Had I Truly Loved? Reflections During Winter Storm
Sometimes during certain seasons, especially winter, one has time to reflect upon life and wonder. To live this life truly loving others is truly living this life, but had we truly loved?
Solace of Winter's Stillness
"If I have prophetic powers and understand all mysteries and all knowledge,” wrote the apostle Paul, “and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give it all away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
(1 Cor.13:2-3 ESV)
Listen While You Read
Striving for What Exactly?
Here we all are living this life. A beautiful gift we have been given indeed. We can truly try our best to do whatever it is our heart desires or to be the person we so choose to be in this life. It may be that we are so determined and go through this life showing such determination and restraint to the uttermost, even though giving up much that is good for what we perceive as better. Better for whom?
We have but one life here on this temporal world to live, laugh, experience and to love. Once we have lived our lives and in looking back at all that we have done, if we are unable to know without a doubt that we have truly loved, then it would have been a life wasted, would it not?
It is never too late to truly love. However, we do not want to wait (speaking of winter here) until the winter of our lives is at hand, and the last of the vivid leaves have fallen, to love.
A couple of weeks ago, as the deep South became a winter wonderland of snow and ice, not its norm, it was during those quiescent days of winter, when we were literally unable to leave our home for three days, I found myself in deep reflection about life while peering out at the barren trees and snow-covered hills.
What a beautiful sight to behold, as our little world down here became dormant, so quiet and still. As each day passed, it was getting colder. I could feel the cold creeping across the hills into the town and out through farming country. What I realized during those three days of being forced to slow down our normal life of going and trying, is just that …attempting to live that life we have envisioned in our minds, it just may be possible in doing so that we wake up one day feeling disconnected to those we are meant to love.
Where Do We Go from Here?
Why Are We so Bad at Slowing Down for Anything?
Back when, it was decided for us when it was time to slow down a bit of our labor, forced by the earth itself. Nowadays, however, most live in the cities or suburbs and do not work the land. Therefore, we are now able to work around the clock from anywhere within the blue glow of the screen. Many of us do this while attempting to lead a fulfilling life.
Peering out onto the stillness of winter, I reflected on the past weeks and months. I was amazed at how full they had been with all kinds of things, both worthwhile and not. I thought of the hours I spent running errands, chasing grandchildren, working the job and, yes, sadly, scrolling through photos and articles on my Smartphone. That is when it hit me …had I loved?
Sharing "Piano" by Patrick Phillips
“Touched by your goodness, I am like that grand piano we found one night on Willoughby that someone had smashed and somehow heaved through an open window.
And you might think by this I mean I’m broken or abandoned, or unloved. Truth is, I don’t know exactly what I am, any more than the wreckage in the alley knows it’s a piano, filling with trash and yellow leaves.
Maybe I’m all that’s left of what I was. But touching me, I know, you are the good breeze blowing across its rusted strings.
What would you call that feeling when the wood, even with its cracked harp, starts to sing?”
Do not Forget to Love
In our daily toil of attempting to live that life we have envisioned in our minds, can cause us to forget to love the people God has given to us to love and to be loved by. He places them in our lives so that we might find hope, even in all of the chaos of life, and recall who we really are.
Maybe we do not always know who we are or where we ought to be, but when we remain present in our relationships and true to the love we are called, just maybe we will hear the beautiful music of love rising above all of the chaos.
In reading the poem here, the people we love “are the good breeze blowing across its rusted strings.” Maybe we might even be able to ask with the poet, “What would you call that feeling when the wood, even with its cracked harp, starts to sing?”
Stillness of Winter
POLL
What season of the year do you find yourself in deep reflection about your life?
For All that Falls, Green Life Will Come Again
Peach Orchards just Beginning to Bloom
Bradford Pear Tree just Beginning to Bloom
New Life Returns in full Color
Life Begins Anew
Daffodils in Bloom
Remember to Love
While driving around my neighborhood and taking the photos above, I was and am astonished at just how fast new life forges from the earth, even after being covered in snow and ice just a couple of weeks ago.
I am reminded that no matter what, life is meant to go on for now. The new life I have seen emerging from the frozen ground gives me hope as to beginning anew in our relationships with one another.
