soul

 A little rest 

Before the test

Soothes my soul

Like a coat

Of Vaseline

Smoothing

Out the

Rough edges

Of my soul

Human condition

 Lord

There is

No rush

No hurry

No need

To panic

For all

Of me

Is covered

By all

Of you

Grant me

Peace

When my mind

Gets ahead

Of my body

When the body

No longer

Works as fast

As the mind

Peace

Over panic

Presence

Over

Desires

That hinder

The human condition. 

quiet

 Enjoying

The silence

Savoring

The contentment

Of stillness

Earth keeps

Running round

My gas tank

Is full

For the 

Quiet of

My mind

Is so welcome

To the frenetic

Pace of a 

World 

Clouded

In a state

Of neuroses 

jello

 A sweat session 

In humid heat

A glass of water

And some

Chunky ice

To cool

The bones

And muscles

That feel 

Like jello

happy

 Another day of workouts done. 

What is making you happy today?

A good tasting protein bar

Good music

Naps

My favorite magazines

Citrus

Yes

 Gracefully grateful 

For what 

I couldn’t 

Understand 

Gave me 

Compassion 

Knowing 

Suffering 

Would become 

My greatest 

Foe

But

Best teacher 

Five things

I’m grateful

For the callouses 

On my feet

To the meat

I eat

The books

I read

To the

Friends

I meet

Yes the callouses mean I’m walking a lot. And I’m grateful I’m able to do it. I’m grateful for the food I eat. And I’m grateful for all of you. 

Love yourself and one another. 

Revel in reality

 I was out yesterday. Someone asked me what I put on my face. Apparently, it was clear and smooth. My face was radiant. I never really pay attention. The question floored me. I don’t wear makeup. I don’t use cleansers or serums. I use sunscreen, chap stick and witch hazel. That’s it. When I thought about it, the only thing I could think of was that I was drinking water continuously, getting good sleep and eating better. 

I may be undergoing slow physical metamorphosis, my mind has started to realign. I still have bouts of anxiety. If you told me however, that at the onset of anxiety, I would stop in the middle of Wal-Mart and practice deep breathing, I would have laughed.  I now no longer laugh.   Yesterday I stopped in the middle of an aisle, and started to count as I took a breath. I did it for as long as it took to calm down. Thanks to my sister I have a watch now to track my heart rate and blood pressure among other things. And when the numbers are too high, I breathe, release until the readings stabilize. 

My physical body and mental state must work as a cohesive unit. I’m finally paying attention. I’m having to accept the deck I’ve got as painful as it is. I must love what I’ve been given. My body doesn’t give me luxury to fantasize. Reality is the only place for me today. I’m having to accept that my body needs more water, better food to maximize energy and more sleep than I care to admit.  I’m reminded that I’ve got a medical device that gives medicine to my body 24 hours a day. Once I remembered that reality, I decided to give myself a break. 

Grateful is being able to walk each aisle of the grocery store, and not be winded. Grateful is the ability to buy baby carrots and hummus. Relishing that healthy food can be nourishing and satisfying. Grateful is finding peace in what I used to hate. 

living well

 Vegetable soup

On a rainy day

Rain to

Water 

The crops

Is so needed

Water

To wash

My troubles

And cares

Away

As my body

Needs

An infusion

Of water

From 

The Living Well

Parched from

A world

That makes

No sense 

These days

cradled hug

 A scrap

Of silken fabric

Drapes my body

Like a bear hug

And my lips

Curve upward

Knowing

You cradle 

My wholeness

From

Head to toe

human connection

 Let me

Seek joy

Find hope

Be loving

In graceful mercy

For the blessing 

Of life

Is to give

Goodness

Freely

For all

Who earnestly 

Desire

Human connection 

Hot

 Cuddled

In a blanket

As the melodies

Act as

A lullaby

For an

Afternoon nap

Joggers

A sweatshirt

As the 

Air conditioning

Cools my

Body

From a heat

That is 

Too hot

For a Spring day

the Kingdom

 The water flows

And the earth smiles

As I look above

For further instructions

Seek the Kingdom

Through

The face

Of the Almighty

May my desire

Be the one

You have 

For me

Sacrificial Sunday

 Happy Easter blessings lovelies. 

May His sacrifice 

Bring assurance 

That He

Is always

There

Ready for us

To ask

Amen

 Sun’s out

Flowers bloom

And all

God’s children 

Rejoice

Because 

Out of 

The tomb

He arose

Good Friday

 Lord,

What you did today would change history, but it’s what you do everyday that leaves me speechless. You love the saint, sinner and those in between. You grace me with Your Peaceful Presence when mine is without. You allow me to live a life people like me aren’t usually afforded. And I don’t know or why you’ve blessed me. As I was undergoing another procedure this week, as the needle was inserted into my abdomen, I was stressed. As I watched the medicine enter my body, I felt myself start to relax. 

Yes, you do get used to needles. You look forward to them more than candy. 

Thank you Lord. Your life for mine. Doesn’t make sense. Your goodness and grace make life worth living. 

Love yourself and one another. 

confidence

 Find light

Soak it in

Emulate it

Let it

Seep

Into roots

Deeply planted

That the soul

Isn’t rocked

When

The world

Seeks to shatter

Fragile confidence 

Love yourself and one another

steer the ship

 Thank you to a special friend who in the comments reminded me of the struggles I been through before, and the journey to health isn’t a scary one. It is one that will take time. Remembering this will be a daily challenge, but one I can handle. Let my fear build faith. Suffering increase resolve. And weakness become strength. 

