Galleries

I Give YOU My Heart

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I Give YOU My Heart

I Give YOU My Heart

Dear GOD, each day I will give you my heart
Reading YOUR WORD is the first place I'll start

Trusting and following all that I've read
I know YOU are with me on the path ahead

May my words and thoughts be pleasing and kind
Putting YOU first in my heart and my mind

These are the daily words that I pray
Please lead me, protect me and guide me today

 

"May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

 

God Bless
xoxo

RoseMary

Freedom

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Freedom

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We have the opportunity right there in front of us to unlock the chains and set ourselves free.

It’s easy to remember the negative things that have happened to us and many times we allow those thoughts to control us. Then they take over our lives what we do and say. They enslave us. They chain us. Do they really?

I was released, I was free and then I imprisoned myself. I was now my own captor.  I put the chains on and kept them on myself.

 

I put myself back behind the prison doors. I held anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-destruction in the cell with me.

Anxiety

Did you hear me say SELF DESTRUCTION?

If it was so easy to do these things, why was it so hard to look ahead? To know that with the help of the Lord I could have a new life. He had already protected me from my previous captors, He could protect and release me from ME. Allowing Him into my life would mean I could experience freedom. Freedom from the captors in my life including ME. Allow Him to not only set you free but to be your guide and protector on your life's journey. Enjoy your Freedom!

 

“He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy” Psalm 68:6

 

God Bless
xoxo

RoseMary

Dreams Really Can Come True

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Dreams Really Can Come True

By: RoseMary

Dreams Really Can Come True

 

Do you have a Dream Life List?

When I grow up, I want to be _________________. We all had those dreams. But what about now? What are the dreams that you want to do now in your life?

When I was twenty, I was told, go to nursing school. I applied and was accepted, but due to a family emergency, that dream did not come true.

Fortunately for many patients that was a blessing. My bestest friend Kathy who is a fantastic nurse said “What were you thinking? You are a germaphobe and you don’t like blood”.

Then when I was 26, I applied to the airlines. I made it through two interviews and now I would have to travel for my final interview. I got on the plane, took my Dramamine remembering “I don’t enjoy flying and Dramamine puts me to sleep.” What was I thinking?

I realized these were dreams in my head not my heart.

I made a Dream Life List. This was a list of dreams in my heart that one way or another I was going to do. No one was going to take these dreams from me not even the little voice in my head. This is where it begins.

I love entertaining. I have done a few voiceovers and really enjoyed it. I went to Broadcasting School and thought my dream would come true but because of my own insecurities of thinking I would not be good enough, I never pursued it. Entertaining is still on my Dream Life List.

I love to sing. Though not the best singer I love to sing. When I was younger I took voice lessons and sang in the chorus at school, but because I got an A- in chorus my Dad told me I wasn’t good enough to sing and I had to quit chorus and voice lessons. (My Dad had a beautiful voice and when I was younger we would sing together. I am grateful my Dad taught me the love of music. Music has helped me through a lot of bad times.)

When I was Forty-Five (you see the progression here) I wanted to sing in the Choir at Church. I kept hearing that small voice in my head saying “Why?” you cannot sing. Being this was a dream on my life list I took a few voice lessons and joined the choir. My voice teacher convinced me to try out for the Praise Team. I chuckled are you serious? I thought ok I can do this. (Disclaimer: I was not a great singer, but I was dedicated and would be there whenever they needed me). I made the Praise Team! It truly was a blessing, and I sang for over five years. Singing was now starred on my Dream Life List.

Next on my list. Be A Clown! I mean a real Professional Clown. I remember my husband said “Please don’t tell anyone you want to be a clown” so I put it out of my mind, but it was always in my heart. Thirty years later at 57, I decided I really wanted to be a clown. I began researching and found a Clown School. I told my husband and quickly he said, “Where is this clown school?” Lake Placid, I said. “Sure, if that’s what you want to do go to clown school”. There are no words to describe the excitement I felt. I called, filled out all the paperwork, got all my supplies, made my hotel reservations, packed, and I was ready to go. Two weeks before I left my husband said, “Did you make plane reservations?” Looking at him I said, Plane Reservations? I am driving. “To Lake Placid?” he asked. Yes, it is exactly one hour and forty-five minutes. He thought I was going to Lake Placid New York. No Lake Placid Florida. Off I went and it was one of the most memorable weekends of my life. I became a professional clown at Toby's Clown School. With the help of Big Al, Giggles, Simplicity, Super Cute, Hula Lula, Loopy, and Cricket, “Miss LaDiDa” was discovered. I fulfilled another one of my dreams on my Dream Life List. My husband is one of my biggest encouragers. He will tell you that it is pretty funny living with a clown.

