For W. H. and C. J. With Love

I loved your warmth

And your protection,

Your singing over me

While I grew within you.

I was yours,

You were mine.

Then, everything changed . . .

I am born.

I am imperfect.

At least, for life on earth, 

Though not for God in Heaven.

And, I return to Him

Who heals, who dries your tears.

Mama

Daddy

I'll always treasure

The warmth of your love.

I will love you forever.

Friday Moment - November 22, 2013

May your weekend skies be as blue as her eyes!

His Abiding Grace

There are days when I am able, 

There are days when I cannot

Answer or pray.  But , God  knows.

Knows.  His, the answer sought.

He holds me with the holy promise

That He will , in time and place,
Bring all to good, all to fruition,
Through His all abiding grace.

In Your Light

In Your light, Lord, I can shine.

In Your love, I can show

To hurting souls, the love they need,

That they, might You, come to know.

To This Point . . .

I know God has led me to this point, the one of giving Meditations of My Heart a rest, and choosing to focus upon fiction writing.  But, I would be less than honest if I said this is an easy turn to take.  It's taken long years to build up a following.  I feel as though I'm in withdrawal.  Oh, how I long to connect with you all through what has become my comfort zone, my devotional blogging, my portal through which my thoughts and feelings so satisfyingly meld with yours!

God bids otherwise.

I don't recall if I've shared this with you before, dear readers, but when I first finished my novel, now a three-part series, I thought, "Good!  I'm finally done!"  But, I couldn't let go of the story that wouldn't let go of me.  Within a week, I found myself immersed once again with the Hunter/Murray/Fairchild clans and The Old Ones, typing away blissfully until returning, reluctantly, to the rigors of teaching which bade me leave it rest for the moment.

That moment turned into three long years.  I was discouraged.  How could I push on with a sequel without knowing that the initial novel would be published?  I simply didn't have the heart to pursue it at the time.  

Now, that their publication is, indeed, a reality, I am, gladly and gratefully, at the point where I can begin again.  Editing that early writing; honing and viewing it with a critical and circumspect eye.  Praying, once again, for God's advice, through His Holy Spirit, to guide me in all of it.

All. Of. It.

I've already added to chapters, rewritten, edited, and will have to add to formerly written chapters again.  In doing so, I realize I need not to simply trust in an installment, I need to write the entire story before daring to break it into sections as I did in The Glade Series.  That was a completed book and my gift was the luxury of editing in this fashion.

Not now . . .

It's all, or nothing.  God lets me know that time can be my friend.  Assures me that my feet are set upon His right path, in this time, in this place, and in this moment.

Our Lord does not make mistakes.

We do.

I pray I'm listening to Him and following His will and His ways in this latest venture.  After all, I love it when He chooses to sit by my side as we create together.  No words can express that thankfulness!

But, I know He will give me the words I need for our journey together.

He will . . .

~

Are you listening to God?  Trusting in Him to speak to you?  Asking Him to validate the vision which is your life?

Answers

 

Lord, I don't understand.

I just don't.

Will you tell me?

Give me answers?

Here and now, I want them.

Here and now, I know I'm still yours, 

answers, or not.

I pray:

Let me be yours

Always and forever.

Yet, Lord, I don't understand.

I just don't.

Friday Moment - October 18

Have a happy and blessed weekend, everyone!

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

It is now or never.

What should be forever,

Is it here and now?

Too few sigh a, "Wow!"

Let's get going, showing,

Belief stones stacked, compiled,

Witness, not defiled.

Upon  a makeshift table.

God says:  I am able.

Sent His only Son.

Our choice, His will be done

My choice, His will be done.

Friday Moment - October 4

Have a glorious weekend full of wonder!

Friday Moment - September 13

What's Number One?  The weekend, of course!

Hoping everyone has a wonderful one!

(Yes, a bit blurred, but it's hard to capture Virginia when she's dancing.)

Snippet Sunday - September 8

Before I present today's snippet, here is an overview of The Glade Series:

Spending the summer at Grandpa Will's farm with his family is the last thing ten-year-old Davy Murray wants.  How will he survive without his friends, the pool, and his computer?  There isn't even a television at Grandpa's house!  Doesn't anyone see how miserable he will be?

In his frustration, Davy turns his anger on his mother, Kate, his sister, Anna, and especially his stepfather, Jim.  Davy is determined to make their summer as dismal and disappointing as he believes his will be.

But, then, Davy has a most surprising and unexpected encounter . . . one which will change his heart, and his world, forever . . . 

This snippet is taken from A Trip, A Tryst, and a Terror, Book One of The Glade Series which you can order here.

