Author: Chiara (Page 6 of 16)

Author, Writer, Busy Mom, Wife, A Woman after God's Heart, & Lover of Fast Cars and Freedom.

The Serpent and the Sun Halo

June 30, 2022 / Chiara

Whirling around, my daughter screamed, “Mommy, a black snake!” She bolted past me almost knocking me down on the sandy pathway leading to the beach.

My goodness, what the— It was then I noticed the little black serpent slithering through the granules. I had stopped just shy of ogling his tail before it vanished into the brush. I called after my teen, “It’s a garden snake silly. Come on back, it’s gone now.”

Shivering on the sidewalk, she yelped, “No! It’s a curse! I’m going to die!”

Not today, Lord! It was 90 degrees, the sun was blazing hot, and it was not even noon. I was sweating, and looking forward to dunking myself in the ocean for relief. My husband and younger daughter were already on the beach waiting for us and had come down earlier to set up the umbrella and chairs; meanwhile, my eldest daughter and I made deli sandwiches up in our rented condo. We were going to regroup with them when we encountered the infamous SNAKE.

Hoisting the little cooler with our lunch, and balancing my flip-flops in my other hand, I trudged back to my daughter who was in tears. “Calm down,” I said. “It’s gone.”

“What if it comes back out and bites me?” She hyperventilated. “I’m cursed, I’m cursed! I knew I shouldn’t have come to the beach with you guys!”

I quietly coaxed her as a family of four walked past us and onto the same sandy path that led to the beach. “See,” I pointed. “Look at those people. They’re going through, no problem. The snake has disappeared because it hears the footsteps on the sand. Remember, snakes feel in their bodies. Come on…”

She wouldn’t budge, holding her arms tight around her waist. “Serpents are bad luck, Mommy!” “Who told you that,” I gritted my teeth. This kid reads too much fantasy. “It’s true, it’s true,” she sniffled.

Upset with her unwavering actions, I left her on the sidewalk while I went to my family to drop off the cooler. Maybe my husband can convince her. At about the same area on the sand where the snake had passed, I picked up my pace as my feet sank deeper and deeper into the sand.

I arrived at the umbrella and my husband was standing with his hands on his hips wondering what had taken so long. After giving him a briefing, he trod through the sand to go and get our daughter. To no avail, she didn’t move, wanting to go up to the condo. My husband was ready to give in when I slogged back, threatened to take away her phone, and persuasively pulled her along the sidewalk to another path on the other side of the building. By this time, my face, arms, and legs were so wet it looked like I had just come out of the shower. I counted to three and we ran hand and hand through the sand until we got to our spot.

It had taken her almost an hour sitting under the umbrella to get her bearings and when she did, she threw herself in the water because at that point she was overheated. Bobbing in the salty ocean, I looked up and noticed a rainbow halo around the sun. It was magnificent and glorious. “Girls, girls, look at the sun!”

“No, we’re going to be blinded,” my younger daughter smirked, going under a wave.

“Seriously, just for a second, look up.” Their faces marveled at the sight. “See,” I told them. “This is a blessing from God.” My older daughter shrugged. “How do you know it’s a blessing? I’m probably cursed forever.” I swam toward her. “You’re right, I don’t know for sure. But, it is still cool. I’ve never seen a halo around the sun before. It has to be a good omen.”

This seemed to reassure her a bit and we carried on the rest of the afternoon tanning and playing in the water, forgetting the strange incident. Weeks later, back at home, I was reminded of the snake and the sun halo upon seeing a rainbow post on social media. I decided to do some investigating on what the snake and the sun halo meant.

One of the most notable meanings of a snake crossing your path is a transition, indicating possible changes that could happen in your life. It could mean an encounter, an event, or an experience that can alter your life for good. The snake also symbolizes physical vitality and strength. Sometimes, it’s a sign that the universe has come to warn you against something terrible in your future. This site gives nine signs and their meanings.

