The Best Within You!!! Worth Reading!!

MJB

A free bird leaps on the back of the wind
and floats downstream till the current ends
and dips his wing in the orange suns rays and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage
can seldom see through his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom....Maya Angelou
Merry Christmas with love and warm thoughts.MJB

MJB

A Christmas Prayer

O God, our Father, who didst send forth thy Son to be King of Kings and Prince of Peace, grant that this Christmas he may be born not only in our memories but anew in our hearts.
Help us come to this festive season seeking Him, as did the shepherds of old, that we may go home a new way - new men, new creatures in Christ.

O Lord, we stand before thee as one from whom no secrets are hid.

May thy beauty transform our ugliness.
May thy love drive out our hate.
May thy goodness penetrate our evil.
May thy mercy forgive our unworthiness.
May thy hope calm our fears.
May thy humility shame our arrogance.
May thy joy invade our sorrow.

O God, do thou mend the threadbare garment of our spirits that the star which first pointed the way may be the light that shall lead us out of darkness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.Amen

Love and warm thoughts.MJB

beachcottage

I received this from a friend in my morning e-mail...

In the spirit of Christmas
and New Years Years
and the Season of Hope and New Beginnings
I hope and pray
that we all all cherish our "gifts"
and treasure the love that is placed in the handling
.. ..xoxo,
Patti

EMPTY BOX
The story goes that some time ago a man punished his 5-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper.

Money was
tight and he became even more upset
when the child pasted the gold paper so as to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." The father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty.

He spoke to her in a harsh manner, "Don't you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there’s supposed to be something inside the package?" The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was full." The father was crushed. He fell on his knees and put his arm around his little girl, and he begged her to forgive him for his unnecessary anger.

An accident took the life of the child only a short time later and it is told that the father kept that gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. And whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems he would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

MJB

I have posted this before but I felt a need to post it tonight as I think of my dear Mother,this holiday season, who passed in 1982.Enjoy.

MOTHERS

For those who are lucky to still be blessed with your Mom, this is beautiful. For those who aren't, this is even more beautiful.

The young mother set her foot on the path of life "Is this the long way?" she asked.

And the guide said "Yes, and the way is hard, and you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike, and reminded them to feed the dog and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the nights came, and the storms and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, a little patience and we are there."

So the children climbed and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all......unconditional love.

And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."

The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children."

And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide.

And Mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them."

And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates."

And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her.

And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother is more than a memory. She is a living presence. Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winters day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is your birthday morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion........ happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow.... and all the while hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life. She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space.......not even death!
Love and warm wonderful thoughts.MJB

TheShopMama

Thank you, dear friend, for posting this again. We read this at my mother's funeral in April of this year (I think you sent it to me then). This first Christmas without her was tough, but I know she is resting in peace. My prayers go out to you and others who are missing loved ones during this time. God Bless, Pam

beachcottage

You Never Know--Author Unknown

You never know when someone
might catch a dream from you.
You never know when a little word
or something that you might do,
May open up a window
of a mind that seeks the light.

The way you teach may not matter at all,
but you never know, it might.

And just in case it could be
that another's life through you
might change for the better
with a broader, brighter view.
It seems it might be worth a try
to do what you know is right.

The way you teach may not matter at all,
but you never know, it might.


--------------------/color]

Peace.. love... and healing to all
xoxo
Patti

beachcottage

Life, I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice
what you have learned about life
during the last twelve months.

All that you sought
and didn't find is hidden in me,
waiting for you to search it out
with more determination.

All the good that you tried for
and didn't achieve
is mine to grant
when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do,
all that you hoped but did not will,
all the faith that you claimed but did not have -
these slumber lightly,
waiting to be awakened
by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity
to renew your allegiance to Him who said,
'behold, I make all things new.'

I am the new year.

Author Unknown
But Greatly Appreciated!



xoxo,
Patti

beachcottage

Next time a sunrise steals your breath
or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless,
remain that way... Say nothing,
and listen as heaven whispers,
"Do you like it? I did it just for you." - Max Lucado



I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.
Og Mandino


xoxo,
Patti

beachcottage

know thy self
"Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.
But your ears thirst for the sound of your heart's knowledge.
You would know in words that which you have always known in thought.
You would touch with your fingers the naked body of your dreams.
And it is well you should.
The hidden well-spring of your soul must needs rise and run murmuring to the sea;
And the treasure of your infinite depths would be revealed to your eyes.
But let there be no scales to weigh your unknown treasure;
And seek not the depths of your knowledge with staff or sounding line.
For self is a sea boundless and measureless.
Say not, "I have found the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."
Say not, "I have found the path of the soul." Say rather, "I have met the soul walking upon my path."
For the soul walks upon all paths.
The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals. "
From Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet"


xoxo,
Patti

beachcottage

In The coolness of the evening...
When the sun is going down,
The shadows of the stately trees...
Are long upon the ground.

