IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE is not meant to be morbid, but a reminder to value each life, our lives included, as life can be changed or even ended in a blink of an eye. I share personal stories and a lesson to fill each moment of life as if it is the first or even the last one. Life is unique to each one of us and is to be cherished. #blog #lifelessons #life #love #positivity #amwriting
Month: December 2018
IN THE BLINK OF THE EYE
IN A TWINKLING OF YOUR EYE,
This morning I want to blog on this subject again as we have had another reminder how life can be changed in a twinkling of an eye. Recently, a young father and husband posed for a Christmas picture with both his loving wife and 5 month old child. Hours later, by the hands of an illegal alien, his life was taken. Looking at the picture it seems haunting now, to see how happy he was, how proud he was sharing his little family, and how proud he was to be an outstanding member of law enforcement. This post is not a political post at all, it reminded me of this message I have written about life’s unpredictability.
May we remember this family in our prayers and all others who have faced death and/or lost loved ones without prior notice. I thought this morning how most of us at this time of the year begin to think of this year ending and have we done all we had planned. I considered the parallel to this thought process. As this year will end, so will our lives and have we done all we have planned? Here is the original post:
With the blink of your eye, your entire life can change is the subject of my blog today. A friend of mine who is familiar with my inspirational blog shared an interesting story today and it touched me. This made me think of how many times in my life have I been privy to stories from a lot of people of events which changed a certain person for life. The blog serves as a sounding board for all of us how quickly our lives, our jobs, our health, and unfortunately our relationships. Here is the blog message from this inspiration.
My first story: A woman in her late 60’s who had some health issues but nothing outwardly visible uses the services of a lady to run errands, accompany on doctor’s appointments and to buy groceries. This kind lady, even though she has been paid for her time, cares enough for this lady treats her more like a mother rather than a caretaker. This has been going on for several years and it is a mutually respected friendship as well as financial arrangement. The care giver who I will call Linda for the sake of the story and and Ann for the lady who needs some help are my characters for this story. Linda had seen Ann only two days prior to the events which are life changing and Ann showed no symptoms of any discomfort and seemed in fair health. Linda tried to call Ann to see if she needed any assistance before she got very busy with the holiday festivities. Since Ann doesn’t drive, Linda was shocked for her not answering the phone. Ann’s sister lives with her but her sister still works. When Linda was trying to reach Ann, she finally got in touch with the sister who told her Ann was in the hospital. To make a long story short, Linda was shocked when she was told not to be shocked how Ann looked since she had just seen her and she looked fine. When Linda got to the hospital, the nurses were in the room with Ann and she couldn’t get a look see since the nurse was blocking her view. Once the nurse asked were there any more questions or if she could do anything else, she moved out of the way and Linda could see Ann. She almost gasped at the paleness and the inability to move her hands and some other body parts. It didn’t even look like her friend who she is so close with and sees on a regular basis. Life had changed for Ann in a twinkling of her eye.
Another story: A young man who had recently married his wife driving home in their jeep for Christmas for the holiday break and not far from their destination was slammed by a woman in a hurry running the stop sign. Touch and go for the young man who I will call John. Family came in and the news was not encouraging and for days they were not sure he would live. By God’s grace, he lived but had a spine injury which left him paralyzed. In the twinkling of his eye, his life changed dramatically and so did all of his family. I use his story for a good purpose. He has a smile on his face every time anyone comes in his eyeshot. He has not stopped living and through determination he lives on and is expanding his family.
Personal Story from 2011: This morning I want to share something personal and I am praying that it reaches some soul. Last year at this time, my sister and I knew that Momma was soon to leave this world. I planned on spending the weekend at the nursing home with Momma and chose to go the day after the New Year to avoid traffic. As I was packing on the morning of the 2nd, I had gotten a call that Momma was close to death. I was hurrying, doing everything I could to get to her and then the call from Juanelle came in that Momma had passed. I say this not to call for sympathy as I know where Momma is today, but I say it to anyone who has put off, procrastinated, forgotten someone they love, or let other things get in the way of going to see a loved one. I didn’t know the last time I hugged my Mother, told her how much I loved her and that it was okay as she was ready to go to Jesus, it was okay to go that it would be the last time, until eternity starts for me, that I would look into her precious face and kiss her. Never put off what you need to do today as tomorrow may not offer another opportunity. I don’t have guilt as I was there every chance I could be, but I know that every minute that I shared with her was worth a million more reasons of doing something else. If you have a loved one that needs to see your face or if there is someone in a home, their home, or at a hospital and it would mean the world to them to see your face, by all means, please get up and go!One last story for all of us to realize: Too many people are talking to others and their lives end in the twinkling of an eye. Too many people put themselves in harms way without any intention that innocent as they are; someone else takes their lives needlessly. Too many people are drawing their last breath but are unaware that it is their last one and in a twinkling of an eye, they depart this earth.
