Category: Inspirational

Lost for a cause, not a lost cause…

Wiwohka6 Comments

Yes, we are still sailing through uncharted waters, but I suppose that one might say we’re not really ready to seek dry land, just yet!

You see, we have a new passenger aboard our vessel, a very hairy, rather confused, and terribly frightened one! While I realize that we should be in hot pursuit of a lonely little troll named Peanut, sometimes things happen that force us to shift plans, temporarily, of course.

Not to worry, though. Just now, it’s only early in summer and we’ve plenty of safe sailing weather left to us until the fall season begins. As soon as we are once more within sight of land, I’ve a good idea where to locate the little guy.

For now, we’ve a case of need that sits before us, right here on the deck of our ship!

First things first… calm the terrified creature, before he tries to jump ship on us!

While I am very well acquainted with dogs, which the creature sort of resembles, I’ve no idea what to think of the wings, nor the seashells that seem to be embedded within his chest. Canine fur… check! Seashells and wings… wait, what? Do I pet him or not? I’ve been trying to talk gently to him, but I don’t think he understands anything I’m saying, at all!

All we thought to do was quietly sit near him, hoping our presence would ease his fear. He’s not frightened of us, mind you, but something about a ship fills the creature with terror, possibly from bad memories of his beginnings. I’m not entirely certain. I’ve been quietly observing him, while the babes are busy trying to feed him cookies. They’ve decided that he’s merely a fluffy dog with wingy thingies, as they put it. I’m not so sure…

Yes, he does really resemble a dog if you focus on his face and body build, but I’ve never actually seen a dog with fur that’s the color of the sea, have you? The entirety of his chest and underbelly seems to be more hardened seashells, than fur. His wings and tail sort of remind me of a great bird, like something off of a Jurassic Park film. While he may have been on some sort of vessel, at one time or another, it’s almost as if he came right out of the sea, itself!

Whatever one might imagine of his origins, it doesn’t really matter at this very moment, does it? It’s not going to help us calm our newest family member, nor aid him in finding his sea legs, which is necessary if we’re to travel anywhere.

Not only do I need him to be calm and settled, but if we’re to keep him safely hidden until we get back to the barnyard, we really need to understand each other on some level. The first thing we need to do is give him a name, so that he can learn to recognize when we call to him… something better than “hey you” or “here doggy”, which seems rather misguided, as I don’t think he’s really a dog, at all!

Beings as he’s such a gentle creature, it seems that he should be given a name that reflects this nature. While I may be rather good at telling tales, one’s name should be taken far more seriously… so I googled it… don’t judge!

After some heartfelt searching, a name appeared on my computer screen that caught my eye…

Osric the Gentle

Meaning of the first name Osric

Origin English

Meaning God ruler

Variations Orrick, Doric, Godric

*Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.

The name Osric finds its roots in the English language and carries the weighty meaning of God ruler. Its origin can be traced back to early medieval England, where it gained popularity as a given name. In those times, individuals often held a deep reverence for their spiritual beliefs, and the combination of God and ruler in one name sought to embody the power and authority attributed to individuals who were appointed by divine will. Throughout history, the name Osric has remained relatively uncommon, primarily appearing in English literature and royal pedigrees. In literary works such as William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, a character named Osric is introduced as a courtier, known for his grandiloquent speech and flamboyant personality. This portrayal reflects the name’s association with nobility, as befitting a courtier in medieval times. Despite its rich historical background, the name Osric is now rarely used in modern-day society. The changing cultural landscape and the preference for more contemporary names have contributed to its decline. While its regal connotations and divine allusions may still hold appeal for some, Osric has gradually become an obscure choice for parents seeking to name their children.

Somehow, it just seemed to fit… and honestly, I still don’t really understand why. Fortunately for us, we have plenty of summer left out in these waters to figure it out!

We’ve begun to simply call him Osrig for short, sort of like a combination of Osric and Gentle, if that makes any sense. Even if it doesn’t make sense, it still seems to make his eyes twinkle every time we call him by that name.

I’m truly hoping that somebody spots this message in a bottle… or else, this letter was for naught…

Oh well, you’ll find it eventually.

Just like yesterday…

WiwohkaLeave a comment
Daily writing prompt
How do you want to retire?
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I could, in fact, easily go back to bed for several more hours, truth be told! But, the prompt wants to know how I plan to redo what I did yesterday, so I’ll give it the ole college try…

Let’s see, I was up at 5 a.m. with a stomach ache, so I took my meds, made a cup of peppermint tea (not coffee… how shocking, I know), and spent several hours in scripture. It always seems to settle me, giving me peace within my own little storms.

