YOU'RE NEVER ALONE

One particular morning, I felt the need to take a quiet walk to calm, meditate and be alone. It was on this walk that I came to a revelation. I knew I’ve experienced it in the past but didn’t pay much attention or maybe before I merely took it for granted. The sun was rising above the vast open Atlantic Ocean. It breathed life and warmth to whomever and whatever was below and in its direction of light. As far as my eyes can see, the water was mostly flat rippling when it met the shoreline. A stream of tranquil light glistened across the water portraying a narrow pathway from the horizon to my feet on the golden sand. I was physically alone on my walk to the other end of the beach and then back to where I started. Along the water’s edge the ebb and flow of the water quickly washed away my footprints. While I walked I was observant with nature and my surroundings. With every few feet there were continual changes in scenery, water temperature and conditions and the texture of the sand beneath my feet. But there was one particular observation that didn’t change. I was not alone. Nope. Not as I had thought. Each time I looked out toward the ocean, that seemingly motionless path of light never strayed from me. No matter where I stood there it was shining directly in front of me. That’s when it occurred to me. I was being reminded that as my life changes whether through trials and tribulations or in happy times with many blessings, I’m never alone. There is a pathway of light always there to protect and guide me out of any darkness. A pathway of light giving me love, patience and purpose among other wondrous gifts. It’s a pathway of light to accept and receive His mercy and grace. God was and is with me in every step, thought or feeling. He is with me always!

America Can't You See?

America can’t you see

What’s been happening to you and me?

Our world is deteriorating fast

Lost are the treasures of love and values of years past.

Families move far apart

Becoming strangers, hoping for a fresh start.

Everyone’s rushing to be on top

They keep going and don’t stop.

They become victims of prey

To the exploited American way.

From a push and a shove and not a genuine hand

Greed, injustice and disease spread across our beautiful land.

Our leaders of whom we trusted

Are at risk of being busted.

Whistleblowers and fake news blowing their horn

Are causing our citizens to be shaken and torn.

We’re replacing religion and prayer

Worshipping money and objects of more flare.

Allowing evil to creep into our hearts and home

And giving Satan more freedom to roam.

Fires, earthquakes, floods and storms

Occur more often with no warns.

Are they the messages of God’s word

That by many, have long been blurred?

A virus pandemic through many nations now it spreads

Quarantining everyone to their homes and beds.

This is a call for reflection for sure

Of all that is false and all that is pure.

Up to the heavens, we must raise our hands and faces

Aloud, repent and plead for the restoration of mercy and graces.

A renewed world of peace, love and happiness

Will be another of His miracles for us to bear witness.

America, can you see now

What’s been happening to you and me?


Written by and all rights reserved by Diane M. Shampine

Living After Death

We accept death as life's promised covenant,

But we should not forget all we gain from it.

Look not at it as a sorrowful loss,

But as a wondrous gift from the cross.

Eternally living not only in peace with the Lord,

But through each and every one rewarded.

Deep within, despite their physical leaving,

A loved one is still with us living and breathing.

For our bodies may be unique and born of our own,

We live shaped and molded from what we're shown.

Through laughter, expression, a quote or touch,

Intangible yet powerful, we grasp so much.

So let not your heart weep long and be sore,

Honor and cherish with your loved one forever more.

Written and all rights reserved by Diane M. Shampine 10/23/2018

 

 

 

 

A Mother’s Life

One who always serves others before herself;

One whose eyes may tire but never sleep;

One whose ears may quiet but are never silent;

One whose mind may dream but is full of knowledge;

One whose tongue may meddle but proclaims wisdom;

One whose spirit may flicker, but illuminates elegant light;

and

 One whose heart may weep but always magnifies LOVE

written and all rights reserved by Diane M. Shampine 5/14/17

 

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.

 

 

 

 

PUT YOURSELF ON YOUR TO-DO LIST!

