Thankfulness and Praise

Our lives are shaped with each and every loved one that came and/or left before us. We may have been young, naïve, or disconnected to truly listen and learn from all they have said and done.  If those words and lessons were not relevant then, they will appear later being a reflection or guide.

It is often after our loved ones go home, regret begins to settle in our hearts and mind. Regrets of how we so little expressed our love, thankfulness and appreciation for them.  Our hearts cry out for that one last moment to do so.  

Although mine seldom appear in my dreams and their actions show me no disappointment, still my flesh yearns to touch theirs, my ears yearn to hear their voice, and my hands yearn to hold theirs while creating their arts. 

Therefore, I tell you it is not only on this Thanksgiving Day, but every day, we must express our thankfulness and praise to our loved ones here with us today. For the person they are, their gifts of love and life, and the words of wisdom and teachings they give.  No matter how small, they are a significance in our life and being.   Pray that you will hold no regrets in future days and continue to share the words and lessons they have brought before you.  Further, give almighty praise and thanks to the Lord above for   "He established them forever and ever; he gave them a duty which shall not pass away."  (PS 148:6).

Children, Someone Worth Looking Up To

Adults and parents are often being reminded of little eyes and ears lurking in their shadows, following their footsteps.   They try so hard at being the best they can be and to be someone worth looking up to.  They keep conscience of their actions, reactions, tongues, fears and happiness. All because what they say and do, intentional or not, impacts our future population and future leaders of this world.   

But what if I said, let’s do the reverse. Let’s look up to our children instead.  Is it not the children that sometimes have what matters most: honesty, kindness, togetherness, compassion, simplicity and determination, all without discrimination?  The way life should and want it to be.

Their actions and words can melt your heart, yet at the same time, important values are recalled and many new lessons are learned from our younger generation.  They are the ones to bring out the best in us all and turn our attention to what is desperately missing from our grown up lives.   

My very bright daughter and physically challenged son, have done this for me.  While they may sometimes lurk in my shadow, I prefer to look up to them and follow in their footsteps.

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew18:4)

Shrinking Sam

After receiving my free book from Barefoot Books, I instantly became hooked.  I get drawn in to each and every story I read.  They are unlike any other children’s books I have ever read or saw before.  The front covers with all the colors and characters are mesmerizing.

Knowing this though, my immediate thought when seeing the title “Shrinking Sam” should not have been of the other books and movies about shrinking kids.  You know the ones. The innocence of the cover picture alone should not have let my mind go there.  Yes, I am ashamed to admit it, but it did.

That thought, however, quickly vanished a few pages in.  Sam, a middle child, was not shrunk by any machine or science experiment.  He was shrunk and washed down the drain by his own thoughts. Thoughts of being ignored.  But is he and has he disappeared completely?

“Shrinking Sam” is a simple story with a life lesson. Children along with adults will easily relate to Sam and his new friend Izzy when they don’t get the attention they want or crave. The ending will make them realize how big and important they really are. 

I learned an additional lesson from Sam.  Never ever ignore a title of a Barefoot Book because the story is much bigger on the pages inside.

With A Little Help From My Friends

I am really excited to announce that I recently signed with a reputable self-publishing company to publish one of my personally written children’s book.  A book needing to be read sooner rather than later and shares a very important message that everyone will be able to relate to.

Loving and nurturing a child with effects of an event that occurs more often that one would normally think, I was inspired and soon came to the realization “Everyone has a challenge whether seen or unseen.  But it’s believing…” sorry you’ll have to wait for the finished product.  I can’t give the ending away just yet!

But with a little help from my friends, you can help me reveal the ending sooner rather than a year or so later and continue to promote the love of reading and books with a child.   

The proceeds earned from each sale of Barefoot Books (the colorful, imaginative, educational, and multicultural books I market) will go directly to the production of my book and you’ll be entered to receive a complimentary copy upon completion.

There are four ways you can help:

1. Shop my marketplace at  http://tinyurl.com/sdmbbshop .
2. Purchase direct from my table at local events.
3. Host an online or in house party.
4. Place an individual order direct with me.

Can I get a little help from my friends, friends of a friend, anyone?

SEE THE BIG IN THE LITTLE THINGS YOU DO

For several weeks I’ve been putting my thoughts down on this topic, writing it in various ways and trying to come up with a post that will fully express them.  I did include a small portion in my recent newsletter.  But it was this morning, sipping my coffee and reading a daily Bible message (which is something that I rarely do) new thoughts and meaning came to me.   

My posts usually start with a headline I read in the newspaper, magazine or advertisement.  It tugs my inner being and I write about it quite differently than how it initially means or advertises.  I write it as my own opinion with a simple (non-preachy) spiritual reference.   Read a few of the posts below in this blog and you’ll see what I mean.

My “opinion” then would be repeated days later, appearing in a quote, news story or facebook post.  I thought before it was just coincidence.  There are thousands of people who think and believe the same as I.  I am not the only one in this great big world that wants to live and share these ways. There are thousands who believe in the God or a god; who attend church regularly and read the bible; and who have the compassionate heart for simple humanity.  Everyone has a right to their opinion.  

It was today however the message read clearer.  It revealed a notable meaning to the title above.   I no longer feel my writings are a coincidence.  They are definitely a purpose, for something more powerful is working through me.  My opinion(s), as Little as they may be, can be the Big in some else’s life who is lost, lonely, or needs reassurance. Add them to the subsequent opinions of others, makes for a bigger message.  More importantly, I myself, am able to learn and value the words flowing from mind and typed through my keyboard.  Writing this today, I realized the need for me to not only continue and be satisfied with seeing the Big in the Little things that I do but to see them in others, especially with the ones I love and who are most dear to me. 

Little things done in Christ’s name are great things…          

No service in itself is small,

None great, though earth it fill;

But that is small that seeks it’s own,

And great that does God’s will – Anon.