calling - to minister to your friend. Too often, I was looking for something "big" that life or my destiny was calling me to do, but after many years, I have learned that often our calling or destiny is to serve those people that enter our life on a daily basis. What may seem routine or mundane to us is a lifeline for someone else. I have seen your posts on the Telegram Chat (I usually just read and don't post too often), but it's obvious that you are a very kind and caring person. Keep channeling that and you will be working towards your life goals.
Thank you so much Jody for your inspiring words❤️
Thank you for sharing. I heard recently that just sitting in silence and crying with your a friend in grief can be a blessing. Being present with her can be so painful, and I am certain she is grateful. Blessings to you both.
I know what is like to loose a loved one. My sister died it will be five years in March. I had a recent friend from work her father passed a couple of weeks ago. My inspiration for them is this is not the end it’s only the beginning. God calls us home because we are done with our life here on earth. We can expect to see our loved ones soon. It may not be tomorrow or in a month or year. Though one day he will call us to be with him in the kingdom of his heavenly home. Tell your friend when the sun shines look up she will feel the beams of the sun shine down on her and that his him with a warm embrace. He may not be with her here on earth, but he will always be with her in her heart in her soul and features.
I am so sorry about your friend and the painful memories it brings up. You are a kind and loving person so I know you will find a way to help her. God will guide you with the right words and the opportunity to just be there for her. Love you Halina! ❤️
Thank you Leigh ❤️
So sad to lose someone you love. I know as well from personal experience. I lost my closest friend from childhood to brain cancer in2005. She was my ‘person’ and suffered a great deal for 6 months I was her primary caregiver for most of that time together with her nurses. It took years to be able to even talk about that horrible time. I understand. Thank you for sharing!
Well once again Graham you have me in tears. I have 75 years of things all buried that have left me numb to any sort of feelings so that I don't know what my heart is feeling nor do I see anything in my mind. If it wasn't for God and His mercies I wouldn't have gotten through all the events that have caused me to be this way. I just want to be alive to life in all its fullness. Thank you that you have a way of bringing things into the open for me.
Years teach us alot. We learn as we age. GOD has blessed with 77 years.
You are an amazing friend, Teresa & an amazing person. I'm so glad you have found a way through.
Thank you
I learned this lesson in a really hard way. In 2011 my husband of 28 years took his life. The unknown was before or being stuck in my pain. After 3 years of being stuck I knew I had to do something different, even with counseling I had stayed stuck. So I chose to put one foot in front of the other and work through the pain. I lost people along the way, some were family, some friends but I kept moving forward, making a life for myself that honored my relationship with God. Life does keep throwing things in the way, so are really painful and hard. It's all about the choices we make that honor your beliefs and the boundaries we set fir our life. I look at life decisions differently now. I see life as a swiftly flowing river that we have to cross by putting one foot in front of the other we can safely get to the other side but if you stop it will overtake you, so keep moving snd growing
A beautiful story of overcoming, Bev.
I’m so sorry for what you went through but your determination to overcome is amazing. Your faith in God is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Bev I cannot say how you feel. I had neighbor that her son 13 year old son accidentally shot himself. I just listened to her let tell me about this tragedy. The best thing I have learned in 77 years people just wants someone to listen . So love you for sharing ,don't know your pain but I can listen. GOD know your pain.
So sorry for what you have been through. You have a great outlook now & I'm happy you found a way.
Thank you for sharing. So moving!
Thank you for sharing. I love the idea of you setting boundaries. So difficult, but so important to do and a way to opening your heart to more than you thought possible. I love the idea of life being a swiftly flowing river. So true! Amen!
This is a beautiful metaphor! Love it!
Susan, things are OK. My family went through another loss in 2020 when my son passed away from a brain tumor. This time I had the tools and recognized when I was keeping my protective armor on. Again it's just taking a step forward when life pushes me back.
Graham,
I have been praying for you, but this week I intensified my prayer asking God to calm your heart.
Be well, God loves you and takes care of you!
Do not lose heart Graham. We need your inspiration. ❤️🙏🏻
The power of prayer is very strong.
I also pray for Graham each night and ask God to protect him.
