Category: Spiritual

Monday’s Message…

Wiwohka10 Comments

I shall be devoting all of this week to learning my new AI program. From watching the myriad of tutorials offered, as well as practicing the different techniques learned; my study cup overfloweth, if you get my meaning. Basically, I’m going to be very busy, but it sounded so boring to say it that way, leaving me no alternative than to use a catch phrase. I swear, sometimes I feel like a coin phrase PEZ Dispenser…

Just flip my head back, and out pops a candy shaped phrase. See what I mean?

At least I’m not boring, right…

Right?! Well, at least that’s my story, so I’m sticking to it!

In regards to the recovery of this site’s beloved characters, it’s been mixed results, thus far. I’ve experienced some good wins and some sorrowful losses, as I wrote about during Friday’s post. I don’t want everyone to be too sad or disappointed, but as of right now, I’m learning to accept that there will be some of our babe’s that won’t be recoverable… and those that I do find, will simply have to be a bit changed. It is what it is, and we’ll have to just love them the way we find them, no matter how different! Even if they look a bit different on the outside, the spirit of their hearts will still remain within their new images… that part never changed!

I know things will work out in the end, mostly. In truth, it has more to do with my expectations of my own abilities than it does with what you end up seeing at the end of it all. I’m far harder on myself than anybody else ever has to be… it’s always been that way. Wouldn’t it be a hoot if all this was a big lesson of learning how to let go, let God, and stop being so overly self-critical and unrelenting… He often does that, you know!

As you go about your week, maybe you can think on this, in regards to how you see yourself! Do you show yourself kindness within your own thoughts? I pray that you walk each day this week, remembering your worth, rather than your work…

The work will always be there whenever you have to punch that clock, so to speak, but you still have to take yourself home with you afterwards, when the work day is done.

Be kind to yourself! Show tenderness and grace toward the beautiful, wonderful, unique, bright, capable, and desirable you that you are!

God Bless, and have an amazing Monday!

Through my eyes…

Wiwohka4 Comments

From the moment of our birth, the race to find and become who we believe the world sees suddenly starts with a bang! Groomed from birth on how to speak, what to wear, how to behave, how to please others, and on and on and on we go, sort of like a merry-go-round…

I’ve spent my entire life trying to appear as that which others expect and/or accept, as if I were on one of those merry-go-rounds. Spinning round and round over the years, gaining speed until I became frozen to the bars and unable to get off, followed by a great deal of motion sickness.

Well, finally the ride became so fast that it flung me off into the dirt, so to speak!

If you wondering what on earth an old merry-g0-round ride has to do with one’s image or self-perception (how you see yourself), it just seemed like a good analogy for how it feels to have a good self-image in a world that is so focused on visual bells and whistles… sorry, I often find myself coining phrases or adages to make a point.

What might that point be, you ask?

My point in all this merry-go-round stuff, is this… you’ll have a much more enjoyable ride in life if you learn how to straddle the bars and drag your feet, so you can control the speed of the merry-go-round, thereby strengthening your muscles and allowing you to get off the ride anytime you get dizzy. In reality, I’m saying that you shouldn’t let the world be in control of who you think you are supposed to be!

Me personally, I’ve opted for the carousel over a merry-go-round, in terms of how I see things in the world, and how I see myself…

Don’t let the age fool you,

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure!

Never see yourself as less than you want to be…

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."  2 Timothy 6: 12

Now you know how I see myself whenever I write adventurous tales, passionate poetry, and deep soul searching thoughts for you, my readers and friends. I might seem rather plain on the outside, but that’s my cover story, just like the mild mannered Clark Kent, from Superman. Now, I don’t want to go as far as to call myself a superhero… but in the stories I can be, right?!

Wins and Losses…

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Please don’t panic, but when I got to the lobby yesterday there was no sign of either of the puppies! I spent hours wandering through the archive sections,

and also, both my office and the Father’s counseling chambers, but to no avail. The little fluff balls weren’t anywhere within the lobby, leaving me feeling rather disheartened.

However, in the midst of my disappointment came several unexpected things, one of which is somebody’s puppy that must have been left here from Christmas Morning. Poor darling!

She’s missing her collar so I’m not sure of her name, nor do I fully remember exactly who came that morning. Perhaps, someone wasn’t prepared for taking a puppy home with them, and were afraid I might be disappointed if they rejected my gift. I get it! No offense taken, my friends. Whoever left her behind, was good enough to leave her in the lobby, where she would be safe and can be re-homed. If anyone is looking for a new baby to add into their family, I think she’s a Corgi mix of some sort. She is very affectionate and sweet natured from what I can see. She hasn’t stopped giving me kisses since I found her, poor thing… she must have been so lonely, and probably a good bit frightened. Quite honestly, I’m shocked and rather embarrassed that I didn’t even know she’d been wandering around in the lobby all this time! Now that I think about it, the puppies did seem to be eating a great deal more puppy kibble than is normal for such little things.

Anyway, if you hadn’t noticed it yet, the other discovery I made while searching for the puppies was my purpose! Do you know why it’s felt so important that I locate each and every one of the creatures lost to me? Within each one of those that are not visible to me at the moment, there’s a bit of me… things that I see in each of them that help me make sense of myself.