You speak

When I’m 

Not watching

It takes

A kind

But truthful

Word

To right 

A ship

Veering off course

give

 I must say thank you for all your support on my journey to health. I’m so humbled and grateful. Today I received a gift I wasn’t expecting. God does work when I least expect it. You all give me a boost of confidence. A sense that I’m truly loved. It’s real. Not just lip service. You live it out. You give it willingly. Thank you so much. 

My heart 

Swells with joy

As I’m reminded

Life can

Be good

With the

Right 

People

In it

love and food

 I don’t know how many of you know I’ve been on a low to no processed food diet for two weeks. I mainly drink water or hot lemon water. I’ve also been exercising for an hour and thirty minutes daily. Stretching and cardio.  This has not been easy, but very effective. The weight loss is slow, but it is there. My sleep is much improved. I just wish anxiety would cease, but one step at a time. 

Did I want to do this?  No, but it was necessary. My body can’t hold as much weight. I also have to wear braces that are heavy enough already. I need endurance and stamina to keep going which I’ve not had in awhile. The disabled body is not as sturdy as it once was. It is not forgiving either. 

I’ve felt sluggish, tired, cranky, achy and every other ailment one can think of at the moment. I was in denial. Some days I still am. I also realized I don’t need to be skinny, but I need to be fit. I need to feel good in the body I was given. I’ve asked God for another one, but I’ve been flatly denied. 

It also helps that I have a cheering section rooting me on. When you have others invested in your progress it makes a difference. Or maybe I got tired of fighting something I wasn’t going to win. It takes a long time to exit denial and go forward in acceptance. 

I don’t know why I’m telling you this other than subconsciously I want a bigger cheering section, and maybe sharing some healthy recipes with me. 

Love yourself and one another

today

 On this day

Calm my heart

Soothe my soul

And let anxiety

Melt

Like 

Stubborn ice

pink

 Pink toes

Red heart

Chocolate kiss

And a stroll

In green grass

As I smell

Purple hydrangeas

What are you up to this weekend?

green

 Sunshine 

Fried eggs

On a Friday

Looking

For a bright spot

In which

To hang

My hat

The dirt

An oasis

Of truth

It stains

And leaves

Purity

Hinging

On a prayer

The Hanes tee

Tie dyed

With red clay

And cut grass

With a smattering 

Of ripe tomatoes 

To make

A colorful explosion

smile

 Smile

God

Has you

When 

All

Is fraught

With tense

Unexpected emotions

Stand

 Stand

Don’t slump 

Or slouch

When

Comfort is 

Stripped

In order

To refine 

Fishing

 This is my nephew Mason. 

good things

 Enjoying a good workout on the treadmill

Cottage cheese and pineapple

Dreaming of planning trips

Dancing to good music

Cheering on my nephew doing his YouTube videos. I’m trying to figure out how to post them on here. Any suggestions?  I’m not very tech savvy. In the meantime it’s MK Outdoors. It’s a red circle with a fish in it. #mkoutdoors

It would make my day if you could check it out. Thank you. 

Love yourself and one another

obedience

 Lord,

You are bringing me to my knees. And in doing so, you are blessing me even when it doesn’t feel like one. Getting healthy physically is a marathon not a sprint. I’m having to be disciplined, and not reject correction. In this process, I’m realizing a healthy body leads to a sound mind. That fact is priceless. Could you pray that I find joy in the process of growing through trial. 

Lord

Strengthen me

In your ways

That finding

Obedience

To your will

Not a chore

But an

Immense privilege

That cannot be

Replaced

By a desire

To satiate

The desires

Of a sinful

Flesh

pop

 Lazy Saturday

AC on

And 

A show

With popcorn 

To boot

hydrangea

 The sun rains

Down

On my soul

And showers

My spirit

With a calm

Peaceful joy

The sunflower

Stands tall

The hydrangeas 

And the 

Blue hue

Beg to differ

Be noticed

And appreciated

As nature

Bends

To your will

Mine is 

Matching actions

To my words

Five

 Friday five

Loving my workouts for my mental health 

Hooked on lemon water

Loving finding new books to read

Loving Baseball and Hockey

Loving looking at fashion and beauty products

My snail mail addiction is going strong. I love it. Receiving and giving it. 

Love yourself and one another. 

garden grow

 Be brave

Dear one

Trust one

Be honest

Ask for help

And watch

Him deliver

As the flowers

Grow under

The care

Of the gardener

Trust the

Gardener

Of your soul

To do the same

Asking for help

Isn’t weakness

It’s acknowledging 

You don’t know

It all

Use me

Trust me

And find peace

In my correction

And timely guidance

Love yourself and one another

Heart

 Cool drizzle 

Welcome 

Water the flowers 

As you 

Do for

My heart 

Mulch

 Mountains views

And blue skies 

Planted flowers

Around mulch

Make a

Spring day 

Worth remembering 

Mountain

 Mountain peaks 

Seek thee

For peace 

Is found 

In the heights 

And depths 

Of 

His glory 

Nature

 Smell of rain

Smell of flowers

Pollinate

Grow

And nature

Be the star

Of my show

Wash

 Take in

The wind blowing 

Hair sideways 

Drink that coffee 

On an overcast day 

And let

The prospect 

Of rain 

Wash away 

Every complaint 

That brews

Because 

It’s been 

Simmering 

Too long 

Five things

 Five things 

Yay for a Yankees win

Our region could use prayers for rain 

My love language is snail mail

Having an apple for breakfast 

I’m loving hot lemon water 

Your turn?