A gentle breeze comes blowing.
Blue skies begin to gray,
Sunset's rays are glowing
All mark the end of day.

The birds have ceased their singing,
And seek their nightly place,
The stars begin appearing...
And fill the darkening space.

The toils of this day are over.
Now is the time for rest...
With comfort in the knowledge
That I have done my best.

The dawn will come tomorrow,
And bring a brighter day,
And all the disappointments
Should surely pass away.

The noon-day sun, high in the sky...
Will warm my heart and soul,
And be a source of strength...
To help me reach my goal.

When the day is finished...
And the sun sets in the west,
I can say within my heart...
"Today, I did my best!"

~ R.L.Duncan, Sr ~



xoxo,
Patti

beachcottage

Lean against a tree,
And dream your world of dreams.
Work hard at what you like to do,
And try to overcome all obstacles.
Laugh at your mistakes,
And praise yourself for learning from them.
Pick some flowers,
And appreciate the beauty of nature.
Say hello to strangers,
And enjoy the people you know.
Don't be afraid to show your emotions,
Laughing and crying makes you feel better.
Love your friends and family
with your entire being,
They are the most important part of your life.
Feel the calmness on a quiet sunny day,
Find a rainbow and live your world of dreams.
Always remember life is better than it seems.

~Author Unknown~



xoxo,
Patti

Boop

The only way to find rainbows...
is to look within your heart
The only way to live fairy tales...
is through the imagination and power of your mind
The only place to begin to search for peace...
is within your soul

Because rainbows, fairy tales and peace
are treasures that grow from the inside out

If you have a dream alive in your mind,
bring it into the world and give it life
Too often the treasures which are ours alone to give,
are never given the chance to grow

Don't ever give up your dreams
and never leave them behind
Find them; make them yours
Remember to cherish them through your life
and never let them go

We each have a unique gift to bring to the world
It is our purpose in life to offer this gift
For even if only a few benefit from our offering,
the world is then a better place to live

There is a hero in all of us
and with a little faith,
your dreams can exceed
beyond the boldest & brightest of rainbows

"Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die,
life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly"
~ Langston Hughes



Hugs and God Bless,
Cherie

Sierra

Boop and Patti:

Both of you say the most
beautiful prayers

Monday morning today
and thank you so much.

Days are getting brighter.

Namaste

beachcottage

Thanks for
popping by Sierra..

It is always a good day
when you leave your footprints

I agree..The days are
getting brighter

Sending you a hug
xoxo,
Patti

L.O.V.E. Y.O.U.R.S.E.L.F.

Let go of the "shoulds" in your life.
Open up to the miracle of now.
Value your uniqueness.
Explore your dreams and passions.

Yield to life - go with the flow.
Obey the voice of your Spirit.
Unwind - get cozy and comfy.
Renew yourself - body and soul.
Surround yourself with caring people.
Express yourself - be true to you.
Linger longer at what you enjoy.
Feel God's special love for you.

~Author Unknown~

beachcottage

WHAT DO ANGELS LOOK LIKE?



"Like the little old lady who returned

your wallet yesterday.

Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes

light up the world, when you smile.

Like the small child who showed you

the wonder in simple things.

Like the poor man who offered to

share his lunch with you.

Like the rich man who showed you that it

really is all possible, if only you believe.

Like the stranger who just happened to come along,

when you had lost your way.

Like the friend who touched your heart,

when you didn't think you had one to touch.

Angels come in all sizes and shapes,

all ages and skin types & colors.

Some with freckles, some with dimples,

some with wrinkles, some without.

They come disguised as friends, enemies,

nurses, teachers, students, lovers and fools.

They don't take life too seriously,

They travel light.

They leave no forwarding address,

They ask nothing in return.

They wear sneakers with gossamer wings,

They get a deal on dry cleaning.

They are hard to find when your eyes are closed,

but they are everywhere you look,

when you choose to see.