Anyway, from spending time in the word to writing, both on the feed and my own personal projects, my day rapidly began to disappear… almost like fog rolling away from the shore, just as the morning sun’s golden rays force them to dissipate.

When my writing was finished, I baked several pies, one apple/peach and the other was cherry cobbler. With my stomach being on the fritz at the moment, I had to substitute the pie crust with a graham crust which worked rather well, in the end.

Trying to balance all this new medication with my eating schedule has been a bit rough, so my poor husband has been forced to fend for himself, of late, as my tummy doesn’t know whether it’s happy, sad, irritated, or down-right angry with me.

I finished my day finally, feeling nauseous and super tired, most clearly due to my 5 a.m. wake-up call, compliments of my spiteful roomie, IBS. I crawled into bed at only 7 p.m. and was asleep shortly after my head hit the pillow.

So, long story short… I haven’t any plans for how I want to retire, as I’m still recovering from yesterday!

Cookie?

A Good Man…

Wiwohka2 Comments

I cannot say in words how deeply I love this guy! He is the best man I have ever known!

He was born into adversity, scarred by childhood trauma, overlooked by the system, the church, and family members that looked on in apathy!

From the ashes of a life that nearly robbed him of his own, this man has walked on, steadily, stoically, shouldering others burdens with a heart as honest and truthful as any I’ve ever encountered in this world!

This tough looking, hard headed, relentlessly faithful, tender hearted, softy is my hero! He made sacrifices for the betterment of his children that some would not understand, especially his children, but they were choices that came from a the heart of a good man! A man that loves his children deeply, after a life that should have left him heartless and cold to others. Not only does he love his own children with such unfathomable depths, but he lavishes my own three daughters with that same unconditional love!

Happy Father’s Day to the man who still stars in all my dreams!

As for all of you,

This is my Father’s Day Anthem for every good man out there, from sea to shining sea!

You are men among men, raising up the next generation of good men and women, alike! From the depths of my heart, I want to say thank you to all of those who still stand, still walk forward, still carry others burdens with hearts full of love, hope, grace and mercy!

To all of the good men out there… May God bless and keep you, along with all those that nestle beneath your mighty wings!

Hugs

Me Ticker…

Wiwohka3 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What’s the oldest thing you own that you still use daily?
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Technically, I suppose that you might say my heart belongs to God, my husband, and my baby girls… but, it’s still tucked within this vessel and it hasn’t stopped ticking!

It’s been injured, torn, and at times, completely broken into what felt like a thousand unrepairable pieces… but it still keeps ticking!

It was the very hand of God that started it ticking, some 56 years ago, and it could stop at any given moment, if it be my time… but for now, it keeps ticking!

One’s heart is a miraculous thing, actually! Though it be only an organ that pumps blood through the body, providing oxygen, it is so much more than that! A heart actually feels pain whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual! None of the other organs in the body give off a physical sensation of emotional pain, nor spiritual suffering like the heart does, in my opinion. I’m unaware that my kidney or spleen ever throb with deep sorrow when I’m nursing grief or hurt feelings, but maybe it’s different for others… whose to say.

I did really think on this mornings prompt, as it was rather specific about choosing only one item. And, it had to be both the oldest thing we owned and also used every day.

I may have used my own heart, abused my own heart, broken it, lied to it, stolen from it, taken it’s love and given it away for all the wrong reasons…

But it’s still tickin!

Cookie?

That Sweet Spot…

Wiwohka12 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Describe one of your favorite moments.
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There is nothing more powerful than when you are on your knees in prayer, surrounded by God’s mighty warriors, and you feel His mighty presence!

My favorite moments are the ones where I find myself at my lowest, my weakest, and I hear His voice in the stillness…

“Child, oh my sweet child, bring it to Me… I will heal your hurt, bind your wounds, and fill you with My Spirit… just bring it to Me.”

Yup! Those have to be my favorite moments!

Cookie…

Maybe…

Wiwohka15 Comments

How I’m feeling this morning can be summed up in the video below. The song is called Maybe It’s Ok, by We Are Messengers:

I shall be quite transparent for this next bit…

Currently, this child’s body is somewhat broken inside both medically and emotionally. Never fear though, as my spirit is stronger than ever… well, it’s His spirit that brings this girl so much strength. I did say that I was going to be very honest about things.