Remember to love those who God has given you to love, and please allow yourself to be loved by them too. In doing so, then when the winter of our lives is truly at hand, we can know without a doubt, we had loved.
© Copyright Faith Reaper, March 13, 2014
Dusky Turtledove
Song of Solomon 2:11-13 ESV
"For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away."
Fig Tree with Fruit
Related
Comments
AUTHORHi there, Dear Kenneth,
Thank you for dropping by to say hello.
Peace be with you too.
- AUTHOR
Hi Karen,
Thank you for reading. Yes, it was a reflective time for me stuck at home for three days during that freak ice/snow storm we had down here in the Deep South. I'm glad I was able to take those photos of the snow. It makes everything serene. I'm thrilled you thought this hub to be wonderful and you enjoyed the snow photos.
Hi, faith reaper,
(seriously)
Just dropped by to say hello. I promise.
Be in peace.
This is a wonderful hub and the4 pictures really bring to life what you are talking about in your article. I especially like the snow pictures...walking in the snow in winter time always made me very contemplative!
- AUTHOR
Hi RTalloni,
Thank you for digging this one up and for reading and leaving such beautiful and insightful comments.
Wow, your second paragraph adds so much to the topic of this hub. "Yes, it has been distorted.
It shouldn't have taken a snow storm that kept me homebound for three days before I actually was forced to slow down enough to ponder these things. However. I'm glad I had those three days to think about what's most important in this life. Then to see new life spring forth from the frozen earth ...truly made me realize there is hope in this world for a brighter tomorrow.
You have stated everything so eloquently.
Peace and blessings
Excellently phrased, "...the beautiful music of love rising above all of the chaos." The options? Bitterness and anger? Cold carelessness? All are hopeless, only love is not.
I've often thought of the definition of love and how it has been distorted by people who want to dismiss it. We can even see that distortion in an angry child's temper tantrum. Just this morning I read about faith, hope, and love from D. A. Carson, "Here we find the metaphor of the armor of God, but not with the associations found in Ephesians 6:10-17—once again demonstrating that these were fresh and living forms of speech, not clichés emptied of all power except comforting repetition."
Though you wrote this during a beautiful, quiet winter season I find that on this spring morning with all the bright hope being displayed in new growth and the promise of new life displayed in God's faithfulness of His design for the seasons your pondering has reminded me to be careful to follow His direction for loving others in this day of offered grace.
(Meant to let you know that the bush is forsythia, I'm pretty sure.)
- AUTHOR
Hi Nadine, I am so happy you enjoyed reading here. Wintertime, when it is so still, and we are sometimes forced to be still, it is a time of great reflection, at least for me. Yes, the creation is exquisite. Thank you for the awesome. Peace and blessings
I loved reading this creative tribute to our wonderful planet with its seasons. Thank you for sharing. Awesome.
- AUTHOR
Thank you so much, Dear PS,
A visit from you is always such a blessing! I love your insightful comment here and it certainly adds much to the topic of this hub.
You are a beautiful person, inside and out. Sending much love, hugs and angels back to you and yours, sweet friend
God bless you
So well said, Faith.
And words carefully chosen cause me to stop and reflect and be aware that I share my love with those who fill my life
God gives us so much to make this walk a lovely one despite the ugly that may be found. Seeking goodness and surrounding ourselves with it helps us to deflect that which would distract us from God's love and blessings.
I am always refreshed when I stop by, Faith.
Again sending blessings and hugs and many Angels your way ps
- AUTHOR
Hello Dana,
Thank you for your lovely visit here and for your thought-provoking comments too. Yes, at those times when God slows us down to have to have that quiet time to reflect on this life, it is amazing what He will reveal to us.
We are always surprised here in the Deep South whenever we have such snow and especially several inches, for it is very unusual here to have snow at all, but every now and then we will have a freak snow storm or a bit of snow fall. It is beautiful, but I don't think I could live where there is snow on the ground for much of the winter. We are not used to it here, and all the roads and everything shut down. I hope you get to see snow one day in this life, as it makes everything look so pristine and pure covered in a blanket of white.