The black snake is a message from the universe that they are watching your steps and they will protect you from making mistakes by intercepting your life if need be. A snake crossing your path could be a symbol of patience. It means you have to be patient because your way to success will not be easy.

What about that sun halo?

A halo forms when these high cirrus clouds are in front of the sun. The ice crystals in the clouds reflect and refract the sunlight which causes a halo to appear around the sun. What are Cirrus Clouds? Cirrus clouds are a type of high cloud. Cirrus clouds are made of ice crystals. Yet, everything starts with air and water. When dry air goes up, it makes water vapor turn into ice, forming the ice crystals that create cirrus clouds. A sun halo (and moon halo) usually means that rain will occur within 24 hours because the cirrostratus clouds that cause these beautiful halos usually mean a front is near.

Now, Biblically, through the centuries, people have looked to the heavens for spiritual answers and guidance. The Bible does tell us to look to the heavens for astronomical signs that reveal God’s power and glory. Below are just a small sample of scriptures to explain just that.

Luke 21: 25-28. “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Deuteronomy 4:19. “And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the Lord your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage.”

Acts 2: 19-21. I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:

Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,

Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
And it shall come to pass

That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’

The halo around the sun shows evidence that God exists and is present in our lives, much like a rainbow does. In fact, it’s interesting to note that the halo around the sun is sometimes referred to as a “solar rainbow.” No matter what life throws at us or how many times we fall, our loving God is there to catch us. Our lives are not in vain because of His great love for us, as shown by the halo around the sun’s presence.

So, take this information and also do your own research. Whatever transition that is coming our way, we as a family will continue to look up to the Heavens for help and protection from God.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

The Sound of Holy Music!

June 7, 2022 / Chiara

I love the sound of the ocean. There is something magical, calming, and rejuvenating in hearing wave after wave crashing onto the sand. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. I didn’t grow up by an ocean or any body of water, but every time I have visited an ocean, it’s holy music to my ears and my soul.

A few weeks ago my family and I took a vacation to Florida for some sun and beach-filled adventures. We live in the Midwest and to get to the ocean, we normally travel by plane. I’m not knocking the lakes, ponds, creeks, or streams, but there is something incredibly glorious and magnificent about ocean waves both visually and auditory.

I was curious to learn about other favorite sounds that people have raved about. And off I went on the World Wide Web for the answer to FAVORITE SOUNDS!

This site gives seven favorite sounds. The first is the sound of coffee brewing in the morning. Yes, I’d have to agree. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, my mom used an old-fashioned percolator coffee pot, and then when we had more money, we graduated to Mr. Coffee coffee-makers. It is a good sound, but so is having a cup of fresh, brewed coffee in the morning AND watching the waves. A definite win-win in my book.

This site lists the sound of a vacuum picking up crumbs as their number one sound. Yes, that is satisfying when you’re vacuuming crunchy crumbs and dirt from the floor. My teen daughter would say that vacuum sounds are so ASMR! What is ASMR? It stands for “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.” It typically refers to the “tingly feeling” that travels from the head downward that some experience in response to certain sounds, feelings, or descriptions. These can include soft whispering, crinkling paper, or a gentle touch. There are a ton of ASMR videos on YouTube you can look up. Still, I’m not budging, I love crashing waves, and not the tsunami kind, either.

There have been studies done on how waves lower stress levels, energize you, etc. I believe it. Watching the waves rise up, fold, and slam into the sand is mesmerizing. I admire the incredible strength of the water. There’s no comparison between my small existence to this crafted, scenic design made by God. I also can’t help and think of all the beautiful wonders within this vast body of water, and all bodies of water alike. It’s a whole other world in the sea.

Do I matter against this creation? Yes, I am part of God’s handiwork. In fact, it took God six days to create the world. See Genesis 1: 1-31. You, me, and EVERY single creature that God formed in His hands are meant to be here. Well, maybe not the ants, spiders, and little, ugly bugs, but nonetheless, they too have a role on earth.

