One Word

We are approaching many special seasons -- a season of gratitude followed by the observation of the birth of the Christ Child and then we usher in a new year. Almost every year I receive calls or texts asking me what my "word" will be for the year.

Some years it is easier to answer than others. I take it very seriously to name and claim "my" word for the year. There was the year of HOPE -- I clung to that word as I went through some devastating things. As I worked through my sadness and pain that year one thing that remained steadfast was the word I was reminded to focus on: HOPE. Hope got me through as I looked to God for my peace, my strength, my hope.

For some reason that has been on my mind today. I know how powerful it is for me as I focus on my "word for the year".

That got me to thinking:what if I had a word a day?
Would it change the way I respond to things or think about what is going on around me?
Would my demeanor be different?
Would I grow closer in my faith journey?

As I'm processing all this I did a little exercise. I typed my name out before me and then I started inserting words. I decided I wanted to write out descriptive words but they all had to begin with my first letter: D.

I did that and then I sat back and stared at it for
some time.I realized I had several descriptive words that I'm not so sure are me. So why did I type them? Perhaps so that I could come to
believe those words about me.

Do I think I am desirable?
Am I a discoverer?
Am I dazzling?

Honestly I have to say I don't believe those things about myself. What I realize is that I am just one in a number of people who feel the same way about themselves..

I'm going to accept the challenge. I'm going to cling to these words. I think they will be helpful.

So while I have several words before me, I'm going to focus on one each day. ONE WORD. That's all it takes. It isn't a complicated thing.

I invite you to join me in this adventure.

Write your name in the middle of  the page and then start filling in descriptive words all around your name. It's your choice how to do it. Go with only descriptive words that the first letter of the word is the first letter of your name. Or you might want to go with any descriptive words.

Whatever you choose, join me in picking one word a day and letting your focus be on that word that day. ONE WORD. That's all it takes.

As we enter this journey I remind us all of five words that never leave my thoughts or my heart. Take these words and always hold them close to your heart. And BELIEVE them.

Beautiful, Beloved, Child of God

I would LOVE to hear from you. Please, please -- share with me your words!

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

He Stole My Heart

His name is Bryce.

He has a smile that will win the heart of anyone who crosses his path.

His laugh is just as infectious.

I admit it. I swooned. He made me swoon.

Bryce is five months old and is the best possible reminder of what is good and right in this world.

I met Bryce in the checkout line yesterday. We were both hanging out waiting for the flurry to settle all around us. He in his stroller, me riding the electric cart the store provides. We were on the same level so it was inevitable our eyes would meet.

It was all over after that. My heart was taken. I talked to that little guy and we laughed. I was having so much fun that it was some time before I realized something: all the big people (those towering over Bryce and me in our buggies) were standing about smiling and chuckling at the antics going on. After a few minutes a lady beside us got in on the fun. She had a snowman that was all sparkly and Bryce really loved him. So then we are all giggling like little school girls and loving every minute of it.

It might have been a blip in history but it sure did make my day and the day of the other people in line. Bryce's mama even enjoyed it, thanking me for distracting him for the ten minutes it took to handle her transaction. I thanked her -- it brought great joy to my day.

Five minutes with Bryce will wipe off the sour look on most anyone's face!

I needed that innocent reminder that love abounds.
I needed that reminder of how freeing laughter can be.
I needed to be reminded of the power found in a smile.
All the people around me seemed to need those reminders as well.

Perhaps the cashier summed it up best for all of us when she said, "With all the bad things and bad news going on, I sure am grateful God reminded us of the power of love through Bryce this morning."

Yep. Don't need to add anything to that.

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Celebrating the Saints

Halloween was fun. I enjoyed having my next-door neighbors visit so I could see their costumes and give them treats.

But I love today and what it represents.

Today we celebrate ALL SAINTS DAY -- the day we honor those Saints who have gone on before us and joined the Church Triumphant (as we say in The United Methodist Church). Many traditions recognize this day;. It is called various things but it points to the same conclusion: God in our midst, taking His faithful home to glory for all eternity. 

As Christians we have nothing to fear. As humans it is OK for us to mourn, to weep over their absence from our lives. Ultimately though, we spend this day offering prayers of thanksgiving for the saints we remember ...

I remember my parents, LEE ROY & LOUISE GADDY, who raised me in love and taught me through their living, the importance of living a life of integrity and caring for others. My mom died six years ago; my Dad died only two months ago but both their deaths leave a hole in my heart as I miss them so yet I rejoice they are in Heaven

I remember aunts who were my "2nd mom" -- AUNT ARLEE BANKS and AUNT RUTH BECK. I smile every time I think of them and how wonderful they were. They were so different and yet so close. Aunt Ruth was always the one in charge while Aunt Arlee was the quieter one who worked steadfastly. Both loved passionately. I loved spending time with At. Ruth and learning from her. I loved our talks and things she shared with me that I keep close to my heart to this day. I loved traveling with At. Arlee. She was a breath of joy every moment.

.

I remember my dear friend, my goofy friend, my partner in crime, PATRICIA GREGORY. I miss our bantering, fighting like sisters and caring for each other just as passionately. I miss her boldness and the example she was for me. I miss our beach trips. I miss her.

I hope today you will take time throughout the day to think of those dear ones in your life who were so very special and who have since died. I pray we can all rejoice in the gift of their presence and each one meant to us. 

I can say this: God is good and I remain so very blessed by these dear ones in my life. I look forward to the day we are reunited!

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved