Category: Spiritual

Posted in battle, depression, faith, Family, God, light, love, man, pain, peace, People, Physical, purpose, quote, Rachel, sacred, Spiritual, thankful, Warrior, woman

I Know This Man … I Know This Woman

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

I was a guest panelist for the St. Louis American Heart Association’s Workplace Wellness Solutions Forum this week.  What a wonderful experience to share the budget strategies I have incorporated in the wellness program at my workplace with other human resources and wellness professionals.  Our keynote speaker, Aaron Hunnel brought his message of perspective, positivity, passion, and purpose.  This humble young man has accomplished much in his young years. An American veteran who served two tours overseas, overcame addiction, has literally climbed several huge mountains, ran an Ironman Marathon with a disabled young woman as his partner, author of the book Upwards, and a successful business owner.  His keynote message “There Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” moved many to tears.  I sobbed.  His authentic message reached home in my heart.

You see I know this woman who has a beautiful soul. She seeks the good in everyone she meets. She loves unceasingly, full of “thank yous”, and affectionate hugs. “See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see,” Kirk Weisler is quoted, and this is what this woman lives.  And the courage she possesses is like no other I know.  This woman has not one but multiple disabling medical conditions. This woman is Rachel, my oldest daughter.  I am so proud of the character she has and is.  An “all abilities” woman.  The battles she has fought and continues to fight are extreme pain with advanced degenerative disc disease and arachnoiditis.  Depression, self-pity, “why me”s, “why now”, purposelessness, faithlessness, hopelessness Rachel has fought against too.  And this woman warrior has won!  Her faith in God has saved her time and time again, and will continue to sustain her.  Rachel gives love to family, friends, and strangers because she knows she was created for such as this.  Love is sacred, love shared, no holding back.

 

 

 

Posted in citizenship, creative, Emotional, Financial, God, heaven, house, live, meditation, Mental, Physical, prayer, purpose, quote, scripture, spirit, Spiritual, Vocational, write

By Chance Or Creative Citizenship

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

 

A wooden birdhouse nailed to a backyard maple tree was home to Eurasian tree sparrows year after year. Eventually the squirrels chewed a bigger hole and took residence.  Now the tree does not exist as we made way for a room addition to the house, but the prized songbirds still return to our feeders every winter.  The Eurasian tree sparrow finds its citizenship in some select communities in the St. Louis, Missouri vicinity.  “Its presence in Missouri dates back to shortly after the Civil War. At that time it was a fad among nature enthusiasts to import nightingales, chaffinches, bullfinches and other songbirds from Europe. This was done in the false hope that new birds might help control insect pests, but was also an excuse among nostalgic immigrants who wanted to see birds ‘from the old country,'” written in a Missouri Conservationist Magazine article.  These meek songbirds entertain us humans by making nests in our birdhouses and stay around for winter dining on seeds left in the feeders.  Not native to Missouri, but they thrive.

Writers and artists need their own space to allow their creative juices to flow.  Writers’ and artists’ retreats can be found around the world.  Michael Pollan’s cites in his book, A Place Of My Own, “a room of one’s own … is a space of solitude a few steps off the beaten track of everyday life.”  I think we all need that space whether it is a nook in your house, a favorite bench at the park, or trail to walk amongst the trees and wildlife.  Creativity is for all people.  Historians, sociologists, and National Geographic photography and author, Dan Buettner study people around the world, seek those who thrive and live as centenarians. These century-old people have 9 common threads in the communities they live in what has been now dubbed the “Blue Zones”.  These threads are unique to their culture but can be tied together.  These threads are: they move naturally, have purpose, consume plant-based foods and stop eating when 80% full, practice moderate wine consumption, have daily down time, their family comes first, live in the right tribe for self, and belong to a like faith community.

As a wellness professional I stand by the concept of “The 7 Dimensions of Wellness”:  physical, spiritual, vocational/financial, emotional, social, intellectual, and environmental which I can easily tie into the Blue Zone’s 9 common threads.  With all this, what is one dimension that the others surround around?  It is the spiritual dimension.  It defines our purpose, beliefs, and values.  It centers our thoughts, prayers, and meditations.  It is big enough that it allows us to accept others.  And your spiritual practice,  is it integrated in everyday life?  Are you thriving?  Where do you find your citizenship?  Are you here by chance or did the Creator create your place/space for a purpose?  And where will you be after the Earth is no more?  Your spirit lives forever.

 

 

Posted in forgiveness, God, jealousy, Jesus, love, patient, scripture, sinful woman

White As Snow

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

I watch the snowflakes flutter softly from the gray clouds while the deceptive sun rays warm through the window. It is very cold outside this January Sunday.  The way the song birds are feeding this afternoon, the flakes will grow in size, and accumulate to become a white cover.  I suspect to see a pure white landscape by early morning.  I love snow, the subtle uniqueness of each snowflake in contrast to the energy and excitement it generates.  Our 13-year old Labrador prances in this white fluff, old bones and all.