Somewhere while I was searching through the lobby for the puppies, God showed me that even without physically seeing those that are missing, the real me was still there in the room with Him. The things I write, the creations I invent are merely that… things, as adorable as they are! I am definitely learning more and more each day about the depths of my own heart… and how far God is willing to go, on my behalf. Maybe taking you with me, as I go in search of recovering these parts of what was lost to me (metaphorically speaking), there will be lessons to learn about His nature, which flows through my veins…

I believe!

***Go back and look at the picture of the woman with the puppy, for a moment. Look closely at the woman’s facial features and you will see the real me, or the AI version Avatar creation. It looks as if it’s an actual picture of me laying on the floor of a library with a dog. I gave my AI several actual photographs of my mother, myself, and two of my three daughters. This is the first time that I truly realized how much I look like my mother, as well as my girls! While you might not notice them, I can see exactly where my features are blended with my mother’s, and it’s amazing! If I’m being fully honest with you, it made me a bit emotional when I first saw the image.***

Toes in the sand…

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You know that refreshing sensation one gets while dipping their toes into the sand, just at the water’s edge?

If you asked me what it feels like to walk with God on a daily basis, well…

Toes in the sand, my friends, toes in the sand!

The power of water…

Wiwohka5 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.
View all responses

By Google’s current definition, the word Wiwohka either means roaring water, a Native American tribe up near the Great Lakes, or my least favorite… a group of derelict misfits that banded together to make a settlement town of some sort, or other.

I liked it much better back in the day, when I first chose this nickname, if you will. When I originally found this name more than twenty years ago, it was on a Native American name generator site, and simply read as “Rushing, roaring, or raging water”. No idea where this new village of miscreants definition came from, nor do I find it very appealing. In answer to the prompt this morning, I’ll be sticking with my original definition, since it’s far less nefarious than the most recent description.

While the name written on my birth certificate carries absolutely nothing, as far as, meaning, significance, nor etymology… Wiwohka does! Though the word’s etymology doesn’t concern me, the significance and meaning are threaded throughout the tapestry of my existence!

Throughout my life, the name Wiwohka has been the truest explanation of who I am… who I’ve always been. My very birth came during a storm, of sorts. I spent much of my childhood in back alleys, strangers beds, and often times… out in the rain, drenched to the skin. Up from those dark and troubled waters arose a very angry, volatile, and fiercely independent young woman.

What’s rather interesting about the meaning of my name is that it’s definition has taken on a completely different meaning, though the words have not been altered. I originally chose it because it made me feel strong and self-reliant, and flowing by my own power. Looking back now, I realize how powerless I actually really was!

The truth about water is that it is, in fact, very powerful… but, how? Water, in and of itself, just sits there unless something moves it! Water gets it’s power from whatever source it originates from, as well as how its path has been directed. The strength, force and sometimes destructive power of water will be based on who or what is directing the water’s flow.

When I finally came to realize where the water within my spirit had originated, its like all the places within my heart and mind that had been mistaken in thinking that I controlled the flow of said water, simply washed away with the tide. Do you know how difficult and exhausting it is, always having to push a thing along with your own effort? Isn’t it always more pleasant to get a ride, instead of doing all the pushing by your own strength? I guess that somewhere along the journey I realized this, and I’m so glad that I did!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Now, I flow with a power and strength not born of my own ability, but of the One who is my source of power… my living water!

Have a cookie…

Sometimes…

Wiwohka7 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?
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Sometimes…

Sometimes, it’s the way he looks at me and smiles.

Then there are times where he doesn’t even have to smile or anything… I can see it in his eyes.

Sometimes, it’s the way he laughs at the silly things I say.

But there are still those moments when things aren’t so funny… he won’t laugh or say anything at all, really. He just rests his shoulder against mine to let me know that he’s there.

Sometimes, it’s the little things he does… like bringing me that first cup of coffee in the morning, or surprising me with my favorite candy bar. It’s not even about receiving a gift, it’s about the planning or forethought, if you will. It makes me feel so loved that he was thinking about me, even when I wasn’t with him. You know, sometimes I’ll wake up from the sensation of him tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear… he’d been lying there watching me, as I slept. Isn’t that so adorable!

I could go on and on about all the sometimes that I have felt loved… and these examples are about my husband. I haven’t even gotten to God, yet! If I could share with you all the times that I have felt God’s love, it would fill a book… oh yeah, I already did that!

Let’s just leave it at this:

With enough examples gathered together, one might say that I always feel loved! But, since it was very hard to pick just one time to tell you about, I opted for a handful of my sometimes.

Don’t forget your cookie…

Wednesday Words…

Wiwohka4 Comments

If Eustace and I can help it, wherever we go and whatever adventure’s we take you on this year… we’re going to try filling them with laughter!

Why?

Well…

Why not?

Laughter is good for the soul…

And, the One whom I follow and serve happens to be in the soul business, and He does have a sense of humor… I’m certain of it!