Wandering

 May your love

Be that 95 mile

An hour fastball

That I know 

Is coming 

Yet can’t escape 

Its arrival 

May 

Your love

Be the homerun 

That soars

With the 

Determination 

To defy

Logic

And makes

Hearts

Wandering 

In wonder 

head to toe

 God 

As you 

Let the flowers

Bloom

Your protection

Covers me

From

Head to toe

Breathe

 Breathe in

Breathe out

Lord

Let me

Not look 

At delays

As broken promises 

the hue of spring

 The rain 

Has come

And the cleansing refreshment

Is most welcome

In times

I cannot understand 

Let the crops 

Grow

And flourish 

Under your 

Watchful eye

As the flowers

Shine

Is hues

Of pinks

And purples

The colors

Of beauty

And purity

Reign supreme

Sunday

 Starting to get back to me. I’m grateful for the procedure. I can sit again without pain. I can stand and walk without pain. I didn’t say much but the past month has been excruciating with little to no sleep. After the procedure was the first time I slept through the night. I’m still taking it easy. Resting as necessary. I’m blessed beyond measure, but I recognize the need to be deliberate and careful. Don’t feel bad for me, I realize that my body will go through ebbs and flows like the ocean waves. I’m learning though not of my will what patient in affliction means. I’ve had to delay certain wants. In a world of instant gratification, I relearn what delays can mean. 

Trusting You even when I don’t get what I want when I want. The musings of a petulant child. One that is given correction. I’m being redirected. Don’t know if I like it, but I will obey. Let me be fruitful in the valleys. Love you Lord. 

love

 Sun is out

And each day

You tell me

My plans

Are not yours

I wait 

Until

You clear

The path

For my

Feet

To meet

The earth

I seek

love

 Grateful

Grateful

Grateful

No other word

For it

My friend

Smile

On the throne

He reigns

hi

 In pain

Ordered to rest

Neuro procedure 

Doing well though

Creations

 Linen 

Caresses

Skin

As I embrace

A new season

A season

To plant

My hope

Into a harvest

Where joy 

Is reaped

After 

The sowing

Occurs

The crops

Grow into

Delicious creations

May I 

Learn

To do 

The same

mine

 As I rise

With air 

In the lungs 

Do words

Of praise 

Come from

My lips

I love

Thee

For I am

Yours

As you

Are mine

affection

 Sunshine

Sunshine

After the storm

You decided

To share

Your presence

With us today

The glitz

Glamour

Fame

And attention

Are no match

For your affection

uno

 God

Thank you

For the 

Grace

And mercy

No twisty

Spinners

Is a praise

Lord

May me heart

Rejoice

In the small

Every day

Reasons

I smile

In the past 

Two days

When I

Couldn’t find

You

You found me

In the eyes

Of a three

Year old

The wonder in

The eyes

The eyes

That shine

Sparkle

And leave

Me awed

When lips curve

Upward

Children

So pure

Yet full of mischief

Know how to live

And taught me

To do 

The same

Lord

I have no answer

For what You do

When I surrender

Without realizing it

Playing UNO for hours

Being present

The best present

For my anxious soul

ways

 Gloomy 

Stormy gales

Awaiting the

Storms

Forecasted

God 

Protect

And guide

And keep

Me in

Your ways

Five things

 Loving the hockey season and looking forward to baseball

My favorite Chinese restaurant takeout

Making itineraries for trips I want to take

Reading new books

Snail mail

Your turn?

rebuke

 Lord

Let me 

Not be 

Bitter 

Or jealous 

As I wait

For my dreams

To be

A reality

No social media

Posts

I want 

To be 

Happy 

For others

But I realize

I’m human

In need of 

You

I’m blessed 

For breath

Water

Nourishment

And the 

Willingness

Of a 

God 

To rebuke me

In His Grace

word

 The Lord

Of my life

The light

To the darkness

Lead me

In believing

And trusting

That 

You alone

Satisfy 

Sustain

Fortify

And aid

By being

My aide

I don’t 

Have to 

Know

The more

I know

The more

Anxiety 

I acquire

You see

I see it

So hide

Yourself

Well enough

That you’re 

Not seen

But known

In the promises

Of Your Word

Sunshine

 Sunshine 

Pancakes

Shopping 

Chats 

And Jesus 

Make a

Great day 

spring rolls and fresh air

 Some fresh air

And some 

Spring rolls

And fried rice

Make me happy

Right now

I didn’t get 

A fortune cookie

But my fortune

Was found

In a joy

I didn’t 

Have to chase

Worshipping

Because

He turned

My sour mood

Into joy

Without needing

To be reminded

Or begged

Grit

 For all 

The disappointment 

I realize

Those blessings 

Chase the 

Blues away

Until I 

People watch

In the Marais

Or sip spritzes

In Amalfi

Thanks 

Will be given 

For a

Phone call 

I needed 

To take

Eating a 

Bowl of chili

On a rainy 

Cold day 

Where Spring 

Felt so distant 

And wildly 

Indifferent 

The warmth 

Of Your Grace

Give me grit

To continue dreaming 

Despite the battle 

When I 

Give up 

Satan wins

And I don’t 

Concede 

Without a fight 

love

 Never let me

Give up 

On dreams

When they’re 

Are delays

Or cancellations

Keep my heart

Hopeful and

Calm

Dedicated and determined 

Some of the 

Best plans

Take years

To see through 

Let me not

Get despondent

Or fearful

Of what

I can’t see

Or understand 

Fortify me

Satisfy me

As I wait

Make me

Not see

Waiting as

A curse or punishment 

Strengthen me

Without

A bitter heart

As I understand

That your mission

Isn’t to deny me

But give me 

Courage

teach

 In sickness

God teaches

Me more

Than health

Ever could

When to rest

When to move

When to speak

When to be

Silent

Pain teaches

What peace

Cannot

The truth is

To get my attention 

Discomfort is

Often present

Don’t fight

What isn’t meant

To harm me

Love me 

Enough

That 

I can love you

Even when

I question 

Your motives

sixteen

 Sun’s out

The dog’s

Spinning 

In gleeful

Jubilation 

To roll

In the grass

And act 

Like a puppy

Even if

He’s an 

Old man

At sixteen

pink and pretty

 Finding the good in each day

Alive and giving myself grace. 

