Should I Speak...

When I am silent, I am accused of being aloof and uncaring; when I speak, my words seem to offend.  


Lord, I pray that the words I speak would always be the truth, but may they also always be spoken with compassion, love, and kindness...and if my words do hurt another, may it be because the words are truth, they are words that person needs to hear, and may the resulting hurt or anger in some way lead to a positive difference or change in their life.  


Please help me to be able to bear the brunt of their anger against me...and help me to accept the fact that our relationship might be forever changed...because I spoke.  


"I am just trying to do the best I can with what is left of me......"

( © Post and photo by CJ - please do not copy)

Gone Too Soon

Oh, how we long for the beauty of Spring...and we can't wait to see the lovely flowers, all the shades of green, the new leaves on the trees...
Then, as if by magic, they seem to appear all at once, so breath-taking and awe-inspiring...Their splendor is indescribable and mesmerizing.  


But we must enjoy them while they are here because they only last for a short time and then they are gone as quickly as they came...We must make it a point and take the time to look, touch, smell, and thoroughly drink in all they have to offer...and appreciate them.

The same is true of special people we are given in our lives...We all long for relationships with others...people we can know and have them know us, laugh with us, cry with us, encourage us, support us, love us...They may come into our lives unexpectedly or without notice, or at an inconvenient time...But when they arrive, we must stop and give them our attention...appreciate them for who they are, for what they mean to us, not take them for granted...And make sure they know how we feel...


Because just like the wonder and majesty of Spring, they, too, may be gone much too quickly.

( © Post and photos by CJ - please do not copy)

Make it Better

I so don't like dark grey days! How about you?  Do you need some cheer or comfort yourself?

  

A small thing can make a huge difference. Try this...feed someone who is hungry...replace a tattered shirt on someone's back...put shoes on someone's feet...hug someone who needs comfort and understanding...smile at someone who looks mad at the world...thank a person 

who is quietly doing their job and is usually ignored...pick up litter that someone else threw on the street...let someone get in front of you in the checkout line...send a "thinking of you" card...make a "no special reason or ulterior motive" phone call...share your umbrella with someone who doesn't have one.  Try to think of, or ask to be shown, other small ways YOU can make a difference - and improve your own disposition at the same time!

 

( © Post and photos by CJ - please do not copy)

Who is this Child called Malori Grace?

Who Is This Child Called Malori Grace?

Who is this Child called Malori Grace
With soul-piercing blue eyes and a glow on her face
Long flowing hair, streaked with shimmering gold
Mysterious, angelic, with stories untold

So tender-hearted and full of compassion
A  beautiful princess, always in fashion
How can it be that she's only five
This dear little one already so wise

She's asking the questions that all of us fear
Real answers that many won't want to hear
"Mommy, please tell me, why are people so mean?"
"Nobody wants to be friends, so it seems."

Her tears and her questions are breaking the hearts
Of family and friends, so they their wisdom impart
For we all have been there, have been hurt by others
We want friends so badly, and sisters and brothers

She just wants to feel special and that she belongs
To some other "someone" who helps her feel strong
Someone to love her and be her best friend
Someone to play with and trust to the end

Dear Lord, I pray that she'll know what she's worth
To you, most of all, you who put her on earth
To bring joy to her family and all she will meet
This beautiful child, so lovely and sweet

She will have friends, of that I am sure
But in the meantime she'll have to endure
The process that all of us have to go through
Of waiting till you find the ones who'll be true

This dear little girl a lesson will teach
To all of us watching, so many she'll reach
She'll love the unlovely and their hurt not pay back
When people hurt others there's something they lack

Sensitive, spunky, caring, and giving
A lifetime ahead of glorious living
It just takes a glance at this heavenly face
To realize we're blessed to know Malori Grace

( © Poem by CJ Taylor - please do not copy)

"We love you, Malori!"

(I sat down and wrote this for Malori after she'd had a particularly difficult day.  When her mother picked her up at school, she was tearful and asked her mother why people were so mean.  She said it seemed that no one wanted to be her friend.  It made me sad...)

Hope...Holding Onto Promises Eternal

I serve a RISEN Savior! 

There is, has never been, and will never be, another like Him.

He is my Hope...He is YOUR Hope!