Usually this time of year we've made a To-Do List to get ready for the busy holiday season.   Some of the common To-Do's in addition to our everyday life activities might be shopping for presents; deciding a menu and preparing the meal(s); cleaning house; decorating; addressing envelopes; preparing for guests or travel.  It can be one or more pages long depending on your lifestyle and family.  But we can easily get carried away and lose sight of the most important To-Do that should be written, not once but several times, in bold or colorful letters  YOURSELF. When it's written and seen often, it's becomes a reminder like the other To-Do's.  A reminder too, that it's okay to step back, relax, recharge and do something for YOURSELF. Something that you really enjoy or that you don't get to do often.  Adding YOURSELF,  more positive thoughts and accomplishments will arise making way for a happier, enjoyable holiday.  If you have yet to make your list or already made it, be sure to squeeze YOURSELF in not once but several times.

Goia-Rose

 Italian translation might be joy of the flower.  My translation – two incredible, radiant and beautiful women.  My two grandmothers. Each coming from a different elegance yet having similar charm.

Goia’s book of life was written with many chapters.   She was the eldest daughter of Italian immigrants who settled and made a home in West Philadelphia.   She was the joy of her father’s short life, hence the name.  Her book began and then peacefully ended in the very same house.  A young mother she quickly became to raise her three siblings. She married the handsome man who lived on her street, gave birth and raised their five children.  She never had a complaint when she cared for sickly in-laws, all the while she suffered with her own health.  This, the summary of the beginning chapters. 

 

 

 A woman always found in the kitchen cooking a six course Italian meal.  A meal shared with everyone and anyone who walked through the front door.  At times frail lying on the couch, she was there to listen in times of need.   She gave extra money so we can spend on candy at the Old Lady’s store around the block, after buying her pack of cigarettes or a loaf of bread.  Her grandchildren she spoiled anyway she can.  A woman of strong faith and belief even though she did not attend church very often.  A woman constantly seen with a warm smile.  A woman sharing her love, compassion and beauty with her entire family.   This, the summary of the latter chapters.  Chapters, I am so thankful and blessed to have been a part of. 

 

 

Rose was the second of four children.   Although she grew up in the city, she mostly lived and learned the country way of living. Marrying a butcher and fisherman, she knew the recipes for making the wild meat taste tender and mild.  An Italian woman found in the kitchen preparing and cooking the fresh, wild meat.  Regularly saving and setting aside plates for her husband or latecomers.  She was a strong willed, hardworking, yet benevolent woman.  Her two sons acquired her traits.  This, a summary of her early years.

 

A woman with her heart betrayed and broken for many years, never gave up.  She kept strong.  She found  happiness in and with her family. She became like a second mother to her nieces and nephews with the amount of time she spent with them in their homes. She came and stayed for weeks at my house too.  She cheered me and my friends, as we did acrobatics in the front yard.  She and I played  Mother May I, 500 Rummy and card games almost every night.  Cards and Bingo were her favorite pastimes. If only I could turn back the clock to this period of my life, would I respect her more than I did.  I realize now how significant the time was spending with her.  This, a summary of her later years.   
 

Fast forward and my heart aches that neither of my children ever personally met these extraordinary women.  Yet, I feel that they have somehow in the otherworld.   Their presence around my children is felt quite often. Many of their distinct resemblances and characteristics shine through each of them.  Their names carry on with my daughter.  In honor of them both, I gave her the name Goia-Rose.

Let's Celebrate

                                               

Each year on this very day an unforgettable occurrence happened.  It’s not anything that is written in the history books, plastered across the news or newspaper headlines.  An occurrence known to only those who were there in the beginning and those I have come to known and personally expressed to. An occurrence that happens every year on the same day in your life too. 

                IT’S A BIRTHDAY!  

Some of you may now think of it as just another day.  But it actually is wonderful day whether you choose to shout it out or keep it quiet.