~Author Unknown~













xoxo

Patti

csp

These past few weeks that I have been waiting to resolve this issue with this lump have been made easier reading post like these. It helps me to think of other things, other than that stupid lump. Thank you so much for thinking of others,and sharing.

csp

Patti posted this web link on 2/18/05,

it is beautiful. I wanted to bring it back up for others to enjoy. Thank you Patti ~



http://www.positivepause.com/en/

beachcottage

Dear Carrie thank you..



Here is another one...Enjoy!



Here's to all of us

Here's to Life

all that is good

and the beautiful wonders

of the world...xoxo

Patti



http://wonderofitall.com/

Boop

Someone needs a hug from you.

A little voice did say.

For in their heart may be heaviness.

So send these hugs today.



Why me, I ask, my hugs are weak.

My arms are getting old.

Not so replied this little voice.

Hugs are renewed as good as gold.



So here are some of my little hugs.

See they are as good as new.

They leave my arms to wing their way.

To loved ones such as you.


These little hugs with out-stretched arms.

Brought on silvery wings of care.

Their mission is to carry hugs.

No cost do they ever bear.



Little hugs for our dear ones.

Also friends and such.

There's times when we all need them.

They mean so very much.



When the tides roll high.

And break here at our feet.

Little hugs fly all around.

To break the falls we meet.


These little hugs are ours to share.

They come silently I'm told.

They quiet our heart and give us peace.

And never, never grow old.



These little hugs are unseen and unheard.

They are so very, very quiet.

Yet the power of these tiny hugs.

Hold a magical, forceful might.



May these little hugs surround you.

Welcome them, feel their touch.

They are from arms that love you so.

And care so very much.


Don't hide these hugs, let them fly away.

Never keep them to yourself.

Don't bind their tiny silvery wings.

Nor place them upon the shelf.



Let them fly away to someone else.

They desire to always be free.

To hug someone you love so much.

Just as they bring hugs from me.

--Pat O'Bryant--



Hugs and God Bless,
Cherie

beachcottage

I have posted this many times...Thought it was time to post again...xoxo,
Patti

sometimes....

I cannot tell you, " I know how you feel"
I have not been where you are...
But sometimes it is ok to walk by faith....
and not by sight...
Sometimes it is ok to ask why....
even if we get no immediate answer.....
Sometimes it is ok to wonder.....
how others lives can seem so normal....
when ours have been ripped apart...
Sometimes it is ok to wonder where we failed...
where we went wrong...
Sometimes it is ok to ask God,
"Please don;t let me go crazy."
Sometimes it is ok to be hurt...
and Lonely....
and sleepless...
and sad...
and mad....
Sometimes it is ok to look for someone to blame...
and to blame yourself...
or even to blame God....
But those sometimes wont last forever....
The Great Healer will begin to put you back together!!!! AMEN!
never the same...But complete in his love....
Then he will lead you to others that need to know...
about the "SOMETIMES"
BY: Rachel Rhodes

So do not fear...For I am with you...do not be dismayed...For I am your God...I will strengthen you..and will help you..I will uphold you with my righteous right hand....

Isaiah 41:10

**********************************
Here's to healing!!! xoxo,Patti

csp

I hope it is okay for me to bring some of these post up.
I really loved this ~ (11/15/05) taken from Boops post


I wish for you today.....
I wish you a day of ordinary miracles
A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself.
An unexpected phone call from an old friend.
Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.
I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...
The fastest line at the grocery store.
A good sing along song on the radio.
Your keys right where you look.
I wish you a day of happiness and perfection
little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you
the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you,
holding you so gently because you are
someone special and rare.
I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.



They say it takes a minute to find a special person,
an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them,
but then an entire life to forget them.

--W. E. Petersen--





Hugs and God Bless,
Cherie

--------------------
Faith is not believing that God can,
but that God will!!:)

Boop

Carrie,

Thanks for bringing that back up, I had forgot about that one..I am going to print it out..It is a special one..It reminds us that each of us and each day is so special...



Hugs and God Bless,
Cherie

beachcottage

LET ME FEAR NOT FOREVER
Let me fear not forever
As I journey on and on.
I accept that tomorrow requires
Leaving yesterday and today.
Truly, this grand gift of life deserves
My full attention and intention.
Let me fear not forever
As I journey on and on.
The test of my spirit is found
Both in this moment and in time.
Always shall I strive at growing,
Where unconditional love precedes my labor.
And so, let me fear not forever
As I journey on and on.--Author unknown--
######################################
Sending postive thoughts
your way today sisters.........