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."  (Romans 10:9)  


"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."  (Hebrews 7:25)

( © Post and photo by CJ - please do not copy)

Never Forgotten

In Honor and Memory of My Father

Cpl. Carl J. Minor 

1932 ~ 1957

Wounded during two different battles 

while serving with the U.S. Army 

during the Korean War

Carl on street in Seoul

(3) Carl Minor - WIA  (2) Donald Paslwad - WIA
(1)  Jessie Neal, Squad Leader - KIA

 

Carl's Platoon (he is 3rd from left, front row)

Westview near Old Baldy

The location Carl was hit on April 17, 1953

 

101st - "Screaming Eagles"

( © Post and photos property of CJ - please do not copy)

It's Not Easy

"Most things worth having in this life do not come easy or cheap...they are usually obtained after much thought, through hard work, determination, concentrated effort, dedication, commitment, unselfishness, sleepless nights, sacrifice,  heartache, love, and lots of tears..." ~ C.J.

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

I Feel the Earth...Move...

Today was one of "those" days - when it seems as though someone might be sticking a probe in random areas of my brain and saying "Watch what happens when I do this!"  It was a very active day for what my neurologist calls "paresthesias", odd sensory disruptions that include tingling sensations and numbness, feelings of vibrations and/or electrical sensations in one or more body parts or my entire body, reduced sensation or heightened sensation.

At times, walking was difficult due to the intermittent numbness of the front part of my right foot combined with the sensation that I was stepping on golf balls.  Because of tingling and incoordination, I couldn't get my thumb and fingers working well enough to  pick up the dime and nickel to use for the parking meter.  Talking on the telephone was a problem because I was getting a shrill sound coming and going in my left ear and then my hearing would be diminished for several minutes at a time.

Sometimes the vibrations were so noticeable that I watched to see if other folks would say anything because I was sure we must be having an earthquake!  While sitting in a chair it felt as if the floor were vibrating beneath my feet and I could feel the sensation go through my body.  I was certain that everyone else had to be experiencing it too.

While preparing for bed, I was standing in the bathroom brushing my teeth.  Suddenly I felt the familiar rush of fatigue and weakness wash over me and it felt as if my entire body, to the core, had turned to Jell-O.  I've learned that it can happen at anytime, regardless of my level of activity, and there is nothing I can do to pr event it, fight it, or stop it.  I must lie down and do nothing...and so...I am.....

( © Post by CJ Taylor - please do not copy.  Photo from NASA)

He Knows...

He Knows...

I won't even pretend to know 

what you are going through

But there is One who understands

and He is there for you 

In every trial and heartache 

and situation you must face

He has already been there 

And has stood in that same place

So when your heart is breaking

And no one else seems near

Just close your eyes and ask Him

To be close and calm your fear

His warmth will then encircle you

His strength will make you strong

His light will surely guide the way

Although the days seem long

                 

  Others, too, He will send 
To keep you safe and supply your needs

   Holy Spirit within, and Angels close by

   To minister when His child pleads

( © Poem and photo by CJ Taylor - please do not copy)

Reality

This is reality - each one of us is given a specific number of days to live and breathe on this earth....

TODAY is the day to face yourself, forget your ego and false pride, 

forgive yourself, forgive others, and tell those you love what they mean to you....

( © Post and photos by CJ - please do not copy)

Small but Great Things

Some "simple" things I am thankful for...

The sound....
of birds singing just before dawn
of children laughing
of a sincere "I love you"
of a person whistling when they're happy
of gentle rain at night
of many different kinds of music
of wind blowing through the pines
of a babbling stream
of waves as they roll onto the shore
of "Mom, I'm home!" as they come through the door

The sight ...
of people smiling
of clear blue skies
of puffy white clouds
of each sunrise and sunset
of fields of flowers
of the moon and stars at night
of family members hugging each other
of rainbows after a storm
of the first snowfall of winter
of the green of Spring
of the colors of Autumn
of WV mountains and hills

The aroma...
of coffee freshly brewing
of bacon frying
of bread, cakes, and cookies baking
of fresh strawberries
of marshmallows roasted over a wood fire
of fresh popcorn
of cotton candy
of sweet hyacinths and lily of the valley
of spice-scented petunias
of a baby after a bath

The touch...
of a loved one's hand
of a warm embrace
of a child's kiss on the cheek
of a gentle breeze
of my hair being brushed
of soft fluffy socks on my feet
of my cat nestled against me
of a warm bubble bath
of fresh linens on the bed

The taste...
of familiar "comfort foods" (like Grandma's)
of hot chocolate on a cold winter's day
of fresh lemonade on a hot summer's day
of sweet iced tea
of the first tomato and corn of the season
of homemade apple butter
of fresh fruit
of potatoes cooked all ways
of peanut butter with chocolate
of donuts and pastries
of that first morning cup of coffee

Memories...