Not all stories end tragically; not all lives end unexpectedly but all lives do end at some point in time and that is the purpose of this blog. I am not selling gloom and doom but getting real. Live Life; Love Life; and Live Life to the fullest by understanding every moment of every day is important so don’t take Life Lightly and appreciate each loving moment you share with your loved ones as it might be the last moment you share with this loved one.
Featured Bible Verse:
1 Corinthians 15:52 King James Version
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed
(C) Copyright 2012-2018 Arline Miller with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material sourced to original location for reference credit.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
Since all of us have families and special places to go, I am taking a break until the first of January to catch up with relatives and friends. Please take this time and enjoy precious family time.
May you have a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year! I hope that we have lots of topics to discuss in the new year.
I appreciate your patronage and your comments are greatly received with my gratitude.
See you in 2019 with exciting new blog posts!
Arline Miller
Author and Blogger
CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANDY CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS
via CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANDY CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS
Sometimes a blog post is like a great tradition, worthy of repetition. CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS is one of the blog messages I am proudest. It teaches a life lesson and a sweet reward for good deeds. Please read the blog, savor it, and share it with others. #blog #children #parenting #life #Christmas #love #amwriting
CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANDY CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS
This was a post in 2016 and more grandchildren are here (8 total) and each one precious in their own right. I thought I would repost this one for several reasons. Yes, the candy cane house is out on the counter waiting for the grands to see but not touch and will go home with them as years before. Why I bring this tradition up is to reflect how important the little things and lessons we teach the young ones stays with them as reminded a few days ago when one of our grandsons came to spend his one on one day with Granddaddy and Nana. He saw the Christmas tree and was excited to be the first one to see his birdhouse (that is a blog post for another day) but what I found to be profound was when he spotted the candy canes in the house on the counter. He didn’t want to grab one even though he immediately let Nana know peppermint is one of his favs. He reminded me of the promise of Nana sending those candy canes home at Christmas for their reward candy. Oh, how Nana smiled and promised those were their reward candy canes. How sweet it is. I was reminded we do make a difference and now for the original blog post:
CHILDREN SLEEP WHILE SUGAR CANDY CANES DANCE IN THEIR HEADS. We live in a world where a lot of children never know what the word no means. I am writing this post in hopes some people will read it and witness positive ways to bring children into reality and hopefully dispel some of the fantasy of giving anything to children anytime they say they want it
.
At first, when our son (my stepson but he is like mine) and his beautiful wife started having a lot of children, we were shocked. Of course we worried like all grandparents do….Will they be able to take care of them?…..Will they be able to take the time with each one?……Will they be able to get good education…..and on and on. Old dogs can learn new tricks and both of us, Granddaddy and Nana have observed one of the best parenting teams we have ever seen.
To emphasize a little of how it works, allow me to share how they take a “Nana gonna spoil them” event and change it into a tradition and a learning to reward good actions. We had bought candy canes at Christmas and put them into a ceramic house (see photo) and the boys immediately spotted the candy canes. While Nana was ready to give them out to each one, Cory spoke up and said, “Nana can send the candy canes home with us and when you do something really good, you will get one as a reward.” I was expecting some rebuttal from our grands but they were pleased to have a goal and I could almost see Nolan calculating just how good he was going to be to get the most. There was no more discussion until I was packing up some of the leftovers and the boys wanted to know if I had packed their Candy Canes. This was about 3 Christmases ago and each year they walk into Nana’s kitchen and look for their Candy Canes. I wrote a poem about this tradition and you bet Nana has their candy canes ready for them.
Here is Myles the youngest grandson with our first granddaughter.
My daughter Missy with most of the boys. What a lot of love for Aunt Missy |
Candy Canes with Loving Care
The candy canes are hung with loving care
In hopes the grandchildren will see them there.
It is a tradition for the canes to accompany them.
For a reward, they can earn; not eat on a whim.
Each year as the boys come into the room,
It seems as if their bright eyes begin to zoom.
Nana, are those our candy canes?
Yes, boys, your excitement never wanes.
They are to be earned for your good deeds
Not to be gobbled whenever you please.
Your parents will keep them nice and safe.
So be good boys and don’t hesitate.
To say I love you, thank you, and please.
Be nice to each other; kindly play not tease.
We have lots of candy canes so release
All your goodness and enjoy your sweets.
