Candy Marie Bridges's Blog, page 5

Beautiful Music

 

There has been a lot of progress around here this past week.

 

The most significant was getting our vegetable garden planted. This yearly project is a lot of work, but the payoff is well worth it. We enjoy the “vegetables of our labor,” and so do our guests that come here for a retreat. Because we live in the mountains we have deer, elk, javalina and other critters wander into the backyard, so it’s necessary to animal proof the garden. My husband and I put up a netting across the top of the garden to keep the squirrels, raccoons and the for mentioned animals from munching on our produce. Putting up the netting took us six hours this year.  I was on a mission to get the garden finished by Wednesday because of the forecast for the next day, I wanted the seedlings to receive the God water called rain. Fortunately it did rain and the plants are off to a good start.

 

While doing outdoor projects like planting the garden, I often force myself to listen to the music of the forest.  I enjoy listening to the wind whistling through the tall pines, leaves rustling, the finches, hummingbirds, hawks, woodpeckers and the whinnying of horses close by.
And then there are times when I drown them out by putting on my headphones while listening to my favorite music.  Music is an escape and a mood altering drug for me. Old romantic crooner music and uplifting praise and worship christian songs are my favorites. It calms me when I am feeling overwhelmed or I want to agree with the words I am hearing.
I often see young people with earphones on and wonder what they are listening to.  Is it uplifting music that helps motivate and inspire or music that robs the spirit of morality by shouting profanities, racial slurs and violence?  I hope for the positive.
Music has a powerful effect on the listener and with all the different types of genres, has come a long way throughout time. Memories come to mind when I hear certain songs and for this I am usually thankful. Below are some quotes I found and one of my own. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

 

 

 

If music be the food of love, play on.

 William Shakespeare

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.

Maya Angelou

Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.

Ronald Reagan

Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.

Martin Luther

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Music moves me. Music inspires me. Music soothes me.

Candy Marie Bridges

I was inspired to write this blog post after seeing the video of the man in the nursing home found here:  Man listening to music in nursing home

 

Book News!

There will be another book giveaway starting today. I will give three signed copies of my book to three winners. You can enter at the Goodreads link to the right of this blog.
The Kindle option for my book is found on amazon along with the paperback version. The Kindle price has just been lowered. You can find it at: Meet Me In The Mountains

 

 

It’s Inevitable

Merriam Websters definition of the word inevitable is:

incapable of being avoided or evaded

 I am sure you know by now, Life is INEVITABLE!

You and I had no choice in the matter of being conceived and being born. If we live our lives without choosing to take it, then we have no choice in how we will die.  When you think about it, it can be quite humbling.  God holds the Preface and the Epilogue to our lives and the pages in between are there for us to write on.  He want’s to be in every chapter and page. He may proof and edit as He sees fit throughout our book of life and ultimately want’s the ending to be “And they will live, Happily Ever After.”

What matters most is what happens in between our birth and our death. For some reason, Oreo Cookies and Peanut butter and jelly are coming to mind as an analogy. Both have equal outsides, but the middle is what matters. The time on this earth, like it or not is inevitable. So choices and attitudes play a huge role in our book of life.

We are important and although we may not always make the right decisions in our lives, time gives us opportunities to change, regroup and make a difference. Our lives are shaped as we choose our friends, our vocations and the way we react to expected and unexpected situations. Almost twenty years ago, I wrote my own version of Chuck Swindoll’s “Attitude” quote. I named my version “Attitudes.”

I will post it below, but first wanted to thank The Catholic Sun in Phoenix for giving me the opportunity to have an interview with their editor about my book and the creation of Breath of Life Retreat House.

 

ATTITUDES
We all have them. It doesn't matter how old you are or what your nationality is, how much your income is or how educated you are. We all decide by CHOICE how we allow our attitudes to show our true character. Attitudes are formed by our reactions to daily situations, challenges and problems. Both positive and negative attitudes will reveal to others how we think and ultimately who we put our trust and faith in.  Our family, friends and co-workers and even those met just once may be influenced by our attitude. Our body language, eye contact and behavior creates a powerful impression and can speak volumes to those with whom we come in contact with.  All these factors are the ingredients which make up the uniqueness of each and every person on this planet.  Attitudes can be changed and shaped. The daily challenges of life delivers a daily opportunity to improve our attitudes.  It's your choice !!! How's your attitude today?
written by Candy Roe Bridges

 

 Book News!

