Cindy Holman's Blog

Thank you To My Friends

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 10, 2009

As as we near Thanksgiving – I thought I would share what I’m most Thankful for.

In a day and age when friendship – true friendship seems to be a lost art – I am most thankful for those special relationships I have in my life – those that I have the privilege to call “friend”.

What is a friend?

A friend is someone who loves you for you – unconditionally.  Their love has no conditions – it just is.  Is it not always based in what you have in common It is a connection at a deep level – kindred spirits and like minds – who are together – even when apart.  They share  things with you.  You share things with them. You can trust their council and advice – because you know they love you. A true friend would never think of betraying trust or a confidence – anymore than you would do that to them.  If someone does that to you – they are not a true friend.

I have many true friends  in my life – I am blessed.  My guy friends bring stability and humor – and my women friends bring intimacy and closeness – sharing special secrets and love.  They can finish my sentences – and share in a good laugh at a moments notice.  They instinctively know when I’m having a bad day and will do things to lift my spirits. The kindness and generosity of all my special friends seems to know no boundaries – and they all speak love, humor and hope into my life – daily encouraging me with my talents, interests and writings.  I am grateful for all their input and love.  Most of the time on a daily basis.

A true friend only wants the best for your life and will encourage you to be the best you can be.  There will be no jealousy – when something great happens they congratulate you and share in your joy – and want so much for you to be happy.  When something sad happens – they are the first people you reach for – and they never let you down.  A true friend will never intentionally make you feel bad – or cut you down to size.  They always believe in you – always want to be there for you – always love you no matter what.

My husband is my best friend.  He has never made me feel bad about myself.  He never leaves me to wonder if he will accept me just the way I am.  I don’t have to do anything special to get his attention.  He loves me just the way I am – and always encourages my interests and friendships – because he knows that these things enrich my life and make me better.  He challenges me to keep improving myself – and loves it when I encourage and befriend someone who can really use my love and support.  He has seen me take in many people over the years – young and old and make them a part of our world.  We’ve had children and young people in our home for years – and everyone of them call me “Mom” – this is a special honor and I do not take it lightly.  Each one of them is a special friend – all those that I’ve invested in – and that have shared their lives with me.  Greg has been so supportive with our own children over the years – and with our many “adopted” kids as well.  I’ve never heard a cross word from him.  He treats me like a Queen wherever I am – and always has.  He is a true friend – and he’s never let me down.

Is there a time when friends cease being friends?  Sometimes.  But not if they were really friends to begin with.  I’ve heard people say that they never forget their friends – and friends for life  - but the true test of a friendship is when hard times come – or a major disagreement – a shaking up of a close friendship – and if there was not a firm enough foundation – the friendship will dissolve – leaving you to wonder – what happened?  They simply will not be there for you.  This is not the case with a true friend.  They will never “shut you out” of their world – never give you the “cold shoulder” – never intentionally hurt you.  They will never be shaken by events or the passage of time – you can pick up with them no matter how much time has gone by – or how your paths have drifted away from one another.  It is safe.  It is trusted and it is comfortable.  Like coming home again.  There is no replacement for a trusted friend.  It is God’s richest blessing to us – showing us that even though we are imperfect in ourselves – our friends are there to help make our lives a better and happier place to live.

I found this wonderful poem on friendship – it is dedicated to all those that are in my life currently as my “friend” – and even to those that have drifted away from me.  I am thinking of all of you tonight.

 

God Bless

 

True Friendship

True friendship isn’t seen with the eyes, it is felt with the heart.
When there is trust, understanding, loyalty, and sharing.
True friendship is a rare feeling, but when it is found
It has profound impact on our well-being, strength, and character.
True friendship does not need elaborate gifts
Or spectacular events in order to be valuable or valued.
To ensure long-lasting quality and satisfaction,
True friendship only needs a few key ingredients:
Undying loyalty, unmatched understanding, unsurpassed trust,
Deep and soulful secrets, and endless sharing.
These ingredients, mixed with personality and a sense of humor,
Can make a friendship last a lifetime!
This is just a thank you, my friend, for all the wonderful and colorful
Special ingredients You’ve brought to my life!
Pass this on to such a friend!