Sun’s out

Toes are free

To massage

The green grass

As I twirl

Round and round

Into an arabesque 

The next 

Misty Copeland

I’m not

But this

Girl happens

To dream

And dream boldly

In a pink tutu

love

 With not feeling well, I’m realizing a few things. 

I must slow down. I’m not in a race, and the moment I get in one is the moment I’ve lost. Right now, the most productive I can be is to sit in my recliner as I type. One day of activity results in one day of rest. My body is not normal. I’m not normal.  Learning to listen is key to growth. I’m having to do the hard work of surrendering my will. God knows what I want. I let Him know everyday. What I need is a holy pause. 

If this post doesn’t make sense I’m sorry.  Sometimes the thoughts flow. They ramble at times. Perfection would dictate that I not post this. In my desire to be authentic, I will post this. 

So right now, to get my travel fix, I watch the Amazing Race. To get my need to escape, I read. In my need to not be anxious, I pray, and I just let anxiety be. 

I love you all. 

Love yourself and one another

Questions

 Taking it easy

What is making you smile?

Any spring plans?

What are you reading?

What are you eating?

What are you buying?

Love yourself and one another

Sick

 Under the weather 

Love

 Listening to this sermon today, I’ve realized the sin of my ways. I’m feeling like my writing isn’t good. I’m searching to add something. What I’m seeing now is that there is no problem is my writing. It’s what I’m allowing myself to believe. I don’t have to even write for God to speak through me. So whatever I write, if it is pleasing to God, I will write. 

My gifts aren’t meant to please me. And that hurts. The truth reveals what the heart doesn’t want to admit.  So Lord have Your way.  Have Your way because mine isn’t yours. 

loud

 Lord

Inject 

The world

With goodness

And give me

Courage and strength 

To live

Your truth

Out loud

Grateful for

Life

Sunshine

And unexpected kindness

Love yourself and one another

grateful

 Some days

You go

To find

A story

And you

End up

Being the story

It felt like spring yesterday, and I was determined to enjoy it. Eat outside check. Window shop at my favorite boutiques. Check. The prong on my cane to melt, and not even know it. A driver rolled down their window, and yelled, “your stick”. A friend I was with had to clue me in that it wasn’t the stick, but the prong that melted. My hands were black. I rushed into the next boutique who showed me to the bathroom, and put the prong in a bag. We had a great laugh at that one. It was then off to CVS, where I bought the last prong they had. Luckily it worked. Thirteen dollars for a prong. I was never more grateful for those long receipts with coupons. I had some to lessen the cost. All this to say, I saw the goodness of humanity yesterday. 

I can complain and worry, but it does me no good. So I just laughed, and then got treated to an ice cream cone. I don’t know if my heart has been changed, or if God using to me to minister to me. I’m just grateful. Life isn’t always great. I won’t sugarcoat it, but I need to find the good. Anxiety and depression are things that plague me, so I have to find the good, for my own sake. 

If I find it in an ice cream cone or the sun warming me up, I will. Acceptance comes in any form. And I will grab that bull by the horns. 

Love yourself and one another

rooted and planted

 Letting the sun

Bathe my face

The grass

Ground my feet

For today

No fear

Or worry

Will overtake

Me now

My joy

Knows

No walls

For it’s rooted

And planted

In the appearance

Of that mustard

Seed

reset

 Gratitude 

Meets

Attitude

My soul

Rejoices

In that 

My heart’s

Desire 

Got reset

Just by

Being one

With the outdoors

spring’s presence

 In this sunshine

I let my body

Warm from

The inside out

As I await

Sweet red tomatoes

Juicy cantaloupes 

And getting down

In ruddy clay

Plucking weeds

Like dandelions

Letting me

Rejoice

In Spring’s Presence

Letting me

Revel in

The arrival

Of new seasons

With new smiles

And baited anticipation

Flowers bloom

Bees await nectar

And beauty

In His creation

Send hope

Thrumming 

Through my bones

Like an aphrodisiac 

Linen dresses

Adorn my body

As a lone cross

Glistens

In reverence

To the

Holy One

Puck

 Skate

With ferocity 

Speed

Blades frenetically 

Halt

As the stick

Meets puck

As a 

Blistering wrister

Ice flies

As watching 

The greats

Is an international 

Array of cultural differences 

cinq

 Ready to play some more piano

Ready to read another book

Ready to root for Juan Soto. Do I need Mets gear?

New beauty products that remind me of the Caribbean

Cottage cheese and strawberries

These things are making me happy. Your turn. 

Love yourself and one another

My hands, His voice

 My hand might have five fingers, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve really only used three. I watched a movie earlier about a famous pianist, and hours later I started to use all five fingers going from C to C. It was enlightening for me. 