When you are following your dreams sometimes it is best not to tell a lot of people. I knew people would say negative things if I told them I was going to clown school. I didn't want to be discouraged and possibly not follow through. When I came home (still dressed in my fancy clown outfit, which is a tutu, high heels, blue hair, and lots of sparkle) I told people where I was and there were some naysayers but people who really knew me were not surprised, they were excited and encouraging.

Next on the list Toastmasters Again. Toastmasters is an International Organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills. Let me explain Again. When I was fifty, I went to a Toastmaster meeting. For some reason, I was not comfortable. I went back a second time and had the same feeling. My thought was maybe Toastmasters is not for me. I decided to try again. I called and spoke to a lovely lady named Jan. Jan invited me to a meeting, you can wear a costume if you would like, it is our Halloween meeting. Really, dress up! Yeah! I went and Jeff greeted me at the door he was a tree. I mean literally, he was a tree and a great tree. I felt so welcomed and knew this is where I belonged. Another side note. I love Toastmasters but you need to realize that you have to find a club that you feel comfortable in. It is not that the club I visited ten years before was a bad club it was just not a fit for me. Since joining Toastmasters I have learned leadership skills, improved my listening skills, and have been in Speech Contests. Toastmasters has taught me so much. I am now in two Toastmaster Clubs. Toastmasters starred on my Dream Life List.

Write a Blog. Another big dream. When I told people I wanted to write a blog I heard things like "What do you have to write about?" "Who is going to read your blog?" Now at 63, I have a blog that I created with the help of Donna and Molly through their great course BYO Website Designer.  I do not know who will read my blog, but it has been great therapy for me, and I pray that I can encourage people through my experiences. Blog starred on my Dream Life List.

I ask again do you have a Dream Life List? If not start one. Live your dreams now, no excuses.
 Dreams really can come true.

 

Shall my life pass before my eyes?

Will I do the things I have dreamed of before I die?

Time will not stand still so enjoy each day.

Do not let obstacles stand in your way.

And when naysayers try to push you down.

Find positive people to be around.

The passion and dedication must come from you.

You will see Dreams really can come true.

 

"With GOD All Things Are Possible" Matthew 19:26

God Bless
xoxo

RoseMary

Memories

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Memories

Memories (1)

Do you remember autograph books in Middle School? Yearbooks in High School? We would get excited having friends sign them. When Mike and I  lived on the beach we had a guest book for people to write in.

I love looking back and seeing what people wrote.

Back in December of 2009, I wanted to start a memory book so I asked people to write a memory of me, my husband, or both of us. It was amazing the responses I received. Most of the stories were very funny and a few were serious.

A few years ago Mikes daughter and Son in law gave him a party for his 80th Birthday (it was not a surprise because when you have a man who has had two open-heart surgeries the one thing you do not want to do is surprise him). Laura asked people to write a memory of her Dad and she put them together in a beautiful book.

Last week I lost a friend and it made me start to think, I have had some fun times with this lady, I wish I knew her memory or memories of me.

One of my bestest and dearest friends is very sick. We have had many many many wonderful memories together that I will treasure and never forget.  I would have loved to have had her put them in writing so I could put them in my memory book.

I would truly appreciate knowing your memory of me, my husband, or both of us. Please put your memory(s) in the comments below.

If you do not want your comment public you can email me at:

ifindgoodineverything@gmail.com

God Bless
xoxo

RoseMary

Reflections

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Reflections

By: RoseMary

2020 2021 Calendar

As we say goodbye to 2020 there are some things I just do not understand. People think that 2021 will be different but in reality, 2021 will have the same seven days a week for 365 days. People will still be mad about things. The media will still be scaring us and trying to divide us. We will still make choices, we will still have problems and we will still have memories. Some memories will be happy and others will leave a sadness in our hearts. We can look back on the year past and we can see and do things differently but just because it is a new year does not mean it will change alone, we must change.

I look back on 2020 and this was a tough year, people not only lost their jobs, businesses and homes but many lost loved ones. People were not allowed to be with their loved ones in the hospital, they were not allowed to go to funerals or even make arrangements. We were not allowed to visit our families. Graduations did not happen, weddings were postponed, events were canceled. We went through a lockdown period. Lives were changed but we still must thank God every day for everything we have. Make a list and be grateful. We all have family and friends, name them one by one and think of wonderful things you have done with them and the things you look forward to. If you have a home with running water, electricity, food, and a bed to sleep in thank God for these blessings. If you have a car, health, and a job or business thank God. You see if you take the time to thank God for what you are thankful for you will be able to make changes. It begins with you.