- Author Unknown

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He’s Strange and I’m Wonderful

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 9, 2009

My Darling Husband and I have what you might call a “Strange and Wonderful” relationship after 28 years of marriage.  He’s Strange and I’m Wonderful.  (Sigh) It’s true.

He will – for example want to cuddle and watch a “girly” movie with me sometimes – and he’s actually a pretty good sport at this – just being good and not saying anything condescending during the love scenes or sappy parts – while I am sitting there crying.  He really has to hold it in – but he CAN do it.  It’s just afterward – a few hours or even a few days later that he can’t hold it in any longer and he begins to “make fun” of certain lines from the movie.  I find this annoying and rude – and have told him so – but it does not stop him – he even giggles at some of the serious parts of the movie – APPALLING.

That is not the only annoying thing.  When guys say they “just want to cuddle” you KNOW they don’t really mean that.  But if a woman says that she just wants to cuddle – she MEANS IT.  And guys think WE are confusing.  I say – just call it out as it is instead of hoping for the best – I mean isn’t that what guys are always saying about women?  ”If they’d just be clear with what they want – then we wouldn’t have to guess”  Yeah Right.  What about you guys?

I read something humorous when exploring this whole topic of “cuddling” from this guy:

Example situation: On the couch watching a movie. I’m sitting, she lays down, her feet end up in my lap. Without thinking, I’m rubbing her feet/ankles/calves. Pretty soon she starts to wiggle around and I come out of my movie coma to ask if she is okay. Yes she replies, you were tickling my feet!! oops. So she turns around and puts her head in my lap. Back in the tv coma now that she has settled down, I’m subconsciously running my hand up and down her arm, finally finding her hair which I’m stroking. Running my fingers through her hair, teasing it out, twirling it around with . . . . . . . .crap, I think I just tied her hair around my finger. Umm, sweetie. . . . . . . .

Oh yeah, cuddling good!

Well at least he’s trying to “cuddle” and even HE is not getting it right!  Sometimes that physical closeness is all that’s necessary – and cuddling can provide that – in front of a romantic fire – or lying in bed listening to the rain pound down on the roof above you – Awwwww so nice!

I doubt if I will ever get Greg to totally agree with me on that subject though. Because he is a guy.  And a guy always wants and wishes for….uh…. more :)

He is Strange – and I am Wonderful – just ask him ;)

 

Have a wonderful day – with lots of cuddling :)

 

God Bless

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Do You Fear God?

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 8, 2009

Today we heard an impressive message from Pastor Greg from MRCC in Enumclaw – on a topic that is a difficult one:  ”The Fear of God”

Pastor Greg took us through several passages of scripture – the main one being Luke Chapter 12 where Jesus is talking to his disciples about the religious leaders – the  ”bullies” of their time.  He said to them:

4-5“I’m speaking to you as dear friends. Don’t be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies. True, they can kill you, but then what can they do? There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands., I tell you, fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

 

We live in a culture today where we have forgotten what it is like to really fear God.  When a people do not fear God – or any consequences for their actions – then such immoral and violent acts can take place.  It is the unraveling of a society.

The fear of God is a healthy thing.  It is the beginning of wisdom.  It keeps us from being stupid.  Just as a child fear the discipline of their own earthly father – we need to fear the discipline of God – knowing that He holds our very lives in His hands.  And because God loves us so very much – sent His Son to die for us – you know that He will do anything it takes to keep us safe and from making those irreparable mistakes that will lead to our destruction.  For God disciplines those He loves.  Just as a Father disciplines out of love for His son – seeing the danger that the son does not see – and bringing safe guards into his life to protect him – so God does for us.  We need to be VERY afraid to make those wrong choices – to sin even in the smallest way.  We need to develop a love and a fear for God – that does not allow us to step over the line of safety for us.  God knows the heartache and long line of regret and troubles that will follow our “stepping over the line” .

