Taking Stock

     Our lives are so hard, filled with horror, sorrow and the loss of life every second. There is so much tragedy in our world today that once in awhile we must stop and just take stock of the good that we have to enjoy.
     Nothing about finding joy amidst all the sorrow that exist is easy, but as people of God we always have a chance to do so. I know that right now in our country people are crying out at what they think is unjust action of our police forces. Never mind the countless lives that are lost everyday to race on race violence, domestic violence, civil unrest, and numerous murders that take place second by second.
     Each of us only have a limited time to be in this world. It doesn't matter what religion or race you are, at some point we all succumb to death. It is my sincerest belief that as I live each moment, I must take stock of who I am and how my action impact not only my life, but those around me.
     Being kind, caring for others, lending a hand whenever possible, and working towards finding peaceful solutions to things we must change is essential to our growth and well being. 
     Take the time to take stock of your own life and your own actions before you start pointing your fingers at others. If you are taking care of yourself then you might just understand that you are your own full time job. Believe it or not, taking stock of yourself is a daily requirement to becoming a better person.
Find peace, it's worth it.

CJ

A Turkey to remember,

     So we've had our Thanksgiving day union with our daughter and son in law and the two oldest grand-girls. We traveled the usual two hours and fifteen minutes to their home for some good old fashion southern cooking.
     Nothing says holiday like getting the family together to break some bread along with lots of other food choices. It is especially wonderful when I don't have to spend quiet so much time in the kitchen either. 
     Even though the family gathering had fewer people there this year it was nice to be able to gather with the ones that could show up. No cussing, no throw downs, no challenges to get physical with anyone and no one calling you bad names, wow that's seriously awesome.
     I'm so happy to be able to travel to my daughter's home and feel welcomed and loved. How refreshing that is for me and no I didn't miss my angry family, my brothers, sisters and aging father, who by the way hates me.
    This year, Thanksgiving was just that. It was a time to be very thankful for what I had and not to spend needless time on that which has been lost.
      All there is left to do is to make plans for Christmas and hope and pray that all goes well, just like this turkey day that will be remembered.

Y'all be good now, you hear...
CJ

The Waiting

     Life reveals itself in sorrowful ways. Too often our lives end even though we have tried all that modern medicine has to offer. 
     It has been thirteen months since my sister in law was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She like most of us was not willing to just give in to this disease, thus her fight for time began.
     I have prayed for her all these months in hope that somehow she could find peace with what was to come, death. My heart is sad that the last time she and I spoke I could feel that her hopes were rapidly diminishing.
     How do you go about helping someone to see the finale to their life? What words of encourage could I possibly share with her that would ease her mind?
     Precious moments are all any of us have on this earth. Every second that we live has it's own value. I have no great words of wisdom for her. All I have is my ability to express how much she has meant to me as a sister of love and a great mentor.
     Barbara has always encouraged me to write. It was she that helped me to be able to publish my first book, 'Howling Wolf At Flatbread Creek', while telling me that blogging would be a great way to open up my writing to the world.
As she continues to hope for the best way to stay among the living, I know, as does she that it is only a matter of time before all things end.
     We never know when any of us will take our last breath. Having said that, I hope that all of you and everyone world wide will take the time to say I love you to those that matter.
     Our world, this world will not last forever. It is incumbent upon all of us to take care of one another, to always know that there are only a few Precious Moments for each us.
     Please take time to love one another as much as possible, to live in harmony with others' and remember that loving one another is the greater part of humanity.
     Find peace, share love, before it passes away.

CJ.
 
 

ENDLESS

      No matter where you are, or where you go, the company you keep my love is with you. My love wraps it's arms around you, holds you up when your heart is heavy. My love is unwavering and knows no boundaries.

      As far as I must go, even to the end of time for you, always my love remains the same, steadfast, hugging you every second that you exist. I will love you today, tomorrow and forever, no matter how life spins around us.

      Count the number of stars in heaven and that is the number of hearts beats my love holds for you. As I think of you now,  I'm sharing my love this day and everyday, always my eternal love.



CJ

Knowing

The most wonderful precious moments are knowing when God has your back, through the good times and the bad ones.
Understanding that when we leave this world the eternity that is offered to us is much more glorious than what we could have ever had here on earth.