We must thank the first responders who worked and continue to work many tireless hours to care for people. The soldiers who are still fighting a war to keep us safe, the policemen who protect us from crime. They have left their families to help yours and mine.

Yes, churches closed and people were not able to meet in person but I thank God for technology. We were able to watch Church online and what a blessing so many people were able to hear the messages preached. I am in a few clubs and people who do not live in the area or even the United States were able to join in meetings with Zoom. We were still able to communicate with our loved ones through Facetime, Skype, and social media. You see if we take the time to find the good it will help with our attitudes and we then can pass it on to help others. There are a lot of very sad things COVID led to a worldwide scare and many people lost loved ones because of this terrible pandemic, people lost their jobs, homes, and businesses. Families and friendships were torn apart over political issues and even masks. Do you think 2021 will change any of this on its own? No, we have to first change our attitude to see any change on any day. It does not matter what the calendar says it is our attitude that must change. Our attitudes will make a difference.

2020 has had some memories that I am grateful for. I learned about technology. I designed and built a website and started a blog. I took classes online. I learned how to attend meetings on Zoom. I learned how to paint. I spent a lot of time with my husband and I got closer to God. I had friends who had babies and grandbabies.

One of my life verses that have come from 2020 is:
Philippians 4:6 "Don’t worry about anything, instead, PRAY about EVERYTHING."

My husband and I have had a few scares with COVID but we Praise God we tested negative each time. We prayed harder this year and had to practice Phillipians 4:6 numerous times daily. I have friends and family who have had terrible health scares and have lost loved ones this year. One of my dearest friends in the world has a very rare disease and is very sick. I will cherish every visit I have with her. Cherish every minute you have with your loved ones now.

I am a hugger and I miss hugging but I am so grateful and blessed that my loved ones are still here and though I cannot hug them I can still talk to them and see their precious faces with technology.

May you be blessed with wonderful memories, health, and happiness not only in 2021 but every day for the rest of your life.

I pray you will try to
“Find Good In Everything”
Every Day, In Everyone, In Every Situation.

 

God Bless
xoxo

RoseMary

Silent Killer(s)

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Silent Killer(s)
By: RoseMary

What are you hiding beneath your mask?

 

Today I need to talk about some silent killer(s) ANXIETY and, DEPRESSION. The reason I need to talk about them is that if I do not overcome them I will never escape and they are slowly killing me. I am not a Doctor or a professional in this field, but I will tell you about my personal experience and how I am learning to handle my Silent Killer(s).

Many of us go around wearing masks. Some are beautiful and when we see someone with a beautiful mask it makes us want to be around that person. They make us laugh, they listen to our problems, they comfort us, they encourage us, they help when we need help. Their mask says" Everything Is Wonderful " and we believe it. We even want to be like that person. But what are they hiding beneath their mask?

Some wear masks of anger and negativity, and we avoid these people. We do not want to be involved because we have our own masks that we are dealing with. We do not want to be in their world for fear that they will bring us down. They are always negative, critical, insulting, and angry. We don't want to be like them. That is on the outside of their mask what is beneath their mask?

 

I hope that talking about my mask in public will help someone. My mask is the mask of Everything is Wonderful. It is decorated beautifully, and it makes you smile. It is a mask that if you look beneath it you will see what I am truly feeling, Anxiety, Depression, Loser, OCD, Sadness. I am so afraid to do anything. It seems like everything I do I ask for what? It is not perfect. I have horrible chest pains, but the Cardiologist tells me my heart is strong. He says I have ANXIETY and that is making me sick and will slowly kill me. I have terrible panic attacks and bouts of crying. Depression where I don’t even want to get dressed or put on makeup. This is one of the biggest reasons for me starting this blog, with the hope of helping others. This blog is my therapy.