Blessings
What a beautiful and colorful hub. I think wondering if we loved or, were truly loved, is a question we all reflect on at one time or another. I think wanting to be loved is the motivating force behind everyone's deepest desire. By the way the pictures of the snow are breathtaking. Living in California, I've never seen real snow.
- AUTHOR
Hi SAQ,
Thank you so much for reading and I am glad you enjoyed my photos. Well, this hub is more about love rather than being good. We are all sinners no doubt and that is why Christ had to die on that cross. No matter how good we try to be, we will sin at some point. Christ has washed all that sin away by His blood and we are now new beautiful creatures. The old has passed away.
When I think of love and loving others, I try to love as Christ would love, even loving the "the least of these" as He did.
We can't earn our way to Heaven, for the gift of salvation is free.
Peace. God bless you. In His Love
Great hub with beautiful images. Life is short & Man is mortal indeed. Why are we are bad in such a short life. We must think. Being Good always pays, if not in this world, then surely in the HEREAFTER .
- AUTHOR
Hello Bredavies,
So nice to meet you and I appreciate you stopping by my side of HP Town to read. Thank you so much for your kind comments and I am so glad you enjoyed this piece.
Peace and blessings
Love the transition in this piece. very well written
- AUTHOR
Hi Deergha,
Thank you so much. You are so kind. I appreciate the share and votes up.
Peace and blessings always
Wonderful hub my friend with equally beautiful photos to go with. Sharing and votes up beautiful.
- AUTHOR
Hi Mary, I appreciate your lovely comments. You are always so kind. Yes, hopefully we have shown the love in our hearts to others during our interactions with others. I hope you are well during all of this year's winter storms! Thank you so much for the vote up and more. Blessings to you and yours
I don't know how I missed this timeless hub about love. We think we love so easily but we need to take the time to think about our blessings and how we show our love.
A great reminder Faith and no surprise coming from such a loving heart. Blessings.
Voted up, useful, beautiful, and interesting.
- AUTHOR
Hello mio cid,
Thank you for stopping by to read on my side of HP Town. I do love the beauty of each season.
So nice to meet you.
- AUTHOR
Hi Rebecca,
I am so glad you found this one inspirational. Yes, it has been a year for winter storms! Actually, this was taken last year around this time during a freak three-day snow/ice storm here in the Deep South, which we are not use to experiencing. We were out of work for three days. I had taken these photos with my cell phone.
Yes, it is the perfect time for reflection, especially when you have no other choice.
I appreciate the share.
Very well written hub reminding us of the beauty each different season holds and encouraging us to enjoy them .
What a lovely Hub, and quite inspirational. It also reminds us, this past week, that winter has it's own special beauty, and it is a perfect time for reflection. Shared!
- AUTHOR
Hi Kim, So nice to meet you. Oh, yes, it most certainly is wonderful. We should not have to have a winter ice storm force us to slow down, but sometimes that is what it takes. They said it is going to ice up and freeze here on Monday, so we may be snowed in again this year! We are just not used to such weather here in the Deep South. I may have time for more necessary reflection but I shouldn't wait until there is a freak weather storm to do such. Peace and blessings
Rebirth is wonderful, isn't it? You touch on something we all need to do. Slow down. Enjoy what is around us. Your beautiful pictures take us through a memorizing cycle of change. Thank you and best wishes, Kim.
- AUTHOR
Hi Suzzycue,
So great to see you here this day! I appreciate you reading and thank you for the nice comment. So glad you enjoyed the piano music. I love it as it is so relaxing to listen to while reading.
Blessings to you and Happy New Year!
- AUTHOR
Hello Kiss and Tales,
I appreciate you stopping by to read. Yes, love is the greatest gift ever.
Thank you so much for leaving such kind comments.
Blessings
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear PS,
Yes, a winter storm or other life events will surely force us to slow down and rethink our priorities in this life no doubt. I know you know that all too well, dear friend.
Oh, there are so many wonderful Christian songs out there for sure on this very topic. Here, I just wanted an instrumental to go along with my words on the topic. Kind of relaxing. I truly love that poem for it is so dramatic to me. He is a great talent.