I have been praying the same for Graham!! 🙏🙏
👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️🥰
What gets me out of bed in the morning? Well, as I advance in age reality is that its one day less I have to exist in this world and for that I must spend that time enjoying, sharing, feeling connected, reaching out to those in the present, in the past , sharing feelings that I may have intentionally or unintentionally repressed and come to the realization that it's basically now or never! How many times have we had a friend or loved one or even an acquaintance who has passed and you regret that one thing you wished you had said to them or done for them or shared with them? What drives me forward is trying to find opportunity so that everyone I have touched gets that opportunity to connect with me so they do not have the same regrets!
When those you love pass, we always tend to wonder what we could have said & done. But we also sense our own mortality & I believe appreciate life more. I try to think about each precious day we have when I fall into a dark place. I think you have a great philosophy & something I need to do more of.
Thanks. Hold your head up high and do you what your heart tells you to do - it is never the wrong thing when you do what is for others first just not for yourself only
I have been absorbing, all the inspiring things, you Graham have shared and I have done a lot of reflection. I am aiming for a stronger me. If I am stronger in spirit, mindfulness, and my life I can then offer myself up to be there for others. In this pursuit I am weary but determined.
Bonnie - you can do it.
I feel the same Bonnie. I need to read your newsletter! Hugs from another one that is feeling weary as well.
This loosely translates for me to this: I know it hurts, and it really sucks. But it’s been long enough. Things are getting easier bit by bit. I need to get back on track now and stop making excuses. There’s some great plan ahead for me or I wouldn’t still be kicking around on this great floating rock in the air. I need to get ready. Finish losing weight and continue getting in shape. I haven’t come this far to go dead in the water. Just have to push through. There are so many blessings ahead, and so many beautiful things! I just need to get off my butt and get moving towards them again. Thanks for the boot in the booty Graham! 😄😄
I know that special blessings are ahead for you Aimee. You are a kind and loving person. Stay strong and know that I am praying for you. Love you! ❤️
Love ya too! ❤️💚
When my mother passed away it was my rough patch. I wanted to have assurance I would see her again. My faith believed I would but in a vision I saw her take the Saviors hand. That moved me from pain to comfort. My kingdom is eternal but why wait for eternity when life is meant to live now. I look for opportunities to look at what I can’t change and trust with faith He who can make any change. Love is my destination and faith and hope is my path.
Lucinda - I can relate to this. Losing my mother 14 years ago after being her care giver for the previous 4 years was rough. It was exhausting and the hardest thing I've experienced thus far, but I trust that God is always there to bring us out of each and every circumstance which he did for me in this case. About a month before she passed, God answered two prayers that I so desperately wanted reassurance of - 1. Hearing her say the words, "I Love You" to me and 2. - to know that she knew about Jesus and eternal life. When I actually heard her say these two things, it brought me the comfort I needed then and now.
I can really relate as I lost my mum last year & my dad in 2019. It's not easy & I still struggle. I hope & pray that I can move forward.
That is beautiful! I have lost both of my parents.
Over the past weeks, I've taken a step back to look at my life to reflect where I've been, where I am now, and the future. Your writings along with my faith have really inspred me to step out of my comfort zone in sharing with this community my thoughts and maybe words of encouragement to others, etc. That's what it is about for me, and I've been so uplifted and blessed reading everyone's comments . For me, I'm challenging myself each morning when I wake up to make this the best day possible and be used in a way to encourage others to do the same. For me, this is through prayer, faith, listening, and trusting in God on a daily basis to guide me through this daily walk we call life.
Like you stated, it has been a tough week to watch the news of what has been going on in Canada and other countries. It really breaks my heart to see the pictures and read the headlines of what has transpired over the past few years. These are challenging times we live in. For me, praying for the leaders of our countries, my friends and family is what helps me through the trials we go through. We need to be there for another because we have this one life we're given.
Prayers and blessings to you Graham and to everyone in this community.
Hi Anne thank you for my " you can do it". I too find this a very inspiring place to be and a safe place to get feedback and always encouraging. Keep up your good work and i will keep up mine..
Thank you Bonnie!
