Times of Refreshing
Maybe it stems from being number eight in a brood of eight. Maybe it’s because growing up in a large family I’ve always had to “fight” for time alone. Maybe it’s because at times I just enjoy my own company. Whatever the reason, from the time I was a child until this very moment I have always craved, seek and fought for my moments of solitude.
I enjoy being able to be alone to reflect, to meditate on the word of God, to curl up and visit old friends through the pages of a good book, listen to music, sing dance or just sit and enjoy the silence and the peacefulness of my self-imposed solitude.
I find that the times of solitude is a necessity in my life. It gives me time to rejuvenate when I’ve given all I can for a time. It helps me to reflect on some of the blessings in my life, family, friends, possessions, peace of mind, health strength… It also renews me for when it’s all over.
I’ve also found out that one of the most beautiful thing about solitude is knowing that when I want it to end all I have to do is take a walk outside or simply pick up the phone and dial a number. That’s the beauty of solitude; knowing that it isn’t forever. Friends, family, company are only a phone call away.
For more thoughts on the Beauty of Solitude visit Keziah this week's hostess of the Carnival of Beauty at A Woman Who Fears the Lord
Dec 26, 2006
Dec 24, 2006
Merry Christmas One and All
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
Dec 18, 2006
Christmas at my House
Christmas at my house... hmmm. Just saying it brings back memories of waking up Christmas morning to wonderful aromas, hearing my mother moving around in the kitchen preparing the Christmas meal, listening to her scold my dad for getting in the way, which by the way still happens.
There was never a lot of gifts at my house when I was growing up, sometimes we got books and pencils, other necessities or prehaps a toy, because in a family of eight children there often wasn't enough money for extravagant gifts. However, looking back I don't think of how deprived I was because, the gifts would have been long gone. I think of how blessed I was. My house was always filled with laughter, love, good cheer and lots and lots of food.
Present day in my house is not much different from 20+ years ago, except the family is much, much larger. We still don't concentrate so much on the gifts, although don't get me wrong it's always nice to get gifts. But, Christmas at my house is still about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, family, friends and food :)
We go strictly traditional at my house at Christmas. My dad, my five brothers and older nephews usually grab all of the seats at the table and my mom, sisters and sisters-in-law are usually serving the food. You notice I didn't mention myself, well being the youngest I can still make myself scarce without being missed to quickly. (If I miss the serving I usually get stuck with kitchen duty afterwards though)
My favorite part of Christmas at my house is when we gather as a family, while Mommy prays for the entire family. Her prayer always sets the tone for the entire day. Along with that treasured tradition is the annual, can't do without, back to the past trip. This is where we all just sit around, usually after Christmas dinner, and reminisce about when we were younger, how different things were back then, tricks we played on each other (like when my brother Enoch talked me into let him give my doll a haircut. He convinced me that it would grow back.) We still call those days, "da good ol' days".
That's Christmas at my house. I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Written December 2005
Things have changed in my family since Christmas last year. My mother is no longer with us. So Christmas 2005 will forever be in my memory.
There was never a lot of gifts at my house when I was growing up, sometimes we got books and pencils, other necessities or prehaps a toy, because in a family of eight children there often wasn't enough money for extravagant gifts. However, looking back I don't think of how deprived I was because, the gifts would have been long gone. I think of how blessed I was. My house was always filled with laughter, love, good cheer and lots and lots of food.
Present day in my house is not much different from 20+ years ago, except the family is much, much larger. We still don't concentrate so much on the gifts, although don't get me wrong it's always nice to get gifts. But, Christmas at my house is still about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, family, friends and food :)
We go strictly traditional at my house at Christmas. My dad, my five brothers and older nephews usually grab all of the seats at the table and my mom, sisters and sisters-in-law are usually serving the food. You notice I didn't mention myself, well being the youngest I can still make myself scarce without being missed to quickly. (If I miss the serving I usually get stuck with kitchen duty afterwards though)
My favorite part of Christmas at my house is when we gather as a family, while Mommy prays for the entire family. Her prayer always sets the tone for the entire day. Along with that treasured tradition is the annual, can't do without, back to the past trip. This is where we all just sit around, usually after Christmas dinner, and reminisce about when we were younger, how different things were back then, tricks we played on each other (like when my brother Enoch talked me into let him give my doll a haircut. He convinced me that it would grow back.) We still call those days, "da good ol' days".
That's Christmas at my house. I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Written December 2005
Things have changed in my family since Christmas last year. My mother is no longer with us. So Christmas 2005 will forever be in my memory.
Dec 15, 2006
Gifts I'd Like to Give
There are a few gifts I’d love to give this Christmas if only they were mine to give…
First of all, I’d love to give every young lady I come into contact with the ability to see that she is a person of value, with special unique qualities.
Next, I’d like to help her understand that her destiny is in her hand and the future that she wants is hers if she’d but follow God’s plan.
Then, I’d like to help her realize that life is not going to pass her by if she’d delay a few pleasures and focus on her goals.
Finally, if I had the ability this Christmas, I’d dry every young lady’s tears, erase every disappointment, calm every fear.
Yes, if I had the ability, I’d really do it if I could. But, one thing I can do young lady is let you know that you are loved.
God loves you, you are special, a part of his perfect plan, trust him and he’ll guide you into realizing the dreams you may think are far beyond your reach.
(I wrote this piece for Girl Talk Magazine several years ago, but I thought this was an appropriate time to share it again.)
First of all, I’d love to give every young lady I come into contact with the ability to see that she is a person of value, with special unique qualities.
Next, I’d like to help her understand that her destiny is in her hand and the future that she wants is hers if she’d but follow God’s plan.
Then, I’d like to help her realize that life is not going to pass her by if she’d delay a few pleasures and focus on her goals.
Finally, if I had the ability this Christmas, I’d dry every young lady’s tears, erase every disappointment, calm every fear.
Yes, if I had the ability, I’d really do it if I could. But, one thing I can do young lady is let you know that you are loved.
God loves you, you are special, a part of his perfect plan, trust him and he’ll guide you into realizing the dreams you may think are far beyond your reach.
(I wrote this piece for Girl Talk Magazine several years ago, but I thought this was an appropriate time to share it again.)
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