I am always blessed when you stop by my side of HP Town. I appreciate you and thank you for the vote up and more and share. You're the best!
Hugs, blessings and a league of Angels heading your way as always ...
This was a wonderful experience. To read your views of love while listening to the piano music that I love so much. What a great idea Faith.
Beautiful words and beautiful thoughts, reminders of the greatest gift is life and love. Thank you ,I appreciate your expressions.
Beautiful words and beautiful thoughts, reminders of the greatest gift is life and love. Thank you ,I appreciate your expressions.
Paul penned so many words that touch our lives all of these years later.
The one you shared is so powerful.
There are many wonderful contemporary Christian songs, uplifting and inspiring that convey that message: without love we are shallow empty
and lonely
Well expressed, Faith....pausing because nature forces us often causes us to be introspective and it is a good thing.
Many Angels are on the way to you my dear Friend. voted up++++ and shared
Paul penned so many words that touch our lives all of these years later.
The one you shared is so powerful.
There are many wonderful contemporary Christian songs, uplifting and inspiring that convey that message: without love we are shallow empty
and lonely
Well expressed, Faith....pausing because nature forces us often causes us to be introspective and it is a good thing.
Many Angels are on the way to you my dear Friend. voted up++++ and shared
- AUTHOR
Kenneth, if you are going to comment 31 times on one hub in an effort to show support for me, don't you think that maybe it would have been best to spread these 31 comments around on other hubs, vote them up and share. That is truly how to show support.
LOL. Sorry. Thanks.
- AUTHOR
Hi Kenneth, I never said you are my enemy or anything else. Glad you love Jesus. No need for forgiveness. Now it is 30.
Jan. 28
Dear Faith Reaper,
I did. And I am not your enemy. I love Jesus and I love Him too much to cause Him, you or anyone else the least bit of shame. You are welcome for the truthful comments.
I did not count my comments. Honest.
And you are welcome. And I ask your forgiveness once again.
Kenneth
- AUTHOR
So glad you enjoy this hub, especially, Kenneth. Good to know you are not a stalker and such ... I appreciate your attempt to "help" me but HP may frown on such and actually take away points. You have commented on this particular hub 29 times, so, again, thank you. I have published four or five hubs since this one.
Dear Faith Reaper,
You are very welcome. I do enjoy your writing. And that is the ONLY reason that I visit here.
I am not a stalker, drug dealer or anyone worldly. I promise. And I apologize for commenting too much.
I just wanted to see one of my hubbers get the credit and honor from HubPages that you deserve and I love your phrasings.
I will wait until you publish a new hub and then comment more moderately.
Again. I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I meant no harm.
- AUTHOR
Hi Kenneth,
Thank you for the numerous visits here to this hub. I appreciate it, but I am a bit perplexed why you continue to comment on this hub alone? Please discontinue commenting here on this hub as you have gone above and beyond.
Take care and God bless
Hey, Faith Reaper,
11:26 p.m., cst, Jan. 26
A late-night hello to a Special Friend of Mine with My prayers for a Legion of Warrior Angels to fight your battles and give you the peace of God.
Your Friend for Life,
Kenneth
- AUTHOR
Hello again, Kenneth,
Peace and blessings always.
Jan 23, 12:55 a.m., cst
Dear Faith Reaper,
You are very welcome. God bless you also, my dear friend and you keep sowing those good seed and blessing people like you have blessed me. I am honest. You are such a blessing to me.
Kenneth
- AUTHOR
Thank you again, Kenneth.
God bless you too. Keep shining your light, dear heart.
Dear Friend, Faith Reaper,
God bless you richly. I am sincere in my prayer. You are one special soul. I am grateful to God for you being in my life.
- AUTHOR
No need for returning any favor, nor I.O.U., Kenneth. God bless you too.
Dearest Faith Reaper,
I do not know how to thank you, my Dear Friend. That is so sweet and kind of you. I.O.U. big time. I shall return the favor.
You are welcome and God bless you richly.
- AUTHOR
That is kind of you to stop by always on this particular hub, dear Kenneth. I happened to have mentioned you on my latest and linked one of my favorite funny hubs of yours on it as it is one of the most memorable to me in 2014. Thank you for the prayers. God bless
Jan. 21
Hey, Faith Reaper!