Standing on the edge of something bigger than myself, I’m renewed and refreshed. It’s more than enough. I am in awe. See you next time my beautiful sea…

What’s your holy sound?

The View between the Balcony Railings

May 25, 2022 / Chiara

The famous saying… “The grass is always greener on the other side,” may have some meaning here, minus the chilled cocktail in the photo. In this particular case, it’s a beautiful, fluffy, white sandy beach and an ocean on the other side of the railings. I’ve often wondered why is it that we as humans often see other people’s material things, lifestyles, families, etc., better than our own?

The idea behind the “The grass is always greener” goes back to the poet Ovid (43 BC – 17 or 18 AD). In his “Art of Love,” he wrote,

“The harvest is always richer in another man’s field”.

A Latin proverb cited by Erasmus of Rotterdam was translated into English by Richard Taverner in 1545, as:

“The corne in an other mans ground semeth euer more fertyll and plentifull then doth oure own.” (The corn in another man’s ground seems ever more fertile and plentiful than our own does.)

I’ve realized that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side; it’s our perception and comparison of what someone else has to our own haves. Look at social media and all the marketing ads for diet supplements, clothing, technology, etc.

The Bible tells us not to compare because we will never be satisfied. It’s true. It’s a vicious cycle, and we’re only fooling ourselves.

It still hasn’t stopped people from writing about the “wantings”. I don’t have control of that, but I have control of my mind and what I think and do.

The Tenth Commandment clearly states not to covet what’s not yours. Yet, we do it anyway. I can’t take that beach and vast ocean and claim it’s mine, but then again, I’d love to own a piece of sand and ocean. Maybe in my next life.

From where I was sitting gazing at the world through the railings on a third-floor balcony, I’ll admit I felt enclosed, away, and detached. A spectator. The other side seemed open, exciting, and free. It was no wonder I had FOMO, fear of missing out. I like to call it the “behind it vs in front” syndrome.

Life is a little like that. Some days you’re behind an issue or circumstance that’s not so good and you’re scrambling to move forward. On other days, you’re able to get in front of a troubling situation and a resolution is available. In both cases, you, and you alone have a choice on how you experience the world.

Your landscape can only flourish where you establish a good foundation. No railings can block your view unless you allow it.

You decide.

References:

Exodus 20:17 NKJV – “You shall not covet your – Bible Gateway

15 Bible Verses about Comparing Yourself to Others, Not Comparing Ourselves to Others – Powerful Scriptures – Daily Bible Verse Blog (jollynotes.com)

2 CORINTHIANS 10:12 KJV “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves:…” (kingjamesbibleonline.org)

What Does The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side Mean? – Writing Explained

Why do we say The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? (bookbrowse.com)

Who said the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? (askinglot.com)

Let Your Heart Be Not Troubled

May 3, 2022 / Chiara

Was it a coincidence or divine intervention?

The other day I happen to hear on the radio the song, “It is well,” twice by the same artist. Some would say, “Doesn’t the station have other songs to play?” I might have agreed, but this time, the song has come during a perfect storm in my life. I was moved to heed the nudge from God.

Music has always been my therapy and encourager. Facing this difficult family medical season, I felt comforted in knowing that God is in control even through my sufferings. I hummed the melody all afternoon and suddenly wondered who sings this beautiful song. I first looked up the singer, Kristene DiMarco. Her voice is so soothing. Please watch the video.

Secondly, I’ve often heard the Biblical expression, “It is well with my soul”. Was there any connection with the song? So, I looked up the phrase. What I found was an amazing story of faith in the midst of trial and one woman’s perseverance to overcome her adversity. The story of the Shunammite Woman’s Suffering in 2 Kings 4:8-37.

Here are two resources that break down the meaning behind the story.

