Gratitude

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Doing the right thing....it's not always easy. In fact....sometimes it's darn hard. But not doing the right thing is worse.

Erin Brokovitch took a stand for what she knew was right even though at first she stood alone against the bullying and intimation of those she opposed. Erin knew the truth and she cared enough about others to fight for it.

Truth is a weird thing....sometimes I know the truth but something in me wants to turn away. I don't want to become caught up in disagreements or fights. But there are things way too important to sit back and pretend I don't know about, especially if it's something that hurts others. 

This week I"m grateful for people who took a stand for 'right' and refused to back down. Reading about these people.....the courage they had...the backbone to stand against powerful forces....I'm not sure I could do a fraction of what they did. These people totally inspire me.

-Martin Luther King, Jr. - the man had guts. He stood for truth... fought for equality...no matter what they did to him.  
-Erin Brokovitch - Those she opposed tried to silence her voice but truth pushed her to stand strong.
-Irene Sandler - She put her own life at risk to protect so many Jewish lives.
-Harriet Tubman....she knew the truth that God created everyone equal. She defied everything to free slaves again and again and again.  
-My faith in a God who gives me courage to do the right thing even when I'm afraid. And even when I stand alone.....I'm never alone. He's there always.....standing with me. 

Creation Calls

Linking with Faith Filled Fridays and  Spiritual Sunday

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God..... because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.” Anne Frank


I feel the most alive and free when I'm out on the trails....or hiking in the hills or walking down near the lake. When I'm in the beauty and peace and power of nature...I have this strong sense that everything will work out and to not be afraid. 

I'm a newbie at making videos, but I made this one to try to capture the awesomeness of being out in His creation. All the pics are taken from places we hike. Hope you guys like it.  

Thankful Thursday

“Your time is limited so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They already know what you truly want to become.” Steve Jobs

Time....it flies fast. Hard to believe it's thursday already or that my oldest is 16 and my youngest is in middle school. 
Time...we're only given so much of it. I want to use whatever time I have to listen to my heart...and follow it's lead. That means silencing the voices that try to discourage...or tell me something I want is impossible....or list reasons why something can't be attained.

I'm listening only to those people who believe like me....that nothing is impossible....and that everyone has the right to try for their dreams. This week I'm thankful for.....

-book sales of dancing softly have been wild. Someone bought 15 to give away; someone else took 6 plus 6 of my first book to sell in a quaint little shop in the country. She read my 1st book and wants to promote them. Woo hoo. And everyday I've been selling a few  online and off.
-encountered this older woman...amazing gentle and kind. It still jolts me when I encounter someone like that. I won't ever forget her or the way she made me feel. And I'll pay forward her kindness to me.
-The circle of giving. Some people this week told me I'm their hero...a mentor...someone they look up to....that also really humbled me and in turn there are those people I look up to....who mentor me....who shine Light in my life. I love that whatever we give out comes back to us.
-My city. It's the best....I love it. I love everything about it. It was actually listed as one of the best places to live. I'm grateful for living here.
-Grace.I don't fully get it except that it's something that holds me up like salt would in the Dead Sea..it keeps me afloat and never lets me sink.

On The Front Lines

Linking with Charlotte at  Spiritual Sunday and Laura  Faith Filled Friday

"We all know it's brutal up there at the front, especially those of us at the rear" Frank Burns

I remember as a kid living in a tight Jewish community...coming home from school one day and seeing a missionary sitting with my mother....telling her about 'God.'  

I think that woman was sent to our home for a a purpose....I think she prayed for us......and I think God heard. When I grew up and my life changed.....I asked whatever happened to her. I was told....after she left us...she went to Africa to share her faith and died from some virus she caught there. 

Although I barely know what she looked like or what she had said to my mother at the time......I've never forgotten her and that somehow she -  a gentile, a missionary on the front lines in His service arrived at our Jewish home to shine His hope. I don't even know her name or who she was or where she came from. But I never forgot that woman and when He touched me, broke through the darkness of my life.....instinctively I thought of her. 