Our time in the wilderness, so to speak, has taken a bit more out of me than I’d first thought. What I’d assumed was just my IBS trying to readjust to things, has become something else. Now, it’s possibly just my ability to handle my health on my own any longer, which is where the emotional turmoil is coming from. I went down this route before and it didn’t end well… hence, the last 4 years of self-care. It hasn’t helped that nobody seems that concerned about my survival aside from God and my husband.

That is until this new doctor!

Not only did she surprise me with prayer during our first visit, but I think she actually listened to the words I spoke… I mean really heard me! And, she took the time to follow all of my test results, adjusting and selecting my meds and treatment. The downside to this new kind of medical care is that I can’t get away with anything. This means taking medications that are no longer an option… they are required! The first is a medication for my Cholesterol, which is off the charts, and has been for years. It doesn’t even matter if I eat like a bird… oh yeah, I already do! No change! The other is for my blood pressure, as it has gone off the reservation and it won’t come back down. That too has been something I was withholding from the doctor… that is, until recently.

In the last month my health has been systematically shutting down, in areas that I really kind of need. Well, I’ll need em if I’m to bring these stories to the little ones they’re meant for, ya know?! Little ones aside, I’m not done baking cookies… not in the slightest!

I’ve been writing on this blog steadily for nearly three years of this journey through the wilderness, and I’m not about to get to the gates of the Cities of Men, just to drop dead of exhaustion… and I don’t believe it’s God’s plan for me, either! I still believe that God led me to WordPress so that I could find you… each and every one of you!

Why?

Honestly, the answer will be different for each of you, as we’ve all grown closer together in different ways, and for different reasons. I know some of you better than others, but care for each and every soul that enters this lobby! I love you with the love of my God, my Savior, and the Holy Spirit that dwells in this vessel. Why else do you think I share so much with you, try to make you laugh, seek to make you think, and challenge you to eat my cookies? It’s love…

I know that most of my subscribers are adults, though I often write of adventures requiring you to find your inner child… so why do I do it?

Why don’t I write deep and passionate poetry?

Why not great theological teachings that might impress?

Why on earth do I always make you leave reality and push the boundaries of truth and/or fiction?

What’s in those cookies I feed you guys, anyways?

Some of you may think that I’m just a Jesus Freak that’s trying to shove God flavored cookies down your throats… well, ok, you got me there!

Some of you may think that I’m an oversharer lookin for sympathy andl/or attention. In truth… if that’s all you’ve seen then you should start reading between all those lines, friends. There’s so much more there…

Face it guys and gals, WordPress has become my family! With that being said and understood clearly, here, right now, it’s time we all start acting like it! I’ve been asking myself, of late, why I haven’t wanted to write for my family? Honestly, sometimes it feels like if I don’t give you something juicy and exciting (usually my journey junk)… I get nothin!

Now, before you start thinking that this is going to be another one of those articles complaining about a lack of likes, shares, and follows… stop it!

You come to this table as a family member… not a subscriber or follower, savvy?!

As a family, we are having a discussion about family dynamics, if that’s alright with everyone at the table. Do family members take the time to call or write each other, or do they just mail each other a gold star? As I’m just as guilty as you are, in this respect, let’s start making some healthy changes, here in the lobby. If you are busy, or not in the mood, don’t feel pressured to visit or leave me that gold star. It’s not like I get any money for it… it simply lets me know that you stopped by. If you do stop in and read, possibly grabbing a cookie, try leaving me a message, as well. Here’s the crazy part… your comment doesn’t have to have ANYTHING to do with what I wrote. Instead, try things like, “Hey, how are you?” or “I saw something the other day that made me think of you”. One of you actually wrote this to me, not too long ago… thank you, love.

There is nothing in the WordPress bylaws that states we cannot simply use the comment button to simply communicate with each other… you know, like friends and family should. Notice how I said should? Sadly, I realize that there are families that don’t do this… but honestly, it’s so very important! How else do you give love to those nearest your heart?

So, in the spirit of positivity, I am going to begin sending you messages in your comment box that may or may not have anything to do with what you wrote… ok?

No, I’m not going to try passing phone numbers or hookin up, if you get my meaning, here! I think that so often, we simply want to know that we’ve been seen, that someone noticed our passing.

If we all began seeking to give love to another, rather than seeking to receive for ourselves, wouldn’t we all become filled with needed love simply by proxy? Kind of like a happy accident or positive side effect?

Well, it can’t hurt to try, right?!

Is luxury a necessity?

Wiwohka8 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?
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As there is such a vast difference between comfort and actual physical survival, how can one even answer this prompt correctly?

If it’s a luxury…. you can live without it, silly!