As fatigued as they were, the three never slowed nor faltered until the welcome sight of the Fairchild's pickup truck parked comfortingly by their cabin was in view.  It was then, as if in one accord, they broke into a run.  Maggie barked enthusiastically at the sudden increase in pace as if she was worried that she couldn't keep up with them.  Her herald beckoned Bob Fairchild to his front door before they even reached the steps.

"Kate!  Kids!  What's wrong?  Where's Jim?"  Bob cried out in alarm as he hurried to meet them.

Just then, two gun shots rang out, disproportionately magnified as the echoed against the surrounding mountain sides.  Uttering a cry of anguish, Kate collapsed to the ground.

~

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt.  As I take Sundays off from the internet, I will respond to any comments first thing Monday morning.  Blessings, everyone!

Friday Moment - August 30

SMILE!  The weekend is almost here!

Sunday Snippet - August 25

Today's Snippet comes from Book 2 of The Glade Series, Children in the Garden.  To make the passage more meaningful, know that Grey, True Squirrel of the Old Ones, is visible and audible only to ten-year-old Davy.  That is until . . . 
Hope you enjoy!


It was then that Grey did a most incredible, unimaginable thing.  He leapt off the rail and raced down the aisle of the church for the front doors.  As he flew by Davy, he smiled and said, "Watch!"

Within seconds, pandemonium ruled.  Women screamed and men hollered as a seemingly crazed, larger-than-life squirrel dashed headlong down the center aisle aiming right for the pastor.  Without a break in momentum, he leaped for the pastor's chest and knocked him soundly onto his hind parts.  Not an alarming inch away from the man's nose, Grey whispered, "Love and grace, my brother, love and grace."

Pastor Williams emitted a pitiful moan and passed out.  Before anyone could apprehend him, Grey dashed through the door he had entered with the choir and vanished, it seemed to all, into thin air. 

If you would like to order the books and/or learn more about me, please visit my website.

Snippet from The Glade Series

This snippet is from Book 1 in The Glade Series which is featured here.  All three books are available through my website.  Make sure your volume is turned up to hear some soothing Celtic tunes.  Happy reading to you!

Davy's birthday was July 1st, a whole month away.  Memories of previous years' celebrations flashed instantaneously before his eyes:  pool parties (hosted by Uncle Frank and Aunt Jane, of course); movies; putt-putt golf, sleepovers where no one actually went to sleep but competed in video games until dawn.  These all had one component in common:  friends!  This birthday, there would be no friends.  The thought of spending his eleventh birthday in the company of a whiny sister, a mom who didn't care how he felt, and a step-father who rated one rung lower than pond scum was too much for Davy to bear.

"It won't be fun for me!"  he shouted at Jim.  "Nothing about this summer will be any fun for me!  Do you hear me?  NOTHING!"

If you visit the website, I would love your feedback.  You can either comment here on this post, or contact me via e-mail through the site itself.

Until next Sunday, may your life abound with blessings!

Friday Moment - August 9

Have a sweet weekend!

I Matter

I Matter

Days

Come and go.

We wake and wave,

Greet the morning

With hope.

In days long gone, 

I recall

Waking before my family.

Hearing the milk man

At our door,

Delivering our cereal's salvation.  

I lift the blinds of my room

To meet his craggy, friendly, open face.

He returns my youthful wave 

With his own.  Exuberant!

Confirming.

I Matter . . .

All to Know

All to Know

The skies a-thunder,

Hear heaven roar!

As lightening comes

And, rain implores

The earth to bow

Before the blow;

For winds of change

Want all to know.

~Martha Orlando

Friday Moment - July 11, 2013

Grey wishes everyone a happy weekend!

(Photo by Martha Orlando)

Friday Moment - July 5, 2013

May your weekend be peaceful and blessed.

Friday Moment - June 28, 2013

Photo by Martha Orlando

May you all have a blessed weekend filled with fun and joy!

Friday Moment(s) - June 21, 2013

"I love my mama's birthday candles!"

"And, I loved helping her blow them out!"

Photos by Danny Orlando

Have a happy and blessed weekend, my friends!

Friday Moment - June 14

May you always smile because you find the joy in each day!

(Photo by Danny Orlando)

What Do You See?

What do I see in this moment?

This minute, this second, divine?

A revelation unfolding.

God's gift which I call mine.

Friday Moment - June 7, 2013

"What's that, Gammie?"

(Photo by Danny Orlando)

Friday Moment - May 31

Take time to play this weekend!  You deserve it!

(Photo by Danny Orlando)

My Daddy

TO MY DADDY

I am in the same room

The same time

The same place . . .

You are here, Daddy,

And, you are not.

Lost, drifting . . . 

Where are you?

Daddy!  I need you!

Why do I think?

You!

Why do I believe?

You!

Do you hear me?

Understand?  Do you?

Do I hear and understand?