Happy hugs to all,
CJ
 

Living in the moment

     Knowing how to live in the moment of happiness is important. So many things in our lives invade our personal space and peace. These past many weeks that I spent with my lovely grand girls reminds me that I have a very wonderful life.
     I have one moment,  just this time in space to leave a lasting impression on their lives. The time that we share with each other is invaluable to me, there's nothing like it or more important.
     If I have learn anything from my strange and very informative life it is to simply live in the moment. Don't seek that which hasn't revealed it's self to you, don't keep looking behind where you once where. Take every second to enjoy where you are and with whom you share it with. For this time, this place will only comes once, don't waste what you have by looking for time in  any other place.
     Living in the moment, it's all you have. Live to the fullest.
I do.

CJ

My Bama girls

     Ah,  it only will be about another week or so and my beautiful grand girls from "Bama" or Alabama will be here for their summer visit.
  My sweet girls have been coming to visit me and my husband ever since they were born.
We make room for them not only in our hearts, but also in our home.
  Every vacation, Christmas break, Spring break and summer holidays they make room for their grandparents.
How we adore our girls who give us so much with their presence.
  There is never a doubt that we have been richly blessed by our beautiful girls.
  As time passes on we have had the greatest joy in watching them grow into the most wonderful young ladies.
  God is great in his love, letting us share in their lives, filling our hearts and soul with great pride and joy.
  I'm counting down the days till my girls are here.
I pray to God for the lost girls that those persons who have no real religion, no real God, have stolen from their homes and families.
  Our world should pray for justice and for the return of those children to their rightful parents.
  I will pray for the families and the girls as I celebrate the joy of the two beautiful grand girls I have been blessed with.
  May God in heaven be with all of those who have lost daughters, may he soon return your children to you. May he right the wrong that has been done.
  God bless all of those who need his love and grace so very much.
Much love to all that suffer.

CJ

Now and Forever, Amen.

Learning to let go of what can not be change. Enjoy the time that we have, living in the moment. Understanding that God created us all, different, in his image, wholesome and with love.

Feeling the absolute joy in my life, family , community, church and my God. Having enough faith that no matter what comes my way, I am good with my God.

Seeking happiness even in the wake of sorrow. Sharing the love that God has instilled in me with all of those I come into contact with. Being faithful, to God, myself and my purpose.

Believing that after all is said and done on this earth I still have a great place in God's kingdom. I will not die forever, I will live forever after in eternity through Christ Jesus. Being ready for all things, now and forever through the word of God.

Seeing the blessings in everyday and being one with God.
Be blessed, be happy and be faithful. Peace to all.

CJ

Being the example

     Something so very sad has to come to my attention and it really upsets me as a parent and a grandparent. I am curious as to how teachers in our nation get away with being cruel, ugly and hateful to our precious children? Aren't they charged with providing our children and grandchildren with the best that our nation has to offer in education?
     What exactly are they teaching our children when the teachers are the example of bullies ? When a teacher speaks harshly or cruelly to students aren't they being the example that other bullies see. Then if a teacher can be mean, unkind and uncaring, can't a bully get away with it as well?
     Do we not have a right to demand that some sort of standard be in place by which they teacher is held accountable for her classroom actions? 
     I live in Flowery Branch, Georgia, USA. and I am sick at what I see in the new reports about teachers and teacher's aides abusing students that are mentally and physically challenged. 
     I also am sick to my stomach when I hear about a teacher in Alabama miss using her position as a teacher when it effects my granddaughter who is only ten.
     We are constantly asking our children to be better people, act better and to care more, but how is it that our educational professionals don't even abide by those standards.
     Teachers have unions to protect their rights and their retirement, but we as a nation of parents and grandparents can't even be assured that their behavior is punished when they commit the wrong doing?
     Being the example of what we ask our children to be first starts with every adult person alive.
     If we want our children to behave better, love one another and care even the slightest bit for another human being, then we have to demand more from the professionals that over see their educational needs.
     Be the example, don't be the cause or reason to let others act in harmful and hateful ways.
     Being the example means, acting with kindness to each and every student no matter how trying it might be. 
     Love one another, it's not that hard.

Hailee, Grammy loves you, you're the best so this one is for you sweet girl. The world should know that teachers aren't better than the rest of us when it comes to behaving poorly. They have to be a good example too. We can ask and expect no less. Stand up and demand more for our children's sake.

Now

Now is when I have the time to reach out, take hold of my life and be fulfilled.
This moment will soon pass me by, never to be repeated again.
I will claim it, hang on to it and do the best that I can with it.
Time has become so precious for me, every second that I spend loving someone important is golden.
Now is all I have, now I live, love and enjoy what my life has become.
I live now, not in yesterday and not yet in tomorrow.
Now, I was looking for tomorrow when today arrive.
Now, live.

With Happiness,
CJ