I read this poem very early in the morning and I have been re-reading and thinking about it for hours since then. I’m just going to write what I am thinking and hope it doesn’t ramble for the reader.
For me this poem speaks specifically to this amazing journey I am blessed to be on- a spiritual journey of discovery which I have been gliding on for several months since opening the passage to a never before experienced level of consciousness, truth, love, peacefulness, and gratitude.
My personal experience began with Graham's words and Lynette’s guidance. It has not been painful. It has, by contrast, been cathartic, actually wondrous. Each day it seems I wake seeing so clearly what I never knew existed. It just fills my heart to be moving forward in this light. Now that I see in the present I realize that I “knew” in the long ago past as a child . Now I am astounded to make the connection.
I am so very concerned about the world around us. I’ve immersed myself in reading to be informed and accessing real time reports regarding the status of events. That side of me feels the need to control my world. The light I see today though allows me to put it all in some meaningful perspective, to support those who are courageous standing up for our freedoms we hold dear, and to be mindful of my own inner truth. I will never unsee again… and that itself is my kingdom.
Wow. Well written wise words.
Thank you Marsha. 💜
Somehow I have always been blessed with faith that things will turn out okay. And I'm not really sure why. It's just always been part of my fabric. I've had two close calls with death, faced many challenges as a child with an alcoholic parent, been through divorce, bankruptcy, homelessness, joblessness, and lost loved ones but never once did I feel hopeless or defeated. Yes, I felt pain but never succumbed to the depths of despair. My friends and loved ones wondered how I stayed upbeat and hopeful. And I really don't know. Faith? Love?
But now that I'm older I feel that my crooked, winding, rocky life path formed me....gave me perspective, understanding of other's challenges and molded me into a more caring, empathetic being. Helping others out fuels me and nourishes me. I wouldn't change a thing.
Thank you dear Graham for sharing your inspiration with us. You are indeed an old soul who has been brought into our lives for a reason. Each of us may have a different chord that you touch, but touch us you do....and this loving community has been born. We will forever be thankful for your vision that included us because many of us had gifts that were buried for so long that just now have been uncovered.
Barbara - what you shared is so touching. I truly believe we're taken through many different experiences that eventually shows us the path to follow. For me, I truly believe that God has constantly shown me each and every path.
Graham, this poem relates to where I was two years ago when I stepped out of my comfort zone…moved from my home of 30 years in California to new home in Colorado. At age of 72, I started a new path in life…..this was scary enough alone but it was also at start of pandemic so making new friends, getting involved in new activities was even more challenging. My faith carried me as I started this new life, I started by taking baby steps, focusing on one challenge at a time. First challenge was finding people who had similar interests, then slowly form friendships. Along the way there were signs that kept me going, one that kept reappearing was “bloom where you are planted. “. The blessings I have found along the way keep me going, strengthens my faith and I know it was the right decision.
Linda, I can so relate, I also sold my home of 30 years in California and moved to North Carolina just before the pandemic. Faith is all we can depend on as we start a new chapter.
How do you like North Carolina?
It's been an adjustment, but I'm really enjoying it and glad I made the move
I was so lost in my life for years. I struggled through, but wasn't really living. Then lost my dad just before covid, which left me in a void of pain. With Covid the pain was worse as the isolation left me without a place to escape. But then I found Heartland & through that Graham & his podcasts. This was a huge comfort to me & I was inspired to push myself out of the void I had been in. Once I was able, I did things I'd wanted to do, but had lacked the courage & drive to. I felt so free, & achieved a peace & happiness I hadn't felt for years. Then this gotten taken away with more lockdowns as well as the loss of my mum, the day before my birthday & breaking my wrist. I felt myself falling back into that void & struggle once more. But recently I have been slowly breaking out of the void once more & trying to find that peace & happiness once again. Harder this time, but trying. Had some set backs but hope to push through.
Christine, I believe by your sharing this is a step in that direction. I too struggled with the isolation at first with all the lockdowns and what you constantly hear in the news, but the good news is the faith I have in God will carry myself and all of us through these dark days. Prayers for you!🙏
Thank you Anne. 💖
You’re so welcome! Keep the faith!