Where do you think I get my sense of humor from?

It runs in my family!

Tuesday’s Tinkering…

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I’m not really happy with the pictures I used to update Journey With Me’s website for the new year, so I’m sort of on a quest to find a fun theme for this spring.  What to do, what to do?

I could go full nautical, with short stories, ditties, and fun seafaring food recipes… stuff like that.

Or, I could head for the hills with a camping, hiking, woodsy theme…

I don’t think I’m up for foodie stuff on a large scale, and I doubt you are either.  We’ll just keep to the cookies,

with an occasional review from Gabriel, who considers himself a pretty good judge of flavors…

What I am seriously considering is a fun mystery kind of theme.  Some of you may remember when I did several episodes last year called Tuesday Tattler, which read somewhat like a journalist writing a column in a paper…

If I do a mystery theme, I think it would be really fun to take this miniature version of my persona and take her around the world on some hilarious assignments…

If you haven’t noticed yet, I deplore boredom… can’t stand wasting my brain!

And… if I don’t like reading the same old same old, I suspect that you don’t either…

As a writer, it’s important that I keep your reading experience fun and engaging, among other things.  Your thoughts are important to me, so let me know what you want to see more of this year…

And I’ll get right to it!

As Castle says, “It’s what I do!”

Misery Loves Company…

Wiwohka13 Comments

So, here we are…

Day 4…

Ladies and Gentlemen, I still can’t sit in a chair… let alone, move very far from the bed.

But, I can move slowly and carefully, with slow being the operative word! 

In terms of progress and recovery, I’m getting there… even if it isn’t as quickly as I’d like for it to be.  One would think that all the downtime would be welcomed rather than rejected.  If I want downtime, it would be preferable if I had it on some sunny beach, with a fruity drink in my hand… not trapped in bed.  The thing is, I do NOT like being helpless… it freaks me out! 

I lay here all day feeling a mix of panic, frustration, guilt, and self-shaming over my own weakness.  Yes, this woman of God still has pity parties and panic attacks!  I think it simply comes from lack of sleep and being in pain for an extended period of time. Spirit, mind, and body work together to balance me out… and the body part is just offline at the moment, that’s all!

This girl has to show herself some grace, exercise her faith … and be at peace with her own fragility…

Thanks for listening,  my friends 🧡

The truth of things is this, I got a bad back… have had for a number of years.  While this has to be the first time my low back has gone out this bad, and for this long, once I get the pain and swelling down, things should balance out.  Here’s where it gets tricky!  While trying to manage pain from an injury, I have to deal with responses from both my Fibromayalgia and IBS.  Fibro is lit up from laying in bed for so long without moving, and IBS has destroyed my ability to consume nsaids without my stomach starting to bleed.  YAY!

I took an Ibuprofen for the first time in two years, this morning.  I’m hoping I can get away with it just this once without too much trouble.  I am eternally grateful for my Lidocaine patches, or else I’d have gone to the hospital by now.  Actually, what I’m currently doing is probably the very thing the hospital would offer, aside from an x-ray that’ll most likely show that yes, I have arthritis there, and yes, I’ve probably herniated the disc from coughing, of all things.

If I can spend 4 days arguing with myself about whether or not to do a hospital visit… it isn’t an emergency!  As long as I can see some improvement, even if it’s only a bit, I’ll resume my medical care after we resolve this homeless thing…

One thing at a time, right?

Things of the Past (from the archives)…

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I know this prompt is a repeat, but my answer from last year still holds… and it’s always fun to look back on things we’ve written in the past, don’t you think?

As a girl of only eleven, I had already discovered the item I was most fond of… my survival!

Life has a way of sometimes being reduced to nothing more than a thing… an item to be played with, bartered, or thrown out when its usefulness has been expended!

For many souls, it can take an entire lifetime to figure this out, only really feeling the harsh bite of reality, as it begins to surface on or near retirement! Basically, most begin to take more notice of feeling less valuable to society as the body begins to slow and lose the ability to carry on at the same pace they’d once kept.

Then, there are souls like mine, who learned painfully early in life how little value they held, how they weren’t valuable enough to protect and care about… never worthy of being saved! This was my dark alleyway of existence, wandering through the night until I found a place to sleep… doing whatever I had to do in order to secure food, warmth, and sleep… never safety… just sleep! This life was not much, but it was mine, and I valued it above everything else!

I’m 55 now and nearing the age when most are preparing for retirement and their golden years… but not this runaway!

I’m just getting started, I think, striving to prepare and strengthen myself for something bigger, better, and still yet to come.

 It has taken some considerably long years of running to find myself sitting here recalling what I’d valued so much in my youth.  Over the years, I’ve not cared for nor cherished it, as one might expect.  Battered, bruised, misused, and tossed aside is that item I valued so strongly as a child…

None the less, it’s still in tact, for the most part!

If you’ve any curiosity about what has become of the item I was so attached to as a youth, you need only read the letters I have written to you all, over this last year, here on WordPress. 

As this site is really all I have to show for explaining things, it will have to suffice as my best answer! 

I don’t know about all you, but I need a cookie…