A. The Shunammite Woman’s Faith

B. It Is Well With My Soul

What I didn’t expect to learn was how the words “It is well with my soul” became lyrics to a song. The author of the hymn was Horatio Gates Spafford. Mr. Spafford was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with real estate holdings along Lake Michigan. He was influential in elite circles and he and his wife, Anna, were also close friends with D.L. Moody, preacher, and founder of the Moody Bible Institute and Moody Press, publications of religious books.

Even with all his wealth and fame, tragedies struck the Spafford family. First, losing their only son, Horatio Jr. to scarlet fever in 1870, his real estate holdings were destroyed in 1871 by the Chicago Fire, and then losing all four of his daughters in a ship collision set for England in 1873. Fortunately, Anna was saved and found floating in the ocean on a plank of wood. After being rescued, she would write her husband a telegram, saying, “saved one”.

How much sorrow can one human endure?

Mr. Spafford later boarded another boat to England to comfort his wife. As the ship sailed across the Atlantic, the captain passed over the same area in which the boat that Anna was on sank, killing his daughters and all 226 passengers. Grief-stricken, Horatio penned the words, “It is well with my soul”.

Bloom, Baby Bloom!

April 29, 2022 / Chiara

Do you know what kind of flowering plant this is? I’m not a botanist or horticulturist, nor do I have a green thumb, but every year this flowering plant blooms for seven to ten days, and then it’s done.

It amazes me how this one plant spends three seasons of preparation only to bloom for such a short time. To think this plant’s purpose is to flourish and fragrant the air, and then to be taken up in the spring wind to pollinate other flowers.

It makes me think of us, humans. We all bloom at a different pace. Some take a lifetime to bloom, some never bloom, and others bloom right away.

Wherever you are in your blooming season, don’t rush. You are where you need to be. Nourish yourself; grow in knowledge, so that others can be blessed in your blooming season.

If I Never Wrote Again

March 23, 2022 / Chiara

Do writers retire from writing? I know people retire from their jobs, but can writers stop writing?

These questions have gotten me thinking about my writing future. I’ve published four books in six years, but the actual story-writing time for each novel has spanned a couple of decades. The fruits of my labor have often been delayed, but I still managed to get it completed and in print, that’s the best achievement in my passion for tale-telling.

It amazes me how authors can pump out a book a year, like James Patterson, Danielle Steele, David Baldacci, Jodi Picoult, etc. I’ve heard, and I can’t confirm, that some of these talented published authors have teams of writers. If so, that is terrific, their name and style of writing is an attractive niche for many readers.

I don’t know how I’d handle the pressure of producing a book every six months to a year, never having experienced it. Some will tell me to suck it up and say, writing for publication isn’t a hobby, but a real business with money-making potential. I believe that too, however, what I’ve learned is that real story successes start with an awesome storyline and a good backing by agents and publishing houses. One of my favorite success stories of independent publishing is on William Paul Young, author of “The Shack”. What began as a Christmas gift to his kids, ended up being passed along to friends and then strangers, and then publication. Watch the interview here.

I’ve been writing since I was fourteen years old, and professionally as an adult the last ten years (blogging, book reviews, short stories, etc.), including my first publication in 2014. As an independently published author, I don’t have agents or publishing houses giving me deadlines. This can be good or bad depending on how you look at it because I have to manage my own time.

I’ll digress a moment, in my previous profession as an Instructional Designer; I also trained corporate employees on Time Management. I’ve incorporated those tools I taught to keep myself accountable when I’m writing; it’s not an easy task. So, my writing pace is slower, as my priority is raising my children. Would I like to dedicate more time to writing? Heck, yes! And include more reading time too!

Life has a way of throwing curves. I’ve had a few changes in the past and present that have stopped me short of moving beyond the roadblocks. When it happens, I question my dreams and aspirations. I’m not one to give up easily, but when my burdens become bigger than what I can handle, I wonder if it’s time to reevaluate the road I’ve been traveling on. Which brings me back to the second question at the beginning of this post? Can a writer stop writing? Some will argue that writers are born with the gift of writing; others will disagree and say that it is a learned passion. In both cases, if the writer stops, aren’t they squashing their devotion for the written word?

