Thanks...

Some things for which I am thankful:

    Time

     Healing

     Angels

     Nature

     Kids

     Songs

     God

     Instinct

     Virginia

     Inspirational people

     No-schedule days

     Gifts from the heart

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Security...

"I know not what this day will hold, but I know Who will hold me throughout this day." ~C.J.

‎ONE ~ "Your parents may neglect you, your spouse may be unfaithful, your children may be disobedient and disrespectful, your friends may be very fickle or turn against you, strangers may steal from you, your own body and mind may fail you, you may lose everything you've ever worked for in this life....‎...but there is ONE who will stay with you and never leave you, stand up for you, protect you, comfort you, walk with you, guide you, and love you now and through Eternity....all you need to do is invite Him into your heart and life....His Name is Jesus." ~ C.T.

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Which Path?

On this journey called LIFE, would you rather put on blinders 


and travel on the familiar crowded highway with the 


masses...or would you rather travel on the scenic routes with 


their unexpected surprises, views, and opportunities? ~C.J.

"The woman who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd.  The woman 

who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been."  -Albert Einstein

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

which is worse?

"Sometimes, your words hurt more than a slap across my face would...but oftentimes, your silence speaks volumes..." ~C.J.

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The Heart Knows...

"Oftentimes, the heart knows...
          long before the mind is willing to acknowledge." ~C.J.

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Face it...

IGNORING IT does NOT mean...


   ...that it does not exist, 


   ...that it will get better on its own, 


   ...or that it will simply disappear. 


                                                   ~C.J.

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Tired?

Did you wake up this morning to a messy house, with dirty dishes, dirty laundry strewn everywhere, toys scattered about, tv blaring or children arguing?  Are you overwhelmed at the thought of trying to take care of everything and everyone else, get to work on time, be chef, chauffeur, banker, nurse, and counselor?


Take a moment and think...

• You have a home and bed to sleep in...be thankful.
• You see the mess because you still have your sense of vision...be thankful.
• You have dirty dishes because you have food to eat...be thankful.
• You know there is spoiled food to be thrown away because you still have a keen sense of smell...be thankful.
• You can enjoy a hot cup of coffee amidst the mess because you can feel the warmth of the mug in your hands and you can taste its wonderful flavor...be thankful.
• You have dirty laundry because you have clothes to wear...be thankful.
• There are toys on the floor and you receive random hugs from little arms because you were able to have children...be thankful.
• You know the tv is on and your kids are talking, laughing, or arguing because you have your sense of hearing...be thankful.
• You can walk to the mailbox to mail out the monthly payments because your feet and legs still work...be thankful.
• You maintain a calendar, an organizer, a scheduler because you can think and are involved in the lives of others...be thankful.
• You can be chef, chauffeur, banker, nurse, counselor, etc. because you have been blessed with the necessary material and financial means, the education, and common sense...be thankful.

You don't have to look too far to see others who DON'T have these things...so even on days when you are feeling overwhelmed, simply exhausted, or at your wit's end...you can, and should, be thankful...

( © Post and photos by C.J. - please do not copy)

About Me?

"Where words fail, music speaks." (Hans Christian Anderson) About me? It's not really all about ME:) I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up... I'm always looking for something to read or study... I love sunrises and sunsets...porch swings and rocking chairs...long walks and weekend trips... I enjoy music and poetry...singing and playing sax... I could spend hours laughing and talking with friends over coffee or tea... I'm not very outspoken, but when I'm passionate about something or someone, you'll know it... I'm very intuitive, discerning, sensitive and sentimental... I love picking up the phone and hearing my sons' voices, hearing them laugh or saying they are having a good day... I don't like insincerity, injustice, cruelty, wastefulness, unproductive meetings, rainy days, excuses or broken promises... I'm a proud mom of two wonderful sons who I don't get to see often enough. I don't know how the years have passed so quickly! I wish I could sit down right now with my old friends from high school and college, just relax, laugh, share some coffee or tea, catch up and reconnect...

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Only HE...

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September 11 - Just Another Day?