 

The three winners for the Goodreads giveaway have been chosen. Congratulations to
Christine R Mattice from Uniontown OH, Ethel Ortiz from Brown Deer WI andChris Duryea from FL

My book was featured in the Catholic Sun paper this week. Thank you for the interview.
Two Book signings coming up! One at Oasis Book and Gift Shop in Payson and the second at Breath of Life during the Rim Country Garden Tour on  June 16th.

 

What's your favorite scripture or inspirational quote?

That's what I ask in my blog this week.
Please add your favorite.
Check it out at http://www.CandyMarieBridges.com
Meet Me In The Mountains

It Was Taped To My Refrigerator For Over A Year

 

 

 Do you have a favorite quote, saying
or scripture verse?

 

Towards the end of my book, Meet Me In The Mountains, I share a scripture that meant a lot to me during the renovation of Breath of Life Retreat House.  I heard this scripture read at Mass one Sunday morning. It was 2 Corinthians 4:8-10.  The words grabbed me so much that I was compelled to write them down. I pulled a pencil from my purse and wrote the verse down on the only thing I could find. My check book.  When I got home, I boldly typed it out on a piece of white paper and taped it to the refrigerator door in the retreat house.

 

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

It’s a reminder of God’s presence when trials come along. And trust me, when you are in charge of a major renovation project, there are trials and tribulations.

 

When the interior renovations were complete, I took the paper off the refrigerator and hand-lettered the scripture in calligraphy directly on the wall of the main hall. It’s unmistakable and it blesses many of our guests who read it. So why am I sharing this with you?
In a recent blog I explained my decision to close the door on my calligraphy website. The site was old and needed a lot of updating. I didn’t feel like I had the time to revamp and renew the hundreds of images and products.

 

But Wait!  But Wait!  But Wait!

 

I have some news!! Just like the passion and dedication I had to writing my book, Meet Me In The Mountains, I chose to take the time to resurrect my product line and put it in a new place.
It’s here on this blog site. My calligraphy is now available for purchase through the tab above that says “My Book and Gift Shop.”There will be more titles available soon. You will also find my book and many inspirational and scriptural titles, including the scripture from 2 Corinthians 4: 8-10 that I reference above.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

 

 You will find gifts for Weddings, Home Decor, RCIA, Pastor, Volunteers, Son, Daughter, Mom, Dad, Confirmation, Graduation and lot’s more.

 

It was my dream over thirty years ago to create a line of Christian art and lettering. I write a little about this in my book and explain how I, over time achieved this goal.  It took many years and much patience.  I always enjoy feedback from customers letting me know how a certain scripture or saying they bought from Amen Christian Calligraphy inspires and encourages them.
For awhile, all orders will receive FREE Ground or Parcel Post SHIPPING.  In addition, FREE PERSONALIZING.  Personalizing means a name and/or date can be lettered and shown through a cutout in the matting to make your picture even more special.

 

If you have a favorite scripture or verse that you like, please post it here on this blog in the comments section below.

Let’s start a compilation of favorite verses, scripture and quotes and who knows, maybe I will create yours
in the near future.

 

Book News!

 

The Goodreads giveaway is up to 600 contestants. Only two more days until three names are chosen.
I am excited to have had an interview with the Catholic Sun this past week. I will share when it is printed and available.
There are two book signings coming up. One June 9th during the garden tour of Breath of Life Retreat House and the other is at Oasis Christian Store in Payson on June 19th.  Flyers below:

Oasis Christian Store in Payson

Rim Area Gardeners Tour and Book Signing at Breath of Life Retreat House

The Hunger Games

 

It was about 3:15am while trying to get back to sleep, that I smelled movie theater popcorn. It smelled so good.  Strange huh?

Perhaps I was being tempted because I gave popcorn up for lent. While experiencing the smell of one of my vices, my mind turned to reflecting on the movie I saw just hours prior. The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games is a popular book series recently turned into a block buster movie. I have friends who absorbed the trilogy of books like a parched desert accepting a rain shower with gusto. I felt like I needed to see what all the hubbub was about, even though it didn't look like a movie I would be interested in watching. The fact that it is rated PG-13 was a factor in my decision to see it.

So off we went to our little Sawmill Theater in Payson for the 4:15pm showing of The Hunger Games.