On the flip side – I just want to say that I have experienced God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy – more than I deserved – when I messed up.  But that does not mean I will not still experience the “fall out” from those choices.  Forgiveness yes – but almost impossible for me to forget.  It follows me.

I do not believe that for a moment – God wants us to “live in fear” from a past failure or hurt.  Far from it!  His mercy is new every morning – and He is there for those that have failed and are hurting – promising newness – promising help for the hard days to follow.  And what is forgiven by God – is FORGIVEN.  Period.  The fear of making that same mistake or one just like it – will always be there – but our healthy fear of our loving Heavenly Father will be an ever present reminder to help us stay the course.  Stay within the “safety net” that He has designed for each one of us.  And that my friend – is true freedom.  A place where there is no fear anymore.  When we truly fear God – we lose our fear for all those other things that hold onto us.

I love this song by Phillips Craig and Dean –  ”You make your mercy new everyday” I couldn’t find it on youtube – but if you ever get a chance to download it on your computer or Ipod – it would be well worth the time.  Enjoy!

 

 

I thought that I had crossed the line

Walked away from love one time

Too many

I thought I’d used up all the Grace

Set aside for my mistakes

So many

 

On my knees I found to my surprise

that  your grace

renewed with each sunrise

 

You make your mercy everyday

You change my life in so many ways

Cradle me in your sweet grace

You fill me yeah

 

Yesterday Today Forever more

There’s one thing I know for sure

Fresh as the morning dew

You make your mercy new

Every morning

 

God Bless

 

 

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Finding Laughter in Everything

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 7, 2009

Yesterday I was with Greg in his truck running a few errands.  He began to drive in a “carpool” lane after an intersection and I was surprised and said, “Greg – what are you doing in this lane?”  He looked over at me and calmly said, “because we’re carpooling ”  Now this sounds reasonable, doesn’t it?  But at the moment I was having an “out of body” experience – and to me – Greg was the ONLY one in the vehicle.  I don’t know why – I didn’t feel invisible – just NOT there.  Weird.  We laughed about it all the way home.  Haha – Greg’s ALL ALONE!!!

Then today we were in line getting coffee at the Fairwood Starbucks – and we had to wait – so we were deep in conversation.  I finally said, “Do you know what I’m going to have?”  and he said, “No – but I bet the people behind the counter would be interested to hear it.”  Wow.  Such a nice guy – that husband of mine – EVERYone’s a comic.  Well – if you know ANYTHING about me at all – even a little – you know that I can find the humor in just about ANYTHING.  When I was a very little girl – I used to tell my parents and sister that they “looked funny” at the dinner table – would laugh hysterically – and then couldn’t eat for laughing so hard!  And today was NO different.  The way Greg quipped back at me – and was so “superior” in the way he said it – well you guessed it – it sent me into hysterics.  I almost couldn’t order when we got to the front of the line.  The guy taking our order, luckily knows us – but was slightly amused as he said, “you guys always have so much fun”.  Yes.  We do.  Then when he asked Greg what he wanted – I was quick to say, “don’t you want to tell me first – I’m sure they can wait”  (har har)   When life is tough – pressures and situations hit you – if you can’t find laughter in it – you may as well “pack it in”.

One time my daughter and I were at a McDonald’s  drive thru and we were giggling so hard the person taking our order couldn’t understand what we were saying.  I’m not sure if we were able to order anything or not – can’t remember – but we sure did have fun.

One time about a year ago – Greg and I were at another Starbucks and the guy behind the counter taking our order had a really silly sounding voice – and I tried SO hard to be controlled and not laugh.  But it’s a little like being in church when you’re NOT supposed to laugh – and then EVERYTHING’S funny.  And I knew I shouldn’t laugh – but I couldn’t help it – everytime I think about it – it sends me into fits of giggles.  Luckily Greg was with me and he ordered for me – so I could just go to off to the side, wipe my eyes and giggle away.

