Slide Show of Life

I have a slide show on my computer at work. It is full of wonderful memories with family, friends, co-workers, and some strangers. The amazing thing is all of these memories are unique and special. All of those in this slide show are there because they mean something to me.

Why have I brought this slide show up?

Because, when we look back on our lives there are moments that had they not been caught on camera they may have been forgotten. These photos are a reminder that every moment is precious. Every smile is priceless, and every memory is important.

In the slide show is a photo of a friend of mine... we hadn't really spoken for a while, I saw her in church, and then I received news that she had passed away.

I had a dream last night about Karla. In my dream, she was alive and we were taking her mothers car to this place but we stopped at a gas station instead. Once we got inside she was so friendly with the male clerk I was smiling. She didn't know a stranger. Later, we ended up in the middle of no where and she began to tell me stories.

She was telling me to always do what is right, to take the time to tell those who I love that I love them. She was sharing with me how delicate life is and how we forget how quickly it passes. She then was swallowed by the Earth and I was left standing in an empty, lonely place.

This dream made me so sad that Karla is no longer here, but it made me realize how she did exactly what she was telling me to do. Karla was an example of the true spirit of Christ. Although she was sick she made a point to visit, to smile, to share. How blessed are we to know people like this. Yet, how foolish are we to not take note and carry this on into our lives.

I wish I would have stayed in closer touch with her and to tell her how special she was to me. I want to tell her thank you for visiting me last night. It made me happy to know she was still there in spirit. I learned a lot last night in just a few short moments.

So - those of you in my life, in the slide show, and that will be a part of one or both one day; know how deeply I care for each of you. I don't want to wake up one morning and realize how I failed. I want to follow her example and be the light she was to so many.

I thank God for sending me that dream and opening my eyes to the wonderment that is life.

***Although time may separate us, although words may elude us, we are friends for a reason, a season, and a lifetime. God places those in our paths to help mold us. It is up to us to listen closely and be the change.

Be Still & Listen

God has shown me so much in the past week I can't fail to pass on the awesomeness that I have been blessed to witness.

I had a breakdown, in the shower, a while back. I plead with God to show me what I was doing was in his image, that I am following his word and that I haven't failed. There was a lot more to my prayer and pleading but that was the general idea.

I went to church Sunday and heard beautiful words of sharing your story with the brethren and the world. To be still and take note to what God places on your heart to do. To not keep to ourselves... to be a walking image of Christ, to let your children know of the wonders you have been a part of... so many great things.

I walked away feeling renewed and as though I should share my stories... but then Satan got to me and I felt no one would listen. And then I became discouraged.

That is until I received a text from a dear sister in the church who told me that my simple act of sharing a dream God had given me, and a prayer I had prayed allowed her to make it through a trial. She said she wanted me to know what it meant to her.

I lost it.

God heard my simple cry in the shower... and although I may have not got my answer immediately he gave her the strength to share with me. Which in turn made me realize that if we are faithful the goodness of Christ will be evident. It takes obedience to follow through, patience, and being still to hear.

So, I should share what God places on my heart. I should pass on those dreams I have, pray when I feel the need to pray, call someone when they come to my mind, and visit with those who are shown to me.

Later this week I fell on another trial and decided to share with the world "FB" about how I needed God to give me strength and that although we may suppress the emotions or hurt we still feel them. They don't go away just by pretending they don't exist. We have to leave those at God's feet and let him take over.

That simple post, although it may have seemed I wanted attention, was a cry for help and in turn allowed others to open up with their testimonies and share their stories.

A friend of mine sent me a message later sharing an intimate story and in doing so gave me a sense of calm about what I was working through. It was God's way of talking to me through one of his children. I hope she knows how much it meant to me that she took the time to share.

Granted I still am reminded of the hurt and heartache I feel but, because of these two ladies I am able to lay it back down and focus on the love that is around me daily. God truly is amazing. We just need to open our hearts and ears to know he is always working with us.

Thank you God for not giving up on me, when I so easily gave up on you.

Bright Side

With all the tragic events taking place around me I tend to wonder why?

There are so many people in this world who can and do good things, yet there are those who are so evil they bomb a marathon. How is this possible, why would someone do this? Where are the good people...

I don't know if I can put blame on the News for always broadcasting the negative, but I will put some of it there. I am a journalism major and majority of why I did not go into broadcasting was the negative I would have to report on all the time.

There is a Christian radio station here in OKC...you can listen live online.... KLOVE that at 7:45am every morning they report on a good and encouraging thing. I love that.

So, in the morning I get to be encouraged and uplifted. Even in the darkest hour there is light.

So, for today I choose to find good in every situation. My cold that doesn't seem to want to leave allowed me to feel two earthquakes this morning. Had I been well I wouldn't have felt them. See - bright side!