After sitting for two and a half hours watching the impressive special effects and storyline of the movie, I was surprised by my thoughts.

First, the movie is bizarre and futuristic. It's set in a time where there are two types of people. The first type being childish adults who live their lives surrounded by a capital called Panem which used to be North America. Most of the people and leaders are lavishly dressed in brightly colored weird attire.

The second type of people live within twelve separate districts, each having jobs that serve the totalitarian government of Panem. The people in the districts are deprived of the creature comforts in life. Most are very poor and hungry.

It's obvious that families work together to survive within the districts.

Each year, one boy and one girl are chosen unwillingly by lottery from each district to be the entertainment for the residents of Panem. Their parents have no choice in the matter. They must bring their children to the reaping where the lottery is held.

The entertainment is called, "The Hunger Games."  Kids are forced to kill each other in a forest setting while the world watches it all on TV. The battle scenes depict kids with knives and other weapons. In my opinion, the violence is too much for younger children to watch. It is not though, excessively gory or graphic. The camera flits away pretty quickly from the brutal scenes, but they are still noticed and leave an imprint on your mind.

I learned quickly in the opening scenes of the movie, that Katniss Everdeen, the main character, is a strong young woman who is resourceful, compassionate and selfless.  She substitutes herself in place of her little sister who was one of the chosen children to fight the other kids to the death.  She gives her little sister hope in that she will return a winner and be with her again.

Throughout the movie and even during some of the brutal fight scenes, I grasped Katniss' compassion for the innocence of most of the other kids that like her, were chosen for the battle. I found her strength in holding it together ultimately for love. She held herself up to a higher standard by using her talents and gifts to get through the unimaginable experience. Even when she didn't know she had them.

There is much controversy with whether or not this movie is appropriate for young teens or should even be seen by Christians. The fact is that movies like this can open up discussion to the reality of what has been and could be in our world. It is the de valuing of life by those who choose to use others lives for their own pleasure or convenience.

I am a sucker for movies that ultimately end with the fight for family and for love. For me, the message of the movie was about sacrificial love.

In watching The Hunger Games,  there is an opportunity to think how tough situations that are forced upon us, give us the option and opportunity to THINK about how we will approach and act upon those situations.

Love moves us. Hate ultimately stops the movement of love. Love can be painful as well as the ultimate sacrifice.

This is Good Friday and a day of reflection on what we as Christians reflect on as the Ultimate Sacrifice. We think upon the pain and the love that Jesus suffered for us. His self – sacrificing love should move us to compassion. Forgiveness and compassion in action breaks down the walls of hate, anger and revenge.

In two days, we celebrate the rising of our Lord.  Not bunnies or eggs. But an empty tomb and hope in our lives and our future, no matter what pain we live in now.

 

 

Happy Resurrection Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Just Weird

Apricot Buds in Spring



The weather that is. 

 

A week ago it was a very pleasant and warm 75 degrees.  I enjoyed spending a little time outside soaking up the fresh mountain air and sunshine. I was able to work out in the yard a few days in the afternoon sweeping up pine needles and leaves. I spied our budding fruit trees and the ornamental plum trees that are already bragging of their blossoms. My sniffling nose was reacting on schedule this time of year with allergies. I was sure that winter had ended and spring was ready to, well… spring.

 

That was until Sunday morning around 5:00am…

 

That’s when the clouds came in and a cold front brought 22″ of snow. Temperatures plummeted to the teens.

This seems to happen every year in March.  By looking at the trees and by the warmer weather, we  are sure of the change in seasons and weather and then, surprise, we are fooled.

Life is like that too sometimes. We think we have things figured out, and then, unexpectedly life throws us a curve. Maybe it’s our health or a family members health. A child you think is happy and you are sure you know them inside and out, but you find out they are hurting with an issue in their life that you never knew about.

You think your job is secure, but the boss calls you in for a “meeting.” A friend whom you think has the perfect marriage calls to tell you they are considering divorce. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.

Discerning life can be a moment by moment opportunity to put our trust and faith in God.  If we check our behavior and reactions to circumstances that unexpectedly come up and ask God for wisdom, patience and the ability to weather the surprises in life, life will be easier. I have yet to master this by the way.  Because I am a Christian and desire to lead a life that is Christ-Centered, I seek discernment and am open to God’s plan for my life.  So what am going to do about it? It’s called

The Daily Examin

Read the following.