Surprise! I thought that while I was this close to your abode, that I would stop by and say hi and offer you my prayers for YOU to have a Great Thursday as well as the other days of the week whatever they are called.
You stay centered in the faith and sow those good seed, girl.
- AUTHOR
Hi Marlene,
Lovely to see you here this day! I hope and pray you are well and enjoying a new start to the this new year. Thank you for sharing your lovely insight and leaving a generous comment. You are a special person.
Hugs and blessings to you and yours always
Life is a priceless gift. We should appreciate every minute of it. Love is the answer. Love can melt the hardest of hearts. Inspiration comes in many forms. I find that during the fall season around Thanksgiving and throughout the Christmas holiday I am most reflective. These are beautiful images of winter storm especially the snow covering the entrance of your home. I am sorry that I haven't been following your posts since I am hardly here anymore, but I will try to follow-up more. hugs & blessings. Doc
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear PS,
Yes, I believe that is what it is called according to others who have also commented here.
We normally do not find all of this snow here either, as I live in the Deep South, but last year, as I stated in my hub, we had a freak snow/ice storm that had all homebound for three days. It sure did force us to slow down and think about what is important in this life.
I am so glad you enjoyed this hub.
Always a blessing when you stop by to visit. Thank you for always sending the angels and more are on their way down to you and your precious family
I appreciate the share, tweet and vote up and more
(((Hugs))) and much love
Unless my eyes are completely out of whack the beautiful plant with yellow flowers is forsythia...gorgeous. Momma used to have the all over our yard in VA.
The stillness, silence when you step out onto the newly fallen snow in winter is part of the wonder of this time of the year. And while I no longer find this around me in winter, I still can feel how it moved me when I ventured out.
This was a lovely piece especially the opening, Teresa.
Hoping all is going well for you and yours this new year.
Angels are winging their way to you bringing many blessings. ps
shared g+ tweeted and Voted up ++++
P.S. @ Faith Reaper,
I will make it to your hubs and read about Brownie asap.
And you are welcome for the "laughter is good" because it came from God's book and it works.
I sincerely appreciate YOU as a Good Friend already, a Dear Friend and a Christian young woman. Oh yeah, for your following too.
Your Genuine Friend for Life,
Kenneth
- AUTHOR
Hi Kenneth,
Yes, laughter is good medicine no doubt. I am constantly laughing at myself ...
My Ode to my childhood dog, Brownie, was written a little after I joined HubPages, so it is way down the line there.
Thank you for the well wishes for this week. God bless you and I hope your week is lovely as well.
Jan. 12, at night.
My Dearest Faith Reaper,
I feel so useful now. Thank God. I made you laugh and you know what The Word says about laughter being the best medicine?
I would love to read this piece about your Brownie and sure, I will cry for I am a sensitive person. No kidding at all.
I pray that you will receive The Best, Most-Refreshing, Fulfilling week with God EVER.
And Thank you for the sweet compliment, my Dear Friend.
- AUTHOR
Hahaha ...that is creative, Kenneth, and almost a hub within a comment. My favorite dog from my childhood was named Brownie, a sweet yellow three-legged lab I have actually written an ode to here, which probably would make you cry. Goodnight and have a blessed week ahead.
10:50 p.m., /cst/Sunday
Dearest Faith Reaper,
It was MY pleasure to visit your hub. Hearing from you is like getting lost in rainbow factory with all of your favorite candy to eat for FREE as you and your favorite pet dog, "Moonbeam," a highly-intelligent Border Collie, roam free as a dove--seeking new horizons each new day that is sent.
Note; I had best stop or otherwise, I will be the first hubber to write a hub completely inside a comment box. Wow.
Have a safe night, Faith. And a blessed week.
Kenneth
Gladly and with Much Pleasure . . .Your Genuine Friend for Life
- AUTHOR
Hi whonu,
So great to see you stopping by my side of HP Town! I am so glad you enjoyed the photos from the snow and frozen earth to the rebirth of new life from that frozen earth. This all happened in a short amount of time.
I appreciate your kind comments.
God bless you.
