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THINK on THESE THINGS

Monarch butterflies spread their wings as the temperature warms Monday prior to being released into nature. (Shmuel Thaler — Santa Cruz Sentinel)

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

So, I am quite joyous to have found this wonderful Long Covid support group. For the past two decades, it has been a necessity for me to find empathetic fellowship with those enduring difficult health battles. But more importantly, sharing my gifts of music, art, photography and love of animals to uplift the lonely and hopeless.

We are not without hope for God consonantly reminds me of the beauty He has bestowed on me and I cherish sharing that beauty with you all!

My main physical joys, (that keep me from depression) are my adorable kitty at PeeWee, my beautiful acoustic Taylor guitar, (on which I compose all my original songs and learn inspirational covers), and my COOL PIC digital camera, (where I’ve captured exquisite flowers, scenery and landscape) for my SHUTTERFLY picture books.

I remind you all that you are a national treasure, created in God’s own image and you have gifts inside you to share with the world! Make a decision to commit to focusing on beautiful and inspiring things. I know that after watching the news or reading the devastating reports on the social media platforms, you cannot help but feel life is futile. Staying vibrant and hopeful One of my beloved friend’s and memntors, Carolyn Eyerman, reminded me do those things bring you peace. is a discipline.

The Bible tells us, “As a man thinks of himself in his heart…so he is Proverbs 23:7 Our very words coupled with our heart’s agreement determines how we victor over evil, difficulty and negativity. Speak life, Speak hope.. Speak health. Speak it and ieve it. Believe in your recovery and imagine you will get better.

As I wait expectantly for my recovery, I make a practice of doing lovely things.

  • I take my Kitty PeeWee, my guitar and blanket and lay down by our lovely lake.
  • Make a handmade card to a sick or lonely loved one.
  • Start a new photo album of memories and loved ones.
  • Lend a helping hand to someone in need
  • Take pictures of beautiful flowers or birds, or whatever is lovely.
  • Watch adorable pet videos
  • Spend time cuddling your cat or dog
  • Compliment a stranger at the post office or grocery store
  • .Tell a spouse, child or loved one how much you appreciate them
  • Go for a leisurely walk at the beach or bicycle trail and thank God for all your blessings
  • If you are bedridden, play videos of patient testimonies of healing

Last but not least, ask Jesus to help you through each moment. He promised He would never leave us nor forsake us. If you do not know Jesus personally ask Him into your heart and life.

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/reasons-proverbs-237-says-as-a-man-thinks-so-he-is.html

Here is the Salvation prayer when you are ready to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. God bless you and welcome into God’s family!

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and there is nothing that I can do to save myself. I confess my complete helplessness to forgive my own sin or to work my way to heaven. At this moment I trust Christ alone as the One who bore my sin when He died on the cross. I believe that He did all that will ever be necessary for me to stand in your holy presence. I thank you that Christ was raised from the dead as a guarantee of my own resurrection. As best as I can, I now transfer my trust to Him. I am grateful that He has promised to receive me despite my many sins and failures. Father, I take you at your word. I thank you that I can face death now that you are my Savior. Thank you for the assurance that you will walk with me through the deep valley. Thank you for hearing this prayer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. Pastor John Barnett.

Joy in the journey.  I'd always hoped that the road would gently unwind before me as i struggled to ascend to higher heights, while being pushed backwards, by the  continual and daunting symptoms of my many ailments. Just last week, as I was uploading my original songs and past gigs, to this website, i remembered  the anguish and  exhaustion   of supporting myself by delivering telephone books during the  day and  most evenings, I would be performing at the Oakland House, a private  event or a local tavern. My love for composing on the guitar and collaborating on original music with  John DeGrazio and Kyle Hicks saved me from suicidal  thoughts. God always made a way for me to  get fund to produce and record my songs in the studio.  I'll never forget  crying out  to God as I pushed a hand truck loaded with heavy telephone books, wondering why I wasn't touring with my band and respected.   The staggering fatigue from the  Lyme symptoms and  my carbon monoxide poisoning episode made me feel inferior and cursed,  The constant eking out a living wore down my spirits often and i wondered what my destiny was. 

      Angst, disappointment and regret, weighed me down often during my long Dystonia battle. but as I've finally come of age this late in my life, I acquiesce to the reality of Christ being my solid foundation. God's precepts have sheltered me from the sting of hatred, unforgiveness and retaliation. I know that His peace tempers me to have a grateful heart and make the most of every opportunity, however small.  I cherish, Moses' Psalm 90:12.

       Teach us to number our days that we may know wisdom.   

      No need to keep asking  Father God..."why"

       In the past, I often felt ,my creative and musical endeavors were not allowed to bear  the fruit they deserved for whatever reason. i wanted to be successful fashion designer, best selling author, renowned poet or well-loved music icon. too often, my creations had to be postponed indefinitely because of   constant interruptions of lie-threatening illnesses.. Worse yet, fewer and fewer invitations came as people became aware that the TMJ Dystonia symptoms  were diminishing my . I noticed with great anxiety, that my vocal prowess and guitar skill was also strained.  I'd expected  that I'd  get better with age, not worse.

       And so,, I determined in my heart, I would push forward no matter how much it hurt. I could not quit because of what Christ did for me. He destined me to be a conqueror and i was to  be a role model for precious  girls and women whose lives were shattered by trauma. As I scan  the horizon of my future, I'm assured that  He will bring beauty out of the ashes.  Behold, He arose  and redeemed me! 

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