Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Week 85 - Hope

Hope is something that I can never tire of writing about as it makes it way through our existence.  We hope and wish for better things to come, we look at our day to day and are grateful for that which we receive, it gives us a new dimension to hope.

I can think of many times through my life where I have hoped for a different outcome, wanting so badly for things to go my way, and not understanding the eventual outcome.  My hope that my mum would make a miraculous recovery and the dementia to disappear, or that my brother would be healed from Cancer and live to see old age with his big sisters, while chasing around after his grandchildren, but I have had to reassess the hope that I had with the present I now see.

Hope caused me to look at things in a different light and perspective.  With a slightly different eye and as painful as it sometimes was, situations didn't always play out as you intended them to.  When I looked from an objective perspective it enabled me to see where there was room for change that would allow me flexibility and growth.

I have learnt so much through illness and death of those people around me that I love and thought would be here forever, and I now see the world with new eyes, still hopeful, not taking it for granted, but expectant.  As you reflect on aspects of your life what key things are you learning?

I am grateful for life's lessons, for the hope that we have within us that can change the course of our lives.  I celebrate the life that we need to make more of and those wishes I made as a child and the ones that have come to pass.

I am on a creative journey in my journal and hope you come along and join me. Why not start your own journal, keep it as simple or complex as you wish, but do something!

Gratitude and Celebration Journal

Gratitudes and Celebration Journal - Week 84 - Change

Gratitude's and Celebrations

Changes have been in process, and it is a funny thing, when you try and imagine how circumstances will turn out they never quite fit with how you imagine they would.  The one thing that I have learn over the years is the need to stay flexible and not be too ridged.

Changes come in different packages

I have had a busy week and I will be sharing about the events of the Barbados Alzheimer's Association tomorrow with more images, and look at what I have been doing with them a bit closer.

I was able to share about my experience with dementia and creative activities to a range of different people at the Barbados Alzheimer's Association Seminar called 'Remember Me', and got to give them a glimpse of what can be done using creativity and reminiscence.

Talking about Art and Creativity for Dementia at BAA

I have had to see my self in a different light, one where I can offer support in a new way and be a blessing to others.  I don't have my mother to look after, and every thing that I learnt caring for her I can share - both the ups and the downs and the many bits in-between!

 

BAA Open day - 'Remember Me'

We all have much to share about the changes in our lives and we have to step into those changes boldly, looking for the opportunities to make a difference in someones life.

I am grateful and celebrate the changes that come and the things that we can learn from each one, how ever big or small! 

I feel that each experience actually prepares us for new adventures and we have to make sure we have all the tools that we need to move forward, gathering them along life's journey and helping us to see things from a different perspective.

I am grateful to still be able to share my creativity and my art and know that someone somewhere is being blessed,  just as you too can use different means to share your story, I encourage you today to reach out and share your story in a different way - shining your light for all to see!

I am on a creative journey in my journal and hope you come along and join me. Why not start your own journal, keep it as simple or complex as you wish, but do something creative!

Gratitude and Celebration Journal

Word for the Week - Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple  Psalm 27:4

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight   Proverbs 3:5-6

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Micah 7:7

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior;  My God will hear me   Micah 7:7

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Psalm 119:76

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.  Psalm 119:76

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Psalm 71:5

For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth..Psalm 71:5

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Psalm 86:17

Give me a sign of your goodness that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.  Psalm 86:17

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Proverbs 3:24

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet....Proverbs 3:24

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Hebrews 13:6

So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper;  I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?'  Hebrews 13:6

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God... 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Luke 12:17

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.  

Luke 12:7

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything, and a season for 

every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Isaiah 49:13

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song you mountains!  For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones

Isaiah 49:13

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Josuah 1:9

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go....Joshua 1:9

He is not just with you in some places, or at certain times of the day.  He is with you 24/7, when you are away and when you sleep....Now what is it that you need to do that you were afraid to do?

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Isaiah 12:2

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, The Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

He is your salvation and as you continue to trust in him the fear and the doubt will cease....

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the week - Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.....Romans 15:13

I trust in the Lord and He gives me hope, there is always an opportunity for a turnaround in our situations, a complete change.  What area of your life do you need to trust that the Lord has it in hand.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

Word for the Week - Psalm 27:4

Dedicated to my wonderful, brave, encouraging, loving Brother Robert, who was also a husband, son, father, uncle, friend, supporter, who was  all the things you could ever want in a brother and then some! Who is truly in the House of the Lord, who sought him and is gazing upon his beauty......

Showing Sekani, Jorrell and Symphonie some moves!

Show your support HERE

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4

Gratitude's and Celebration - Choose...you still have a choice

You have a choice, don’t let doubt creep in....

You always have a choice, whatever the situation. You can choose.  You can make a decision whether you actually want to accept the results of a situation and choose a different path, or you can choose how you respond to a situation and whether it will have an impact on your life.

Whatever you do, you make the final decision.  What is it that you have been running away from.  Not making a decision is the same as making a choice, you have just chosen to do nothing and wait and see what happens, and in the end you may not like the results.

We are uniquely formed and fashioned by God and we each have a purpose on this earth.  It is our responsibility to make sure that we live and make the most of our lives however short or long they may be.  Don't listen to the negative voices that tell you that you will never be able to..... or that you will never achieve .......be an inspiration for someone else that is coming up behind you, to those that look to you for an example - extend your had to the next.  

I am grateful and celebrate today because I had another day to make a difference, I no longer take what I have for granted and will continue to make choices that will steer my life to it's fullest and highest purpose.

What choices do you have to make today?