...of all these things and so much more...

( © Post and photo by CJ - please do not copy)

Tabatha Nicole

Tabatha Nicole Reed
December 16, 1986 ~ April 7, 2011

           Tabatha Nicole

To us, her time on earth was short
But that was in God's plan
He knew when He would take her back
Before her life began

He chose a special mother
To bless with this child of His
And it changed her life forever
But He knew the love she'd give

The bond was fast and sure
As Trina held her in her arms
She vowed that she would fight for her
And keep her safe from harm

She named her Tabatha Nicole
This baby like no other
With big blue eyes and smiling face
Who dearly loved her mother

The baby girl grew up so fast
Though she battled every day
But she would never give up hope
She knew there'd be a way

Although she never walked or ran
Like others in the race
She'd laugh and clap and cheer them on
Smiles beaming on her face

While we might never understand
She had even more to endure
Tabatha taught us all great lessons
On how to live, for sure

She's the one who encouraged us
When no hope there seemed to be
Her sparkling eyes, her gentle touch
Said, "I'll be all right, you'll see."

She has gone the distance, she's with the Lord
Her prize it has been won
Running, jumping, dancing, singing
Her job on earth is done

( © Poem written by CJ Taylor - please do not copy)

(How appropriate???  Tabatha is a variation in spelling of the name Tabitha and it means "gazelle" in Aramaic. Tabitha in the New Testament was a woman restored to life by Saint Peter. Her name is translated into Greek as Dorcas (see Acts 9:36).)

Say What?

I know it's related to this dreaded thing called "MS", but you don't...
I knew it was a part of the "bigger problem" years ago, but I had been able to cover it up, dismiss it, blame it on stress or rushing, and just laugh it off.  Not anymore.  The day my youngest son stopped dead in his tracks as he was helping me pick up and straighten things in the dining room, it became very real.  I was giving him instructions and I told him to, "Put the books on the table."  He froze and looked at me, eyes wide, and exclaimed, "Mom!"  I asked him what was wrong and he said, "You told me to put the books on the ceiling!"  "What? I did not, I said 'table'."  I had no recollection of saying 'ceiling' instead of 'table'.  But that doesn't mean I didn't.

Sometimes I catch myself substituting the wrong word, but sometimes I don't even notice, until I get a reaction similar to my son's...or when the other person I'm having a conversation with gives me "the look", and then I know I've done it again.

Other difficulties I have with speech that come and go include halting, hesitating, or scanning speech, slurring, or not being able to "find" the word that I want to say, using "words" that are not even a part of the English language, or problems with getting any of the words I know I want to say to come out at all.

It can make me feel self-conscious, embarrassed, but most of all, very frustrated.  I was valedictorian of my class, for goodness sake!  But it can make me sound like an uneducated, bumbling, gibberish-talking woman who has had a little too much alcohol to drink.  So please, don't "assume" anything if you hear me or another person experiencing these problems with speech and language.  There just might be a real reason and explanation for it, and it's nothing we can control.

( © Post and photo by CJ ~ please do not copy)

April Renee

April Renee


The sun rose again this morning

As it did yesterday 

Birds are singing their same songs

But there has been a change

Folks are preparing for their day

At work or school or home

Their minds are on the tasks at hand

And problems of their own

But there is one who did not see

The sun rise in the sky

At least not from the bounds of earth

God took her home last night

Things will never be the same

Without her smiling face

Her quiet voice, her gentle touch

Her never-changing grace

Mountains to climb all her life

Taking them one at a time

Keeping her pain all to herself

She'd say "I'm doing fine"

Her battle is now over

She fought it, was so brave

I know her first reward

Was seeing Jesus face-to-face

There will be a void no one can fill

In the lives of all who knew 

This special one who brought us joy

Through the things that she would do

Thinking of others before herself

One project or another

She kept busy taking care of them

A "sister" or a "brother"

So until we meet again up there 

In Heaven fair some day

We'll always think of you and smile

Our dear sweet April Renee

    (I wrote this shortly after receiving word the morning she passed on)
______________

April Renee Allen

April 28, 1967 ~ April 6, 2011

( © Poem and photo by CJ ~ please do not copy)

Finding My Passion...