For our grands who love the candy canes and all our
Love……Nana and Granddaddy 2016
Written by Arline Miller
Now for the deeper thought……Sometimes we forget as we get older the most precious moments and special gifts are those gifts we work toward and feel a great accomplishment when we achieve. It is not the monetary value; it is the love behind the gift. I have witnessed so much love and sharing between our 5 grandsons and now they have their sister who each one of them take the time to hug or touch Mason when they pass by. She is special to them and I know they will teach her the Candy Cane Rewards that Nana will send home with them as she grows older. Maybe it might be fun to try this little game with your grandchildren and watch how they respond. Have a Merry Christmas or Holiday Season with the little ones! CHRISTMAS is the birthday of Jesus Christ who is the reason for the season.
BIBLE FEATURED VERSE:
Luke 2:1-20New International Version (NIV)
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
(c) Copyright 2012-2016 Arline Miller with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced to original location for reference credit.
BROKEN ORNAMENTS SIMILAR TO LIFE
via BROKEN ORNAMENTS SIMILAR TO LIFE
With Christmas trees up in a lot of our homes, stress can be higher than normal. People trying to please other people, attempting to give the perfect gift, organizing get togethers, and all of the usual tasks that the season brings. May your family time be loving and peaceful and bask in the reason for the season is this bloggers wish for all. Please join me on the blog for BROKEN ORNAMENTS SIMILAR TO LIFE and share with others. #blog #holidays #life #family #Christmas #amwriting
BROKEN ORNAMENTS SIMILAR TO LIFE
Since we are blessed with eight grandchildren and two of them still in toddler stage, I bypassed putting up our traditional tree and went with an interesting Cardinal Tree with hand painted birdhouses by the grandchildren with a Granddaddy and Nana two hole birdhouse as the topper. No breakable ornaments to worry about. We had one of the grands here with us yesterday (in the photo) who thought the birds looked real and the tree was awesome. It reminded me of this post I wrote in 2016 about the similarity between broken ornaments and broken lives. Maybe it needs repeating. May your holidays be filled with many moment of love and may all of your ornaments and lives stay in one piece.
Here is the original blog message: BROKEN ORNAMENTS ARE LIKE BROKEN LIVES
TODAY THE WORDS are BROKEN ORNAMENTS. On this morning, my mind went to a place of remembrance of how it feels to lose something or as you will see “someone”. A lot of times in my writing, in order to put feelings in simpler terms, I use what I can replacement memories. If it is something we can relate to everyday or normal events, it is somehow easier to get a point across to others or at least it can make common sense. Most of us have our Christmas trees, or if not, we have occasions which have ornaments or displays which have a value to them and to us when we show them to the world. As a Christian, we have the decorated Christmas tree to celebrate Christmas season. For most of us, we start early collecting the ornaments, and even though the monetary worth is usually low; the emotional worth can be priceless. We unwrap them very carefully and hang them and a lot of Wow, Ooh, and Aah’s are heard as the ornaments are hung. Some have their “spots” to be hung; some even are hung in order. We add new ones each year but it is the older ones we cherish more and are so protective. My thoughts bring me to a sad thought of opening a box of ornaments, however carefully wrapped and cared for, finding one broken or even more than one and it is devastating. It doesn’t matter how many other wonderful, shiny ornaments we have; it is the loss of this one which takes our heart and crushes it. Even though the tree will still be beautiful, we know one of the best ornaments is no longer going to hang around and allow us to look at it and recall the years it has been around. This photo occurred a few days ago and it was so ironic that it would be this ornament that I had bought when my daughter’s cat became intrigued by the ornaments on the tree and decided to knock them off and push them down the stairs. After all of these years, about 20 that I have had that funny ornament, it came apart while hanging it and broke.
I see the same thing in life and now for the thought given to my heart…..Life is like the Christmas tree. We start life with a tree with some ornaments and we begin to add ornaments such as family and friends. Our tree begins with few and usually ends up with many lovely additions or “ornaments”. We, as loving people, take care of our “ornaments” by taking care of our siblings, starting our own families, and making sure our parents (the oldest ornaments and highly cherished) are cared for by wrapping them with love and care. Once in a while, one of the newer ornaments fall suddenly, without warning and are broken beyond repair and it is a tragedy. Some of the ornaments age and have to be cared for and repaired. They become fragile and we handle them carefully. When they finally break, and we can no longer have them on our tree; we feel their absence; we gaze at the tree and remember the missing ornaments while enjoying the new ornaments such as grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and new friends. It is impossible to tell when an ornament is going to break; all we can do is carefully wrap and enjoy each breathtaking moment we can share with them while we have them to enjoy. Live life; love life; and live life to the fullest by cherishing each wonderful moment and when you have a chance to say I Love You; Say It!
FEATURED BIBLE VERSE:
John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
(c) Copyright 2012-2018 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission. Third party material is sourced to original location if known for reference credit.