Today is Sunday, September 11, 2011.  Knowing it was futile to attempt to remain in the bed and go back to sleep, I was up around my usual time of 4:15 a.m.  As I made my way to the kitchen to get a drink of water and put on a pot of coffee to brew, I was keenly aware of the silence all around me.  The only sound I detected was the rhythmic tick-tick-tick of the clock on the wall above the counter.  The floor felt cool against my bare feet.  Standing there in my summer pajamas, I began to get goose bumps on my arms and I realized that it was beginning to feel like autumn and that the air conditioner hadn't come on even once all during the night.  Time to get out the long-sleeved tops, sweatshirts and dreaded winter coat.


I put on my robe, and when the coffee was ready I poured myself a cup, placed it on the small table beside the recliner-rocker, took a seat, and picked up my laptop.  This was my usual routine.  Few people understand, but the very early hours of the morning are "my time", when I am most alert, and I utilize this time to check email messages, read important articles, take exams, pay bills, do a little writing...anything that requires a little sense and clear thinking.  This morning was no different...or was it?


I looked at the date again...September 11, 2011.  Could it be?  Could it be possible that it has been ten years?  It doesn't seem so, but it has been ten years since that horrific day that all of America, and the free world, was shaken and shocked by what took place.  I had been sitting at the counter in my kitchen making out a grocery list, with the television tuned into the morning news, only half listening to it, when the unbelievable break in the newscast caught my attention.  I sat frozen, stunned, paralyzed, and watched the tragic events take place once at a time.  I did the only thing I could, and the same thing I'm sure millions of Americans did in those moments...I prayed and cried out to God and started trying contact my family.


I cannot even begin to imagine what the victims of September 11, 2001, experienced, nor do I want to.  But the families of those victims, along with those who were there and somehow survived, have thought about,  and have continued to have nightmares about it...for the past ten years.  I am thinking of all those who started that day out with their seemingly usual routines, never realizing that their lives on this earth would end.  I am thinking about the families and friends who continue to grieve and mourn the loss of their loved ones.  I am thinking about all the brave men and women who risked their own lives to try to help others on that day.  I am thinking about all the men and women who serve in the military of our country and the sacrifices they have made and continue to make to try to make sure that such a tragedy never happens again.


To honor, remember, respect, and pay tribute, I dedicate my time this morning to all the victims of September 11, 2001, and on this day, the anniversary of one of the most tragic days in the history of America, I give thanks to each and every person who has served or is currently serving in each branch of the military of our country. Without your sacrifice, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy and perhaps we would not even exist...I THANK YOU ♥

( © Post and photos by C.J. - please do not copy)

It Never Ends...

It Never Ends…

Who knows where the river goes

When it flows around the bend

I only know that it goes on...

And like life, it never ends

Sometimes it's shallow, calm and clear

Inviting you to touch

Gently rolling, drifting by

It sings in a quiet hush

But when storm clouds come together

And the rains pour from the sky

It becomes muddy, loud, and ugly

Producing fear as it rushes by

Whatever it touches is changed forever

But never loses its purpose

Whether touched gently as it passes

Or battered by forceful surges

Who knows where the river goes

When it flows around the bend

I only know that it goes on...

And like life, it never really ends

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Why?

Searching for the reasons

That I sit here all alone

No one to know, no one to care

And no place I feel at home

Each time I felt that I was close

To having a happy heart

There I was, knocked to the ground again

With my world torn all apart

Perhaps it's just not meant to be

True happiness for me to find

And I should just be well content

To have a clear conscience and peace of mind

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Pride and Ego

‎"So sad to think that people hang onto their false pride and

ego...and it keeps them from experiencing true happiness, 

joy, and blessings in their lives and relationships with family

and friends..." ~C.T.

(© Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Expectations...

‎"When our expectations (combined with hopes and dreams) 


clash with reality, it can leave us devastatingly disappointed


and wounded." ~C.T.

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Beauty from Ashes?

Today...with heart torn to shreds, dreams shattered, mind like a jigsaw puzzle with hundreds of missing pieces, self-confidence and self-esteem beaten down, body shaking with exhaustion, unable to eat or sleep, I begin to question everything and trust no one...