I'm working on it, Oprah. On more than one occasion, I've heard you say that the key to happiness and success in life is to "find your passion" - the thing that moves you and touches you and motivates you - then focus on that, work on it, and build on it. So I've started a list and perhaps when I finish, I'll be able to come up with an answer for myself. I'm sure there will be additions and revisions, but these are some of the things, not necessarily in order of importance or priority, that define "me"...

MY PASSION...a work in progress

My passion is life, not death
My passion is truth, not lies
My passion is music, not noise
My passion is calm, not chaos
My passion is harmony, not discord
My passion is light, not darkness
My passion is giving, not taking
My passion is strength, not weakness
My passion is wellness, not sickness
My passion is healing, not hurting
My passion is wholeness, not brokenness
My passion is love, not hate
My passion is forgiveness, not unforgiveness
My passion is grace, not disgrace
My passion is justice, not punishment
My passion is mercy, not cruelty
My passion is humility, not pride
My passion is hope, not despair
My passion is faith, not fear
My passion is belief, not doubt
My passion is being, not just doing
My passion is doing, not just saying
My passion is encouragement, not belittlement
My passion is sharing, not greed
My passion is building up, not tearing down
My passion is honor, not dishonor
My passion is to serve, not just be served
My passion is trust, not distrust
My passion is wisdom, not foolishness
My passion is knowledge, not ignorance
My passion is joy, not sorrow
My passion is freedom, not bondage
My passion is celebrating, not mourning
My passion is salvation, not condemnation
My passion is Jesus Christ, not Satan
My passion is Heaven, not Hell...

( © Post and photo by CJ ~ please do not copy)

Hurt and HOPE

     I like the quote "Be Kind; Everyone You Meet is Fighting a Hard Battle." and I am reminded of it often when I see people who are in obvious pain and torment, as well as those who put up a good front and appear to be happy and carefree, smiling, although their eyes tell a totally different story.


     We all have our own "cross" to bear, but no matter what that may be, it in no way compares to what Christ endured for each and every one of us. The shame, betrayal, pain, and agony were indescribable...and yet, during all of that, He expressed love, kindness, and compassion for others. And He brought to all mankind and left us with a promise and a HOPE that no one else could. The cross is empty...but so is the tomb! He suffered and died on the cross for you...and me...then He arose from the grave to live forever, and He offers every person eternal life with Him in a very real place called Heaven, a place where there is no pain, no suffering, no tears, no heartache, no death or dying. Thank you, Jesus!

( © Post by CJ ~ please do not copy)

A List

The following is a partial list of "famous" people who have
(or had) Multiple Sclerosis. You might be surprised to see the name of a person you are familiar with. Take a look at these names and see how many you have seen, read about, or heard of:

Adam Riedy - US Speed Skater
Alma Moreno - Filipino actress-politician
Alan Osmond - Singer with The Osmonds
Alastair Hignell -English soccer player and journalist
Alison Peebles - Actress
Ann Romney - Mitt Romney's (presidential candidate) wife
Anne Volant Rowling - J.K.Rowling's (Harry Potter books) mother
Annette Funicello - Singer, dancer, former Mouseketeer
April Arvan - Basketball Coach
Barbara Jordan - Congress woman, professor, civil rights activist
Betty Cuthbert - Olympic Gold Medalist, Sprinting
Bobby Thompson - Banjoist
Brenda Gildehaus - Champion BMX bike rider
Brian Irvine - Scottish soccer player
Bruno Tassan Din - Italian publisher
Bryan Forbes - actor, writer, director (married to Nanette Newman)
Carl Laemmle, Jr. - Film producer and son of the founder of Universal Studios
Carlos Hathcock - Marine Sniper
Cathy Weis - Dancer
Charlie Courtauld - British newspaper columnist - independent on Sunday
Clay Walker - Country and western singer
Chrystal Gomes - Stand up comedian
Cindy O'Connor - Poet
Clifford T.Ward - Singer/songwriter
Clive Burr - drummer in British heavy metal band, Iron Maiden
Dan Carnevale - American Footballer
Danny Wallace - Soccer Player
Danny Wallace - Ex Southampton and Manchester United Footballer
David Humm - NFL quarterback, Oakland Raiders
David "Squiggy" Lander - Actor, comedian, composer, musician
David Osmond - Son of Alan Osmond, member of The Osmonds: Second Generation, contestant on American Idol - 2009
David "Teddy" Thomas - Cricketer
Dean Singleton - Newspaper Magnate
Deanna Davis - Basketball player and coach
Deborah Bruening - writer
Deborah Downey - Cabaret Performer
Denise Davis - Singer
Diana Markham - Novelist
Diana Neutze - Poet, author
Dino Ferrari - Ferrari automobiles
Donal Coghlan - singer/songwriter
Donna Fargo - Country music singer and songwriter
Doug Robinson - Novelist
Emily Mann - director and playwright
Eric Simons - mountaineer
Ernie McAlister - US Politician
Eve Hayes - actress
Exene Cervenka - American writer, musician, artist
Fausto Rocha - Brazilian TV Actor
Fiona MacTaggart - British Politician (Labour MP for Slough)
Frank DuBois - New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture 1989-, champion teamroper
Fraser Robinson III - First Lady-Elect Michelle Obama's father
Fred Hughes - Andy Warhol's financeer and manager
Frieda Inescort - actress
Guido Crepax - Italian comic
Hal Ketchum - Country & Western Singer
Heinrich Heine - German poet (1797-1856) posthumously diagnosed
Henry Steele - Basketball Player
Heuga, Jimmy - Olympic skier
Hicklenton, Johnny - aka Johnny Deadstock - Comic artist, Judge Dredd
Ivalio Iordanov - Bulgarian International soccer player
Jack Osbourne - son of musician Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne
Jackie Bertone - percussionist for Beach Boys
Jackie Waldman - Author and motivational speaker
Jacqueline Creed Archer - Civil rights activist
Jacqueline du Pre - cellist
Jacques Raverat - French painter
James LaRocca - Guitarist
James Scofield - poet
Javier Artero - Spanish soccer player
Jeffrey Gingold - Lawyer, Author of Mental Sharpening Stones
Jennifer Huget - Washington Post journalist
Jim Oelschlager - financier and philanthropist (Founded the Oak Clinic)
Jim Poulin - Basketball Coach
Jimmie (James), Heuga - Olympic skier
Joan Didion - American writer
Joe Torsella - Pres./CEO of National Constitution Center, Philadelphia
John (Johnny) Hicklenton - aka Johnny Deadstock - Comic artist, Judge Dredd
John Medica - Canadian Actor
John Mythen - Cartoonist and writer
John Pageler - Author
John Robson - Footballer
Johnny Killen - 1960s singer
Jonathan Katz - Comedian
Joseph Hartzler - Chief prosecutor for the Oklahoma bombing case
Judy Finelli - Accomplished Juggler, member of Pickle Family Circus, and one of the creators of
the Naked Clown Calendar
Judy Graham - Author
Judy Grahn - poet
Julie Roberts - American country music artist
Karen G. Stone - Author
Kathryn Lindskoog - author
Keith Snyder - composer, performer, and author
Kelly Sutton - Racing driver
Ken Novak - Basketball coach
Kevin Stevenson - Singer/Guitarist
Khiawatha Downey - American Footballer
Larry Tucker - Film and TV writer/producer (incl. The Monkees, Alice B. Toklas and Bob &Carol)
Laura Mitchell - Public policy analyst, consultant and writer
Laurie Elyse - American fashion designer/artist
Lena Horne - Actress and singer
Lisa Peck - Mountain bike rider (5th in 2000 Masters World Mountain Bike Championships)
Lola Falana - Actress, singer, and dancer