One time Ashlee and I were looking for the theater in Issaquah to attend a musical.  We got lost – the stupid directions were wrong – of course  - and we called “Dad” to see if he could guide us.  I calmly told him that the street didn’t exist where we were supposed to turn – and he informed me that we were WRONG.  He said – and I QUOTE – “where ever you are – TURN LEFT”  Well I knew that wasn’t right.  It was a park – for goodness sake.  But he was ADAMANT about it – so turn I did.  Then I was like “it’s a park – now what”?  So Ashlee tried to assess the situation with her Dad on the phone – and I tried to navigate the “wrong park turn” and all of us were getting very upset.  I could hear Greg’s voice getter louder and LOUDER – and finally I said to Ashlee, “just hang up on him”.  Which she promptly did.  We have had MORE fun with this over the years.  One time when Ashlee was with a friend in Portland – they were lost too and the guy friend on the cell phone told her, where ever you are – TURN LEFT” – so I guess it’s a “guy thing” after all.

Have a healthy dose of laughter today :)

God Bless

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Who Will You Meet In Heaven?

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 6, 2009

I’ve been pondering some thoughts on heaven in the last few days. Heaven is one of those somewhat mystical places spoken about in the Bible where all of us who have a relationship with Jesus Christ will go when we die.

I find it interesting that we will be all living together in unity and love. There will be no hard feelings and no “cold wars” with people – no unresolved issues and no avoidance.

I like to think of our time here on earth as a training ground for how we will eventually live when we get to our new home. If we can’t get it right here – that’s very sad indeed. I believe very much that it’s like the old saying “if you won’t discipline yourself – someone will do it for you”. I don’t think we want to be faced with God saying to us, “I asked you to forgive and be reconciled to your brother or sister in Christ and you refused to do it – or to even speak to them and be a part of their life – so now the reconciliation will be on MY terms and you will no longer have a choice”. I have often wondered what God will do to stubborn people who REFUSE to do the right thing here on earth. Will he be forced to reveal things openly and run a DVD of those moments in our lives that no one has seen so that we can’t hide behind the “victim mentality” and the one sided arguements that work so great for us down here. No. I have a feeling that all will be revealed in heaven – nothing hidden. And if you’ve stuffed those things and even convinced others how right you are – you’re in for a big SURPRISE.

We are going to meet people in heaven that love Jesus just like we do. But we are going to be made keenly aware of the fact that what we avoided or would not forgive our brother or sister down here because of pride and stubbornness – we will be forced to do so then and I believe it will make Jesus sad at our lack of understanding and unwillingness to do the right thing.

Who are the people that you will meet someday in heaven? Do you have a relationship with them now? Have you been offered the gift of reconciliation and you refused it? Are you stubbornly hanging on to your hurt feelings and love being right? Do you make Jesus sad?

Or do you long to make your issues with people that you have wronged or that have wronged you – right again? Do you seek out forgiveness just like someone following Christ does? Are you quick to take the blame for any conflict with a brother or sister? Do you wish things to be restored? Do you take on the attitude that if Jesus can forgive my HUGE debt then I surely can forgive my brother or sister their small debt. Do you say, “I’ve forgiven but I’m never speaking to that person or having them back in my life again”. Yup – that sounds like true forgiveness to me – and you know what? Jesus doesn’t buy it.

In the movie “The five people you meet in heaven” the man in the story dies and is greeted by five people one at a time that touched his life somehow – including the people he had not properly reconciled with or had many unanswered questions about. He found out that there were many thing that were quite different than what he thought down on earth and really opened up his eyes and allowed him to see people and situations so much differently.

Many times we cling to hurt and unforgiveness like a child clutching a blanket – never giving it up for any reason. Even though we have been told and know that it is the Christ like way to live. Jesus told us to forgive and be restored to our brother or sister not just because it helps them – but because it helps us and it is the only way to find true health and freedom.

