Choose Love and Lovely Thoughts

We’ve had an exceedingly busy life over the last few weeks. We’ve been traveling. First, with family and friends, on a delightful cruise to Alaska, and then more recently we were in Nashville for a granddaughter’s wedding, which was attended by every single beautiful family member—from the oldies (Chuck & I) to the youngest of great grandchildren (Carter) to everyone in between. 

Such meaningful moments full of love, and loveliness. My soul is still singing.  

After all the excitement and constant activity, a weekend at home to simply chill and do nothing was a welcome respite, and I caught up with some news and social media posts. Maybe not the brightest idea, but enlightening. So much chaos and craziness in the world news! And a few hate-filled social media posts. What I saw, read, and heard got me thinking about the negativity that’s swirling in the life and times of now!

But this morning I was reminded of the wisdom in Philippians 4:8-9, which has resulted in this blogpost. It was a reminder to always choose love and lovely thoughts. Take action that intentionally nourish the soul and serve as a blessing to others! 

I’ve written extensively about such topics, in various ways over the years, in this blog and in my book, so this is one more reminder that while we live in a troubled, topsy-turvy world, surrounded by disturbing news, hateful criticism, and noisy commentary, we must guard our hearts and minds by choosing love over hate, and lovely, pure thoughts over negative ones, because our thoughts do matter—they direct our actions and determine our lives!

As Dr. Forrest C Shaklee so wisely expressed, “What you think, you look; what you think, you do; and what you think, you are!”

We can learn a lot about people simply by scrolling through their social media feed, viewing their pictures, seeing what they repost, and reading their comments—even reading between the lines. We learn who people really are; what they enjoy, where they stand; and how they think. 

Happily for me, the vast majority of friends and people I follow are like-minded in terms of posting pictures and comments about their social lives, their family, their hobbies and their passions—pleasant, loving posts that are interesting and uplifting. 

But then there are those whose posts I now scroll on by because it saddens me to see their creators so embittered and obsessed with a perceived social injustice, their own personal pet peeve, or visceral hatred towards anyone with an opposing political view. So much so, some even invite those who disagree with their viewpoint to unfriend them. Whatever happened to love and friendship? What’s wrong with agreeing to disagree? Can we not place love and friendship above political preferences?

Actually, I prefer to befriend rather than unfriend, to build bridges of communication with people I care for, rather than to silence them, or punish them for thinking differently, and to be kind and respectful even when on opposing sides. So, I scroll past the hateful rhetoric and, although tempted to respond at times, I choose not to engage—in the big scheme of things their anger is of no consequence to me, and my time is better spent more positively. Very often, the hostile language, the repetitive accusations, and the voluminous vitriol are not only beneath the writer, but they are also dull and boring to me. Life is too precious to allow someone else’s unpleasantness to invade your life and steal your peace, so I let them be! I remain hopeful that their posts will be more enjoyable in the future, but I continue to scroll on to more uplifting, interesting posts. 

With that said, let’s encourage one another to level up. Let’s rise above the malicious rhetoric. Let’s attempt to seek the good in others, to choose love over hate, and lovely thoughts over vindictive ones. Let’s be the light in someone else’s darkness. 

What if we invest so much time working on ourselves, to be the best we can be, we leave no room for hateful criticism of others—who are probably doing the very best they can. 

Let’s try to live each day heeding Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

He Said, I Said

He said ……..

“Come meet me in the early morn
As the sun rises, just after dawn.
I’ll wait for you in the still of the day
Before the world steals you away.

Let’s sit quietly together. Let’s just be.
I cherish the time you spend with me.
Unburden yourself of deepest fears.
I’ll hold you close. I will dry your tears.

I know your longing. I hear your heart.
Be calm. Abide in me and never part.
The noise, the chaos, it takes its toll.
My unfailing love will heal your soul.” 

 I said ……..

“I hear you Lord.
I will meet you in the early morn.
I will seek you every waking hour.
I will praise you in every way.”
— Anthea Tripp

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Psalm 143:8

Reviving Mitten and Myself!

Contented Mitten prior to Frightful Demise!

It’s been a while since I posted an entry in my blog, but here I am after a few month’s silence, writing in Anthea’s Anthology to share what I’ve been up to! Haha—mostly up to my neck—in good stuff! 

As most of you will understand, life can throw unexpected curves in addition to well-aimed darts and arrows, and although some of those incoming spoilers inevitably hit their mark, I really can’t blame life’s unwelcome interruptions for my lack of new blog entries. No, this time I swerved off course intentionally. I ventured into a new realm. A challenging one! Please bear with me. 

In this current chapter of life my days are mostly filled with meaningful activities I love, like time at the ranch, running my health and wellness business, contending with household chores, shopping, working out, enjoying family and friends, travel, and keeping a sporadic presence on social media—so yes, I did engage in some writing, albeit short paragraphs on Facebook and Instagram. 

Finishing touches to Mitten’s encounter with peanut butter

It was my relatively new creative hobby, watercolor painting, that snatched my time and focus, and since there are limited waking hours in a day, one must pick and choose one’s priorities. As a result, blogging took a backseat while I veered off into the watercolor world hoping to improve my amateurish painting skills of hamsters. Why? Because I’d like to illustrate my children’s story about Mitten’s Frightful Demise

The good news? I plunged into watercolors, splashing paint around to complete two passable illustrations.  I feel the pictures have revived Mitten in paint, pose, and attitude that compliment his story. In the process of being lost in painting, my passion for writing and blogging is revived.

Definitely will be creating more colorful, artistic illustrations of Mitten but now I feel I can incorporate both painting and blogging!

Mitten consumes heaping spoonful of peanut butter

 

Mondays with June

June, happily enjoying life in “paradise”.

