The Seasons Of Change

 

Sometimes you just have to roll the dice. It’s not the “not knowing” that’s the problem … it’s the possibility that what comes up will bring us pain, suffering and some sort of  loss.

Usually its not physical pain that causes anxiety… it’s the pain of loss and change. We are comfortable in this cocoon we’ve built up around ourselves these routines and possessions and people we know and places that are familiar and safe. Losing the safe in our lives or the comforts and going into a place where we’re vulnerable and we might fail, is painful and frightening.

 

So why move ahead? We often choose to stay in difficult situations, love, marriages, careers because its simply easier and safe.Starting over might mean being alone. Changing jobs might mean starting at the bottom, or a pay cut.Why are we so willing to be unhappy, there is a possibility that change might be at first difficult but in the end, or for the long-haul so to speak we will ultimately be better for it and happier.

See the wonder and opportunity in change.

Remember, that's just life. God works all things for the good of those that love him and serve him. Trust that things are just as they are supposed to be. Start small and then take a leap of faith and embrace the new and leave the past. Say goodbye to the old and embrace the uncertain, for even in the mystery of the unknown lies a future of hope.



The Shoe Tree

I was inspired to pay tribute to an old post I wrote back in November which stirred many of my followers to contact me pens and papers in hand for the location of this old tree. As the anniversary of my fathers passing approaches, I dedicate this to him.

 

The Shoe Tree in the town of Port Bolster

It is said that a shoe tree starts with one dreamer, tossing his or her footwear into the sky, to catch on an out-of-reach branch.It is there that the shoe's journey ends. But the amazing thing about the shoe tree is that the first pair of shoes triggers a shoe tossing frenzy .

Soon, everyone from teenagers to young children and families are gathering up their shoes and driving over to have a toss of their old walking memories. The thing that I find most fascinating about this tree is, on closer look you will find that most of these old shoes have messages on the sneakers or shoes with permanent marker. Messages of love, loss and inspiration are often inscribed on these old walkers.

This weekend my sister and mother drove out to this little town and the mission became clear. My mom unwrapped the black leather shoes that had once belonged to my dad and my sister tied a little note wrapped in a plastic baggy and then tossed his favourite shoes up into that old tree with the thousands of others. My father was a wonderful man and we all miss him very much, he doesn't need those shoes any more. The thought of his favourite shoes strung up on that tree brought tears to my eyes and a smile on my lips. We wouldn't have it any other way, the Salvation Army would have just given them away and someone else would have been walking a mile in his shoes. That's what made me smile, my sister and my mother knew..... no one could ever walk a day in his shoes...and so there they remain, a legend along side of the others, their tattered state a testimony of his life.

In that picture somewhere in the middle are an old pair of black leather shoes not alone but amid some of the best old walkers in this state. "You know what, old tree, you just got another set of old clonkers but the man who wore them was nothing but a gem

The Shoe Tree

I was inspired to pay tribute to an old post I wrote back in November which stirred many of my followers to contact me pens and papers in hand for the location of this old tree. As the anniversary of my fathers passing approaches, I dedicate this to him.

The Shoe Tree in the town of Port Bolster

It is said that a shoe tree starts with one dreamer, tossing his or her footwear into the sky, to catch on an out-of-reach branch.It is there that the shoe's journey ends. But the amazing thing about the shoe tree is that the first pair of shoes triggers a shoe tossing frenzy .
Soon, everyone from teenagers to young children and families are gathering up their shoes and driving over to have a toss of their old walking memories. The thing that I find most fascinating about this tree is, on closer look you will find that most of these old shoes have messages on the sneakers or shoes with permanent marker. Messages of love, loss and inspiration are often inscribed on these old walkers.

This weekend my sister and mother drove out to this little town and the mission became clear. My mom unwrapped the black leather shoes that had once belonged to my dad and my sister tied a little note wrapped in a plastic baggy and then tossed his favourite shoes up into that old tree with the thousands of others. My father was a wonderful man and we all miss him very much, he doesn't need those shoes any more. The thought of his favourite shoes strung up on that tree brought tears to my eyes and a smile on my lips. We wouldn't have it any other way, the Salvation Army would have just given them away and someone else would have been walking a mile in his shoes. That's what made me smile, my sister and my mother knew..... no one could ever walk a day in his shoes...and so there they remain, a legend along side of the others, their tattered state a testimony of his life.

In that picture somewhere in the middle are an old pair of black leather shoes not alone but amid some of the best old walkers in this state. "You know what, old tree, you just got another set of old clonkers but the man who wore them was nothing but a gem

Taking a moment to breathe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Power Of A Woman

Yes, women need women! We know ourselves and we understand each other and see the world through different eyes. There are women who have met insurmountable odds in order to achieve some of the biggest dreams possible. But the real women who have achieved the most success are the ones who have inspirational stories who have overcome everyday challenges and have  grown not only in their self esteem but also in the sense of who they are and what they contribute to their world.  Today more than ever women are reaching out breaking all the molds and speaking out for other women. In today's world we  face challenges never before faced by any generation.  A very high divorce rate, high percentages of  single mothers struggling to make ends meet and leaving young children in care.The filthiness of the world that has led women to believe that "things"and "image" are more important than our emotional well being. The misconception that we as women need the perfect family,  husband and job in order to be all things to an all fallen world. We bear children we have periods we raise families while we juggle work, life, love and careers. In the most difficult times in my life is where I found all things both lost and hidden. Through darkness, tears and misfortune came a light and a hope. I did not see myself as a failed person but as a person who had been failed. I believe that we have what no man has, a gift that God gave to us. Unconditional love and courage! So leave no woman behind, when one falls we as women should not scoff but band together to pull her up. We should not be singular but universal, as Pink said in her song"were not broken just bent." If you see a woman who is slightly bent  reach out and support her and straighten her frame. Leave none behind and if your blessed, don't stop there, help to be a blessing in another's life. This blog is especially dedicated to all the women who picked me up and nurtured me when I had not only fallen, but lost my way through a difficult time. For all the women who stopped to guide and support me who lent of their time and energy to invest their love and time to pick me up. You all know who you are as there is too many to name.

Prabhath Avadhanula I wander on these crowded roads Wander through these streets Lie in fields of lonely rows Sown in empty seed. And what I need Is the power of a woman The healing of her touch Those eyes that bring redemption To every one of us. And all I need Is the summer of her solace The fall of her gaze The winter snows of her concerns That blossoms spring to change. I need her hand to guide me To a higher star And hold me back again When I have strayed too far. And when that commotion hurries This world to dissaray Give me the power of a woman And I will be okay.

Knowledge puffs us up but love builds us up......