HELLO AGAIN

It's been too long, hasn't it? So sorry. I had a lot of things to tend too. You know how it is. Everything is going well and then, when you least expect it, the ground is pulled out from beneath you. We all experience that at some point in our lives.
   I've missed you very much; miss keeping in touch like I used too. Before AOL shut down the journal section, going online was a real treat. I don't feel that way now, although I DO love that I've managed to keep in touch with many of my AOL friends, as well as making new friends. I'm certain many of you feel the same way.
 
I just got back from California a few days ago, was given airplane fare for my Mother's day present. It was more than a treat, for I was able to visit two of my sisters. Both of them have serious health problems. I got to visit with them and their families, as well as one of my brothers, my daughter and her family. AND...got to meet one of my granddaughter's new baby girl. She is three months old and a real beauty; looks like her Mommy. She and her husband named her Madison Elizabeth.
   .
What's going on in your world? I hope you'll take time to share with me when you're able. Have you remembered how special, how unique a person you are, and how much God loves you? Have you remembered that every trial comes to its own end, and that all things work together for good (and that includes the bad and difficult times)? Have you remembered to treat yourselves as gently and as kindly as you do everybody else, and remembered that it won't always rain? I ask these things because we all forget them sometimes. I know I have. And when I forget them, life is much harder, my burdens much heavier.

Sometimes, mostly at night, when the rest of the world sleeps, I fix myself a cup of tea, settle down in the living-room chair, and think of each one of you, remembering the first time our paths crossed; how delightful it was getting to know you: what your likes and dislikes were, what made you smile, what angered you, what set your heart upon the ground, or made you feel like the most loved, the most special person in the world. I'd take memory walks, reminding myself of your goodness, how quick you were to pray for me, to send me cards or email me when I needed prayer, how loving when my heart was broken - my spirit as well.
  It wasn't easy at first, sharing so much of myself. But doing it taught me a wonderful thing- that the tighter we cling to our pain, our sadness, our hurts, our disappointments, and our fears, the longer and harder it is to turn loose of them. Wiser it is, I think, to remind ourselves that the world runs on opposites: there is a birth- a death, a man gets hired- a man loses his job, somebody marries, somebody gets a divorce, the sun rises- the sun sets, we have a good day- a bad day follows it. But no matter what our day contains, whether good or bad, each day contains a blessing- ALWAYS.  The only way we'll miss it is to not watch for it.

I am grateful for todays gift of life, for the many who remember me in prayer, for this opportunity to meet new people and become friends, to share experiences. I'm grateful too, for the trials in my life. Without them I'd have learned nothing. I'd not have learned that I'm stronger than I believe myself to be, that what I see is not always the way it is, and that no matter how deep the pain or sorrow of the heart, a rainbow is always just around the corner.

There have been so many horrific things happening in the world, things that have left thousands of people homeless. We must not forget to pray for these dear ones. We are so blessed to live in America, to have our needs met each day.
Remember to  pray for our troops too.

This is a rather short entry, but at least I've touched base with you,
let you know I'm still around. Take care of yourselves.

Have an awsome day.

Barb