Winter's Trek

Below is a poem I wrote a few years ago.  Although it’s old, I think it’s fitting for the season.  I hope you all had a great Christmas, and wish you the best for an amazing start to 2014!

         I

As the winter winds begin to blow,

and as the trees casts shadows on the newly fallen snow,

I feel the wintry gusts fill my very heart and soul.

Is it the wind I fear, or something much more near?

I wonder. 

         II

I walk along the snow-laden path,

thinking of the fire in the hearth at home

and my heart fills with glee at the prospect of a warm bed,

dispelling everything of fear of menace, leaving warmth.

Oh yes, the winter winds blows near, but I am safe and that has made all the difference.

         III

When I was a child, I think, I was simple-minded,

as I walk through the snow.

Life and death seemed like a game to me,

as if handling a ball of fire and never getting burned.

I laugh at my ignorance and self-absorbance as make my way along the snowy path.

The feeling of comfort fades, but its light is still dimly seen through the bows of the trees.

IV

Again, my fear grows.  Old fears and suspicions rise.

Home is nowhere in sight.

I gasp, faltering to the ground.

Is it ever going to end, I wonder.  Is this unceasing cold all I am ever going to know.

“No, I tell myself.  The light of home is just around the corner.  Keep pressing and you’ll find it.”

I get up and walk a few more paces. 

V

There it is!  Home at last.

My joy soars.

I run towards the glittering lights in the windows.

Yes, I am truly home.  Let the winter winds blow,

for I am home…Fears and self-doubts melt away, 

leaving me with a joyful feeling of

home and family.

Christmas Butterfly

I just now wrote something and thought it was blog worthy.  Merry Christmas to you all and may all your dreams come true!

A butterfly came to visit me one night;

its wings glistening in the snow,

where it came from—

No one knows—

A butterfly came to visit me one night—

Whispering among the pines—

Seemingly saying, “don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

Its beauty awed me and as I stared,

It lighted upon a branch and I knew nothing compared—

As I stood awe-stricken, it said—

“It’s Christmastime, my dear, and all the world is aglow—

As you should be—as you very well know—

Don’t let your sorrows weigh on your heart in this joyous time—

For they only last a second, while happiness lasts forever,

And fills hearts ‘till they overflow—

“So forget your cares and woes, and watch my wings

Flutter and dance—

For they are like angel’s,

Thin and light,

Spreading Christmas joy throughout the world—

So, don’t be low—

It’s Christmastime—

Just let your heart have my wings—

And it will be all right with all things—

I know things in life are rocky right now, but

Just heed my words and have my wings—

And all will be all right with the world, you’ll see”—

Now, this happened many years ago,

But I still head the butterfly’s words especially around Christmastime—

And pray he has visited ones who have sorrows in their heart—

And hope that same butterfly chooses to alight on them,

Knowing they will never be the same, having joy within their very being—

Especially around the holiday season!

Helen’s World

Hi All,

I came upon a video about Helen Keller that was very inspirational.  Although she’s been gone for many years, her words for me still speak volumes about life, loss and the will to perservere.  Forgive my short blog.  I’m coming up on final’s week, so time is precious commodity!  Thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoy the video.

Don’t Give up on Hope

I found the article below and it spoke to me, especially as we enter into the holiday season.  The article uplifted my spirits so much I thought I’d re-post on my blog in the hopes you’d find as much as pleasure as I did.  Enjoy!

P.S.  I want to thank all of you for continuing to read my blog.  It fortifies me as I embark on my final two weeks of my last fall semester.  You’ll never know how much it means! 

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/12/when-youre-this-close-to-giving-up-hope/

Thanksgiving Spirit

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I look back on this past year in wonderment and I marvel on the blessings bestowed upon me.  This is the time when I recount the year’s achievements, but also know the daunting tasks that still lay ahead of me.  I know if I keep the spirit of Thanksgiving in my heart everything will fall into place and it will reinforce thankfulness for family, friends and my persistent drive that will take me places I only imagine!

Have a good week!