Or, is it my longing

To have my Daddy back 

That makes my faith

Go beyond its means,

And, take us back,

Together,

To what once was . . . 

Friday Moment - May 24

Have a restful Memorial Day weekend, my friends!

(Photo by Danny Orlando)

Friday Moment - May 17, 2013

Happy Weekend from Grey and everyone in The Glade!

(Photo by Martha)

Friday Moment - May 10

Greetings from Stargazer Cabin!  This photo was taken on our first stay there.  We enjoyed the second visit just this past week.  More photos to come!

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

When I Pray . . .

When I pray

It does not matter where,

Nor how, nor when,

It matters that I'm there

To pray

In all times

In all places.

I pray

When life is good,

When life is gone,

I pray

When faith is strong,

When faith is weak,

I pray.

It does not matter where,

Nor how, nor when . . .

For, in the Lord,

I can begin again.

Friday Moment - May 3, 2013

Grey wishes you a happy and blessed weekend!

Oh, and for once, this photo is not courtesy of Danny.  It's mine! :)

Friday Moment - April 26

Photo by Sarah Jane Kennedy

Have a "swingin'" weekend, y'all!

Burned Out

Burned out

Burned up

God of mercy

Fill my cup

Lord of all

Hear my prayer

For this heart

Not always there

For your love

For your peace

Give me joy

In your release

For your love 

Let me yearn

not out nor up . . . 

Let me burn!

Friday Moment - April 17, 2013

Photo by Danny Orlando

Wishing everyone a magical weekend!

Friday Moment - April, 12, 2003

Photo by Danny Orlando

Happy Weekend to All!

Do You Remember?

DADDY

You loved me from

The moment I was born.

You gave me hope when

Life seemed all forlorn.

You loved me when

I made a mess of things,

And, brought me back;

Allowed my heart to sing.

Of my hand, 

You never did let go.

You held it close,

Yet, gave me room to grow.

Daddy, now, 

I watch you fail in age,

In health.

Time to turn the final page?

Daddy, Abba, stay!

Never go away!

Friday Moment, March 29

Photo by Danny Orlando

May this Easter weekend reveal the glory of His majesty in all things!

Friday Moment - March 22

Photo by Danny Orlando

"I have not been handicapped by my condition. I am physically challenged and differently able." - Janet Barnes

Have a super weekend!

Friday Moment - March 15, 2013

Photo by Danny Orlando

Have a happy and blessed weekend!

Friday Moment - March 8

Photo by Danny Orlando

Have a blessed weekend, everyone!

Six-Word Memoir

Heartfelt thanks to Melissa Tandoc for her wonderful 6-Word Memoir, and for passing the torch to me.  Here is my memoir ~

I CAME.

I SAW.

I WROTE.

I now pass the torch to the lovely and talented Susan Deborah!

March 1, 2013

Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. ~Teddy Roosevelt

Photo by Danny Orlando

Sacred Space(s)

SACRED SPACE(S)

I find it in the now.

I find it in the how.

I find it in the mercy of the moment saying, "Wow!"

I find it in the "Cease!"

I find it in release.

I find it in the only One who always grants me peace.

I find it in the trees,

I find it in the breeze, 

The whispered breath of life

Which soothes my every strife.

I find it in the why

When laugh, I do, or cry.

I find it in the love

Which calls me from above.

Sacred spaces

Found in all my places!

Be Careful!

Be Careful!

Where you walk

When you talk

What you seek

How you speak

Knowing one

Needing none

Because, He is

And, He is there.

Be careful!

Where you go

What you know

What you choose

What you lose

Knowing one

Needing none

Because, He is

And, He is there.

Be careful!

Hearts are broken

By words spoken

Never healed 

Unless, you yield

To knowing one

Needing none

Because He is

And, He is there.

Be careful!

For child within

Who longs to trim

The vagrant whim

Without Him.

Unless you yield

To knowing one

Needing none

But He.

Friday Moment - February 22

Virginia Rose and I wish you a happy weekend!

Photo by Danny Orlando

Friday Moment - February 15

It's Friday!  Time for the happy dance!

Photo by Danny Orlando

Why Cry?

Why cry?  You should be laughing!

These tears are not your style.

Why mourn?  You should be singing!

You face adorned by smile.

Why cry?  My heart is heavy.

I'm far away from home.

My soul seeks quiet solace

And, I feel so all alone.

Why cry?  The sun is rising!

The darkness is no more.

A brand new day to promise

Something better than before!

Why cry?  My heart is aching.

Tears are all I know.

If there's a silver lining,

My clouds won't let it show.

Dry your eyes!  Tears kept!

Let it flow . . . Jesus wept.

Friday Moment - February 8

Photo by Danny Orlando

Have a happy weekend!

Friday Moment - February 1

Have a rockin' good weekend!

Photo by Danny Orlando