He knew....she would go.....and tell. He knew....she would make a difference whatever the cost.

There are people everywhere...soldiers on the front lines...making a difference....

So today...this post...is for all those unknown soldiers....on the front lines. And you know what - I want to be one of them! 

He's no fool if he would choose to buy what he can never lose...

When I feel like I can't go on

Linking with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday & Laura at  Beholding Glory
 

“Faith doesn't come in a bushel basket, Missy. It comes one step at a time. Decide to trust Him for one little thing today and before you know it, you find out He's so trustworthy you're putting your whole life in His hands.” Lynn Austin

Yesterday I heard that the man who decided it was right to take my writing and claim it as his own without paying anything for the work - printed up a bunch of copies, put his wife's name down as the author and is selling them at his church. His church knows he's been told by lawyers to stop infringing on copyright yet they've decided to ignore that. 

Yesterday I was angry....really angry....at the man, his wife, their church and especially God for letting this happen. But when I finally got quiet....I heard it...that quiet whisper...reminding me.... He's in my corner...fighting this battle...He's got my back. 

So today....I choose to trust what I can't see and believe that good will come from bad and truth will trump lies. 

When I feel like I can't go on...when the road is winding way too long...You deliver me......

Thankful Thursday

Linking with Cami at Thankful Thursday

"You’re shaking … so am I. It’s because of Jerusalem, isn’t it? One doesn’t go to Jerusalem, one returns to it. That’s one of its mysteries” Eli Wiesel 

The first time I went to visit my sister in Israel, I remember when the plane began to descend, the emotions running in my veins. We could all see the fields of trees below....growing.... prospering...the land rich with fruit and vegetation and HOPE.

A man sitting a few rows back pulled out a harmonica and began playing Hativkah, Israel's national anthem. The word itself means...The Hope. In that moment, every Jew on that plane regardless of life experience was bonded together by an overwhelming realization of God and the promise and hope fulfilled. A Jewish homeland...a sovereign nation where no Jew would ever be turned away from. Today...I'm grateful for.....

-Going from no hope to knowing hope. 
-The touch of the power of His gentleness....It's what turned my life around. 
-Contentment and peace that replaced all the restlessness and angst. 
-Family....community...purpose.....
-Mostly.....that I'm finally home and living with hope everyday. I know that no matter what happens....He's there...in my corner so the end of a thing will always be awesome.  

Real!!!

Linking with Charlotte at  Spiritual Sunday and Laura at Faith Filled Friday

"You love me. Real or not real? I tell him, "Real." Suzanne Collins

Love is an amazing thing. It gives courage and a freedom. What I can't do or won't because I'm afraid...if someone I love needs me to do it....or wants me to.....then I'll do it. I'll do it for them....simply b/c I love them. 

Love has that kind of power....it pushes me beyond my own limitations...makes me do those things that are terrifying and seem absolutely impossible. 

And more than me loving someone is when they love me. Their loving me has this strange power...a motivator that pushes to live my best life....and reach for my dreams. Just as abuse and trauma changes who we are....and how we live our lives and how we move in the world...so also does love. 

You raise me up to be more than I can be...

This Journey to be Strong

Linking up with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday and Laura at Faith Filled Friday

"I knew I was sitting in the right seat. It was time for someone to stand up – or in my case, sit down. I refused to move" Rosa Parks

Taking a stand...making a difference...sending a strong message that something's not okay. Heart pounding....knees shaking.....But knowing a thing is wrong and doing nothing is more wrong. 
And if that wrong is allowed... others get hurt. Lies corrupt everything it touches. 

I picture armed cops standing over her...and imagine Rosa Parks...intimidated...afraid...wondering if she should give in.....do what they wanted...do what was expected. But something in her locked in a determination to stay put....to not move...to stand her ground.