Peace

xoxo,
Patti

beachcottage

I posted this lovely
poem under the inspiration
thread many moons ago..

And when I found it today
I decided to share it
on the moving on thread...

This is worth a repeat

Here's to all of us
and our strong bonds

xoxo
Patti

In This Home
We believe in living deeply,
laughing often and loving always.

We believe we were brought together
to support and care for each other.

We believe in celebrating together-our faith, our heritage, our traditions.

We believe that everyone's feelings count, and that the uniqueness of each of us strengthens all of us.

We believe in the power of forgiveness to heal and the power of love to carry us through.

We believe in one another, in this family,
In This Home.

xoxo
Patti

beachcottage

I have found such joy in simple things;
A plain clean room , a nut-brown loaf of bread,
A cup of milk, a kettle as it sings,
The shelter of a roof above my head,
And in a leaf-laced square along a floor,
Where yellow sunlight glimmers through a door.

I have found such joys in things that fill
My quiet days: a curtain's blowing grace,
A potted plant upon my window sill,
A rose fresh-cut and placed within a vase,
A table cleared, a lamp beside a chair,
And books I long have loved beside me there.


Grace Noll Crowell


xoxo
Patti

csp

What is the deal with Lightning bugs?



I mean, here is this rather ordinary looking flying insect, but wait ... it has a glow-in-the-dark rear end!



What was God thinking?



I'm sure science has all kinds of explanations about how this fluorescent fanny is useful for mating and other stuff, but why did God choose to make the lightning bug glow?



I wonder if when God was creating all the animals and everything around us, he came up with the idea of the lightning bug and said, "The kids are gonna love this."



We know that God loves us enough to create all the things we need to survive, but does God loves us so much He created some things just to make us smile?



Just seeing lightning bugs takes me back to those warm summer nights of my youth. I'd be running around the back yard with my empty Mason jar, racing toward the flashing lights all around me. I can still feel the joy and hear the laughter echoing through my memories.



Lightning bugs were as much a part of summer as fireworks, fresh tomatoes, and big ice-cold slabs of juicy watermelon. (I also have a theory of why God created watermelon seeds the perfect size to spit, but that is another story.)



God created so much diversity in this world, much more than is needed for mere survival. He made all of this for us, and He wants us to enjoy it. We can get so busy surrounding ourselves with man-made goods that we don't notice the living tapestry God has laid out all around us.



I guess lightning bugs do have a purpose after all. They are a reminder of a creative God who loves us so much, He'd even paint the rear end of a bug -- just to see us smile!











~ Author Unknown ~



Love and hugs thank you Patti

csp

The weather here has been mild for the North this
time of year and today. I can smell and feel the promise of spring in the air.

The soft kiss of spring
is making hearts leap,
Awakening the barren
Earth from her sleep.
Hopes never ending
As green leaves unfold,
Enchanting bird song,
Sunbeams of gold.
Daffodils setting
The hillsides aglow,
Defying winter's
Last trespass of snow.
Sweet anticipation
Is stirring our hearts,
Every new morning
New beauty imparts.
Refreshing showers,
Rainbows in the sky;
Cares are forgotten,
Our spirits soar high.
Oh, season of promise,
Of perfect delight;
Broken the shackles
Of winter's long night.


Kiss of Spring
Regina Wiencek

beachcottage

Thank you Carrie
xoxo
Patti

beachcottage

"Indian wisdom says our lives are rivers.

We are born somewhere small and quiet and
we move toward a place we cannot see, but only imagine.

Along our journey, people and events flow into us, and
we are created of everywhere and everyone we have passed.

Each event, each person, changes us in some way.
Even in times of drought we are still moving and growing,
but it is during seasons of rain that we expand the most –
when water flows from all directions, sweeping at terrifying speed,
chasing against rocks, spilling over boundaries.

These are painful times, but they enable us to carry burdens we could never have thought possible.
Floods are painful, but they are necessary.
They keep us clear and strong.
They move our lives onto new paths."
Tending Roses--Lisa Wingate

csp

Life's road is but an unknown path -
The way I cannot see,
But I'll not fear this unknown path,
For God is guiding me.
He leads me with an unseen hand -
By faith, He lights the way.
His grace is all-sufficient
For my journey day by day.
I need but start the day with Him
in fellowship and prayer,
Then as I travel down life's road,
I'll always find Him there.


God Is Guiding Me
Shirley W. Langley

...And he lead me in a
plain path...
Psalm 27:11