One, I’ve never felt accomplished just by using all my fingers. Getting my fingers to do what my brain was asking of them was monumental. You can teach an old dog new tricks.  You just have to be teachable. My fingers are stretched and achy, but I’m understanding why God gave me five fingers. 

Two, I stretched the big muscles daily, but I often forget the little ones. Let me say that the left side of my body is the weak one, so if I’m not conscious, my right side does everything. My left side is sore, because it never gets used. 

Three, I’m in awe. I never thought my fingers could do what it just did. No. I’m in amazement. Utter shock. Will I ever be Chopin. I doubt it, but what my body allowed me to just now leaves me in tears. And to do it on my a piano purchased by my great-grandfather is even more special. 

I’m having to eat a lot of humble pie these days. What my younger self could only dream, my present self is really doing. 

Lord

When your child

Is willing

You show

Your mastery

And omnipotence

overcast

 Slushy snow

Icy rain

The weather

Shows every side

As the sun

Awaits

It’s starring role

The dogs sleeps

Snores and growls

Until it finds

It’s perfect spot

For peaceful repose

The fire roars

It’s sound

The perfect accompaniment 

To this overcast 

Morning 

praising in prayer

 Today I’m grateful for the biggest blessing to wake up. I’m grateful for all of you. 

In the morning

Remind me

Of the greatest gift

To awaken

To the glory

Of a new day

To make 

A new memory

Worthy of

Total praise

If you could pray for Andrea of Living on Cloud Nine today. 

Pray for a dear friend in a tough season

Pray that I may persevere 

Thank you. 

Love yourself and one another

Trust

 What am I grateful for today

That I may not like certain things, but anger doesn’t serve me. Pray through the pain. I’m realizing You are the only one who can change people. 

Quiet confidence

Quiet strength

The loudest voice

Isn’t mine

It’s yours

As my silence

Isn’t complicity

But trust

Love me

As only

You can

As I await

The fulfillment 

Of Your promises

To me

day

 Sending you

A big hug

As we conquer

The day

The Lord

Has made

I will rejoice 

And be glad

In it

Smile

Dear children

You have been

Awaken to meet

Another day

pray

 Listening to a sermon today that hit me right in the heart. I’ve always wondered if the regret of the past would haunt me, but after this sermon, I’m finally at a place where I can see the past for what it was. God knew when He made me that I would always bloom late. Later than even I thought possible. It’s taken to my early forties to fully understand that surrender isn’t bad. Blooming late isn’t bad. Acceptance that comes later isn’t bad, as long as it comes. 

Trust me when I say God knows what I want. I’m not shy about voicing it. The fact is God knows what I need. I have to trust that He knows what I don’t. I don’t like waiting, but it is my season. It’s one of the most painful seasons, but one of the most productive. I can no longer do what I’ve done, and expect different results. Starting fresh is scary, but almost refreshing. I’ve been unburdened. This is the best gift. 

I will succeed. I will fail. I will understand that the journey is reward alone. Equip me Lord. Strengthen me Lord. I don’t know what comes next. That is the beauty of faith. To keep going in the dark awaiting the light. 

Love yourself and one another. 

Pray without ceasing, Regine

Joy

 What is bringing you joy?

A good book 

Good food

My dog

A cozy throw

valentine

 Happy Valentine’s Day my friends

May you 

Know love

And feel

It in

Your core

That no 

Matter what

Love is available

For all

Sending

A big hug

To you 

Dear ones

Who never

Cease to 

Build up

A soul

Needing

Reaffirmation 

Love yourself and one another

happy

 Things bringing me joy

A cozy blanket and a fire in my fireplace

Watching hockey and baseball starting back

Popcorn

Chats with friends

Perspective 

Your turn

south

 As I’m making cornbread to go with chili, I’ve listening to Italian music with a scape of the Italian Riviera. In the present, I’m in the Deep South, in the precipice of my soul I’ve returned to the place that sparks my dreams. Whether or when I return doesn’t matter, my mind was allowed to wander with wonder. It’s something I’ve not done in a long time. My reality didn’t change, but my perception and perspective did. That my dear friends is a gift. One I’ve not appreciated fully or enough. 

I haven’t listed my gratitude lately, and my mental health can tell. Apart from life and Jesus for which I’m eternally grateful, I need to add one thing in particular. I’m grateful for my imagination to come up with a story to take me where I want to go until my reality complies. Thank you Lord. What I’ve not liked about myself is saving me right now. 

Please never stop dreaming. I used to think it was pointless. I was going to la la land. I didn’t live in reality. Let me tell you, I’m fully aware of reality. More than I want to admit. If my mind decides to take a ten minute detour, I’m going to enjoy the ride. 