Rosa knew she had the right same as they....to be treated with dignity and respect. She was a woman...tired from a day's work...and more so...tired from people treating her less than human. She stayed in her seat. She refused to move. And things got worse. They slapped the cuffs on and threw her in jail.

Bullies....they come in all sizes, shapes and forms. They wear suits and ties....jeans and t's....They're in our schools....communities, even the pulpits. 

Taking a stand...in the face of overwhelming odds....walking into darkness armed only with 'Truth and Right.' 

It's the way I feel about the so called 'preacher' who refuses to back down from infringing copyright.  Some things are just wrong. Some things demand a stand be taken. I've questioned what I'm doing....wondering if I'm just being stubborn. But something in me is realizing it's not just a case of copyright...or him encouraging others to follow his lead, it's about deception. 

The power to be strong, and the wisdom to be wise...all these things will come to you in time 

Near....Far....

Linking with Laura at Faith Filled Friday Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday 
& Deidra at Sunday Community

“Every moment we have to live our life is a blessing. Every hug from a family member. Every laugh we share with friends. Even the times of solitude are all blessings. Every second of every day is a gift. Jessica Redfield-Ghawi

People out for a good time...terrorized...too many lives lost....others now having to live with the horror and  memory. Families left broken. Hearts crushed. A nation bleeding... 

Watching the news....seeing the horror....the anguish....I'm afraid...afraid of the violence that's so much a part of our world....how someone would walk into a movie theatre or school or downtown street and open fire on the innocent. 

I'm afraid....afraid of what we've become....how some take out their crazy on others.....It makes me cling to Him tighter...the only real safety....I can't...I won't live my life with fear.  

In memory of those who died in Aurora.....and praying for their families and friends... 

Near, far...you're here in my heart...and my heart will go on

Thankful Thursday

Linking with Cami at Thankful Thursday

"The first question which the priest and the Levite asked...if I stop to help this man, what will happen to me? But the the good Samaritan reversed the question...if I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him? " Martin Luther King, Jr. 

I've always told my girls....there are more good people than bad in the world. Sometimes that doesn't see to be true....but than someone happens into my life and confirms that it really is.  

I'm grateful for those who shine light...hope and compassion in my world...especially in this situation with the preacher man who took what doesn't belong to him....and who, using faith, is promoting himself as someone he's definitely not. I've learned that it's living the truth with kindness that speaks the loudest. I'm grateful for....


-The lawyers....I'm humbled by their kindness. Yesterday they said they're behind me 100% and are worried for my safety and they'll do whatever I want. They've been love in action....and their kindness feels like God's hugs to me.
-Roger....I was introduced to him b/c of his knowledge of the film and writing industry. His constant support, wisdom and friendship reminds me there really are more good guys than bad. Rog...if you're reading this....thank-you. You're the absolute best and preacher man was a definite incidental bridge that connected me with you. Thanks for being in my corner. 
-S....she's become a mentor and friend.....an older woman who shines light and love and wisdom. She' helped me stay focus through this whole thing. Her words, her heart have shown me that kindness is the truest form of wisdom. 
-R...M...and K...who have told me if this goes to court they're there...They'll do whatever I need. They've listened to my rants...and always directed me to look up and trust Him with the final outcome. 
-And mostly for Him...I think He knew this would happen. And if He knew....then He's in it and if He's in it...the ending is going to be totally awesome. It doesn't matter that the winds are whipping around....I'm standing on the rock....and that rock is gonna smash this thing wide open into something amazingly beautiful. I know that b/c He promised...and His promises are right on true. 

Brave

Linking with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday and Laura at Beholding Glory 

“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” Stephen King

Being brave....doesn't come easy. Fears get in the way. They hold me back. They make me doubt myself, my abilities, even my goals. But I don't want to live mediocre. I want to listen to my heart and go for it. 

Being brave.....I hem and haw and wonder about all the what ifs. 
Being brave....it's not a simple yes or no, stay or go. It's a conflict inside...a battle of sorts that pulls and pushes me forward than back then forward again. I drive myself crazy....debating all sides of the thing until nothing is left to debate. 

