Happy Valentine's Day!!!
This is the day of LOVE for everyone - a day to celebrate all the glorious ways love is displayed in our lives to and from those we love and to those we don't even know yet.....
Years ago, I had a dear friend once named Herb Owens who used to put this Dear Abby message on my desk every year on Valentine's Day!!! I hope you read through it and soak in it's message because it is a timeless message that we can all use every day - not just Valentine's Day!!!
"Today is St. Valentine's day, so be a sweetheart and call someone ;you love and say, "I love you." (Make two or three calls! Who says you can't love more than one person -- in different ways, of course?)
Go through your closets and give all those clothes you've been saving until you lose 10 pounds to your favorite charity. Call someone who's lonely and say "I'm thinking of you." Or better yet, say, "I'll come over tomorrow and take you to lunch...or run errands...or give you a ride."
Visit a sick friend. Say a prayer (or two!) Donate some blood. Adopt a pet. Will your eyes, your kidneys and all your usable organs to someone who can use them after you're gone. Forgive an enemy. Hug your teenager. Write a fan letter. Listen to a bore. Pay your doctor. Tell your parents you think they're wonderful. Spay your dog. Nueter your cat. Quit smoking. Drive carefully. If you're walking, watch where you are going.
And, don't wait until next year to be a sweetheart again. Love, Abby"
and, Love from Herb.....and Pam xooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Isn't that wonderful? Spread the love around!!! Go and do things today and each day forward to offer love to someone who may never have had a Valentine.....and remember to hug yourself - You are important and loved very much, too!!!
2 Timothy 1:7 says: "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love and power and a sound mind."
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Tips on how to DeStress and enjoy life more!
Friday, February 14, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Snow angels....
Snow angels and igloos are in the making today...........snow coming down at one inch per hour, blowing winds, cold temperatures and beauty surrounding us as we watch this incredible gift from God!
When was the last time YOU made a snow angel??? Or, have you ever tried making an igloo???
No, we don't live in Alaska, nor do we live in one, but they sure are fun to remember!!!
Components of snow angels? Simple! Go outside dressed in warm layers of snow gear and lay down in the freshly falling snow. Then, wave your arms from your sides to the top of your head and your legs from a straight leg position to each side and voila! A snow angel appears in your yard or the nearest park! As kids, my two sisters and brother lived in Akron, Ohio and we loved making snow angels in the snow!
Igloos? My oldest sister could make the most wonderful igloos, too! She would pile up the snow to make a mound, then tunnel through the middle and core out the inside of the mound so that we could sit inside! It was one of the coolest things since sliced bread! It was an amazing experience as a little sister.........fun, fun, fun!!!
Snow - ahhh - it is so beautiful to watch!!! Translucent/white ice crystals everywhere! Take a peek out your window today in Kansas and you will be amazed at how much snow is falling!!! I am grateful that I work from my home and can sit by my window and look out upon such beauty, such softness, such quietness and feel blessed by our Heavenly Father....I pray that you may be able to safely enjoy this beauty as well today.
Let's contemplate one step further: Angels.......immortal beings attendant upon God....think about that - how many angels do you think surround us each day? I wish I knew the answer to that question, but I am certain we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses! Look up Hebrews 12:1 - there are many jewels there to ponder!
Also, think about this: some people in our lives represent angels to us........those special human beings who are kind and loving........who show up just at the right moment when your steam runs out or your level of exasperation runs high. A friend who knows to bring you a cup of hot tea or soup when you are not feeling well, or just comes over to share an hour with you and enjoy each other's company. Angels really do surround us - both human and divine! Watch for them.....wait for them......listen for them.......they are near!
Or, perhaps, you can be an angel for someone else today - where do you see someone in need of tender, loving care??? Wherever that is, I hope you will put on your angel wings and/or snow gear and go outside and have some fun!!!
When was the last time YOU made a snow angel??? Or, have you ever tried making an igloo???
No, we don't live in Alaska, nor do we live in one, but they sure are fun to remember!!!
