Giving Joyful Thanks

/ Anthea Tripp

 

gratitude

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel today! It’s November 24th … it’s my mother’s birthday … and I miss her.

The thing is, it’s also one of my favorite holidays … it’s the last Thursday in November and that can only mean one thing! We celebrate Thanksgiving Day in accordance with President Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation {October 3, 1863}. In contrast, in England, there is Harvest Festival, where we give thanks for a bountiful harvest, which is traditionally celebrated on the closest Sunday to the harvest moon, so the date can vary in September or early October.

Sometimes I feel like I have one foot in the UK and the other in the US, straddling the massive body of water we call the Atlantic Ocean. Lol! That idea brings a smile. Me as some kind of enormous human bridge? Interesting vision to say the least. Haha! Continue reading →

Snap Decisions at Fareham – a Train Story

/ Anthea Tripp / 2 Comments

Happy Armistice Day!

I thought this would be a good time to share another of my Dad’s WWII stories for anyone that might have an interest. All of his stories are either handwritten or typed on an old fashioned typewriter, then mailed to me from England or Australia, usually along with a cover letter such as this one:

“Just the anecdote about the train affair in March 1944. Not a great war-winning event, but a rather unusual experience and reflection of what one of your children’s ancestors used to be like, since they still seem interested in these things. The one thing that appears different to me on reading it myself {from the days in 1944} is that then I felt very adult, confident, experienced and mature, but now I realize that I was only 23 years and 2 months – surprise to me at this ripe old age!
Love, Dad” Continue reading →

My Bet’s on the People

/ Anthea Tripp / 2 Comments

we-thepeopleThis coming Tuesday, we the people of the United States of America will determine the future of our Republic for many years to come … in the ballot box … by voting for candidates who collectively will govern us.  

The way I see it, the stakes are extremely high this year. In my humble opinion,
they’ve never been higher. I believe the next few days will be some of the most exciting times in the history of elections in this country. Who will win? Who will be our next President? Who will be elected into Congress? Continue reading →

Timothy Tortoise

/ Anthea Tripp

Question! If you’re a parent and you plan to delight your child with a pet, what are the two first animals that come to mind?  You’re probably picturing a fluffy puppy or a furry kitten aren’t you? Of course there are other popular creatures, but dogs and cats seem to top the list of pet choices for most families! Well don’t they?

May I remind you that I said most families! Just not ours. No dogs or cats ever allowed in our home as I was growing up! I understood the whole no-dog rule, because Dad had his own reasons for not having one. It wasn’t that he disliked them – on the contrary my father to this day loves all members of the animal kingdom … well most animals. Cats are not among his favorites {even though HE had one as a child} because they kill birds … and he simply loves birds more! Continue reading →

A Tribute to My Mother … A year Later

/ Anthea Tripp / 14 Comments

My Dearest Mum,

It’s been a full year since I felt the Holy Spirit beckoning me to your side. I’m so grateful I listened to His call and sped over to you post haste. I wouldn’t have had it any other way, as painful as it was for me to say goodbye and let you go.

Mum, it helps me to write and express my feelings in stories and videos, so I made this video tribute to you. I hope you like it. I chose the accompanying music because I feel it depicts your humble, quiet, yet deep rooted faith and is so applicable to who you are. Your indomitable courage and strength … and the depths of your love. Whatever you were called to do during your life, you rose to the challenge, willingly with a beautiful smile on your face and a song in your heart, no matter what was asked of you. Continue reading →

This Revolution Requires Independent Thinkers

/ Anthea Tripp

Part Two of Two

The word ‘revolution’ has a number of similar but different interpretations. In contrast to my last post on June 30th, the reference to it in the context of this particular blog is interpreted as “a far-reaching and drastic change, especially in ideas, methods, etc“.

The time has come to …S…T…R…E…T…C…H… your “thinking” beyond the norm.

Thinkforself

Do you agree we live in an era of economic*, cultural and social change in a world that is evolving {and revolving} at what feels like break-neck speed? Are you giddy yet?  Does it seem as if “time” is accelerating? Gaining on itself? Does it feel like uncontrolled momentum-on-steroids?

Welcome to life in today’s world. Continue reading →

The New Revolution for Independence

/ Anthea Tripp / 4 Comments

Part One of Two

Let me just say right up front that some of my readers will be surprised by this topic. Some will be aghast as I express my opinion {yes … I really do have one of my own} Others of you will not see eye-to-eye with me and may even be angry with me!

You may accuse me of being “political” or even “hypocritical” since I’ve stated many times “I refuse to engage in arguments over politics”. Please note that the key words are “refuse to engage in”.  It’s not that I have no political opinion, quite the contrary … it’s more that I rarely publicize my opinion, I choose not to confront others who differ with me … and I refuse to engage those who would attempt to persuade, shame or bully me to their point of view.

Therefore I won’t get drawn into an argument by others, not in person or on social media, but rather I will seek to understand their point of view … and respect their right to differ with me … and I will love them, not because of any shared political preference, but based solely on the essence of who they are as a decent human being.
 Continue reading →

A Night of the Portsmouth Blitz

/ Anthea Tripp / 2 Comments

Tomorrow is Father’s Day 2016 and my thoughts wander across the Atlantic to my Dad, now 95 years “young” and a widower since last year.  He is coping remarkably well with the help and support of some of the most loving, caring friends and daily care givers.

I am comforted to know Dad lives in a rare community where people know their neighbors, shop keepers, postal workers and so many more. And not only do they know each other by name, but they truly care … they live out God’s commandment of “love your neighbor.” They are hands on and quick to volunteer.

I am so grateful and so inspired by the spirit of love and generosity that envelops my Dad. Thank you Lord!

So as I cogitate on all this, my mind gravitates to our safe wherein lies a buff-colored folder with a selection of stories typed up by my Dad in bygone days. Stories that I’ve read and put away for safe keeping.  Last year I published one and this weekend, I share this next one in honor of my Dad and Father’s Day. Continue reading →

Dear Child of Mine!

/ Anthea Tripp

Today is Mother’s day!  As you well know, this is the first mother’s day since Grandma left us to join her celestial family and make a new home in the Kingdom of Heaven.

What a glorious time she must be having! So much to celebrate up there. I recall so clearly the awe and wonder on her face when God favored her with a glimpse of where she was going as she lay dying.  I feel overwhelmed by peace today … as vividly as the day I witnessed that experience.

I often stretch my imagination in an attempt to visualize the beauty of the world beyond and though I strain to do so as best I can, I fall so utterly short of words to illustrate the wonder of it all … the sheer magnificence of what awaits us in the next life. With so much love and indescribable beauty on which to feast her eyes and feed her soul, your Grandma must be ecstatic. I am filled with joy.

I love and miss my Mum with all my heart {and I know you do too} but I rejoice in who she is and where she is and I know you join me in wishing her a happy mother’s day! Continue reading →