“I have two addictions/passions: reading and writing. I feel restless and empty when I can’t read fiction, write my deepest thoughts in my journal, or even write down story ideas. Writing calms me, centers me, and provides a healthy outlet for my communication with imaginary friends.”

Without my writing gift, I believe I am nothing because the world says so until I read a scripture verse in the Bible about gifts. The three greatest gifts are Faith, Hope, and Love. Love is the greatest gift of all to another. See 1 Corinthians 13:13.

I am more than my writing because God says so in the following scriptures:

Luke 12:7 – But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Mathew 10: 30 – But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

1 John 4:16 – And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

1 John 4: 19 – We love Him because He first loved us.

I guess the question is… Would it matter to ME if I didn’t write anymore? Hmm… only I can answer this.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A13&version=NKJV

https://outreachmagazine.com/interviews/20995-the-shack-movie.htmlhttps://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/the-story-behind-william-paul-youngs-best-seller-the-shack-video

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A13&version=NKJV

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shack

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels

The Fortress in Your Mind

March 4, 2022 / Chiara

This is a story about Bernard and his dad, Miles Kingston. They lived in a big city. Bernard’s life was great. He went to a good school, had lots of friends, and he, his mom, and his dad had all the freedom one can ask for.

When his mother, Clarissa, passed away from cancer several months earlier, his father became very troubled and lonely. A war was waging in their country, and a debilitating virus was going through their towns, city, and the rest of the world.

So, Miles decided to sell everything and move out to the country with his son, figuring if they were far enough away, they wouldn’t have to deal with the woes of the world. Mr. Kingston had a tall, brick fortress built to protect them from the enemies of the outside world. He and Bernard planted a garden, created a water supply system underground, developed natural medicinal remedies from the soil, and had enough firearms to protect a community, rather than two individuals living in a giant structure.

Once again, Bernard had everything, but soon he too became forlorn. He had no contact outside of the walls of their new home, no more friends because they’d died of the virus,and no more formal education except what his father taught him. His dad often reminded him how lucky they were to have the means of protecting their bodies and livelihood, and he should be grateful for that. They heard about regular folks suffering outside their property, but they kept to themselves. Nothing would ever come and hurt them.

One night, Bernard awoke with a thirst and found his father sitting by the window with several rifles lying on the floor around him.

“Father, why are you up?”

Mile’s blood-shot eyes gazed at him, “I have to keep awake to protect us.”

Bernard was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

His father stuttered, “Can’t you see the virus in the air? Look through the window. You see it floating around?”

The boy peered through their triple-pane glass window. He saw nothing except a crescent moon. “I don’t see—“

“Quiet!” Miles hushed him and yanked him to the floor. “Did you hear that? We can still be seized. The enemy is coming to get us.”

Bernard was still confused. “Father, there is no one outside. Come,” he motioned. “Let’s go to bed.”

Mr. Kingston pulled away. “No!”

Bernard stood. “If you’re so afraid, why did you build this gigantic fortress and isolate us from everyone?”

His father fixed the rifle under his chin.

“What are you doing?” Bernard lunged and tried to wrestle the rifle from his father.

“I’m always afraid,” Miles answered, and pulled the trigger.

MORAL OF THE STORY: If your mind thinks it, your heart will act upon it. Protect your mind at all costs.

Proverbs 23: 7 – For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Mental health awareness is a real thing. SEEK HELP! You are worth it! For more information, click here.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE ENCOURAGEMENT:

Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

2 Timothy 1: 7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Ephesians 6: 11-18 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Mathew 10:28 – And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mathew 12: 43-45 – When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Mark 3: 30 – Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

The Parable of the Skinned Knee and the Band Aid

February 9, 2022 / Chiara

There was once a little girl named Patty. She was playing in her driveway when she fell and skinned her knee. Running inside with tears as big as grapes, she wailed as blood oozed down her left leg. Her mother, Annie, took her and held her until the rivulets turned to streaks on her rosy cheeks.