Try, Try Again

Hi All,

I wanted to say last how last night’s UCP’s 60^th anniversary celebration inspired me so much.  As I heard speeches of encouragement and gratitude, I felt so enlightented!  In the past few weeks, a friend gave me this poem by T. H. Palmer named Try, Try Again, and I thought this occasion perfectly.  I hope you enjoy and are inspired by it the same way I was!

‘Tis a lesson you should heed,
If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try again;

Then your courage should appear,
For if you will persevere,
You will conquer, never fear
Try, try again;

Once or twice, though you should fail,
If you would at last prevail,
Try, try again;

If we strive, 'tis no disgrace
Though we do not win the race;
What should you do in the case?
Try, try again

If you find your task is hard,
Time will bring you your reward,
Try, try again

All that other folks can do,
Why, with patience, should not you?
Only keep this rule in view:
Try, try again.

Don't Quit

Hi All,

We made it through another week--Yippy skippy!  You all know my fascination with poetry, but since I don't time to write my own these days I've been finding inspirational ones with my friend, Alta.  This is a poem that speaks to me during these final weeks of my fall semester.  Thank you for your continuing support.  Love you all!

Don't Quit

 

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit-

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns

And many a fellow turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup;

And he learned too late when the night came down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It might be near when it seems afar;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

It Couldn't Be Done

A friend recently read this to me and I thought it blog material.  As always, I hope you had a good week.  Thank you for your continuing support.  It bolsters me as I go through these college days :)  I hope you enjoy the poem by Edgar Albert Guest.

Everyone have a good weekend!

It Couldn't Be Done

 Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
 But he with a chuckle replied
 That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
 Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried. 

 So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
 On his face. If he worried he hid it.
 He started to sing as he tackled the thing
 That couldn't be done, and he did it.

 Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
 At least no one ever has done it;"
 But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
 And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.

 With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
 Without any doubting or quiddit,
 He started to sing as he tackled the thing
 That couldn't be done, and he did it.

 There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
 There are thousands to prophesy failure;
 There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
 The dangers that wait to assail you.

 But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
 Just take off your coat and go to it;
 Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
 That "cannot be done," and you'll do it. 

 

Defying the Odds

Today, I found this totally awesome video I think defines all of us, but especially those with disabilities.  I hope you find this as inspirational as I do!

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

Hold On

Hi all.  It’s Friday again!  T.G.I.F.  This week, a friend read a poem I found very inspiring, so much I thought I’d share with you all.  It’s a feel-good piece.  I hope you find it as moving as I did.  If you feel the urge, please comment.  Everyone have a wonderful fall weekend!  And without further ado—the poem.

Hold on my heart

Hold on, my heart, in your believing—

Only the steadfast wins the crown;

He, who when stormy winds are heaving,

Parts with his anchor, will go down;

But he who Jesus holds through all,

Will stand, though Heaven and earth should fall.

Hold on!  An end will come to sorrow;

Hope from the dust will conquering rise;

The storm foretells a summer’s morrow;

The Cross points on to Paradise;

The Father reigns!  So cease all doubt;

Hold on, my heart.  Hold on. hold out.

A Life Lived Beyond Reason

I came across this article yesterday.  It’s somewhat old, but it spoke volumes about how the mind has to go beyond reason to enjoy life’s blessings as they are bestowed on us—one of my deeply held beliefs.  I hope you read and enjoy this article as much as I did.  It’s certainly worth pondering! As always, all comments are welcome.

Everyone have a good weekend!

http://chronicle.com/article/article-content/125242/

Confirmation

Today, I’d like to express my utter joy I felt this week as I looked at UCP of Central Pennsylvania’s quarterly magazine.  It contained a book review I wrote during my time as an intern there this summer.  As a writer, I cannot express the true sense of accomplishment I felt as I read my words on the page.  That magazine article added clarity and purpose to my mission as I complete my final leg of my college journey.

Thanks to all!

P.S.  I just realized this is 100th blog.  Woo-hoo...What a fitting milestone!

Story

Due to my trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday, I must admit I’m a bit brain dead!  I promise I’ll write about that some other time.  So, instead of writing through my fog, I’ve decided to post an inspiring video that moved me very much.  I hope you’ll feel the same way.  I thank you all in advance for understanding!

Have a great weekend.