Components of snow angels? Simple! Go outside dressed in warm layers of snow gear and lay down in the freshly falling snow. Then, wave your arms from your sides to the top of your head and your legs from a straight leg position to each side and voila! A snow angel appears in your yard or the nearest park! As kids, my two sisters and brother lived in Akron, Ohio and we loved making snow angels in the snow!
Igloos? My oldest sister could make the most wonderful igloos, too! She would pile up the snow to make a mound, then tunnel through the middle and core out the inside of the mound so that we could sit inside! It was one of the coolest things since sliced bread! It was an amazing experience as a little sister.........fun, fun, fun!!!
Snow - ahhh - it is so beautiful to watch!!! Translucent/white ice crystals everywhere! Take a peek out your window today in Kansas and you will be amazed at how much snow is falling!!! I am grateful that I work from my home and can sit by my window and look out upon such beauty, such softness, such quietness and feel blessed by our Heavenly Father....I pray that you may be able to safely enjoy this beauty as well today.
Let's contemplate one step further: Angels.......immortal beings attendant upon God....think about that - how many angels do you think surround us each day? I wish I knew the answer to that question, but I am certain we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses! Look up Hebrews 12:1 - there are many jewels there to ponder!
Also, think about this: some people in our lives represent angels to us........those special human beings who are kind and loving........who show up just at the right moment when your steam runs out or your level of exasperation runs high. A friend who knows to bring you a cup of hot tea or soup when you are not feeling well, or just comes over to share an hour with you and enjoy each other's company. Angels really do surround us - both human and divine! Watch for them.....wait for them......listen for them.......they are near!
Or, perhaps, you can be an angel for someone else today - where do you see someone in need of tender, loving care??? Wherever that is, I hope you will put on your angel wings and/or snow gear and go outside and have some fun!!!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Abide in Me....
Happy New Year!!! What a beautiful Christmas season this has been!!! I hope you have had as much JOY fill your heart as I have had this special year....
And, now, as Melody Beattie has taught me in her book Journey to the Heart, I find myself reflecting on this past year just enough to begin setting a path of discovery for 2014. As Melody suggests, setting goals sets in motion a powerful force both on the conscious and subconscious level in our heads and our hearts. Goals give us purpose, direction and motivation! Set a few new goals for yourself this year - write them down and see what happens in your life! Don't oppress yourself or set goals that are too lofty or set unattainable goals that will depress yourself just a few weeks from now - do NOT beat yourself up because you don't meet the challenge by January 21st! Allow yourself the freedom to set small, simple goals that propel you forward. Give yourself a boost and re-adjust when necessary!
Throw away any hammer in your head or your house that you tend to beat yourself up with on a daily or weekly basis. Instead, take a walk in the beautiful, crisp, cold air of winter and find a feather to use on yourself. Feathers are much more gentle while beating yourself to a pulp!!!
Also, asking God to direct our sails in this endeavor is bound to bring about incredible changes in our lives for the upcoming year! Have you ever thought about including God while making New Year's Resolutions or goals for 2014? If not, try it! He is waiting for us to include Him in everything.........every day........every decision......every thought! His ideas and desires for us are bound to open our hearts to new possibilities, new endeavors, new routes and new journeys that give us a unique perspective. His ways are much higher than ours and they are marvelous!!!
From Scripture, John 15:4 says: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." (NKJV)
Or, another version says: "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit unless you remain in Me.....Apart from Me, you can do nothing." (NIV)
Abide.........await........remain........to be in store for.......to tolerate....to bear....to last....to endure....to visit. When was the last time you stopped, waited and endured until you had an answer to a very perplexing question? Or set a goal? This is an art that our society definitely does not tolerate very much - We want things NOW!
Look at nature.......a tree does not grow in one day. A baby deer does not stand in one second....a rose does not bloom instantly.....a leaf does not sprout in one minute. Nature takes her time to grow and change and adjust....God allows us that time to do the same. Take time to abide today............just sit........slow down......imagine doing less and abide. It will be as lovely as snow falling....