I, myself, am at an age where I am over the thrills and frills of the traditional birthday celebrations with cake, presents, balloons and parties.  But today, I’m not celebrating my age, I’m celebrating MY LIFE.  I admit my life has not been perfect or always happy and pleasant.  Is anyone’s?  We all have struggles, disappointments and low times.  But I am choosing to celebrate what I have learned, accomplished, became, and where I am being guided.  I am celebrating with the most precious gift I received this morning…another day to try again and do my best.

Two weeks ago, someone asked a dear friend who shares a February birthday and matured in 80 years what her secret to staying so young was. Her answer “It’s all in your attitude and choices. It’s choosing the Lord”.  I say Amen!

So whenever your special day is, celebrate not your age but YOUR LIFE!   

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. Oprah Winfrey (courtesy of brainyquote.com)

 

Why do you do ...?

What do you do for a living?  Or  What type of work do you do?

Either is a question usually asked when you are trying to get to know someone or meeting them for the first time. A simple question with a simple answer.   

But a question that rarely follows or is even asked at all is “Why do you do the work that you do?”  I, myself can attest to not asking Why after What.  I can’t think of a reason I have never asked.   Maybe it was the person’s actions and how they responded I automatically assumed the answer. 

Answers like:  It’s a job and the money is good;  It’s what I have my degree in;  I’m following in “__” footsteps;  It’s my family’s business;  or  It’s all I know.

But is that the only reason why they do what they do? Most likely not.  Learning not only what type of work a person does but why they do it, could be very beneficial to your personal and/or business relationship. 

1)     Their WHY’s can be very common to yours. 

2)      Their WHY gives them enthusiasm therefore providing better service.

3)      Their WHY could refer others to befriend or network with.  

4)      They could inspire you to change your WHY.

5)      The stronger the WHY can make you more successful.

I have four jobs …Mom, Writer, Title Agent, and Marketer.  Of course, I have different why's for each one, but there is one strong WHY that they all do share.

So, I ask you, "Why do you do the work that you do? Do you think we will have a similar Why?"

 

 

New Year's Resolutions and Exhilarate your soul

“New Year’s Resolutions” As one year comes to an end and another starts, how many times do you see these three words or something similar plastered in the headlines?  For any journalist, it’s an easy story to fill the blank pages on their paper.   

A tradition that has been reported to begin way back in time.  The two hands on the clock align together, triggering 12 chimes and launching a day unlike any other day of the year.  Past resolutions are reflected upon and new self-promises are made by many of all races, locales, income levels and religions. Some take it seriously enough, that to hold themselves accountable and stay on track, will write lists, draw charts, build picture boards and post reminders.  Others will make an attempt but soon “fall off the wagon” per se and give up until next year. The remaining will not even make an effort. They continue to live their lives like the days before.

The top and most commonly reported resolutions are: losing weight and establishing a healthier lifestyle; reforming bad habits; increasing wealth and becoming debt free; making a career change; and getting a better education.  Surely attainable resolutions by anyone who is serious and determined.  Lives may feel better for a little while.  But will they exhilarate their soul?  

How many have made a resolution to become deeper in spirituality? Or promising to find a way to help others instead of solely helping themselves?  How about pledging to pay something forward, even in small amounts, throughout the day, every day and all year long?  Any one of these three resolutions is not so difficult to do or even keep.  Everyone has the ability to do so, even without putting much effort into it. It can be started anytime, not just on the first day of the New Year.   Think about it.  By doing all or one, you’ll get the same results and possibly more as if you achieved any of the aforesaid common resolutions.

I, myself, have many times been in the group of falling off and not keeping any of my prior New Year’s resolutions.  But as I am getting older, my desire for deeper spirituality is getting stronger. I have decided that my New Year’s resolution for 2013 is to work harder at paying It forward.  It being defined in way of words, tasks, material or money.  Whatever I can do to enrich the next person and exhilarate both theirs and my soul.