Being brave....it's not in me. But it's in Him and He's in me and His brave becomes my brave.....and I finally remember I can do anything and everything because...... 

It's Your love that cuts the strings. You make me want to be brave.....

Joy

Linking with Charlotte at  Spiritual Sunday  and Laura Beholding Glory

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” Madeleine L'Engle

How is it possible that I feel happy when all this horrible stuff is going on that makes me want to cringe?  I'm not sure....but I do. I feel this amazing joy....a peace that everything is as it's supposed to be.  

Often when I write stories, I do the ending first. That way I know where I'm heading with the plot.  It's like a road map that helps me stay on track. 

And the present mucky situation I'm in....with that man who stole my manuscript.....God already knows the end and it's a happily ever after. 

I remember when I went to visit my sister in Israel....she took me to the Dead Sea. No one can drown in there. Everyone floats. It's so neat....all  you see are heads and toes. And being in Him...it's impossible to go under.

Joy.....it really does run deeper than despair.  

Rise above....past the here and now..where faith remains

Thankful Thursday

Linking with Cami at Thankful Thursday

If you hold a cat by the tail you learn things you cannot learn any other way. Mark Twain

Sometimes it seems that I always learn stuff the hard way....the most difficult...through trials that totally 'try' everything in me. I used to ask why all the time. But I think now.....some of life's lessons have to be learned the hard way for them to really become fixed.

And learning things the hard way usually makes me more sensitive to what other people are going through. So maybe it's not all bad. This week grateful for.....

-the freedom to write again. Editing and proof reading one of my stories I submitted to Diaspora. It feels so great to have the words flow again.
-the lawyer who is willing to fight for me in a case against a Christian man who stole my manuscript. Funny thing about this situation.....he claims to love God...the lawyer makes no such claim. She's not charging me anything and he's trying to take what doesn't belong to him.
-End of year parties and grads for my girls....seeing them happy and excited and growing....pumps me with so much joy. Funny thing about kids....they fill up places in my heart I never knew existed.
-Hope....without it life would be empty
-Mostly....Him in my corner....knowing He's always there....gives me courage and  makes me feel like I can face anything.....do anything....be anything.

Worth Saving

Linking with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday &Wendy at Sunday Linkup &  Laura at Beholding Glory

"We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.” J.K. Rowling

Everyday on the news....there's another story of a murder, rape or assault. Some person deciding that someone's life has no worth...and that they can do whatever they like to hurt or destroy another human being. The incidents aren't isolated...they've become common....the norm. 

It makes me wonder what value a human life really has. Falling out of love with someone.....wanting money.....having a disagreement over some dumb thing...using a child to satisfy needs.....A life seems so worthless.   

Sometimes I think about the people caught in those situations...fighting to survive them.....the fear they must feel....and the despair.....
Everyone has the right to a good life.....Everyone's life is worth saving.....and even more.....

Everyone needs compassion...a love that's never ending....

Giving Back

Linking up with Charlotte Spiritual Sunday and Laura Beholding Glory

"Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light"  Norman B. Rice

I went to the women's prison yesterday. It's a place I don't like to go. I find it gloomy.... oppressive....dark.  But I go b/c I want to give hope....

I talked with some of the women...heard their stories....shared mine. Terrible things happened to many of them...rape, abuse...trauma.  Many live with shame and guilt...and the fear of not being able to make it on the outside. Life's been hard. Too much of a fight. 

I thought about my own life....I know...nothing is too hard when He comes on the scene....I'm not sure how He does it.....but somehow He takes the hurts...the pain....all the tough stuff....and turns it around. More that than....He even uses it for something good. 

As much as I don't like going into the prison....I come home humbled...and a bit changed. It's a funny thing about giving back....it leaves me with this  incredible feeling. So I've decided.....I'm going to keep going back to prison to shine His Light. 

Carry your candle.....run to the darkness. Go light your world.