 

Snow also reminds me of what Jesus has done with my sin, and yours.  Isaiah 1:18 says “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” and the Psalms tell me “… wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”  There has to be a time to recognize sin for what it is, in order to be washed whiter than snow.  Anger that is out of control is sin.  Jealousy towards those seemingly more favored with a relationship, talent or possessions, unforgiveness towards another, disbelief in God’s promises, sex thoughts that linger beyond the marriage vow, impatience with the simple-minded, and using food, alcohol, uppers, downers, or whatever rather than listening and obeying God’s Word is sin.  Anything that separates us from God is sin.  Exam oneself.  Take the time now … Today am I right with my God and His people?

Those gaps in life, my shortcomings and downfalls are bridged with Jesus.  I can pray to God with confidence because of Jesus.  Jesus, God’s Son is the only example of the life without sin.  And the Gospel message “He who is without sin cast the first stone”, Jesus scolded the crowd surrounding a “sinful woman”.  Jesus could have cast the stone, but He did not and does not.  He chose to love.  Have you been that woman feeling the stones hit with the gossip, rumors, lies, judgement, abandonment, assaults, or disassociation?  Or are you the one throwing the self-righteous stone? For each, Jesus is there to make you “whiter than snow.”  The saying “pure religion is love in action,” reminds me to smile at all people who cross my path no matter if they smile back, be faithful to the faithless, give without expecting in return.  Be the one that goes beyond the dirt and finds the gold inside the unlovable.  Be Jesus’ hands and heart to those placed in your life.

 

Posted in Family, God, love, patient, quote, sufficient

Are We So Different?

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

Thanksgiving weekend brought together family and friends enjoying traditions and non-traditions.  A sweet 16 birthday party for my oldest granddaughter, as well as birthday celebrations for my 25-year old son and husband filled the rest of the 4-day weekend.  Family bloodlines run long of sufficient women, and the strong men who walk with us.  The differences whether male or female are in political views, religious beliefs, culinary preferences and restrictions, career choices, hobbies, aspirations, the boots we wear, and list goes on.  The pendulum of diversity swings very high at times even among spouses.

How does God encourage us to live? “Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” ~ Ephesians 4:2.   “I found out everybody’s different–the same kind of different as me. We’re all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us,” ~ author of Same Kind of Different As Me, Denver Moore tells us.  The same kind of different brings us to the same road, same pair of shoes, same need for love.  Love is the glue that binds us together, and it is the need we each have that makes us each the same.  So love folks. Love unceasingly!

 

Posted in envy, faith, Family, God, jealousy, life, light, live, love, peace, scripture, secure, thankful, write

Be The Light

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

“There are two ways of spreading the light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it,” author Edith Wharton is quoted. Edith began to write poems, short stories, and novels as a child in the latter 1800’s. Her first published novel would not be until she reached age 40, as it was not acceptable for a societal woman to be active in writing during this era. Edith’s life reflected her love for humanity during the first World War, brave efforts made for her French friends.  Days and years, maybe a dimly lit wick, but she persevered in those humane and writing works.  Edith Wharton’s influence is seen in literature and the arts today, and she has been gone from earth since 1937.

“He will not break a broken branch or put out a little fire. He will be faithful to make everything fair,” the Bible verse encourages us in Isaiah 42:3.  In today’s world when life seems totally unfair, there is this promise from the Old Testament. Do not put out your own light by living like life is unfair, slanted, short-changed.  Stop the envious comparisons to your family member, curtail the jealous plans to out beautify or own more than the Jones, and live your life at peace with yourself , neighbor, and God.  Be secure in God. Be thankful. “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine …”  Be that candle, and reflect God’s love for you as a mirror to the community you have been placed in.

candlelight

Posted in change, hope, life, prayer, quote, words, write

Words Can Change Lives

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

People Change

“Words. They sing. They teach. They sanctify. They were man’s first, immeasurable feat of magic. Words are living things. For they are filled with breath of life. Words can change lives,” author  Kirk Weisler writes.  I have hope.  I believe people can change for the better.  Do you?  So choose your words wisely.  Speak life, absent of criticism, cynicism, or sarcasm.  And pray unceasingly.

Posted in battle, Blog, cancer, daughter, day, Elisabeth, Emotional, Enemy, faith, Family, fear, fight, Financial, God, mother, Physical, prayer, Spiritual, thankful, victory, Warrior, write

Wonder Woman, A Village, And Miracles

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

 

A few months ago I began this blog dedicated to the warrior woman God has called each of us to be. This necessity to write about this topic came after my daughter, Elisabeth was diagnosed with two forms of breast cancer, stage 1.  Within each of us is a fighter, some more pronounced than others.  So I am not speaking of a roughneck girl looking for a fight.  (Though I believe either one of my daughters, daughters-in-law and their mothers could hold their own if confronted in a physical battle.)  With this blog I am speaking about the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional fight we as woman encounter on a daily basis.  And for some that fight is minute by minute of every day.  My Elisabeth had such the fight the past 5 months.  She told her story on her social media page, not whining and complaining, but injecting faith and the power God gives to fight against fear and the Enemy.  The Enemy, cancer lost!  After 5 months of chemotherapy and a bi-lateral mastectomy Elisabeth received the pathology report announcing “CANCER-FREE!” The victory is hers!