Love yourself and one another

breath

 Let me

Give thanks

For breath

And Your love

Sustain a soul

Weary

Because

I can’t fix

What ails me

Love yourself and one another

blessings

 The cold rain

Commences

As I sit

By a warm

Soothing fire

Listening to

Some worship music

As I ponder

All my 

Many blessings

cooler

 It’s getting cooler

And again 

With jarring temperatures

Comes clarity

And calm

As I realize

Each season

Has a purpose

The snow

The chilly rains

Provide a lesson

For how 

To rise

In spite

Of adversity

The goosebumps

Are an incentive 

To exercise 

Muscles

Warming them

Up in 

A sweaty sheen

That releases

Those endorphins

That I crave

As I reflect

On the 

Task

At hand

find

 Cool breezes

Are back again

Calming me

As tapping

Of keys 

Continues

Smiling

Because blessings

Find us

When 

No expectation

Is found

pleasure and treasure

 Taking this

Lord’s day

To dance

To my drum

And revel

In the goodness

 Of simple pleasures

That are the

True treasures

Comfort

 Remind me

Which Master

I serve 

Is it money

Praise

Popularity 

Is it 

You

When we

Meet

Will 

You rejoice 

Or will 

Your face

Falter

Love me

Even as

I need 

Constant reminders 

Of what 

Matters

And it

Isn’t my 

Comfort

race

 Run your race

Not others

You only answer

To me

And your 

Mental toil

Isn’t meant

For worry

Of what

Will be

Trust me

Not what

Worldly influence 

Dictates

rise

 Let me trust

Not fear

What 

I can’t see

Faith

Rise up

And find

The determination

To sing

Soar

And find

The reason

To smile

praise

 Thank you Lord

For what

You do

Even if

I’m not 

Paying attention 

I went for a scheduled doctor’s appointment yesterday. Treatment is working. No pain. A little soreness or stiffness. It felt odd to have no complaints yesterday. I haven’t been paying attention, but you’ve got it now. A blessing I don’t want to take for granted. 

Love yourself and one another

God

 When God speaks

The attack comes

The battle ensues

For my very 

Essence

Hold fast

My child

My strength 

Will become

Yours

If I could have your prayers, I’d be most grateful 

Love yourself and one another

me

Lord

Let me remember

All the victories

Not the defeats

I’m human still

I just know

I need you

More than ever

Let me not

Grow bitter

At my kindness

Being misunderstood 

I reminded

I can’t control others

Just myself

As hard as 

It is

Pray for me

Having empathy

Means sometimes

You say 

The wrong things

Then beg

For forgiveness 

love

 Jesus

You know

It all

I need 

Your power

Your peace

Love me

Even when

I can’t 

tips to lips

 Reigning in

My anxiety

Is like 

Roping

A bull

Into submission 

Submission

Obedience

Surrender

What you

Ask of me

Can I 

Do it

Rid myself

Of selfish need

For instant gratification 

Instead of awaiting

The will

Of a beautiful 

Father  who

Invites me

Into His arms

Will I accept

And trust

What I 

Can’t see

Yet has

Never forgotten me

A friend asked 

What was 

Troubling me

It’s the

What ifs

Again

And

Again 

He answers

My plight

By bringing

His power

From tips

To lips

I am

The 

I am

Count them

 Grateful for life

Grateful for breakfast

A warm blanket

God

May Your

Love wrap us

In your waiting arms

Bless us

With your Presence

Draw us

To you

And you

Alone

Smile

 Grateful for breath

Grateful for comfort food

Grateful for hope

Savoring the small joys I encounter. Yesterday in Wal-Mart I got stopped by an old teacher. One who hasn’t taught me in over 20 years at least. What she remembered about me was my smile. And to get that compliment made me smile. It reminded me that a smile can really change the world. 

The small things really are the things that make the most 

Love yourself ano one another

Right now

 Honestly, I’m exhausted. My body is holding up. Praise Hands. My mind is a wreck. I decided that in addition to morning prayers, I needed to pray about what I write here. It’s the first time it has occurred to me. Words have power, and I need to be honest, but careful in what I say. What I once prayed for with regard to this space, has exceeded my expectations. 

When you ask God to give you a purpose, He does. With that comes responsibility and contemplation. I continue to write here because for the most part I enjoy it.  I find that God keeps me coming back each day to minister to you, but mostly to myself. When you ask Him to rid of worldly idols, you find out your own flaws and biases. 

I’m also finding growing pains. It seems like I’m on my knees multiple times a day right now. I’m praying for myself and others. I’m so glad God doesn’t get tired of me. So right now, I need prayer to carry me. Right now, my mind can only process the present moment. My dreams and desires are still there, but I can’t focus there. I’m in a minute to minute state of living. 

I’m realizing my humanity, and my need for something greater. Life of surrender is happening without my permission. I’m allowing it because it’s my best option. It’s true. When you reach the end of yourself is when He works. 

So in this moment, I pray for the strength to continue surrendering. Continue hoping. Continue loving. And begin to give myself the grace I try to give to others. 

Love yourself and one another

up

 Lord,

You keep teaching

Fairness is not 

Always automatic

But You are good

Even if 

The world

Is not

Show me

Beseech me

Give me

A gaze heavenward

Not on the

One that

Can no 

Longer be understood 

Joy

In the journey

To true success

Yours

Not my own

Hugs

 Grateful for a new day

Grateful to move my body

Grateful for a cozy couch

Sometimes you win, sometimes not. I’m learning more from the losses. The losses teach me what went wrong, new lessons, and gratitude for another chance. Life isn’t fair. Why?  The one question that perplexes me. I’ve learned.  I’ve learned that asking why gets me no answers that satisfy. So I ask you to pray that I have joy no matter why. 

love

 When you tell the world you’re grateful for peace, get ready to be tested. Had a tough time yesterday, but with everything, iron is sharpened. So today, my mission is simple.

Some recent life lessons 

Your worth isn’t tied to your wealth or accomplishments. If the world loves you too much, you may lose yourself in it. 

Jesus is working overtime with me. Being broken down is affirmation in a way that can’t be fully explained. 

Wanting people to love me or understand me is no longer fruitful. 

Sometimes the only person who can give you joy is self. 

If it’s popular, I no longer want it. 

This girl wants truth, not a preconceived notion

My challenge

Give a smile. A compliment to an unsuspecting recipient. 