It’s 7:30 am on Monday 17th March. I am smiling through a tearful lens because I know her so well. If it was at all possible, she would dial my iPhone, and I would hear her bright and cheerful greeting: “Good Morning! Happy St Patrick’s Day!” She most likely would be wearing something green because that’s just June−so very aware of the day and always ready for a celebration.


The call did not come this Monday morning and of course I knew it would not. My dear friend is in heaven this Monday morning
. I wonder, is she all decked out in green?

Let me start at the beginning. We met through our Shaklee business connections. June Ost and I had known each other for many years, at first only from a distance, exchanging glances through a sea of faces at Shaklee conferences. About 10 or 11 years ago we elevated our friendship to a more personal level. Actually, the four of us bonded as our spouses, Chuck and Rusty, hit it off too. Thus, a grand friendship was launched. Continue reading →

The Star of Bethlehem Flower

Meanwhile back at the ranch it’s 87’. A hot, dry, March wind is ruffling the chair covers as the wind chimes dance and ring out their musical notes. There’s a burn ban in place and no hint of rain in the foreseeable future. 😩

We fire up the Ranger and gather dead branches to feed the burgeoning pile of nature’s debris. But there’ll be no flames today. A severe weather warning is in effect—danger of brush fires. 🔥 Continue reading →

The Hush of Winter

Winter. It’s the season when stillness reigns supreme. It engulfs us in its familiar sights, earthy aromas and soothes us with its gentle hush.

February’s icy breath has claimed the last few shriveled leaves clinging to twigs and branches of the majestic oak tree pictured. Completely exposed, the oak tree stands gnarled and naked at the rear property line of Whispering Oaks Ridge.

The ranch is quiet as I wander the trails. Not a whisper is heard. Winter has silenced the singing oak trees. Time for them to tune in to the rhythm of the season. Nature requires these mighty giants bow to her bidding.

Lay dormant. Be still and renew. Continue reading →

Salt the Night with Silence

“The snow did not even whisper its way to earth, but seemed to salt the night with silence.” — Dean Koontz

What a joy to awaken to a sprinkling of freshly fallen snow at Whispering Oaks Ridge this morning. Its brilliance and sparkling flakes lured me into its white web of silence. To feel it, be part of it—to walk upon its softness and wonder at its beauty.

It’s what my soul needed. A oneness with nature.

A gentle healing touch from God.

 

Live Forwards

Do you take some precious time between Christmas and the New Year to reflect on the past year?

This is when I set aside time to think deeply about my life. I ask myself lots of questions.

What did I accomplish this year?
Where did I fall short?
Would I have done anything differently, given the time back?

Then I look forward to the future. I think about what I want it to look like. I map it out and decide what my hopes are for 2025. I ask myself more questions.

🌟 How will I make my life count?
🌟 What do I most want to accomplish in the time I have?
🌟 What must I change internally and externally to achieve what I want?
🌟 What is my ‘one word’ that will resonate with me in the year ahead.
🌟 What scripture affirms my intentions?

2025 is an unknown entity. But I’m excited as I press on with my vision for the future. I will pursue my dreams with passion and high expectancy but I must also remember that God has a plan for me too and His plans often usurp mine!

So I will remain prayerful, watchful, open and obedient. I am full of hope for the future.

How about you? Are you taking time to reflect on the past and envision your hopes for the future?

Now is a good time to do this—it’s like getting a head start on the coming year. Establishing a mindset and attitude is good thing. ✨✨✨

#mysoulsingsforyou #getsuperhealthy #reflectonpast #plantheyear #dreambigdreams
#setgoals2020 #believeandachieve #beresilient #growbusiness #publishanotherbook #isleofskye #healthierthanever #makeadifference #dowhatmatters #laserfocus
#balancedlife

Does Snow Kiss the Fields and Trees?

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.’” —Lewis Carroll

We’ve been exceptionally busy recently and It’s a while since I created a post. A few ‘stories’ but little else. Life has a way of interrupting our plans and I have had relatively no spare time to write or paint.

During such times, I’ve learned to go with the flow. The busyness has been good. Healthy. Joyful. Visits to the ranch, preparing for Christmas, attending to business, putting out some fires, and enjoying the company of friends—over coffee or dinner. Savoring moments with my love, catching up with family. It’s the little things that mean so much.

Yesterday, I shopped all day. Today, I painted this little winter scene. It was lovely to lose myself in watercolors. Peaceful. Renewing.

It’s unlikely we’ll see snow here in Austin over Christmas so no shoveling—that’s a blessing! However, I do love the English countryside, quilted in white, as Lewis Carroll writes so poetically! I was daydreaming of a magical snow scene and here it is—a little painting of a tiny village church surrounded by frosted evergreens. I can almost hear the bells pealing across that snowy field. Can you?

Ah, but such beautiful memories of bygone years, sprang to life with a spark of imagination, and a few splashes of paint! Warm wishes for a wonderful winter. 🤍

Glimmers from God

Glimmer, whether used as a noun or a verb, is such a descriptive word in the English language! Dictionaries define it as a faint or unsteady shining light—a twinkle, shimmer, or flicker.

A glimmer of light as dawn breaks.
The lamp shines a glimmer of hope. 

Nowadays, the word glimmer has acquired an even deeper meaning and often is used in plural. Glimmers will spark feelings of joy, calm and safety. They can be internal or external cues that ignite positive emotions. Light in the darkness. Hope in the future. Warm fuzzies.

Glimmers are everywhere if we will take time to seek and feel their magic. Beauty is all around us, even when we feel lost, afraid, alone, hopeless, or sad. To me, glimmers represent tiny flickers of God’s grace, whispers of His love and assurance that uplift our spirits and provide peace in what has become a noisy, chaotic world. Continue reading →