Now, if I cannot live physically live without something, that limits our list to water, caloric foods, sufficient shelter and protective clothing from the environment… oh, and love! Who can live without love? I know that I can’t!

Since I have all that I need, everything else can come or go… most of it already has, and I’m still alive.

The only thing that I consider a luxury would be my freedom! The freedom to speak my mind, to speak my faith, and to share the love of Christ. So, I guess that I discovered my answer, right in the middle of my excuse for not coming up with one… go figure!

Don’t forget your cookies…

Who’s asking?

Wiwohka6 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What are the most important things needed to live a good life?
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I think we’re all grown up enough to admit that our answer could and would change, depending on the one asking this kind of question. Say for instance that you’re in the middle of a job interview when this question pops up… maybe not the moment to share the love of Jesus. Or maybe it is!

Why can’t I say what’s in my heart, whether I’m at church, in an interview, or at a gathering of complete strangers? My desire is to have the boldness of Christ, no matter what my circumstance! No fear, no shame, nor arrogance. I wish to bear only truth and love, which are THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS NEEDED TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE!

I’ve a quick little story to tell you that is both funny, and a great example of both the truth/love part, and the boldness of Christ that I mentioned…

I’ve been having a bit of issue with my health, of late, probably due to the environment we’d been surviving in for so long. Unfortunately, I’m not bouncing back as quickly as I’d hoped. Anyway, I went in for some tests and things the other day. My dutiful and doting husband was by my side, as per usual. The wait wasn’t very long before they called my name and we followed the nurse down the hallway toward the exam room. As they normally do at the beginning of a visit, the nurse asked me to stand on the weigh scale. When I stepped onto the scale it climbed all the way up to 203lbs… no joke! I stood there for a second, just staring at the number… how could that be right? Retaining my peaceful, child of God attitude, I acted as if I’d always weighed that much… but I was totally shocked, and rather dismayed! Had I really gotten that far without realizing it?

Just as I stepped backward off the scale, I hear my husband say to the nurse, “Please don’t write that number down… I had my foot on the scale while you weighed her.” No Joke!

Now, I suppose that I could have gotten angry, but as I’m fully aware of my partners shenanigan’s, I know that he loves me to the moon and back… and, I was so grateful that I wasn’t that heavy, allowed me to burst out laughing at his antics! There are no lies between us, we both have heartaches, hurts, and both share bad memories filled with the lies of others. This is the part to explain my answer about Truth and Love, but the next part brought about my thoughts on the boldness of Christ.

Once my doctor had completed the exam, asked all of her questions, and discussed what we needed to do going forward, she did something quite unexpected. She looked me straight in the face and asked, “Can I pray for you? You may say no, if you aren’t comfortable.”

Oh, My, Goodness! What are the odds of little ole me getting a physician that prays to the Ultimate Healer… Praise God! Hallelujah! Having someone actually take my hand in a doctor’s office, of all places, and pray for my needs?

Wow! I want that sort of boldness, day and night, winter spring summer or fall, and in good times or bad. I’m fairly certain that it was that woman’s faith in God and His love working through her, enabling her to speak out with such boldness. This is all just my impression about things, of course.

Now, maybe this story will help you understand my answer for the prompt, maybe not. But, I do still think it was worth the telling… just sayin!

Here, have a cookie..

I Shouldn’t…

Wiwohka14 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Describe your dream chocolate bar.
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I know it’s shameful… I really shouldn’t… but… Ok! You twisted my arm, here. I feel a dream rising from the depths of my sweet, sweet, slumber…

… I knew it was a dream, only a dream…

But to indulge, just this once! Oh that I could melt into this dream, floating away down a smooth and silky chocolate river, toward oceans of sticky caramel…

Oh, wait a sec… back that up! The prompt is only asking about the bar, itself, so we’ll have to reschedule that dream for another time. Let’s try this again…

Ladies and Gentleman, today’s your lucky day! Every visitor is a winner! Now, I know you usually get a cookie for showing up to this game, but today is a special day and you have a once in a lifetime chance to pick a different prize!

**Disclaimer** You only get to pick one. No returns or exchanges once you touch it… duh! And, I shall not be held responsible for any Dentist or Orthodontist charges.

On with the show…

Now, if parties are your thing we’ve got just the right bar for you, my sweet friends…

We’ve got a glorious blend of white and dark chocolate, crafted by the finest artists from the distant isles of Partydom. It’s bar is designed for large gatherings. If the chairs get in people’s way, you can just eat them!