Louise Arters - Actress (one of the Sparkle Twins)
Luca Coscione - Italian Politician
Lucien Hervé - Architectural Photographer
Lydwina of Schieden - Dutch patron Saint of Ice Skaters (1400AD) The earliest record of someone
with MS
Madeline Rhue - Actress
Maggie Weder - Golfer
Margaret Leighton - English actress
Marianne Gingrich - Ex-wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich
Martin Bruch - Photographer
Mary Jo Kilroy - US Representative of Ohio's 15th District
Mary Mullarkey - Colorado State Supreme Court Chief Justice
Maureen Manley - Olympic Cyclist
Maxine Mesinger - Newspaper gossip columnist, Houston Chronicle
Melanie Lawson - Anchorwoman, Channel 13, Houston
Michael Blake - Hollywood screenwriter, "Dances with Wolves"
Michael Frimkess - Potter
Michael R. Duval - Investment Banker and White House Lawyer Under Nixon and Ford
Michaele Salahi - White House Party Crasher
Michel Dupuis - Canadian football player (linebacker for Ottawa, Winnipeg & Toronto)
Miquel Marti i Pol - Catalan poet
Mitch Terpstra - Athlete and Althetics Coach
Montel Williams - Talk show host and actor
Nancy Mairs - novelist
Natalie Mandzhavidze - NASA Physicist
Neil Cavuto - lead anchor on Fox News Channel
Nicoletta Mantovani-Pavarotti, Luciano Pavarotti's wife
Norah Vincent – Journalist
Paul Novoselick - Chronicle staff writer and columnist
Paul Wellstone - U.S. Senator from Minnesota
Paul Willey - Virtual Golf Champion
Paul Wolfskehl - 19th century German industrialist and amateur mathematician
Paul Wellstone - US Senator, Minnesota
Rachelle Breslow - author
Rich Warden – Race car Driver
Richard Berghammer - Wildlife Painter
Richard Cohen - journalist (married to actress Meridith Viera)
Richard Pryor - Comedian, author, actor
Richard Radtke - Scientist and Winner Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics
and Engineering
Robin Gurr – poet (see Robin Muir-Miller also)
Robin Muir-Miller (Australian poet), (see Robin Gurr also)
Robert "Wingnut" Weaver - Actor
Roger MacDougall - British playwright
Roland 'Chubby' Cloutier - TV Entertainer
Roman Gabriel - American football player (Los Angeles Rams 1962-72)
Ronald Rogers - Concert Pianist
Ronnie Lane - musician with The Faces (Rod Stewart's old band)
Salahi, Michaele - White House Party Crasher
Sarah P. Gibbs - Biologist - Winner of 2003 Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal
Sean Coman - (Sean Donahue) - Californian disk jockey
Sharon Summerall - model married to Don Henley (singer with The Eagles)
Sir Augustus Frederic D'Este - (1794-1848) - grandson of King George III of England, 1st
documented case of MS
Stan BelRoger MacDougall - British playwright
Stephen White - Best-selling author
Tamia - R&B singer (Grammy Nominee)
Terri Garr - Actress (Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, Close Encounters)
Valerie Jankowski Skrabut - artist and musician
Victor Willing - Artist
Victoria Williams - American singer/songwriter/musician
Vince Smith - Country singer who had a hit record with a song called "My Annette" after his
friend and idol Annette Funicello - Now he has MS
Wayne Dobson - magician
Wendy Carol Roth - Television producer, writer and Advocate for the Disabled
Wendy Lill - Canadian Politician
William Hartnell - British actor (the first Doctor Who)
William Newman - artist
Yury Tynianov - Russian Novelist and literary critic

(Original list obtained from http://www.life-in-spite-of-ms.com/famous-people-with-multiple-sclerosis-a-d.html and then added to as reports become available)

Curse or Blessing?

I don't think it's wrong to ask "Why?". I don't ask "Why me?". Sometimes it's painful and difficult, but I try to look for the positive or the good, or at least a life lesson, in the seemingly "bad" things that are always happening to me or those I love. Struggles, trials, pain, difficulties, rejection, betrayals, illnesses, tragedies, heartaches...all these have had a major role in making me the person I am today. Some of the things I've been taught or made stronger in include unconditional love, compassion, mercy, grace, kindness, patience, self-control, endurance, discernment, contentment, joy, gentleness....wow!, as I write this I just realized...a lot of the "fruit of the Spirit"!

Much of my thinking on the subject of common human struggles has been written about in songs, and as music speaks to me and for me in so many ways, certain songs quickly come to mind, including this one that I would like to share:

( © Post by CJ ~ please do not copy)

(Video posted from Youtube.com)