 

There was a saint named Loyola that I have recently learned created a technique of daily prayerful reflections over 400 years ago. He created a conscious reflection called "The Daily Examin" that ultimately leads to the discernment of God's will for our lives. Below is a version of this prayer that I am going to attempt to follow for the next week. Perhaps even longer. I will put down my I Phone when I get in bed and curtail my ritual of Words With Friends and transfer my interest to the following reflections.

St. Ignatius’s prayer.

1. Become aware of God’s presence. Look back on the events of the day in the company of the Holy Spirit. The day may seem confusing to you—a blur, a jumble, a muddle. Ask God to bring clarity and understanding.



2. Review the day with gratitude. Gratitude is the foundation of our relationship with God. Walk through your day in the presence of God and note its joys and delights. Focus on the day’s gifts. Look at the work you did, the people you interacted with. What did you receive from these people? What did you give them? Pay attention to small things—the food you ate, the sights you saw, and other seemingly small pleasures. God is in the details.

3. Pay attention to your emotions. One of St. Ignatius’s great insights was that we detect the presence of the Spirit of God in the movements of our emotions. Reflect on the feelings you experienced during the day. Boredom? Elation? Resentment? Compassion? Anger? Confidence? What is God saying through these feelings?

God will most likely show you some ways that you fell short. Make note of these sins and faults. But look deeply for other implications. Does a feeling of frustration perhaps mean that God wants you consider a new direction in some area of your work? Are you concerned about a friend? Perhaps you should reach out to her in some way.

4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to something during the day that God thinks is particularly important. It may involve a feeling—positive or negative. It may be a significant encounter with another person or a vivid moment of pleasure or peace. Or it may be something that seems rather insignificant. Look at it. Pray about it. Allow the prayer to arise spontaneously from your heart—whether intercession, praise, repentance, or gratitude.

5. Look toward tomorrow. Ask God to give you light for tomorrow’s challenges. Pay attention to the feelings that surface as you survey what’s coming up. Are you doubtful? Cheerful? Apprehensive? Full of delighted anticipation? Allow these feelings to turn into prayer. Seek God’s guidance. Ask him for help and understanding. Pray for hope.

St. Ignatius encouraged people to talk to Jesus like a friend. End the Daily Examen with a conversation with Jesus. Ask forgiveness for your sins. Ask for his protection and help. Ask for his wisdom about the questions you have and the problems you face. Do all this in the spirit of gratitude. Your life is a gift, and it is adorned with gifts from God. End the Daily Examen with the Our Father.

 

Book News!

This time last year, I was feverishly writing my memoir pouring my life story onto paper. It seems so long ago, yet it seems like yesterday. Now a year later I am feverishly learning of all the ways to market my book through social media, book signings, etc. It can be mind-boggling to learn it all, but I am doing my best.
There was a gentleman whom I haven’t seen for years who recently read my book. He drove up to see me this week with a friend. He had to see Breath of Life. He had to give me a hug and tell me that he too believes in Godcidences. He assured me of God’s presence in my life and knows I am placed where I am because of the Lord’s blessings. Even through tragedy.
Don’t forget about the Goodreads giveaway. You could win one of three copies that will be given away on April 15th.

 

 

 

It's Just Weird

Apricot Buds in Spring



The weather that is. 

 

A week ago it was a very pleasant and warm 75 degrees.  I enjoyed spending a little time outside soaking up the fresh mountain air and sunshine. I was able to work out in the yard a few days in the afternoon sweeping up pine needles and leaves. I spied our budding fruit trees and the ornamental plum trees that are already bragging of their blossoms. My sniffling nose was reacting on schedule this time of year with allergies. I was sure that winter had ended and spring was ready to, well… spring.

 

That was until Sunday morning around 5:00am…

 

That's when the clouds came in and a cold front brought 22″ of snow. Temperatures plummeted to the teens.

This seems to happen every year in March.  By looking at the trees and by the warmer weather, we  are sure of the change in seasons and weather and then, surprise, we are fooled.

Life is like that too sometimes. We think we have things figured out, and then, unexpectedly life throws us a curve. Maybe it's our health or a family members health. A child you think is happy and you are sure you know them inside and out, but you find out they are hurting with an issue in their life that you never knew about.

You think your job is secure, but the boss calls you in for a "meeting." A friend whom you think has the perfect marriage calls to tell you they are considering divorce. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.