A Note

Last week, I wrote a note to one of my good friends; an elderly man who lost his wife not quite a year ago.  In the midst of my busy school schedule, I remembered I hadn’t communicated with him in a while.  As I wrote, it brought to mind the joy every time I see or talk to him; a happiness that only a good friend evokes.  It reminded me to delight in the simple pleasures of life; above all, the human connection we all have.  To partake in that is the greatest gift of all!  Isn’t that what it’s all about?   It certainly is for me.

Happy fall weekend, everyone!

Eunice's Hope

This video touches on two subjects very near and dear to my heart: individuals who have disabilities and the Kennedys.  Caught up in the glitz and glamour of JFK's presidency, I forget his sister worked tirelessly on behalf for those who had disabilities.  It is heart-warming to know this woman pioneered in making lives better for those who have special needs.  She made this a finer world and afforded hope for the future!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Runner

Hi All,

Today, I found this YouTube video and wanted to share it.  I hope you are inspired by it like I am!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Gram

I realized today if my grandmother were still alive, she would see her ninety-first birthday this coming Monday.  This gave me cause to pause and reflect, about what she represents to me today, seven years after her death.  Through her ten year long struggle with Leukemia, she remained vital, always propelling forward, never looking back. “Tiny, but mighty,” I used to say.  She never quit, never gave up.  Today, remembering her life gives me strength on tough days and her example keeps me in good stead.  So on Monday, I’ll stop and pause to thank the woman who meant so much in life, and in death as well.  She remains a guiding beacon and always will as long as I live.

Happy Birthday, Gram!

The Purpose Driven Life

I know it may sound cheesy, but I saw the quote below on Facebook today and fell in love with it.  It spoke directly to me, not only as I embark on another semester at Messiah, but about life’s principles in general.  Coming upon this quote seemed auspicious at this juncture in my life as I anticipate what my final fall semester will entail.  I thank everyone for their support as they continue to follow my unending journey.

"You know you’re surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don't have to always be 'in charge.' The Bible says, 'Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him,' Psalm 37:7a (GWT). Instead of trying harder, you trust more. You also know you’re surrendered when you don’t react to criticism and rush to defend yourself. Surrendered hearts show up best in relationships. You don’t edge others out, you don’t demand your rights, and you aren’t self-serving when you’re surrendered."

From The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

If

Today, I read this poem by Rudyard Kipling and it somewhat exemplifies my feelings as I embark on my final fall semester.  I hope this speaks to you as it does me!  Thank you for your continuing support.  It really means a lot as I prepare to embark on another leg of my unending journey.

If—

By Rudyard Kipling

(‘Brother Square-Toes’—Rewards and Fairies)

If you can keep your head when all about you   

    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,   

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

    But make allowance for their doubting too;   

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

    Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;   

    If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;   

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

    And treat those two impostors just the same;   

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

    And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

    And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

    And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

    To serve your turn long after they are gone,   

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

    Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,   

    Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

    If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,   

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,   

    And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Complements of http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/175772

Summer’s End

Today, I sadly admit is the last day of my internship with UCP.  I thought I’d celebrate with a poem.  Again, thank you for your support.  I'll return to my Friday schedule next week, so keep your eyes peeled for more of my ramblings!  And now, my poem!

The wind in the trees tells of summer’s demise,

like a long-lost-friend beckoning to come home again—

I pause, knowing this is the end—

the end of a mystical, magical time—

I try to grasp harder, try to get a better hold of it all—

but time, time in its infinite wisdom says it is all for not—

I grasp to no avail—

“Was it “A Midsummer Night’s Dream?” I ask, slightly confused—

No, I realize—

it’s that brief time when everything’s right in the world—

a utopia of sorts—

soon to be gone—

Only to be spoken as myth to the young—

To be forgotten—

A brief time, indeed—

Never to be rediscovered—

To be remembered as a time in the sun—

There’ll be other summers certainly—

But this, this one is etched on my mind

For all time—

Eternity—

The winter wind will not erase the joy

felt in my heart—

My very being—

For this brief time

Indeed, summer will come again!