Who do you need to talk to today? Are you going to wait until heaven? Don’t wait friend – there is so much joy still waiting for you in this life – this is our practice for the real thing – let’s get it right! Your reward will be in heaven as God proclaims, “well done good and faithful servant – you FINALLY got it!”

God Bless

What is Real Love?

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 5, 2009

    
I've been thinking about love.  Real love.
When you have it - it is a safe place. 
There are people in our lives that promise us love.
Love in friendship, or love in romance.
But sometimes this love - is not real.
There is no safe place to land.
When the world comes crashing down - they run.
Real love is safe.
When we "fall in love" we need someone NOT to run
We need someone who will always catch us when we fall
God's love is safe.  It is a soft place for our soul.
And He will always catch us.
And the one that loves us - will carry us - through the hard times

I have always loved these lyrics by Cindy Morgan.

Having gone through her own personal "storm" she writes with
authenticity and humility.

Enjoy and God Bless

1. "The Master's Hand"

  Some of the scariest storms we battle are the ones on our knees
  Matt. 8:23-27

Covered by a silver light
Moving shadows try and hold me tight
And there are footprints in the sand
But you can never tell just where you land
When you're touched by the Master's hand

Blaring thunder, twirling trees
Fighting a tornado on my knees
So I took my bible to my bed
Lit a candle, trembled as I read
And I was touched by the Master's Hand

You carry me through the hard times in life
Oh and You rescue me from the storms in the night 

If you are frightened or afraid
Bitter words and choices you have made
Then lift your face up to the sky
Open up your heart and close your eyes
'Cause if you fall, we will land
'Cause His grace is a featherbed
When we're touched by the Master's hand

You carry me through the hard times in life
Oh and You rescue me from the storms in the night
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This Warrior Is A Child – Or Something Like That

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 4, 2009

I found these great quotes on life and friendship today – after thinking about how blessed I am.  And like you – I have faced my share of disappointment – yes – even betrayal from a good friend when I didn’t even see it coming.  But God is good – life has been kind -and I am on a never ending journey to find love, forgiveness and grace in everything that I do.  Sometimes it does feel like I am a warrior – in a battle with myself and others I cannot even see – sometimes I feel like I am a child – incapable of handling that battle – I easily tire – and get restless – even lose hope – and in some cases, give up entirely – saying, “it’s hopeless”.  And like you – I say, “the world would be so much better if everyone would just think LIKE I DO”.

Unfortunately – here we are.  Left in a battle against ourselves – our thoughts and motives – trying our best to hear the will of God – and then simply –  Just do it!! And those unseen things – they are still there – trying to persuade us to just leave well enough alone – that everything is okay and we’re NOT in a battle.  But if you are a Christian – like me – you know that simply is not true.  The battle between good and evil is as old as history itself – and we are some of the players in that drama – called life.

This is why we suffer – this is why so many are sad and depressed – this is why it is so hard to get the victory over things in our lives – past failures that haunt us and take us SO LONG to get over.  Things people have done to us – we can’t forget them – harsh words spoken to us – or about us – or things we have said that we shouldn’t have – it is a part of that battle.  A battle with our sinful nature – and with our friend’s sinful nature too.

Take heart today, my friend.  We all are in a battle.  And sometimes a kind word from a good friend is like GOLD to us.  Be that good friend today and give a hug to a child.  Even this warrior is a child.

Every Warrior of the Light has felt afraid of going into battle.
Every Warrior of the Light has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.
Every Warrior of the Light has trodden a path that was not his.
Every Warrior of the Light has suffered for the most trivial of reasons. Every Warrior of the Light has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the Light.
Every Warrior of the Light has failed in his spiritual duties.
Every Warrior of the Light has said ‘yes’ when he wanted to say ‘no.’
Every Warrior of the Light has hurt someone he loved.
That is why he is a Warrior of the Light, because he has been through all this and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is.

Paulo Coelho
Source: Warrior of the Light

Anything may be betrayed, anyone may be forgiven, but not those who lack the courage of their own greatness.