Discerning life can be a moment by moment opportunity to put our trust and faith in God.  If we check our behavior and reactions to circumstances that unexpectedly come up and ask God for wisdom, patience and the ability to weather the surprises in life, life will be easier. I have yet to master this by the way.  Because I am a Christian and desire to lead a life that is Christ-Centered, I seek discernment and am open to God's plan for my life.  So what am going to do about it? It's called

The Daily Examin

Read the following.

 

There was a saint named Loyola that I have recently learned created a technique of daily prayerful reflections over 400 years ago. He created a conscious reflection called "The Daily Examin" that ultimately leads to the discernment of God's will for our lives. Below is a version of this prayer that I am going to attempt to follow for the next week. Perhaps even longer. I will put down my I Phone when I get in bed and curtail my ritual of Words With Friends and transfer my interest to the following reflections.

St. Ignatius's prayer.

1. Become aware of God's presence. Look back on the events of the day in the company of the Holy Spirit. The day may seem confusing to you—a blur, a jumble, a muddle. Ask God to bring clarity and understanding.



2. Review the day with gratitude. Gratitude is the foundation of our relationship with God. Walk through your day in the presence of God and note its joys and delights. Focus on the day's gifts. Look at the work you did, the people you interacted with. What did you receive from these people? What did you give them? Pay attention to small things—the food you ate, the sights you saw, and other seemingly small pleasures. God is in the details.

3. Pay attention to your emotions. One of St. Ignatius's great insights was that we detect the presence of the Spirit of God in the movements of our emotions. Reflect on the feelings you experienced during the day. Boredom? Elation? Resentment? Compassion? Anger? Confidence? What is God saying through these feelings?

God will most likely show you some ways that you fell short. Make note of these sins and faults. But look deeply for other implications. Does a feeling of frustration perhaps mean that God wants you consider a new direction in some area of your work? Are you concerned about a friend? Perhaps you should reach out to her in some way.

4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to something during the day that God thinks is particularly important. It may involve a feeling—positive or negative. It may be a significant encounter with another person or a vivid moment of pleasure or peace. Or it may be something that seems rather insignificant. Look at it. Pray about it. Allow the prayer to arise spontaneously from your heart—whether intercession, praise, repentance, or gratitude.

5. Look toward tomorrow. Ask God to give you light for tomorrow's challenges. Pay attention to the feelings that surface as you survey what's coming up. Are you doubtful? Cheerful? Apprehensive? Full of delighted anticipation? Allow these feelings to turn into prayer. Seek God's guidance. Ask him for help and understanding. Pray for hope.

St. Ignatius encouraged people to talk to Jesus like a friend. End the Daily Examen with a conversation with Jesus. Ask forgiveness for your sins. Ask for his protection and help. Ask for his wisdom about the questions you have and the problems you face. Do all this in the spirit of gratitude. Your life is a gift, and it is adorned with gifts from God. End the Daily Examen with the Our Father.

 

Book News!

This time last year, I was feverishly writing my memoir pouring my life story onto paper. It seems so long ago, yet it seems like yesterday. Now a year later I am feverishly learning of all the ways to market my book through social media, book signings, etc. It can be mind-boggling to learn it all, but I am doing my best.
There was a gentleman whom I haven't seen for years who recently read my book. He drove up to see me this week with a friend. He had to see Breath of Life. He had to give me a hug and tell me that he too believes in Godcidences. He assured me of God's presence in my life and knows I am placed where I am because of the Lord's blessings. Even through tragedy.
Don't forget about the Goodreads giveaway. You could win one of three copies that will be given away on April 15th.

 

 

 

My Solution To Our Nations Energy and Gasoline Crisis

 

I think I might have it.
Yes it's true.

We in America have a constant and never-ending source of energy that I believe up until now has been untapped and endlessly abundant. It has been around since Gods creation. I have no doubt it will solve many of the energy crises that consume us today.  I have recently witnessed with my own eyes this priceless commodity. The  best part being, it can be found in many homes and in almost every neighborhood. It doesn't matter what climate or part of the country you live in or how big your house is.

Fortunately, there should be no restrictions with the EPA that might slow down the process or hinder it. Independents, Republicans and Democrat alike will agree that this energy source has proven it's viability over time.