The mother looked at the bruised-up knee. There was a deep gash about an inch long. It was on the kneecap, and the blood was dark and thick. Patty studied her mom looking for any signs of concern. Annie aware of fearful big brown eyes watching her every move, remained calm.

“Okay,” she said, settling her daughter on the kitchen chair. “I’m going to get some cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, ointment, and band-aids.”

Patty was scared and began to fidget. “Will it hurt?”

“A little, with some burning,” Annie consoled. “But, all of these things will help heal your cut.”

The mom cleaned the wound and placed a band-aid on it. “Now,” she said, “we don’t remove the band-aid, okay? It has to be covered to prevent infection.”

Patty’s eyes bulged. “What do you mean? We’re never going to remove the band-aid?”

Her mother smiled. “No, honey, I didn’t say that. We’re going to have to change it often, especially when we take baths, and we will clean it and put a brand new band-aid each time.”

The child bent her knee to inspect the bandage. “How long will that take, Mommy?”

Annie patted her daughter’s head, “Until your cut skin is attached together and no more blood is seeping out. We want to keep your blood inside your body, not outside on your skin!”

Patty giggled.

A couple of days passed and both mom and daughter kept with the cleaning and band-aid regime. Annie even bought colorful band-aids with cartoon characters on them to help little Patty understand not to remove the bandage.

A few more days passed and as the mom inspected the wound, she found that the skin was indeed joined together. No more gash! Happily, she explained to Patty, “Okay, we can now take off the band-aid.”

Patty, taken aback by this new change folded her arms. “I like the band-aids. I want to keep putting it on.”

Annie shook her head. “You don’t need it anymore. See,” she pointed at her daughter’s kneecap. “The cut is closed up. There is no blood anymore. There is no more need for a band-aid.”

Little Patty was alarmed. “What if it breaks open?”

Her mom grinned. “Your skin won’t ‘break open’. You’ll be okay.”

But, Patty wouldn’t have it. “No, I want it on!” The truth was she’d grown fond of the band-aids—liked the security of having one on, just in case. Frankly, she was frightened of having to remove the bandage altogether because it was a comfort to see it on her knee every day.

Annie sensing the rebellion and uncertainty in her daughter’s voice took a deep breath and said, “Honey, you’re going to have it let it breathe. It’s part of the healing process for any cuts and bruises. You can do it, I know you’re brave. Look how good you were to help yourself in healing your knee.”

Patty gazed at her mother. What would she do?

The moral of the story:

Where does your security lie?

Humans are creatures of habit. We cling to things: clothes, books, jewelry, and material items that give the illusion of protection, even holding onto hurtful memories of long ago. And, there’s nothing wrong with that, but there comes a time when those possessions and experiences need to be let go. The shedding of the old needs to begin and we need to breathe!

1 Corinthians 13:11 – When I was a child I spoke like a child. I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways.

2 Timothy 1: 7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of sound mind.

Digging Out: The Task at Hand

February 4, 2022 / Chiara

I’ll be honest, I enjoy shoveling the snow. I don’t like driving in it, but shoveling, yes! My therapy. It’s that central focus on removing snow from a designated area. It’s about making shoveled lines and looking at “your” clearing with joy.

Most importantly, it’s the pure bliss of concentration and “being in the moment” experience where I don’t have to think about my worries, other tasks, and uncertainties that often try to crowd my thoughts.

Colossians 3: 2 – “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Shoveling allows me to be present and not bring in negative thoughts. I know it’s not for everyone, but chores in itself can be calming. If your mind is fogged today, let this also be a reminder…

Philippians: 4: 6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

I hope this encourages you as it does for me. Stick to the task at hand and give the rest away. This post has been inspired by the song, “Keep Me In the Moment” by Jeremy Camp. Watch video here.