How about you? Have you made a New Year’s resolution?  We want to hear it.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only God Knows Why

In previous posts I had described how I was blessed three times.  I wrote about the second and third. Now it’s time to write about the first.

It was 14 years ago I moved to a new small town several hundred miles away from my family and comfort zones.  The devotion of being around family and close friends made my move a difficult decision.  But several unpleasant prior events and my strong yearning to find once again the person who through years got lost under someone else’s control, strengthened me to make this bold step. To take on new adventure.

One night in my new town, I walked into the local bar with a friend.  My shy personality and not knowing many of the town folk, led me to a bar stool at the far end of the room. The bartender had noticed me walking through the door and it didn’t take him long before he made his way to where I was seated. His friendly and outgoing personality immediately put me at ease in the strange place, (the never empty wine glass, had a little something to with it too).  He had that hard-edged wild look, a look that I have always been attracted to, yet I felt a softness about him. He was different. 

The night continued on.  He served the many patrons coming in and out of the bar but our conversations never seemed to interrupt.  So many of our stories were similar.  Only a few hours had past, but we felt we knew each other for years. We would finish each other’s sentences.  Neither one of us had been content and laughed in so long, the way we did that night.

He tried warning me that he was trouble. He had dark spots. His heart weighed heavy with regrets and distance with his two children, family and past.  Although some were beyond his control, he still felt responsible in someway. There was a sadness about him, but it didn’t bother me.  I saw qualities and talents that he himself, was finding hard to realize he had.

He had words of wisdom and gave me confidence.  He’d listen to my thoughts, even if they didn’t make sense. He would take my hand and show me another path.  He’d put the simple in my over thinking (which I do quite often). He opened my eyes to see and has shown me a love like no one before. 

Our life continues ~ married with children of our own. Trials and tribulations still emerge from time to time.  Solutions and lessons materialize in unexpected ways.  Disagreements and different interests may at times pull us apart.  But all in all our lives are full. 

Our hearts still flutter, our arms embrace, our lips lift to smile, our tongues still whisper “I love you”. 

We have this bond. Together to make WE and as he wrote and sings… Only God Knows Why 

                                                                                                                                                Please listen, vote and share this song.

 

*REDEFINE YOUR FUTURE * BALANCE YOUR LIFE * RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH

More headlines have caught my attention. Each advertising a sole situation.  Not long ago, in my own way of thinking, I was trying to find a way to accomplish each of these goals.  But I kept coming up with an excuse. Then a friend shared with me an opportunity where I CAN and DID accomplish all three. No significant changes and no more excuses.

Redefine your future – (a college ad offering studies in a few career choices)   I’m always looking to try something new and expand my horizons, but I lacked the interest in going back to school.  My adult mind is more confused and stressed just helping my kids with their homework and trying to understand the new ways of arithmetic.  With my new opportunity, I did not need a college education, degree or diploma to get started.  I already had the experience with lessons I learned early on in life. I expanded on what I do best, helping others and sharing important information with them.

Balance your life – (pilates) By raising two active kids, it’s amazing how many forms of exercises you do in a day, including meditation and brain boosting activities.  Most are done spur of the moment.  Now, I get to enjoy more time and THE time with my whole family.  I’m able to listen more closely. I meet and talk with others, whenever, wherever and around my family’s schedule.

Reclaim your health – (fighting obesity) Yes, loosing a few extra pounds, eating healthier and taking better care of my overall health should have been at the top of my list. But growing up sitting at an Italian dinner table eating bread, pastas and cheese made it difficult!  Since feeding my whole body with nutritional supplements, healthier shakes and snacks, I literally lost weight.

I didn’t have to eliminate my Italian dinners or do any major exercise.  I also have gained energy by reducing the toxins that my body, home and environment absorb, allowing me to participate in and enjoy more of the activities with family and friends.

How about you?  Are you ready to Redefine your future, Balance your life and Reclaim your health?  What’s your plan of action?