- AUTHOR
Hi Lady Guinevere,
Thank you for the lovely comments here. Yes, that is exactly right and true about being still long enough to get our guidance as to what we are to do in this life! That is a very insightful statement. Sometimes we are forced to slow down whether we want to or not, and then realize it is for the best. This world is moving so fast now, it is like a whirlwind.
I am glad you like the photos. I am no photographer and just snapped these with my cell phone last year during the snow/ice storm we had down here in the Deep South.
Blessings and peace always
- AUTHOR
Hi my lovely friend, Sparklea,
What special comments you have left here this day to bless me beyond measure! You are such a treasure to all who know and love you. You are the best commenter I know on HubPages because you always make each of us feel so special.
Yes, those are my photos of last year when we had that freak snow/ice storm and I was unable to leave my home for three days. We could not travel anywhere and so I had three days off from work too, as we, down here in the Deep South, are not prepared to handle any kind of snow and ice. People were stranded on the Interstates and did not leave work in time to make it home before the storm. Children had to spend the night at their school with the teachers! If I had gone into the city, I would not have made it back home that night. That is what happened to my son, as he had to windup spending the night at a friend's house in the city.
So, during those three days of beautiful winter stillness all around my home, I was able to reflect upon the things that truly matter in this life. Glad God works things out like that and using a storm to do so! I just snapped those photos with my cell phone, so I am glad they turned out okay. Then when the snow melted, and I saw new life budding all around, it was just so beautiful and amazing sprouting from the frozen earth just a few days earlier.
Your comment should be written into a poem or short story about your morning walks and how beautiful you describe God's glory! You are disciplined in getting up in the frigid cold to walk.
I cherish you too sweet friend.
God bless you and yours always. Happy New Year and many blessings throughout this new year and always.
Thank you for the vote up and more.
- AUTHOR
Hi again, Kenneth,
Yes, Jo and Sparklea are such precious angels on this Earth no doubt about it and fine writers. I hope you visit their hubs too. I appreciate all of your visits here of late to this particular hub ...I have more : )
Thank you for always leavings such kind and generous comments.
God bless you too, and I am still lifting you up in prayer.
(((Hugs)))
Winter is a great time of reflection and I loved the photos and how they returned to a beautiful spring. Thanks for sharing. whonu
Faith,
I know that Sparklea's comment isn't to me, but I find it, her comment, very soulful, direct, and very moving. Just like your hub.
You two keep up the fine work.
Kenneth
This is a beautiful hub. I loved all your pictures. They are so pretty. It is hard for us to stay still and I do not know why it is such a taboo to do so. Being still is taken as being lazy by some. It makes no sense. It is the being still that we get our guidance of what we should be doing. It is the peace that we all need to refresh us and rejuvinate it. Thank you for your message.
Oh, Faith, this is one of the most beautiful hubs I have read! Voted up, awesome and beautiful! The winter pictures I suspect are from your beautiful home? The yellow bush is a forsythia...we had one in our yard growing up.
You are correct, winter is truly a time for reflection. It is one of my favorite seasons. It is only 1 degree here. I bundle up every morning and take my hot thermos of coffee on my walk...THIS is my time of reflection. 6 a.m. All is still. Moon and bright stars above, then greeted by a pink sunrise. God is PRESENT in the stillness and to reflect on the beauty - His free gift of the seasons, and winter being the most appropriate time to ask, "have I loved?" Most important is KNOWING the Spirit of God in us LOVES US, and we, in turn use His Spirit to love back His creation. Everything comes full circle, and it is so important to truly not waste a single second of our days here during our short lives. This is a stellar write and the spring time pictures you share portray so much hope to the reader. God bless you, God is using you in a very powerful way. You are one of God's gifts to me, and I cherish knowing you. Blessings, Love Sparklea :)
Hi, Faith Reaper, and Jo Goldsmith,
I bless you both in Jesus' name for a long and happy literary career on HP and off, if you both take to writing books. Which yo uboth can do with ease.
God do bless your lives with tons of happiness, laughter, and success.
Your Friend for Life,
Kenneth
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Jo!
