Stray Noodles

For the past four or more years I pretty much shelved this blog while I worked on other writing projects, including a book to help me share and sort some things out. Unfortunately, much like this blog, whether through intimidation, doubt, or writer's block, not to mention poor health, I had almost given up hope of ever getting to the finish line.  That was until a week ago Sunday.  While the full credit belongs to God and the messages I heard at church, I must also direct credit to a few videos I watched on YouTube at ' Weracle '.  Seeing the joyful and thankful spirit Wi Park exudes in his videos as he shares his miraculous ongoing recovery, Christian faith in God, tenacity, perseverance, and strong desire to encourage others, reminded me of the way I once was. He, along with my longing to be closer to God, gave me a desire to get back to sharing my faith and God's grace, but the pathway still seemed obscure until YouTube's algorithm brought me to another YouTuber...

This video was created with love and memories of my husband Glenn. You were a very special man in so many ways and a special part of my life. I am even grateful for your stubbornness in keeping my music alive. If you had not this memorial would not have been possible. I owe you so much. You have no idea how much I miss you.

In the quiet of the day - which for me is usually early in the morning - my favorite place to be is outside. This morning after hemming and hawing for a bit because it looked like rain, I decided to just go for it and out I went. With my Bible in one hand, coffee in the other, and my cellphone tucked into my pocket I headed for a walk around my building and a quiet spot to read. Usually I try to be intentional about my walks, making sure I set just the right pace to make it a workout. However, this morning I suddenly had the desire to recreate the first truly present and  especially peaceful morning walk I had had a few weeks ago. With that in mind I instantly started walking more slowly and purposefully taking in deep breaths of the fresh morning air. Even though the sky was still overcast I was rejoicing in the beauty all around me. Remembering the first time I became aware that God had truly created everything I slowed my walk even more. I am so thankful I did. For I was to be r...

 This ones for you mom! You finally got us all together in one place. So sorry you weren't here to see it. Missing you so much.

This was an amazing day! Following the loss of my husband, I found myself walking in a favorite park. As I looked around me all I could think was, why don't I have my camera with me? Everything was so beautiful. The next day I purposefully headed back to the park after my swim. To my dismay it had rained and a light fog hung in the air. Then something amazing happened. A woman - who was leaving the park as I was coming in - walked directly up to me and began giving me tips on how to take the best photos. She had the biggest lens I had ever seen on a camera, and I knew instantly that she was a professional. I expressed my concern over the fog and quickly learned from her that these were the best conditions to photograph in. I will always be grateful for her kind words that day. These photographs were the result, and while I may not be a professional I hope you will agree that they are pretty amazing. I am also thankful to a very gifted young woman, Amy Savin, for granting me ...

...can change another man's life. This is beautiful!!