In my eyes, and many others’ eyes, Elisabeth is Wonder Woman.  She endured chemo treatments every 3 weeks, the nausea and zapped energy level that followed for days.  Hair and breasts loss.  The mind and emotions battled the lies of the Enemy, refused defeat every step of the way.  It takes a village to raise a child.  And my daughter had a village praying for her, literally hundreds of family, friends, and church groups surrounded her with love and support, and beseeched Our God.  And the countless miracles that followed … her husband’s unwavering support … God’s grace extended from her employer, to work when able… strained relationships focused on one thing, Elisabeth’s healing rather than their differences … a clinic of dedicated medical staff … most expenses covered through the healthcare reform mandate … non-insurance covered special bandages left in the mail box during recovery … gift baskets delivered … and most of all the village’s thousands of prayers said on her behalf.

How thankful I am that my Elisabeth has been healed, and continues in the grace of God!  From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for loving my girl!  To God be the glory!

Posted in daughter, day, Elisabeth, Family, forgiveness, God, grace, house, mother, prayer, Rachel, strength, thankful, Warrior, Women in My Life

Sweep The Front Porch

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

 

I awoke this Saturday morn early like most days.  Weekday, weekend, it no matter.  I am an early bird. And you know the saying “the early bird gets the worm”, but I am sure worms are not on my menu.  But time with God is.  Yes, I can talk to God (and you can, too) at any time of day under any circumstances.  But there is something fresh about the dawn of a new day, quietness and stillness in the house and just outside the house on my front porch.  I sit on the porch bench watching the day wake up around me.  I am surrounded by shade trees, pots of perennials, the tweeting birds, and garden art.  The breeze subtly chills my skin, and rustles the green canopy of leaves.  Forgiveness I ask for my shortcomings, and His Grace accepted.  Petitions are expressed, asking God for complete healing for my daughters, Elisabeth and Rachel as well as my aging mother.  Strength for this woman warrior and my day.  With a thankful heart …

 

Onward to begin the Saturday chores … I sweep the front porch of the twigs, mulch, dog hairs, and dirt blown in with the summer winds.  It is an attempt to keep my home tidy.  I want to feel welcomed when I come home.  Rather be greeted by the warm cinnamon front door, than dirt and grime.  I am sure the rest of the family and our guests do as well.  Is that not what praying to God is about?  Sweeping the wrong motives, ill words, and bad attitudes away while being received in His warm embrace.  An Open Door.  So happy I chose a comforting color for the front door.  Cinnamon.  Warm.   This morn it invites me into the house to prepare a pancake breakfast and finish those other Saturday chores, and pray all the while.

Posted in day, depression, God, grace, jealousy, life, love, mind, peace, prayer, resources, strength

At The End Of The Day

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

Life is too short to sit idle, hate others, be jealous or depressed, and play mind games.  With God’s grace, sincerity and a pure heart is what I desire to become.  “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Psalms 51:10.  Pure and as sweet as honey.  White as snow.  No bargains made or motives conjured up.  Just live for my Creator.  I answer to my God at the end of the day, every day.  And every day is a gift.  At the end of the day, I take in account how I spent those precious minutes, my God-given talents, supply of resources and energy?  Is my time consumed in front of a screen, iphone-size or mega flat screen TV-size?  Size of the electronic does not matter, just how did I personally connect to those around today?  Did I pick-up my neighbor’s storm-tossed trash scattered across his yard, encourage my co-worker on her new project, smile at that smelly stranger on the street bench, or pick-up the phone to talk to my kin living a few hundred or 2 miles away?  Everyone has something they are good at.  My energy levels may be up or plummeted down or be sporadic.   Did I use whatever today’s strength is to extend God’s love and grace?   Did I pray and be a vessel for peace or healing?  At the end of the day …

Posted in children, Elisabeth, God, happy, Mary, mother, prayer

I Heard My Name

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

At 3:30am I awoke from a deep sleep to a young woman’s whispered words, “Mom… Mom”.  I thought for sure my Elisabeth was calling me from the other side of my bedroom door or window.  I answered, but no one answered back.  Silence.  Was I dreaming?  I got up to double check the windows and doors, no sign of anyone.  Once a mother, always a mother.  I hear “mom” called out at the grocery store or city park, and I turn my head like instinct to this name.  This awakening was different than that.  I returned to my bed, and prayed.  Was this one of my daughter’s need for prayer?  Our Mother Mary must hear her name called out unceasingly.  Be with all my children, my God who saves and protects.  “He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children.”  Psalm 113:9.