So, What’s Your Word of 2022?

January 25, 2022 / Chiara

Okay, so I’m late to the party, I know, but it’s still January. Drum roll, please… Here is my post on “My Word of the Year”.

My word of the year is Revive.

Dictionary.com defines Revive as:

Verb (used with object), re·vived, re·viv·ing.

To activate, set in motion, or take up again; renew: to revive old feuds.
To restore to life or consciousness: We revived him with artificial respiration.
To put on or show (an old play or motion picture) again.
To make operative or valid again.

Verb (used without object), re·vived, re·viv·ing.

To return to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, or a flourishing condition.
To recover from financial depression.

I’ve been doing “word of the year” for a bit now and find that it grounds me, focuses me, and reminds me throughout the year (the meaning and why I chose that word) when I forget “my word of the year”. I know some people do “word of the month” or “word of the week”, etc. Two years ago, in 2020, my word was RESTART, in 2021, my word was RESET. I happen to write a blog on RESET too. And now this year, 2022, my word is going to be REVIVE.

I know what you’re thinking? What gives with all these “R” words? I can’t honestly tell you, except maybe I like the alphabetical letter “R”.

Why REVIVE?

Two reasons:

The Bible scripture of Ezekiel 37:1-14 is “Valley of Dry Bones”. It conjures such a vivid image in my mind that I happen to find a picture similar online, see below. To me, this scripture is an awakening, a reviving of those things that are important. I’ve been feeling a little dry, and a little out of sorts. I need a NEW breath in my bones. I need an awakening of ideas and thoughts that have been “asleep”. And so, I need this word, REVIVE, more than anything to jump-start me to action. Click here for a great article that explains the scripture.

For those that don’t know, I read the Bible from cover to cover, Genesis 1:1 to Revelations 22:21. I started it as a Bible in January 2019. It took me two years and two weeks to finish reading in February 2021. I documented my reading experience and that story was covered in a local Christian magazine, called Christ Is Our Hope. Click here to read it.

A great song by one of my favorite Christian bands, Casting Crowns, off of their album, Only Jesus, titled: “Awaken Me”. When I first heard the song, it referenced Ezekiel 37: 1-10. It made sense that it was about breathing into the bones that were dead. However, as I listened to the song over and over again, and read “Chapter 4: A Beautiful Thing”, the book version of the CD, Only Jesus. Here, I realized that this song has themes from many Bible scriptures. Such as:
1. Luke 15: 11-32. The story of the Prodigal son who realized his errors and returned home to his father after squandering all his money.
2. Ephesians 5:13-14. Comparing God’s truth to a bright light.
3. Isaiah 6: 5-7. Only God can clean your unclean lips and change you.

Here is the Youtube video of “Awaken Me”. Then, watch the video from Mark Hall that explains the meaning behind the song.

The book is available via Amazon.

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Ephesians 5:13-14.

For the last two years, my heart has been stirred to look at my Bible more for guidance and direction in my life for help with my relationships with my husband and daughters. I’m finding myself growing spiritually and reviving my soul in God’s Word.

In August 2021, a thought crossed my mind and I had to write it down. Here it is:

“I can’t unknow what I learned to know about the Truth of Jesus Christ.”

This statement is very true. I am NOT ASHAMED of who I’m becoming—a saved, born-again believer in Jesus Christ. I can’t go back to who I was before. Little by little, the TRUTH is being manifested in my everyday life. I have been REVIVED.

Do you have a “special” word? Drop me a line and let me know.

References:

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/revive

https://knowingscripture.com/articles/dry-bones-and-the-resurrection-of-the-dead-ezekiel-37-1-14

When Life Throws You Curves…Christ is Our Hope Magazine Article

Resetting the Restart

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