Love yourself and one another

deeply

 I never thought yesterday’s post would resonate. That’s why this writer is just writing. I’m giving you all of me.  Surrender means what God can do with my meager means in each way. I’m just to be led, and then let Him work miracles. Maybe the miracle in me is that I quit seeking worldly desires, and He will give me exactly what I seek. 

Man is flawed. Deeply, deeply flawed, and yet so loved. In the past few days, I’ve seen the depths of sadness, pain, hurt and joy all together. Your status or accomplishments mean nothing if you don’t love. My accomplishments will not be remembered,  but the depth of love that comes from my heart will. 

Love yourself and one another

warmth

 Grateful for snail mail

Grateful for good music

Grateful for good food

Listening to some tunes dreaming of all the goodness there is when I stop and look. Seeking joy like it is my job. Right now it is. 

In your eyes

I see truth

Warmth 

And hope

That never ends

Love yourself and one another

receptive

 Grateful for discernment 

Grateful for peace

Grateful for surrender

Lord

The peace

I have 

Right now

Is more precious

Than any penny

You are working

And it’s working

Because of receptiveness 

To instruction

Could you continue to pray. Flood the zone of love for my favorite people. Thank you. 

Love yourself and one another

Questions

 What’s on your heart?

What is making you smile?

What is your last book read?

Favorite travel destination?

What is the last you did that made you joyful?

my joy

 The Redeemer

Of my soul

The lifter

Of my head

My prayer

Is this day

No human

Dare question

Who holds

My hope

Asking for miraculous healing for people dear to me. When surrender became the only option, You rejoice because it is the desire of Your heart. It needs to be mine too. 

I won’t argue

Or fight fights

That aren’t mine

My strength 

Is required elsewhere 

Love yourself and one another

I don’t have to like you, but I’m called to love you

vortex

 The vortex

Is here

Shivering

Outside

Inside

I’m warmed

By your love

brr

 The bones

Hit bitter cold

But in brutal temps

I’m reminded

Of the fact

That change

Occurs 

Even as eyes

Are focused 

Elsewhere 

diamond cross

 Lord

Let my light

Shine

So that

What you see

Is actually truth

What once 

Brought joy

Now brings 

Bitter jealousy 

Ridding myself

Of the things

That hinder

Is a blessing

Popularity

Holds

An allure

That no 

Longer thrives

But destroys

The soul

Of a woman

Seeking peace

In simplicity

The diamond cross

Is the only

Adornment 

Displayed

Reminding me

Of my service

Allegiance

And devotional praise

fly

 Leap

Fly

Soar

Before 

The questions come

And fear becomes

Your default

smile

 Grateful for unexplained joy

Grateful for life giving breath

Grateful for a new journal

The television is on. Talking heads are arguing.  And yet I’m singing. My joy isn’t dependent on external forces. Fix my eyes on You. Keep loving the people who come in contact with you daily. Your ministry is your smile. My eyes speak more than my lips ever could. 

Love yourself and one another

lovely blessing

Surrender

Something

So hard to do

Is bringing peace

To a place

Marred by

Darkness

And despair

Loving others

Is helping

Me 

Love myself

A blessing

I can’t overstate

cold hard truths

 In the midst of sorrow and pain, you can despair or you can rise. In the past few days, I’ve been very intentional. What are my eyes seeing, what am I listening to, what am I consuming. Recently, I’m having to be reminded that eccentricity is not a bad thing. I’m an old soul. I’m refraining from the gossip rags, the celebrity idolization, and focusing on how to be a better human being. God’s in the conviction business. 

I’m taking care of my mind and body. I’ve long abandoned it, but I can’t any longer. I took a slow thirty minute walk on the treadmill. In the past I would focus on how slow I was, but for my body to walk on a treadmill at 41 is a miracle. I remember being a child trying to walk on it, and I couldn’t physically or mentally. I’ve probably told this story, but it bears repeating, if only for my hard headed self. Progress happens even if it took forever. 

Medically, it’s a miracle I’m as ambulatory as I am. God has been good to me. More than good.   I need to write this down for the days that aren’t great. I’m fully cognizant of that fact. My body will not always have good days. I relish them right now. I’m grateful for each one. I’m having to realize that when I wrote all my goals down in a journal years ago, only two haven’t been answered. Two. That means God’s batting average is pretty darn good. I won’t sugarcoat, and tell you I’ve haven’t been humbled. 

God does that too. Right now, in helping others, I’m helping myself. I’m finding my purpose. My joy. When I told you I didn’t serve man, I meant it. I’m not going to be a keyboard warrior, or tell you you’re a horrible human being. I’m letting God do His job. I’m too mentally tired to police the world. I’m praying, and let God lead me. Every time I feel inadequate, God says the world doesn’t need your dollars, it needs your heart. It needs your light. 

A light you dimmed. Dimmed because the world didn’t understand you. A world that will never give you what you need, but a world that needs you.  More than you want to admit or finally accept. You don’t need the world, Regine, but it needs you. Love the people in the world, but don’t lose yourself in it. Trying to fit in. You never have. You never will. 

It’s okay. It’s more than okay. The girl who still chooses old classics over new hits. The girl who would rather watch ballet over breakdancing. Give me comfort over conformity. Give me the food that evokes a memory not fancy deconstruction. Odd end in a new world. I want the truth. Not a made up mystery. 

I was reminded of something. I will always care. I always have. Always will. It’s who I am. I don’t need applause even though in my humanness I crave it. My desire for it is being dealt with every day. 

I don’t know my point. Or if I’m trying to make one. 