Believe it or not, I had the pleasure of experiencing and following this energy all week long. It is very similar to the wind because it is completely free and limitless.

However… there is just one small problem.

We need the technology to harness it. We need someone somewhere who can creatively capture the driving wellspring of it's strength. I know it can be done.  I believe in the American people and their drive and ability to find solutions to problems that seem to never end in our world today. In order to make our country completely reliable on our own resources, the energy is just waiting.  Waiting to be be captured and used for the benefit of all mankind.

The energy I am speaking of is so powerful that after I experienced its power over the past four days, It gave me the ability to sleep ten hours last night.

 

Okay. Okay. I know you are dying to know what it is. I will give it up.

 

The energy source I know can help many of our crises comes from a normally active three year old and a one year old. It's non stop and exuberant.

How blessed and happy we were to be around two beautiful granddaughters this past week. Their constant energy and inquisitiveness kept my husband and I very busy.

If you know of any solution – oriented scientists or researchers that might want to take on the opportunity to save our world from it's depleting resources, please encourage them to move forward with capturing the unlimited opportunities with the energy of little feet scampering around homes everywhere. In the meantime, remember the source of this energy comes from questions I heard and answered all week.

 

Grandma:

Can we go to the park?

I am hungry!

Wanna play play dough?

Would you read me a book?

I am thirsty

Wanna play stickers?

Can I watch my show?

I have to go potty

Can we go in the pool?

I want to water the plants.

I am cold.

Can you get me a towel? I don't want to go in the pool anymore.

I have to go potty.

Grandma, wanna play kitchen?

Achoo!! Grandma, I have energies. (what she means is… allergies)

Can I have a drink?

Can I have a snack?

Can I look at the pictures on your pueter?  (what she means is….computer)

Wanna play a game?

Grandma, chase me.

Grandma…I love you.

I love you too Emma.

Book News!

 

 

The Goodreads giveaway is going on still. Sign up here to enter.


I have two local book signings coming up in June. One at the Oasis Christian Book Store in Payson on June 9th and one here at Breath of Life Retreat House in Pine on June 16th during the Rim Country Garden Tour. Tickets for the tour are $5.00each. Come up and Meet Me In The Mountains. There will also be an artist here exhibiting her work during the tour of the grounds. Bertica Garcia-Dubus will show and sell her beautiful art on the patio.


You can find out more about her work here – Bertica Garcia-Dubus

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve Been Exposed!

To speaking that is.

 

     Last Saturday morning was my first and possibly last speaking engagement at a women’s breakfast in Mesa, Arizona.

The hour and a half drive from Pine to Mesa started before sunrise. I got into my car, turned the key and the information screen showed I had very low tire pressure on the rear right tire. Not wanting to take a chance and drive down the mountain with that problem, I proceeded to unload my belongings and books and transfer them to our truck so I could drive it instead. While doing that, I noticed at least eight big boxes in the back of the truck bed filled with various food products and cans. My husband was going to take them to St. Vincent de Paul’s food bank that same day. I couldn’t keep them in the back of the truck if I was going to drive it, so I quietly unloaded them onto the planter by the front gate. I didn’t want to wake up my husband. Later in the day after I got back, he was not happy that I did not wake him up to help. I considered the unloading of the heavy boxes my exercise for the day. Smile.  Just a side-note. It was 18 degrees outside when I was doing this. After that was done, I got into the truck and pulled out to the main highway, and there just a half a mile on my left was a group of deer feeding on the side of the road. My headlights lit up the area where they gathered.  It was a peaceful sight.

     I imagined all week, that I would practice my speech all the way down the mountain, but mostly drove in silence. It was about sixty-five miles later where I encountered a Sheriff detouring traffic on the road I was on due to a bicycle race that morning. The road I needed to go down was closed so I had to take another route. About ten miles later, there was another road closure because of people running in a 5k and 10k race.

     Fortunately I got to my destination in plenty of time and spoke to approximately thirty women at the breakfast. My talk was on forgiveness, tied in with the scripture from Proverbs, chapter 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths.

Weeks before my talk,  I also recited it to a select group of friends and family. I asked many for prayers that to speak effectively and no doubt those prayers were answered. My Mom was at the breakfast also and manned the book table. She sat among the women during my talk and told me she watched the ladies attentiveness when I spoke of my faith and trust in God.  All in all it was a great experience for me. I did have several ladies come up and thank me for my talk and one encouraged me to keep speaking as others need to hear the hope that can come from tragedy. Another said that she felt like she was my sister as she had gone through a similar chain of events in her life.

