One Small Boat

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I could look at this small boat and feel that they are alone and adrift in an unkind sea.  But there is another way to look at it; maybe the occupants of this boat are alive, energized, inspired by the beauty of the ocean, the battering of the wind.  They are doing, they are alive, they are sailing.  Though they are the lone ship for miles, they can forge a path through the waves.

With the passing of Nelson Mandela, I am inspired to remember that one person can make a difference.  That each person does make a difference.  That all of us affect each other’s lives more than we ever realize.  That we’re not a helpless little boat at sea; we’re alive, energized, inspired.  And with God watching over us, we’re never alone.  Blessings, Lisa

If I Were A Princess

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If I were a princess and lived in this tower, I would gaze upon the green surrounding me, watching the waving fronds of the nearby palm tree and happily wile away the hours singing to the nearby birds.

That’s the dream version.  In reality, I would probably be wondering how I was going to manage those steep circular stairs another day, wish for the Prince to come rescue me already, and long for a different view for just a day.

Aren’t we humans funny creatures?  I love to dream, to imagine, to see things sometimes differently than they are.  And that’s ok, because life gets challenging sometimes, and the reality isn’t too fun to look at all the time.  So dream away…big, bold, beautiful dreams.  Slainte, Lisa

Postscript:  I really am a princess….check it out:  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  ~1 Peter 2:9

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!  And that is what we are!  ~1John 3:1

You Matter

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“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean.  But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”

–Mother Teresa

In case you ever wondered, you matter, a lot.  The wonderful God who created you, also loves you with an everlasting love.  He knows you better than anyone else, will never ever leave you, and has a specific plan for your life.  If you’re still doubting, check it out. 🙂  Psalm 139, Jeremiah 29:11-13, John 3:16, Joshua 1:5.  Have a wonderful day!  Slainte, Lisa

The Beautiful Sea

The sea hath no king but God alone.
~Dante Gabriel Rossetti

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My soul is full of longing for the secrets of the sea,
and the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think.
~Robert Henri

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Running Down the Hill

IMG_3311Here is a picture of my oldest daughter running down a hill on Valentia Island.  Remember when you were a kid (or maybe you did it yesterday) and it was so awesomely fun to run down a big hill, fast, almost out of control?  I do, and I always loved it.  What I didn’t love was the feeling at the bottom.  I was usually alone, and looking up, there would be this immense (and much bigger suddenly) hill to climb back up.  But I’d pluck up my childhood energy and go back up, and then guess what?  Sometimes I’d do it again!  🙂

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Sometimes I have times in my life that are like running downhill….seamless, effortless, no problems for a time.  I’m running, I’m happy, no resistance.  Other times are definitely the climbing back up part.  I’m trudging, I’m resolved, I have the teeth gritted with determination to finish.  But oh, the feeling when I make it back up to the top.  The view, the feeling of accomplishment, and the knowing that downhills are coming again.

Whether you’re running down or headed up or simply enjoying the view, may God give you His joy and strength today for the journey.  Slainte, Lisa

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – Psalm 16:11

“We walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7