Blessings and wonders abound - Look for them in the snow....look up into the sky and stare at the stars........they are twinkling just for you!!!
Abide in the awe and wonder created by our wonderful Creator....and enjoy 2014!!!
And, now, as Melody Beattie has taught me in her book Journey to the Heart, I find myself reflecting on this past year just enough to begin setting a path of discovery for 2014. As Melody suggests, setting goals sets in motion a powerful force both on the conscious and subconscious level in our heads and our hearts. Goals give us purpose, direction and motivation! Set a few new goals for yourself this year - write them down and see what happens in your life! Don't oppress yourself or set goals that are too lofty or set unattainable goals that will depress yourself just a few weeks from now - do NOT beat yourself up because you don't meet the challenge by January 21st! Allow yourself the freedom to set small, simple goals that propel you forward. Give yourself a boost and re-adjust when necessary!
Throw away any hammer in your head or your house that you tend to beat yourself up with on a daily or weekly basis. Instead, take a walk in the beautiful, crisp, cold air of winter and find a feather to use on yourself. Feathers are much more gentle while beating yourself to a pulp!!!
Also, asking God to direct our sails in this endeavor is bound to bring about incredible changes in our lives for the upcoming year! Have you ever thought about including God while making New Year's Resolutions or goals for 2014? If not, try it! He is waiting for us to include Him in everything.........every day........every decision......every thought! His ideas and desires for us are bound to open our hearts to new possibilities, new endeavors, new routes and new journeys that give us a unique perspective. His ways are much higher than ours and they are marvelous!!!
From Scripture, John 15:4 says: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." (NKJV)
Or, another version says: "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit unless you remain in Me.....Apart from Me, you can do nothing." (NIV)
Abide.........await........remain........to be in store for.......to tolerate....to bear....to last....to endure....to visit. When was the last time you stopped, waited and endured until you had an answer to a very perplexing question? Or set a goal? This is an art that our society definitely does not tolerate very much - We want things NOW!
Look at nature.......a tree does not grow in one day. A baby deer does not stand in one second....a rose does not bloom instantly.....a leaf does not sprout in one minute. Nature takes her time to grow and change and adjust....God allows us that time to do the same. Take time to abide today............just sit........slow down......imagine doing less and abide. It will be as lovely as snow falling....
Blessings and wonders abound - Look for them in the snow....look up into the sky and stare at the stars........they are twinkling just for you!!!
Abide in the awe and wonder created by our wonderful Creator....and enjoy 2014!!!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Into Our Hearts, God Comes...
About twenty years ago, I was inspired to write a Christmas poem and never published it. So, with a humble heart I send these words from my heart to yours....
Into Our Hearts, God Comes...
The Bethlehem Stable...
Amongst the lowliest, God comes...
The Bethlehem Angel...
Into Mary's heart, God comes...
The Bethlehem Star...
Shining brightly to light our way, God comes...
The Bethlehem Wise Men...
Amongst the Magnificent, God comes...
The Bethlehem Babe...
Into our hearts, He comes.
(Pam Spencer, 1993)
(Copyright)
If we can come to the manager in awe and wonder, our hearts will be filled to the brim!!! Jesus, the Christ Child comes to us...each moment, each day, if only we will listen and hear the angels sing...
Isaiah 9:6 says:
"For unto us a Child is born,
unto us a Child is given,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
And, He will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace."
Wow....can you imagine if everyone would really get this message? Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards men.....ahhh.......I pray this season you will pause at the manager and gaze upon the tiny Child and hear the angels sing!!!
Stop the stressors, stop the shopping, stop the hustle and bustle, and sit by your Christmas tree or a candle and listen. Pause...reflect...listen...and hear the angels sing. Glory in Excelsis Deo!!!
Blessings abound...Wonders abound!!!
Follow the Star........
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thanksgiving to God!!!
Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow! Praise Him all creatures here below!! Praise
Him above ye Heavenly Hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!!! AMEN!!!
