A Joyful Hike

Did you have a loving father?  My father loved me very much. He worked hard, provided for his family, cared for my grandparents, and planted a lavish garden every year that fed many of our neighbors. He cared and loved for my mom and brother, but had his earthly flaws. We had wonderful moments as I grew up, but also experienced a negative side of my father from his alcoholism. He never admitted he had a drinking problem, and it never effected his work, but being a child of the Great Depression caused him to hold on to insecurities, anger, and depression.  Mom and dad celebrating their first Christmas in 1963. Mom pregnant with me in 1972. I was born in  May of 1973. Thankfully, I was raised in a God fearing home. I learned at a young age to honor, respect, and worship the Lord Jesus. My heavenly Father knows exactly what I need and has never or ever will forsake me. He answered my prayers by providing an incredible spouse made perfectly for me. My Jason.  My wedding ...

Holidays in our household consisted of family being together. When my husband and I had our two sons, our world felt complete. Since his passing over two years ago, holidays have not felt the same. We would visit our extended families during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. As we created our own traditions, friends we made along the way really began to feel more like family.  As it turns out, this Easter is a first for me. It’s the first holiday where I will be absolutely alone. My parents are passed away and my sons are out of state in college and visiting extended family. They had just visited me for their Spring Break a few weeks ago. I didn’t feel comfortable asking family if I could visit because I know everyone has their own ways of celebrating and if they wanted me to come they would have mentioned it in advance for planning travel arrangements. I am in no way upset or harboring ill feelings. It is what it is.  As I begin to open myself up and share ...

By: Janet M. Norman Have you ever felt completely shattered?  Maybe you lost your job, didn’t have enough money in your bank account to cover your mortgage and/or bills, or maybe your pet passed away?  All of the emotions you feel are validated.  When a person’s spouse dies, their entire world has been shattered into a zillion pieces. God made a husband and a wife for communion, support, and togetherness. “Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”” Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ God knew man needed a wife. When we look to the the following verses, we see the validation Adam gets from a perfectly formed woman. “Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’””  Gene sis‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬  His excitement was gen...

I live vicariously through Bitmoji’s in my relationship with my late husband .  By: Janet M. Norman How do you shift from happily married to happily widowed?  I believe the best way is to take your mind off of your own wants and desires. I know that sounds cliche, but as Christians, when you accept Christ into your heart, there is a physical change in who you are on a soul level. The Holy Spirit is deposited into our heart and minds. We are fortunate to have Him because without him, we are truly left for the enemy to ravage.  My husband would always give me flowers on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, my birthday, and just because days.He would have two dozen roses sent to my school so I could enjoy the flowers all day. He had a way of making me feel so special. He loved me with all my flaws. He was so patient and calming. I truly miss his presence in our home.  My husband left a great impression on my sons and my youngest would bring me coffee and they both got me beau...

By: Janet M. Norman This is a post I took from my Facebook page on December 19, 2020. This is just a few days after my husband was diagnosed with bile duct liver cancer. Sometimes it is good to be reflective after traumatic events.  It helps clear the mind. It is best to follow the griever’s emotional journey. They continually run memories of the past, present, and future from their lives.  Please read this long post. It is from two of my devotionals this morning. Joy, Hope, & Faith in God because He loves us and wants to provide for our every need.  Bible verse of the day:   “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ https://www.bible.com/116/php.4.4.nlt Joyce Meyer devotional for today: 12:19.20 Rejoice in the Hope of Experiencing God's Favor The Bible is full of hope-filled promises for you and me. We have access to God's presence. He wants to heal us of our diseases. He will supply all our needs. There are so many...

 By: Janet M. Norman What does it mean to be a cheerful giver?  I believe it means to give freely from your heart. Sometimes we have to go to a party and sign-up to bring a dish and then we huff and puff about having to get the ingredients or even take time to make the dish, so I wouldn’t say that is being a cheerful giver.  When you think about it, we can give in so many ways. By the way we speak to each other, the gentleness, tone, and delivery of our words. We can positively edify and build each other up. Then there is the opposite effect of tearing down or literally doing nothing. Words do matter and the choice of how we use them effects people   We can also give emotionally. We check in on our friends and family to make sure they all right. We listen and cry with our friends when they are hurting. Sometimes grievers are just stuck in a rut. Their internal mind is overcome with so many thoughts coming from so many directions they become unable to sleep and in tur...

By: Janet M. Norman I was driving to church this evening and God provided the most incredible sunset. I was only getting glimpses of it through trees and over rooftops, and the colors He painted on our sky canvas was shades of orange, pink, and purple. The blue backdrop and floating puffy clouds took my breath away. I wanted to be at the beach, but I was on my way to worship my Savior.  My husband and I took many opportunities to go to the beach at various times, dates, and places. Our first kiss was on a beach. I still remember the warmth of the sun and sand in my toes as I laid back on blanket. With my eyes still closed, I felt a shadow come across my face. Then his soft warm lips gently pressed upon mine and literally, in that moment, we had instant chemistry. I was swept up in the moment, and I treasure it in my heart as one of the most precious gifts I possess.  When we look around the world, God is in the natural beauty. Jason and I loved being outdoors. We took a walk w...