Ayan Rand

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To give of one’s self; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

When on life’s journey it becomes our lot to travel with criticism of skeptics, the hate of some, the rejection of others, the impatience of many, or a friend’s betrayal, we must be able to pray in such a manner that an abiding faith and a strong testimony that the Lord will be with us to the end, will compel us to say, “Nevertheless, Father, Thy will be done, and with Thy help, in patience I will follow firmly on the path that takes me back to Thee.”

Angel Abrea

God Bless

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If It Ain’t Broke – Greg will break it!

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 3, 2009

When we pastored a small church years ago in California – Greg was always trying to improve the place.  The church was VERY run down and the property  badly neglected.  But the people in that small town were used to things a certain way – and in our church they were older and set in their ways of doing things.  They did not particularly appreciate a young pastor coming in and “shaking things up”.  Their philosophy was this:

If it ain’t broke – don’t fix it.

Well – luckily we didn’t listen and began a rather extensive remodeling  job on the inside of the church to expand the lobby and make a larger women’s bathroom.  And the outside was painted too – and believe me – there was MUCH debate on that subject – even the color of the paint.  Seems very silly now as we look back all those years ago.  But Wow!!  Did it ever change things.

Well that has been a standing joke in our house for years.  I mean – why WOULD you fix something or CHANGE something unless it is broken?  Why indeed.  Greg has almost single handedly remodeled the home that we live in – hardwood floors – a new bathroom from floor to ceiling – new wood stairs – crown molding in the downstairs – electrical – sheetrock – you name it – he CAN do it.  I don’t know many guys as handy as he is – and self taught.  It has literally saved us thousands of dollars over the years – and why we are so anxious to wait until the market improves so we can get full value for our home with all the “sweat equity” that’s gone into it.

Greg’s been doing some “moonlighting” lately with a dear friend in between his new career of weddings and funerals – working some maintenance and light construction for Starbucks.  These jobs start after closing and go to the wee hours of the morning.  Last night he was simply replacing tile that was broken and in need of repair.  Well – he was pulling a piece up to check underneath and it turned out there was no need to replace it – when all of a sudden he heard a sickening POP.  Oh no.  The tile had split in half.  And he had NO replacements.  Bummer.  A trip all the way back to his friend’s house to make a long job late at night – even LATER!!!

When should we leave well enough alone?  Do we venture in too soon sometimes to try to “fix” things and people?  Maybe – just maybe – we should leave them alone.  There is a time for everything – as stated in Ecclesiastes.

“A time to reap and time to sow – a time to mourn a time to dance – a time to fix things – and a time to JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE”  (Cindy Holman paraphrase – with apologies to our great biblical scholars)

Now the moral of this story of course is this:  If it ain’t broke – Greg will break it!!

Hope you all have an awesome day – free of incident.  Need something fixed?  Call Greg!!

God Bless!

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You Don’t Make Me Happy.

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 2, 2009

Yesterday I was in the bathroom getting ready for church and had the John Tesh radio show on.  I always hear great little “tidbits” of useful information on that show – and yesterday was no exception.  The subject was “marriage” and there was some advice from a well known psychologist concerning the top 3 reasons why people end up giving up too soon on their relationship.  They were typical – I had heard them before – basically it all had to do with the whole, “you don’t make me happy” – or “I’m not happy anymore”  To which John Tesh said, “Well BOO HOO!!”  Basically NO reason to give up and throw in the towel prematurely before really doing the hard work on your marriage to work things out.

Something the psychologist said – really hit me.  He said, “If we are looking for SOMEONE to make us happy – we will always be looking – and even keep changing partners when one person does not fulfill everything anymore.  You are the only person that can make yourself happy”

I’ve heard this message before – seen it played out in many marriages throughout my life – had it even touch on my own marriage.  The reality sets in one day that your partner is NOT fulfilling every area of happiness for you – not meeting your every emotional need.  And guess what?  He’s NOT supposed to.