Find your favorite song of Praise and Thanksgiving and SING it!!! Sing it in the shower, sing it as you are cooking, sing it as you are cleaning for all the guests, sing it as you prepare your heart for ALL God has to offer you this holiday!!!
Remember these Songs?
Give Thanks
Come Ye Thankful People Come
We Gather Together
The Lyrics to the first of these songs are as follows:
"Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks unto the Holy One, Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son. (Repeat the refrain)
And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich because of what The Lord has done for us. Give thanks....give thanks....give thanks!!!"
Thanksgiving....an act of giving thanks or expressing gratitude especially to God - wow!
The United States of America celebrates and gives thanks to God for this special day tomorrow - a U.S. national holiday set apart to give God thanks!!! YES, let's do that!!!
As I opened my Bible this morning that my beloved grandfather, "Gramps" gave me in 1962, I was blessed to find this verse and thoughts:
Psalm 138:1
"I will give thanks to you, O Lord with all my heart..." The latin word for gratitude is gratis or grace.
What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday??? What grace has been extended to you this day, this month, this year? Have you stopped to take note of the many blessings that are in your life? If not, why not do that today or this weekend!!!
We have so much to be grateful for in the United States.....it is truly incredible!!! I know my gratitude list swells each day as I stop, breath and think about all that God has blessed me with - a family in Ohio, Virginia, Minneapolis, Tennessee and Texas (that I will miss deeply this year as we celebrate in KC for the first time in 10 years), a son that brings me more joy than I thought imaginable 18 years ago, a job that allows me to serve our military with honor and praise, a church that feeds my heart and soul each week, prayer warriors that support and encourage me by praying for those people and situations that God places in my life, friends that fill my life with laughter and fun, and finally, God has brought into my life a very special man, named Tim, that I could not be more grateful for this year...........ahhhh..........our God is SO good!!!
I read years ago: "When we express gratitude something wondrous fills us!!! Gratitude nourishes our souls immediately and the wonder of the moment swells in our hearts." Simple gratitude brings simple happiness...simple gratitude shows us what is utterly amazing in our lives. We have been so blessed, so fortunate, so favored, so richly given abundance....and it is all by the Grace of God alone.
So, let's celebrate! Let's appreciate and acknowledge what we have been given even on the tiniest level......offer a sacrifice of praise to our Heavenly Father this Thanksgiving and KNOW how much you are loved!!!
Finally here is a fun way to say: "Many thanks" in many languages:
English: Many thanks!
French: Merci!
German: Danke Schoen!
Italian: Gramercy!
Spanish: Muchas Gracias!
Archaic: Much obliged!
And, thank YOU for reading these ramblings and encouraging me to continue to write this blog!!!
Blessings Abound!!!!!!!! Look for them.............
Him above ye Heavenly Hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!!! AMEN!!!
Find your favorite song of Praise and Thanksgiving and SING it!!! Sing it in the shower, sing it as you are cooking, sing it as you are cleaning for all the guests, sing it as you prepare your heart for ALL God has to offer you this holiday!!!
Remember these Songs?
Give Thanks
Come Ye Thankful People Come
We Gather Together
The Lyrics to the first of these songs are as follows:
"Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks unto the Holy One, Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son. (Repeat the refrain)
And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich because of what The Lord has done for us. Give thanks....give thanks....give thanks!!!"
Thanksgiving....an act of giving thanks or expressing gratitude especially to God - wow!
The United States of America celebrates and gives thanks to God for this special day tomorrow - a U.S. national holiday set apart to give God thanks!!! YES, let's do that!!!
As I opened my Bible this morning that my beloved grandfather, "Gramps" gave me in 1962, I was blessed to find this verse and thoughts:
Psalm 138:1
"I will give thanks to you, O Lord with all my heart..." The latin word for gratitude is gratis or grace.
What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday??? What grace has been extended to you this day, this month, this year? Have you stopped to take note of the many blessings that are in your life? If not, why not do that today or this weekend!!!
