I just learned of a new way to meditate…sit still and smile. Today’s quote will help you do just that. Happy Saturday.
Author Archives: Patricia Ann
Own Your Power
There is power and then there is power. The most powerful people are those who use their power for the good of all, not for their own self aggrandizement.
Most of us don’t feel that we have any power over anything until something catches our attention to prove otherwise. In my case it was the Bible’s many scriptures introducing me to my power. Please read on.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; Acts 1:8 NIV
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..Ephesians 3:20 NIV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Proverbs 24:5 NIV
…being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance …Colossians 1:11
And then there is my poem:
“All Things Are Possible”.
All things are possible
To those who believe
To those who have faith
As a small mustard seed
All goals can be reached
All dreams can come true
When you call on the Power
Inherent in you
All life can be lived
To the fullest extent
All wishes fulfilled
As you know that He meant
All things are possible
To those who believe
To those who have faith
As a small mustard seed.
©1984
And so, the moral of today’s post is to own your power.
How Much is Too Much?
My attention has been drawn back to the year 2007 when I was in a hospital emergency room experiencing heart attack symptoms. While there I met an eighty-four old grandmother who confided in me that it didn’t matter if she lived or died at this point in her life. As she poured out her sorrows to me my heart broke even more.
This wonderful woman had lost two adult children…one to cancer and the other in a car accident. If that wasn’t bad enough one of her grandchildren, at eighteen months, had died of meningitis.
I believe we met at that particular time because I needed her strength and courage to lean on. I had had lung cancer surgery two years prior to this heart episode, and my husband, now in the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease, was dying.
How much is too much? Only God knows.
God Took Her Soul
She was stunningly beautiful with a healthy body, luxurious hair, a quick smile, and gentle, friendly manner. She worked where I did in 2005 and was always a pleasure to be around.
Then, in 2008, cancer struck. As it so often does, it played havoc with her life. A bony body, hairless head, and quietude were the new norm. It was almost as hard on those of us who worked with her as it was on her family to see this dramatic change in such a short time.
And then she died…at the tender age of fifty years. This vibrant, vivacious young woman was no longer with us. Her bright smile and happy face were now only a memory…a haunting, lovely memory.
My only consolation was that though cancer took her beautiful hair and body, God took her soul.
Lost and Found
Here’s a true story I heard on the news in 2008, and noted in one of my journals because I love coincidences.
A lady found an engraved school ring in her back yard. She had no idea how long it had been there but tried to find the person whose name was on the ring, with no luck. She put the ring away in a drawer but kept the name in mind.
One day at her job as a store cashier, she noticed the same name on a gentleman’s credit card as he paid for his purchases. When she asked him if that was his name and did he lose a school ring, he was flabbergasted that she had found it. So much time had lapsed that the ring no longer fit his ring finger but his pinkie. The lady was so excited she said that God had sent this man to her cash register.
I remember thanking God for a “good news” story for a change.
When God Speaks
Many years ago I had a very vivid dream. I was on the lookout deck of the Toronto Dominion Tower which at that time was the highest building in Toronto. It was at a very trying time in my life and in my dream I was walking alone around the observation deck feeling lost and afraid. Presently, a faceless male figure came alongside me and held my right hand. At his touch, my body tingled from head to toe and I felt it was Jesus by my side.
I awoke, still tingling, feeling less distressed and somewhat comforted. That dream with its surge of feeling has always stayed with me.
Recently I read in Isaiah 41:13 – For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.”
It brought back that dream one hundredfold.
Please forgive me if I have blogged something like this in the past but it just boggles my mind when and how God speaks. Happy Sunday.
Monkeying Around
It’s okay if you monkey around this weekend, as long as it is with your loved ones, and as long as you have fun. You may even get a little exercise. Happy Saturday.
Life Goes On
Here is a poem I wrote in 2012…don’t know what was going on in my life to inspire it, but think it is worth a share.
LIFE GOES ON (It is Eternal)
Life is like a boxing match.
It spars with you, throws a few punches, knocks you down.
You get up and go a few more rounds, sometimes dancing in circles; not connecting…or so it seems.
Like all boxing matches, you win a few and lose a few.
The wins are triumphant. They are what keep you in the fight.
You struggle with the losses, hope to overcome them and try not to lose too many rounds.
But then Life comes in with the big KO, the knockout, the one punch you weren’t expecting.
Brain cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, social cancers, relationship cancers and the count continues until Life throws up its Eternal arm; the winner in a fight you can never lose because Life goes on.
Hold Your Head High
Standing for what you believe in regardless of the odds against you and the pressure that tears at your resistance…is Courage
Keeping a smile on your face for the sake of supporting others when inside you feel like dying…is Strength
Stopping at nothing and doing what’s in your heart that you know is right…is Determination
Doing more than is expected to make another’s life a little more bearable, without uttering a single complaint…is Compassion
Helping a friend in need to the best of your ability, no matter the time or effort…is Loyalty
Holding your head high and being the best you know you can be when life seems to fall apart at your feet, facing each difficulty with the confidence that time will bring you better tomorrows, and never giving up…is Confidence
Hold you head high and make your life better every day.
This was a 2002 Internet message which I had copied into one of my journals, and came across yesterday. It is good to know that what touches our hearts and opens our minds, is good for passing on, no matter how old the message.
Another Virtual Coffee Date
It’s been a year since our last virtual coffee date and it’s time to catch up. Upon meeting I will still ask, “What’s new and interesting in your life?” Perhaps you will say, “Nothing, really.” But we both know that’s not true. Much has happened in the past year…you just need a moment of recall. Oh, yes! You met someone to share your life with; the relationship is getting serious and you are very happy. And I’m very happy for you.
You are slowly being healed of that debilitating health problem that has plagued you for so long…the one you asked for prayer for. The best part about being sick is getting better.
Your life became a little fuller when you discovered you were unexpectedly expecting a brand new little person to join your family; the family you thought was complete but God knew better. Congratulations!
You have read several good books within the year and can’t wait to share them with me because you know how much I like to read. I can’t wait to dig into them.
You had a heart attack? Oh, no! Ah, but you are on the mend and have changed you lifestyle to add many more years to your life. That’s what I like to hear.
Your marriage came to an end after twenty years and you are trying to pick up the pieces. It’s very difficult but you are determined to put your life on track again, and have learned something about yourself. Good for you!
You had a marvelous spiritual experience a few months back? Oh, wow, I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Well, it’s been nice catching up with all of you. We must do this again…I love coffee and conversation. Tea is good too.
What’s new with me? Nothing, really.
My Precious Life 