When we put that big of an expectation on another human being – we are setting ourself up for a BIG disappointment!!  And is probably the main reason why people give up after a while.  The old feeling is gone – etc. etc.  Now logically – I know you cannot base anything on feelings – or even just emotions – because sometimes they do trick us – persuade us to feel another way – our hearts are human and corrupt and make foolish decisions – even in the best of times.  But it is important to remind yourself what marriage really is.  Is it based on a feeling?  Is it based on romance all the time?  Is it passionate 24/7?  Do we expect it to be?  Do we see it on TV – in movies and read about it in books – and therefore think, “hmmmm I’m missing out”  We will be disappointed every time if this is what we expect.

No.  You don’t make me happy.  I am the only one capable of doing that.  Happiness and deep joy come from being grounded first in a relationship with Jesus Christ – the creator of marriage.  It is through knowing Him that we receive His blessing and peace in our lives.  And He will help me to face whatever trials that this life can bring and help me work through them.  He is on the side of marriage – He wants to bring life, hope and blessing to me.

And He wants the same thing for you too.

We are only responsible for ourselves – and in that – we are only responsible for our own happiness.

What things make you happy?  Do you have a talent that gives you energy?  Are you an encourager of people?  Are you hospitable with your things and in sharing your home?  Do you love people?  Are you a teacher?  Do you have a quiet way about you and you love praying for people?  Or giving a kind word?  Are you lonely – but you are allowing God to just fill you up with happiness?

I want to encourage you today.  Find the things that make you happy and give you energy.  More than likely those things will propel you in a new direction and bring about some great new adventures for you!

And most of all – make a decision today – turn it around – decide to just Be Happy.

God Bless

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My Long Shadow

Posted by: Cindy Holman on: November 1, 2009

Today on the way to church Greg and I were discussing tramatic events in our lives and why they affect us so – especially after significant amounts of time have gone by.  Greg said this:

The farther from an event – the longer the shadow

This is so true – and often times is why we have trouble letting things go and just forgetting.  There is a shadow that follows us and grows over time.  Especially when there are still many questions and unresolved issues.  That shadow can seem daunting and frightening at times.

However – I also believe that each life is on a journey of learning – and growing and it sometimes takes a lifetime of experiences good and bad – to bring that about.  Sometimes that shadow can be a good thing – especially if it has taught us something valuable and continues to be with us as a constant reminder – of ones self –  of something else – or maybe even – someone else.  Learning to live with the unanswered questions of life is never easy – but it is that discovery into what we are made of that makes of who we are – and how we react to and with that shadow –  determines the course of the rest of our lives.

What is your shadow today?  Have you been reconciled to it?  Is it making you a better person as you learn to live with its gentle reminder of things in your past?

I am praying for you today

Below is a great song by Gabe Dixon – one of my favorite Artists. It captures the very essence of that “shadow” – and our attempt to try to understand it.

God Bless

When you don’t know where you’re going and you don’t know why
It feels like another day’s beating into the night
Lay you head on my chest while my beatin’ heart pounds out the secret of this life

The higher you reach
The further the sky
The more miles you walk
The longer the road
The steeper you climb
The harder you stand to fall
The stronger you get
The heavier the load

I wish I could give you the answers and paper and ink
I wish I could stop all the tears before they start falling
But we’re feeling our way and we’re always beginners
We’re all cuts and no scars

The higher you reach
The further the sky
The more miles you walk
The longer the road
The steeper you climb
The harder you stand to fall
The stronger you get

The heavier the load
The higher oh, the higher oh, the higher that you reach
The further oh, the further oh, the further the sky
The higher oh, the higher oh, the higher that you reach
The further oh, the further oh, the further the sky

(Well the further the sky)

The bigger the dream
The rougher the ride
The truer the love
The deeper the ache
The blinder the faith
The tougher the go

The higher you reach
The further the sky
The more miles you walk
The longer the road
The steeper you climb
The harder you stand to fall
The stronger you get
The heavier the load

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