We have so much to be grateful for in the United States.....it is truly incredible!!! I know my gratitude list swells each day as I stop, breath and think about all that God has blessed me with - a family in Ohio, Virginia, Minneapolis, Tennessee and Texas (that I will miss deeply this year as we celebrate in KC for the first time in 10 years), a son that brings me more joy than I thought imaginable 18 years ago, a job that allows me to serve our military with honor and praise, a church that feeds my heart and soul each week, prayer warriors that support and encourage me by praying for those people and situations that God places in my life, friends that fill my life with laughter and fun, and finally, God has brought into my life a very special man, named Tim, that I could not be more grateful for this year...........ahhhh..........our God is SO good!!!
I read years ago: "When we express gratitude something wondrous fills us!!! Gratitude nourishes our souls immediately and the wonder of the moment swells in our hearts." Simple gratitude brings simple happiness...simple gratitude shows us what is utterly amazing in our lives. We have been so blessed, so fortunate, so favored, so richly given abundance....and it is all by the Grace of God alone.
So, let's celebrate! Let's appreciate and acknowledge what we have been given even on the tiniest level......offer a sacrifice of praise to our Heavenly Father this Thanksgiving and KNOW how much you are loved!!!
Finally here is a fun way to say: "Many thanks" in many languages:
English: Many thanks!
French: Merci!
German: Danke Schoen!
Italian: Gramercy!
Spanish: Muchas Gracias!
Archaic: Much obliged!
And, thank YOU for reading these ramblings and encouraging me to continue to write this blog!!!
Blessings Abound!!!!!!!! Look for them.............
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Chatter with the Angels....
I went to the most wonderful music concert today with The William Baker Festival Singers at the Grace and Holy Trinity Church in Kansas City. The music was not only exquisite, but the ambiance and acoustics were fantastic! This KC cathedral exudes the Spirit of God from the beautiful story of Christ portrayed through the stained glass windows, the gold filament doves embedded in the decor and the gothic architecture that points to the Heavens - the music filled the air in this lovely sanctuary and our filled hearts and souls!
One of the American Spiritual songs they sang was arranged by Branden Waddles called: Ride the Chariot. The entire concert was sung A Capella (which means vocal music without instruments), however, the very last song was enhanced by an excellent pianist who played the music with all the old fashioned gospel music rhythms!!! It was so much fun to watch the Festival singers and listen to see how the music shown through these singers, the conductor and the ultimately, the audience tapping our toes to the soulful music!! What a lovely experience!!!
One of the lines in the last song says: "Chatter with the angels soon-a in the morning...."
Do you know what Chatter means? I had to look it up! We all know what "chat" means: to converse in an easy or informal manner. But, "Chatter?" Chatter means to utter inarticulate speechlike sounds....to talk rapidly, incessantly, or inanely, or to "click" together quickly, as the teeth from cold. And, to "Chatter with the Angels?" Ahhh........what a lovely thought!
Think about that! "Inarticulate speechlike sounds...." Chatter is right! Sometimes, we are moved to tears with inarticulate sounds when we experience the Presence of God. Sometimes, our prayers are not utterable - we do not have the words - because we are so deeply moved. When was the last time you were moved to tears? Or, could not speak a word? Or, felt the Presence of God? Or, needed the Holy Spirit to pray for you because there were no words you could speak?
Chatter with the angels.........now THAT is where I want to be the rest of this day!!!
What a lovely experience..........thank you, Lord!!!
One of the American Spiritual songs they sang was arranged by Branden Waddles called: Ride the Chariot. The entire concert was sung A Capella (which means vocal music without instruments), however, the very last song was enhanced by an excellent pianist who played the music with all the old fashioned gospel music rhythms!!! It was so much fun to watch the Festival singers and listen to see how the music shown through these singers, the conductor and the ultimately, the audience tapping our toes to the soulful music!! What a lovely experience!!!
One of the lines in the last song says: "Chatter with the angels soon-a in the morning...."