Door number two is for those who like it on the quieter, and more intimate side. This next bar should satisfy your chocolaty cravings…

Minus this strange man, of course!

There, that’s much better! Since the booth is made of the finest of caramels, it won’t melt when you sit on it.

Ahhh, door number three…

This is the perfect bar for the lounger, the slipper wearer, the midnight movie muncher! Its booth is of the finest marshmallows that only get fluffier when you sit on them.

Now, you’ve seen the three different Chocolate Bars to select as your prize, today. What shall you choose?

Will it be door number one, two, or three? Or, perhaps you’d simply like to stick with our usual cookies. I don’t know about everyone else but my teeth hurt from all that sweet chocolate bar stuff.

Sometimes it’s best to keep your dreams simple! Too much of a good thing tends to spoil the dream…

Cookie?

Treasure!

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We found something!

I’m learning that sometimes getting lost isn’t such a bad thing. Maybe that’s the secret to finding your way… who knows?!

All I know is that I’m glad we did lose our bearings during that storm, or else we might never have traveled in the direction we did, nor would we have discovered the tiny, lone island, out in the middle of nowhere…

But, is it really nowhere? If you get to a place and find something already there that was left by another… wouldn’t that mean it has to be somewhere, not nowhere?

Well, we did find something that someone else left behind. I don’t think it’s considered stealing if the item was simply abandoned, and left in the sand. I mean, it’s not like the island belongs to anyone specifically, as there’s nobody living there, nor has anyone been on that island for some time. Aside from the treasure itself, there wasn’t anything else on the island, other than some palm trees and sandy beaches. I don’t think it was much bigger than a city park and not a very big one, at that! The only reason we anchored there was to repair some of the damage done from the storm.

After the repairs were completed, I thought it was would be fun to do a little exploring on the island. There wasn’t much there, but it still felt good to get off the ship and walk in the warm sand for a bit. The babes played and played and played, chasing each other from one end of the island to the other, laughing and squealing with delight! Finally, when they’d completely worn themselves out, everyone simply collapsed in the sand to rest… all except for one, Dinky!

In all the activity, I’d not noticed her absence. It wasn’t like she could go very far since the island was so tiny. All I had to do was look around, right? She should have been there, but she wasn’t! I ran back to the ship to see if she’d stayed onboard when we went to play on the beach. She wasn’t there, either. In a panic, I began calling out her name, but I still got no response… Dinky wasn’t anywhere to be found!

All the babes came running when they heard me calling Dinky’s name. Boomer was a wreck! Immediately, everyone began walking from one end of the island to the other, calling out her name. I knew that we should have been able to see her without having to go anywhere, but it occurred to me that she may have fallen in a hole, possibly. Maybe that’s why we couldn’t see or hear her, beings that she was so very tiny.

And, yes! The little dragon did fall into a hole… a rather large one, actually. There she was, just sitting there smiling up at us. There, beside Dinky, was something that I can only describe as a priceless treasure!

Now, you may be thinking that we found a chest of gold, silver, and rare jewels. Isn’t that generally what pirate’s like to bury in the sand on remote desert islands, hidden in the heart of the sea? That would have been my first guess, anyway. Well, before you start thinking that it was money, I’ll stop you. It wasn’t money at all, but if you were to ask me its worth… I wouldn’t be able to give you an exact number. Why? Because, a things worth has to do with the value one places on it! I think that it mostly depends on the things one considers to be worth holding onto. While I saw priceless, someone else left this treasure behind… abandoned it, really!

Why on earth was this treasure left behind? Yes, it was rather unusual looking, but I like things that are different. I suppose that some might find it of no good use, but I love to find purpose in things. I think that this treasure was left behind out of fear… fear of something different, something one doesn’t understand. Fear can make us do things we never thought we might do, say things we never thought we might say, and sometimes, cause others pain, neglect, and/or abandonment. In the case of this treasure… I think that’s exactly what happened!

Part of me wants to show you what we found, right this very moment, but I’m not sure how you might react. Will you think me a fool? Will you deny it’s value, once you see what it is? What if it fills you with fear or revulsion, instead of awe and wonder? That’s a possibility, you know. What I think about a thing’s value may be far different than what you imagine it should. I’m still not even sure what it is, exactly, but I’m still taking it onboard with us… that’s how valuable I think it is!

Ok! Don’t freak out or anything…

Now, I may not know the whys of this treasure being left behind, nor do I know the whats or whos or whens, yet… but I will! That’s the beauty of this whole voyage… we can take as long as we wish to get where we need to go, right?!