     I had made time for the ladies to ask questions and I was very comfortable in answering them. A couple of questions that I was asked were how do we know when to forgive and also about discernment.

      I honestly don’t know if that was my last talk or not. I will let the Lord be in charge of directing that path. If I do speak in the future, Hopefully I will grow in my ability to make a difference in people’s lives by sharing my story and mostly by acknowledging the Lord’s presence on all my paths.

Book News !

 

 

I have two book signings on the calendar. One is on June 9th in Payson, Arizona at Oasis Christian Books and Gifts Store. Come up and Meet Me In The Mountains from 11:00am to 2:00pm
The second is at Breath of Life Retreat House where I live. Our home is chosen by the Rim Area Gardeners to be one of the homes on tour this year showcasing the grounds of the property. I will be selling and signing books at this event. The tour is scheduled for June 16, 2012 from 8:00am – 4:00pm. Tickets are required for the tour and can be purchased at the library in Payson and also at the Chamber of Commerce, Payson Jewelers, and Ace Hardware.

I've Been Exposed!

To speaking that is.

 

     Last Saturday morning was my first and possibly last speaking engagement at a women's breakfast in Mesa, Arizona.

The hour and a half drive from Pine to Mesa started before sunrise. I got into my car, turned the key and the information screen showed I had very low tire pressure on the rear right tire. Not wanting to take a chance and drive down the mountain with that problem, I proceeded to unload my belongings and books and transfer them to our truck so I could drive it instead. While doing that, I noticed at least eight big boxes in the back of the truck bed filled with various food products and cans. My husband was going to take them to St. Vincent de Paul's food bank that same day. I couldn't keep them in the back of the truck if I was going to drive it, so I quietly unloaded them onto the planter by the front gate. I didn't want to wake up my husband. Later in the day after I got back, he was not happy that I did not wake him up to help. I considered the unloading of the heavy boxes my exercise for the day. Smile.  Just a side-note. It was 18 degrees outside when I was doing this. After that was done, I got into the truck and pulled out to the main highway, and there just a half a mile on my left was a group of deer feeding on the side of the road. My headlights lit up the area where they gathered.  It was a peaceful sight.

     I imagined all week, that I would practice my speech all the way down the mountain, but mostly drove in silence. It was about sixty-five miles later where I encountered a Sheriff detouring traffic on the road I was on due to a bicycle race that morning. The road I needed to go down was closed so I had to take another route. About ten miles later, there was another road closure because of people running in a 5k and 10k race.

     Fortunately I got to my destination in plenty of time and spoke to approximately thirty women at the breakfast. My talk was on forgiveness, tied in with the scripture from Proverbs, chapter 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths.

Weeks before my talk,  I also recited it to a select group of friends and family. I asked many for prayers that to speak effectively and no doubt those prayers were answered. My Mom was at the breakfast also and manned the book table. She sat among the women during my talk and told me she watched the ladies attentiveness when I spoke of my faith and trust in God.  All in all it was a great experience for me. I did have several ladies come up and thank me for my talk and one encouraged me to keep speaking as others need to hear the hope that can come from tragedy. Another said that she felt like she was my sister as she had gone through a similar chain of events in her life.

     I had made time for the ladies to ask questions and I was very comfortable in answering them. A couple of questions that I was asked were how do we know when to forgive and also about discernment.

      I honestly don't know if that was my last talk or not. I will let the Lord be in charge of directing that path. If I do speak in the future, Hopefully I will grow in my ability to make a difference in people's lives by sharing my story and mostly by acknowledging the Lord's presence on all my paths.

Book News !

 

 

I have two book signings on the calendar. One is on June 9th in Payson, Arizona at Oasis Christian Books and Gifts Store. Come up and Meet Me In The Mountains from 11:00am to 2:00pm
The second is at Breath of Life Retreat House where I live. Our home is chosen by the Rim Area Gardeners to be one of the homes on tour this year showcasing the grounds of the property. I will be selling and signing books at this event. The tour is scheduled for June 16, 2012 from 8:00am – 4:00pm. Tickets are required for the tour and can be purchased at the library in Payson and also at the Chamber of Commerce, Payson Jewelers, and Ace Hardware.