OUR GUEST BLOGGER: Donna Childre
via OUR GUEST BLOGGER: Donna Childre
Our guest blogger is a dear friend, Donna Childre. You may remember her since I have mentioned her and her husband Greg on the blog before. I have been so enlightened and inspired by Donna’s writings which are touching, personal messages with a highlight of honesty and integrity, not to mention a strong faith and servitude attitude. I like to say Donna is exactly what she portrays, absolute transparency. It is with pleasure and a sincere blessing that I present Donna’s bio and her post. We hope to see her again and please encourage her to find her writing platform. Please join me presenting EVERY DAY IS A GIFT. It is a gift within itself. #blog #amwriting #nature #faith #inspiration #positivity
OUR GUEST BLOGGER: Donna Childre
Our guest blogger is a dear friend, Donna Childre. You may remember her since I have mentioned her and her husband Greg on the blog before. I have been so enlightened and inspired by Donna’s writings which are touching, personal messages with a highlight of honesty and integrity, not to mention a strong faith and servitude attitude. I like to say Donna is exactly what she portrays, absolute transparency. It is with pleasure and a sincere blessing that I present Donna’s bio and her post. We hope to see her again and please encourage her to find her writing platform.
A Little Bio of Donna Childre:
Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my heart.”
A few days ago I was speaking with a couple of the wiser women of West Green about how I came to be a part of this little community. Until then I had always believed that I grew up in the best little spot in Coffee/Atkinson Counties. Some of the best people I know come from Fales and my childhood was pretty special. But, NO, they wouldn’t have it and assured me that West Green is the Honey Hole of the state.
I’m starting to believe them because you see, when we moved into our little Haven here on Huffer Road, we had an outdoor shed that was pretty much one gigantic hive and even had one in our house. Occasionally, we still have honey dripping down the walls.
I believe this little place we now call home had been being used as a community dump site. It was secluded, rustic, quaint, and had a variety of other people’s trash on the property. I jokingly told Greg that we could buy some goats and call it the Land of Milk and Honey. I saw hope and beauty. There’s not a doubt in my mind that God helped us to find this place and I’m thankful that He used a great friend who is also a realtor to help Him.
Several weeks ago, we were asked if our Huffer Haven could be used as the location for photo shoots for family Christmas pictures. What a difference four years has made in the transformation from Trash to Treasure. It hasn’t even seemed like much work because we’ve considered it such a gift. We are still unwrapping it and occasionally add some “lipstick and rouge” but are quite sheltered here in the Arms of God and the Honey Hole of the state.
Donna Childre with one of her many kitties
Childre love flows through their furbabies.
EACH DAY IS A GIFT…..By Donna Childre, guest blogger and Devotional Writer
“Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Each day is a gift, a present just waiting to be unwrapped. Every place we go and everything we do is part of the unwrapping. We get to choose whether we tear into the gift just looking for whatever is in it for us or whether we unwrap carefully, savoring each moment of the unveiling of the day.
God asks us for a lifetime commitment and desires a diligent work ethic from each of us. Just imagine the harvest that could be realized if we went about the business of sharing the peace of God with others. We sow into the lives of others in everything we do. Yes, even our Facebook posts but also the people we meet when we eat in restaurants, shop in stores, visit in hospitals, and a variety of other day to day activities. God uses us, ordinary people, to do His extraordinary work.
All of us who have experienced the peace that passes all understanding have a responsibility to share that gift with others who are far from peace. We have the message and we have the power. It may be a simple word of kindness or even a smile.
I believe in celebrating each and every moment of regular old days. It’s often the little things that mean the most and I look for the joy in the smallest of details. Many of you recognize the significance of some of the most trivial ideas or pictures I post while others shake their heads and wonder. I understand and it’s okay. I am what I am.
“Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord.” Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do” is everything you do. Your life is a gift. Unwrap it carefully and show the world the peace that you have. In whatever situation you are in, always do your best as if working for the Lord.
Note from Arline Miller, blogger and author: As a blogger and author myself, it is normal to encourage writers that exhibit a knack for writing. It takes talent but as much as talent, it requires dedication to regularly blog or even write. May we seek out others and give them a taste of the reward of reading your message that has been published and seen by over 75 countries and translated into their individual language of choice. If I can encourage one writer to step out of their comfort zone and share with the world a message that would not be heard otherwise. Thank you Donna Childre. I wish you the very best written words from your heart to shower the world with love and faith.
(C) COPYRIGHT 2012-2018 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced to original location for credit reference.
FINDING JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS….Guest Blogger Whitney Braun
via FINDING JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS….Guest Blogger Whitney Braun
Today on Sipping Cups of Inspiration, we are inspired by our guest blogger Whitney Braun, author and importantly, a new Mom. Please join me and all of the blogs’ viewers and share the blog with others. The title Finding Joy in the Little Things is fitting for this wonderful post. #blog #motherhood #holidays #amwriting #love #life #Christmas