From a Cocoon to a Butterfly

Today, as I reflected upon my internship with UCP during this summer, an image of a beautiful butterfly floated into my brain.  It seems to me, at least, I finally broke out of my tightly wound and protected cocoon and emerged as a free, unfettered butterfly; able to affect change wherever I go.  I must say my time at UCP afforded me the biggest gift of all, the gift of confidence.  As I embark on my final fall semester at Messiah College, the wondrous image of that unfettered butterfly will stay at the forefront of my mind, but more importantly, in the center of my inner being!

Thanks to UCP’s staff for letting me be that butterfly…You’ll never know how much that means!

Reaching New Heights

Today, while perusing the Internet, I found this very inspiring news clip.  As I embark on the last week of my second internship at UCP, I’ve heard countless amazing and inspiring stories during these short months.  I feel honored to be a part of this and be able to help raise awareness in some small way during my time working for this organization!

Enjoy the video!

The Key to Happiness

“Independence is happiness”

~ Susan B. Anthony

Today, I stumbled on this quote by accident and thought it would be good blog fodder.  I’ve always been an admirer of Susan B. Anthony and her quest for women’s rights, but this quote stretches beyond her cause, I think.  If there is independence of the mind itself, it causes the greatest happiness—the greatest worthiness in oneself.  Sometimes, we lose that happiness—that omnipresent freedom we only find in the celebration in our uniqueness.  So, honor your independence, for it is the key to happiness!

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Gift From the Sea

Today, I’m posting an excerpt from one of my all-time favorite books, Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.  Even though I first read the book a long time ago, its words always remained with me and served me well in life.  I hope this has the calming effect on you that it does me. 

“When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - in freedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners in the same pattern.

The only real security is not in owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it might be in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now. Relationships must be like islands, one must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits - islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and continually visited and abandoned by the tides.”
― Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea

A Critique of Monet

As a follow-up on last Friday’s commentary on Monet, I thought I’d post one of my favorite poems I’ve written over the years about him.  Trying to capture the beauty of Monet’s brushstrokes is very difficult, in my estimation, but this is my young attempt to do so.  I hope you all enjoy!

How precisely his movement of brush glided over the canvas as he worked.

The beauty of the objects which he saw captures the entire being.

A sparkling lake, a bubbling spring, and a garden filled with colorful, but

Delicate flowers.  Red roses, white lilies and purple asters create a sense of utopia.

It is intense, yet subtle.

The masterpieces transport one to another time and place.  To another century.

It is a place where only beauty remains, though tempered by the reality of the world.

A pastoral, sweet existence for which one yearns.

The man fades, but the image remains of pictorial visions in the sky.

A little girl sitting on a bench in the park, a flower covered wall and a cornfield are

All familiar objects in his imagery.

One is left to wonder if that sense of pastoral passion will every be captured

again.

Or is the spirit too wistful, too unique?

Monet’s Garden

Today, I came upon an article I thought fit nicely with the post I wrote about Emily Dickinson’s garden a few weeks ago.  As we try to calm ourselves in our fast-paced world, it is nice to know nature is always there, waiting for us as a refuge.  I have always loved Claude Monet’s artwork and found a certain peace, as I look at his various works.  I hope this article speaks to you as it did me!

Have a good weekend, and if you feel so compelled, comment!

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/homestyle/what-we-can-learn-from-monets-garden-20130721-2qces.html

A Big Voice

Once again, I found a truly inspiring YouTube video and felt compelled to share with you.  As always, feel free to comment!

Happy Wednesday!

Pebbles and Shells

I want to thank my friends for an amazing time at the beach last week.  It was a time for reflection—to review the past year’s events and achievements, but also to look ahead—to prepare for life changes and anticipate their effect on my thoughts, words and deeds.  I must say as I start to focus on my final year at Messiah College, I feel a sense of urgency and uncertainness.  Last week, as I saw the tide roll in and out though, a peaceful serenity washed over me, and I realized the waves of the ocean is like life itself—continuous pebbles and shells wash onto shore, only to be swept away again.  Doesn’t that sound like life?  No one knows what pebbles and shells they’ll encounter, but once in a while, they discover a beautiful one and cling to them with every breath they have.  That makes everything all right in the world.  I know no matter my life challenges, I’ll always find beautiful pebbles and shells in all of my travels!  I hope you do as well.