Do you know what Chatter means? I had to look it up! We all know what "chat" means: to converse in an easy or informal manner. But, "Chatter?" Chatter means to utter inarticulate speechlike sounds....to talk rapidly, incessantly, or inanely, or to "click" together quickly, as the teeth from cold. And, to "Chatter with the Angels?" Ahhh........what a lovely thought!
Think about that! "Inarticulate speechlike sounds...." Chatter is right! Sometimes, we are moved to tears with inarticulate sounds when we experience the Presence of God. Sometimes, our prayers are not utterable - we do not have the words - because we are so deeply moved. When was the last time you were moved to tears? Or, could not speak a word? Or, felt the Presence of God? Or, needed the Holy Spirit to pray for you because there were no words you could speak?
Chatter with the angels.........now THAT is where I want to be the rest of this day!!!
What a lovely experience..........thank you, Lord!!!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
HOPE: One mile ahead!
I was driving to Minneapolis this past weekend to visit my niece who just moved there and saw a sign on the way that said: Hope: 1 mile ahead. That sign got me thinking about hope!
What is hope? How do you find it? How can we capture it for just one moment? Hope's definition is desire, expectation, expectancy, trust, confidence, reliance, faith, belief, assurance, security, reassurance, encouragement and/or prospect. Think about your own definition of hope - what does your heart tell you it is in your life? Ahh....a very nice thought to ponder!
One of my all time favorite sayings is from Emily Dickinson who said: "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in your soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all...."
Isn't that beautiful? Hope perches in our souls!!! Hope sings without words!!! Hope never stops at all.........wow - I find that amazing!!!
Joyce Meyer teaches that we are "Prisoners of Hope" and encourages us to not give up when times are tough. We have the hope of Eternal Life if we know God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Now that is truly hope with a promise!!!
The scriptures tell us in Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Do you know someone who needs hope? How can you offer hope in a tragic or extremely sad situation? Where do you find that assurance?
Do you have a desire that is supported by some confidence that it will be fulfilled? Have you ever been persistant in hoping for something against all odds? Do you have grounds for expectation in some area of your life? Or, do you have something that you place your confidence in to achieve, fulfill or accomplish? If so, what is stopping you???
Do you have hope? If not, why not? If so, how so? Think about it..........
HOPE is wonderful, HOPE makes you feel alive, HOPE is the heart and soul of faith!!!
Consider spending 15 minutes contemplating what hope means to you in your life....
And if you are a believer: Praise God for the wonderful HOPE we have in HIM!!!
What is hope? How do you find it? How can we capture it for just one moment? Hope's definition is desire, expectation, expectancy, trust, confidence, reliance, faith, belief, assurance, security, reassurance, encouragement and/or prospect. Think about your own definition of hope - what does your heart tell you it is in your life? Ahh....a very nice thought to ponder!
One of my all time favorite sayings is from Emily Dickinson who said: "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in your soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all...."
Isn't that beautiful? Hope perches in our souls!!! Hope sings without words!!! Hope never stops at all.........wow - I find that amazing!!!
Joyce Meyer teaches that we are "Prisoners of Hope" and encourages us to not give up when times are tough. We have the hope of Eternal Life if we know God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Now that is truly hope with a promise!!!
The scriptures tell us in Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Do you know someone who needs hope? How can you offer hope in a tragic or extremely sad situation? Where do you find that assurance?
Do you have a desire that is supported by some confidence that it will be fulfilled? Have you ever been persistant in hoping for something against all odds? Do you have grounds for expectation in some area of your life? Or, do you have something that you place your confidence in to achieve, fulfill or accomplish? If so, what is stopping you???
Do you have hope? If not, why not? If so, how so? Think about it..........
HOPE is wonderful, HOPE makes you feel alive, HOPE is the heart and soul of faith!!!
Consider spending 15 minutes contemplating what hope means to you in your life....
And if you are a believer: Praise God for the wonderful HOPE we have in HIM!!!
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