Live and let live

For the author

Makes His judgements 

Not I

Passion

 Grateful for unexpected joys

Grateful for life

Grateful for a cute dog

Finding the good in everyday life is proving to be a blessing. Not everyday is going to be joyful, but I can be. Last night going through the TV channels we came upon my nephew and his fishing videos on YouTube. It was pure joy to see his enthusiasm. His passion. And I want to share some of that with you. 

I hope I can follow my nephew’s example. I want you to feel my joy and enthusiasm. 

His channel is MK Outdoors. I’m so proud of him. 

Love yourself and one another. 

praying

 Grateful for a new week

A fire in the fireplace 

Unexplained joy

Starting a little something new

Keeping a prayer journal

Seeing how He answers

Prayer requests?  Praises?

sunday

 Grateful for cooler weather 

Grateful for a warm shower 

Grateful for life

I’m grateful for those around me who are helping reframe my mindset. God is working in me. I don’t serve humans. I serve God. And He uses me as a conduit to love people. Let yourself be used. Surrender is taking on new meaning each day.  I’m blessed to be a blessing. 

Love yourself and one another

mon couer

 Grateful for empathy

Grateful for joy

Grateful for life

The fragility of life

Be grateful

For suffering 

Happens daily

I’m just here

To love

And bring a smile

Love yourself and one another

love

 Grateful for a home

Grateful for life

Grateful for a platform 

Thank you Lord, for this platform. To inspire, give hope, and hopefully make change. I’m not a big name, but I can do things with big love. If you have the opportunity to love others well, do it. I’m learning my limitations, but I’m also realizing the possibilities. Love has no cost. It really doesn’t. You show me that everyday. 

Lord

Thank you

For a gift 

I never wanted

But got anyway

Love yourself and one another

grace

 Refine me

May I relish joy

Find peace

In Your Will

As I come

To grips

With reality

Find the good

Because the bad

Is all around

Grateful that

You surround 

My being

With the 

Delicacy of 

Expensive caviar 

And gauzy 

Silken scarves

Grateful for life

Friends

Perspective 

pray

 God 

Thank you

For my life

For your love

For your joy

That is making

Me whole again

Thank you

For my health

With it

My mental state

Is stable

And hopeful

Any prayer requests?  Any praises?

I have some friends who could use some prayers. And if you would spare for me that my health remains stable. 

Love yourself and one another

Tame

 Rid me

Of my need 

To have 

Every nook

And cranny 

Swept 

And notice

That life

Is a messy 

Beast 

That humans 

Can’t tame 

winter musings

 Grateful for a warm breakfast

Grateful to be alive

Grateful for all of you

Sliding

To a skid

On a sharpened blade

The cool feel

Of shredded ice

Hits my bare

Hands

As I shake

Them out

Wishing 

I had some

Shearling gloves

On standby

photo

 Skiing

In silk

Skating

On frozen waters

Clear, clean ice

Looking out

At leafless trees

That beckon

My mind’s eye

To beauty

In barrenness 

Shedding

The expectation 

To rise 

In every occasion

Maybe the bears

Had it right

Hibernate

Be still

The closest

To surrender

Many will bear

The mink stole

Of my great grandmother 

Brings me peace

As seeking

To inhabit 

Her world

For a moment

While realizing

That imagination

Is the closest 

I get to 

Remembering

A life well lived

For a photo

Reminds me of 

Her beauty

But not much

Else

uncertainty

 Grateful for a warm home

Being alive

A good night’s rest

Rainy and cold

But every season

Brings a lesson

If I’m willing

To learn

Show me

Your goodness

Presence

And love

Even in

My uncertainty

Sunday

 Gratitude for today

A sweet message I didn’t anticipate 

Sitting Indian style

Being alive 

Growth isn’t linear. Isn’t isn’t something I can measure in real time. It happens in the way I live. Just as I work on keeping my muscles limber, I work on humility and grace. I seek cohesion between the mind and body.  

In stillness

May I silence 

My thoughts 

To hear

Yours

love

 I’m grateful to be alive

I’m grateful to be able to stretch

I’m grateful my bodily functions are working

These three things alone are a blessing, I’ve taken for granted. For my body to be agreeable today is total joy. God is having to break it down so fundamentally for my feeble brain to get the message. Every day my brain has to be reframed and retrained. I told you I would list my gratitude every day. And follow through is important. 

Obedience and surrender is a daily practice. Loving myself is an act of discipline. I don’t have all I want, but until I’m grateful for what I have, I won’t be happy with what I get. 

Love

What you personify

Is what

I aim

To be

lord

 My posts have been short lately, but my biggest fan has asked for something longer. So here we go. For the New Year, I’m going to need to stick to God like glue. I’m going to need to list my joys every days. I’m going to need to list my gratitude every day even if it’s repetitive. My mind needs a reset. An overhaul. I’m going to ask that you pray for me daily. It’s a big step for me to ask for help. 

I’ve felt like a burden for as long as I can remember, even when I know it’s a lie. It’s so easy when we have uneasy days how we believe the lies we tell ourselves.  Letting truth and faith guide me when my mind spirals is the objective. 

I’ve known the problem is between my ears, now if I’m to fulfill my dreams, certain actions are taking place. Head to toe. Being broken to be built. 

Lord

Take me wants

And make

Your will

Mine

To follow

And joyfully

Obey

2025 goals

 What are some 2025 goals?

new year

 Happy New Year

Lord

Hold me

Don’t release me

Even when

I fight

Because 

Your arms

Are the 

Place

Where 

I belong