I know that if I look at all situations, and people I will “Find Good In Everything.” Even with that, I have people telling me to wake up, open your eyes, this is not a Hallmark movie. I let that be my reality and it is slowly killing me. Why can’t I think this way? What is wrong with thinking this way? If I must choose to Find Good In Everything or to complain and be negative, why would I choose the latter? I WON’T. No longer will I listen to others or the negative voice inside my own head. I will fight this fight with the optimism of the ONE who I believe in GOD. I say I am a Christian and believe every word in the Bible then why do I believe the words of negative people, and things I know are not true? For fear of someone not liking me or calling me a Pollyanna? Well so let it be. I want to feel better. I want to live. I want to help others to be released from this terrible prison. ANXIETY and DEPRESSION are real. It is not something that you can say “get over it”. Some people need medications, some need therapy, but ALL need love, and encouragement. You need true friends who will listen and be there to lift you when you fall. We will all fall at some time in our life. What a blessing it will be to have people who we love and trust to be there to lift us, wipe our tears, and let us know that we are loved and wanted.

 

I am working very hard on knowing who God says I am. It is a process and will not happen overnight. He says YOU ARE Loved, You are Beautiful, You Are Unique, You Are Talented, You Are Brave, and You Are Blessed.

 

He knows you better than you know yourself. He created you. He is our Heavenly Father and wants the best for me. He wants the best for you. I am positive that when we replace all man-made thoughts with who God says we are, true friends, and hope, we will be able to handle ANXIETY, and DEPRESSION, sadness, fear, and all the silent killer(s) that try to lie beneath our masks. We can take the masks off and say "I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM" and free ourselves from the Silent Killer(s).

God Bless
xoxo

RoseMary

Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving

By: RoseMary

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This Thanksgiving Day, what will you thank Him for?

Will you open your heart and unlock the door?

When the door is open the light you see

Is Gods’ beauty made for both you and me

Remember those who are no longer here

Keep their traditions and memories dear

And those that the miles will keep us apart

Call them and tell them they are here in your heart

Make this also a time to remember

The people who died on the 11th of September

Pray for our soldiers who protect you and me

Keeping America both safe and free

The brave first responders who are working today

We thank them and in our prayers, they will stay

World leaders for guidance to do the right thing

To honor and follow the rules of our King

Those who are lonely, sick, sad, or away

Lord Bless them, protect them during this holiday

For we must love one another our sisters and brothers

And if you must forgive someone even your mothers

Call them and tell them, ask for their love

Then get on your knees and thank God up above

I’m so thankful Lord for what you have done for me

Thankful you gave your life to set us free

Wishing you and
your families a very
Happy, Blessed, and Safe Thanksgiving.
God Bless
xoxo
RoseMary

Thank You

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Thank you
By:RoseMary

I don’t know you, you don’t know me
Your gift of giving keeps me free

The days when I am complaining, or unwilling to forgive
Those are days you are fighting and praying that you will live

In my selfish times, I forget I am being so unkind
For my soldier, I do not know, should always be on my mind

Thank you for your courage, your love for our great nation
Wherever you are fighting, wherever you are stationed

Thank you for what you have given up to protect us all
By going out and fighting, when you got the call

You left your job, and family, the safety that you knew
To give it  up for others, by doing what you do

I ask for your forgiveness for forgetting you some days
Till you come home safely, in my thoughts and prayers you'll stay

 

God Bless
xoxo
RoseMary

Respect

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Respect
By: RoseMary

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People want freedom but they lock their doors to their cars, their homes, their businesses, and their possessions.

People want free speech but when others use theirs they are offended.

People want peace but they are out there stirring up trouble.

People want equality but they separate.

People want more but they give less.

People want to be loved but they spread hate.

People want to stay safe, but they will not support our men and women in uniform.

People want but they do not want to give.

 

There is so much division right now in our world. We see it on television, we listen to it on the radio and we read and write it on social media. Division not only in politics but division in our own homes, our workplace, even our place of worship. Division between family and friends. Name-calling, adults calling each other names. People hurting each other physically. Destroying property and businesses. Take a minute to think about how you would feel if someone called you names or said something about you that is hurtful and maybe even untrue. What if someone destroyed your home or business. What if someone hurt your loved one. Not only would it affect you but it affects your family and others. I will admit that I have talked about people before I knew their side of the story. I have said things about people I have never even met. Why? because I listened and agreed with someone else’s opinion.

Right now, our country is in turmoil. People are focusing more on the negative and being angry instead of looking for something positive. It is easy to see the negative but let us work harder to listen and see the positive. We are all entitled to our opinion but let us express them in a manner that can be discussed without hate or anger. What it comes down to is respect. We do not have to agree with each other but we must learn to respect one another.

How do you see the positive? Sit down and write five things each day that you are thankful for. I know when I do this it changes my attitude and thinking. I try to “Find Good in Everything”, Everyday, In Everyone, In Every Situation.

 

 

God Bless
xoxo

RoseMary