Tomorrow...I know I will be made strangely and unexplainably calm, beautiful, and stronger...in spite of and yes, quite ironically because of, all the scars from the expected battles and mostly unexpected and unjustified assaults and ambushes from all the yesterdays...

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Where Do I Look?

I seek the Lord, not just occasionally in a building made by man...but constantly, in the beauty and wonder of His creation that surrounds me, in the faces of the people I encounter, in the warm touch of a caring friend, in the sound of children's laughter, in the miracle of a baby sleeping peacefully, in music that praises Him, in His Word that gives me hope, in a knowing glance where words are not necessary, in words spoken that soothe my soul and touch my heart.  ~C.J. 

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven

and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands." (Acts 17:24)

( © Post and photos by C.J. - please do not copy)

Direction...

Help me, please!
What do you want, my child?


I am so lost and alone!
You're not lost...and you are never alone.


But I feel like I am!  I feel like I am adrift with no sense of direction.
Take a deep breath, open your eyes, and listen.


Okay, I did that.  I feel a little better.  And at least I know that I am still alive...but I also realize that I am alone and feel as if I have no control, no purpose, no sense of direction.
Go on...


Why was I even born?  So many trials, tears, hurt, pain, and difficulties...
Remember what I told you many years ago?  And you will have complete knowledge one day.


Who is in charge of my life anyway?
You are.


How can I be in charge?  I can't even make the simplest decision anymore!
You need to shut out the noise and confusion of the world.  Listen to your heart.


Who decides which direction I should go?
You do.


How can that be?  I didn't even choose the boat that I've found myself on!
No, but you are a survivor - strong, adaptable, flexible, and capable of taking control of the course it takes.


How do I make this vessel go in the direction I've chosen?
I've given you the tools and instructions throughout your life...just stay calm and follow them.  And the most important thing to remember...is to follow ME.

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

The Upper Room

(Upper Room of Wilcox Chapel, A-B College)

It's just a small room in the top of the chapel

but there is something so special about it

No words can describe what happens 

when I enter and sit facing its beautiful window

The light from outside comes streaming through

casting multicolored hues across everything in the room

It is peacefully quiet

 a refuge from the noise and activity of the day

As I sit and breathe deeply in and out

I feel my body slowly relax

and a sense of calm comes over me

I barely notice the voices and music outside the room

I sense that even though I'm the only person here

still, I am not alone

There is a sweet presence that surrounds me

and it knows my every thought and my heart

Then, as if being whispered  to me

the Word of God comes pouring into my mind

"Be still and know that I am God"

"Behold I am with you always"

It is then that I realize

that today is "Pentecost" Sunday

the day that Christians remember the last great miracle

the blessed gift of the ever-present indwelling Holy Spirit 

That powerful Holy Spirit sent by God

that came rushing into that upper room

and first fell upon the people on that day

fills my heart and stirs my soul at this moment

A companion like no other, ever-present

He fills me with a joy that cannot be explained

He takes away doubts and calms my fears

He gives reassurance and peace beyond human understanding

After a time of reflection, praying and rejoicing

I take a deep cleansing breath 

and I thank God for reminding me

of the significance of this beautiful "upper room"

( © Post and photo by C.J. Taylor - please do not copy)

Let Me Be

When my time comes to leave this earth

just let me fade away

like a star that slowly disappears

just at the break of day

I want no big announcements

no fuss and no commotion

no one to feel that they must come

to pretend and feign emotion

But this I pray, dear Lord above

when I'm gone, some will say

"She left a mark upon my heart and life

that will never go away"

"Her kind words brightened my day

her smile it gave me cheer

she never made me feel 'less than'

and with her I had no fear"

I pray that when they see a star

shining brightly in the night

they'll think of me and remember

each time I shed some light

And let it be a reminder

that although they may not see

forever still there will exist

that bond between them and me

I didn't always say or do

the things I should, I know

but I'd like to be remembered 

for the love that I did show

So let me be that star that shines

and bathes them in the light

gives them hope and reassurance 

that everything will be all right

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)