Always a blessing to see your lovely face pop in when you stop by my side of HP Town. Yes, Winter is a great time for reflection when all of the earth seems to be still, especially when nature truly forces us to slow down, as it did here with me, last year during the three days of snow and ice, which we are not used to down here.
It certainly was a reminder for me to take time out to ponder life and spend time in the presence of God and be still, and listen to what He would like for me to hear.
Spring is my favorite time too, when everything is in rebirth as it feels like my soul has a fresh new start after the frozen idle time.
Thank you for the share and tweet.
I do hope you are well and taking time out for yourself.
(((Hugs))) and much love to you in this new year and always, sweetie
- AUTHOR
Hi Kenneth,
Take care and stay warm.
(((Hugs)))
Hello Faith!
What a wonderful read about reflection on love. And the peace and serenity of winter pondering. :-) I very much enjoy those days when I have a moment to pause and reflect. I think winter is a well deserved break for Mother Nature. She provides so much beauty in the Spring, my favorite time of the year. It is only fitting that she have her rest in the winter. Shared, up and tweet! Much love & hugs! :-)
(((((((((( Faith ))))))))))))) Thank you for the great read.
Jan. 10--12:35 a.m./cst
Hi there, Sweet Faith Reaper,
No thanks necessary. It was my pleasure. And you spoke the word that I was looking for to describe you: Precious.
You stay warm. 17 degrees here. Ugh.
- AUTHOR
Hello VioletteRose,
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving lovely comments.
Happy New Year to you too!
- AUTHOR
Hello again, dear Kenneth,
Thank you for your love and lifting me up to Jesus ...how precious!
God bless you and yours
Stay warm ... 19 degrees Brrr
Hi Theresa, beautiful writing and beautiful pictures :) Happy New Year!
Jan. 9, 10:27 p.m./cst/COLD
Dear Faith Reaper,
Now I am blushing. Thank you so much and listen. YOU are the sweetheart here. You may not know it, but you be releasing your warm and caring subconscious self in your writing. If you didn't know that. And now you do. Do not stop. It is a beautiful thing to read your works.
Thank you for your prayers, care, special Friendship, following and shining talent.
Love You and Lifting You up To Jesus.
Kenneth
- AUTHOR
Aw, you are such a sweetheart Kenneth, for leaving such generous comments. I am humbled and thank you for blessing me this day. Hoping and praying you're feeling better about your situation dear heart.
Hugs an much love always
Jan. 7, cold and colder!
Dearest Faith Reaper,
Thank you, Dear Friend, for Your Expressive talent shown in this piece. You, my Dear Friend, are a Great writer. And how I know that you are Great is that you take every detail of your stories and explain them in such simplicity that they fit into the fabric of your stories with the smoothness of Chinese silk.
Honest.
And Thank You, Faith, for Your Friendship and Following. Both mean lots to me. But your willigt 2015ness to pray for me means everything.
Please know that.
{{{Hugs to You also}}}
And Love Much too.
P.S. I pray that 2015 is The Year that All of your unanswered prayers are answered and all of your dreams not realized, finally become reality.
Sincerely,
Kenneth, Your Friend for Life
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Kenneth!
I just saw your request for prayer and I am praying now! Oh, it is so awful when we come under attack, especially by loved ones and those we have trusted. This actually may be an answer to prayer, as God always has a better plan for us than we can ever come up with, and I believe this may be what is going on in your situation. Either way, I am praying and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
(((Hugs))) and much love always
My Dearest Faith Reaper,
Jan. 5
You are very welcome.
I have never asked you this, but I need your prayers for I am under attack from all places, my church--those I have trusted, loved, confided in and things are surfacing from them how they have used me and now after getting a teaching position, they gave it to the oldest daughter and husband of church pastors. This is only one instance.
Just pray, dear friend.
Love, Kenneth
- AUTHOR
Happy New Year Dear Kenneth,
Thank you for stopping by this hub again. You are always so kind and generous in your commenting.
I hope and pray you and yours have the best New Year ever with many new blessings throughout the new year and always.
I appreciate you.
Peace
- AUTHOR
Hi Marlene,
Happy New Year and so happy to see you stopping by my side of HP Town! Yes, Winter is always a great time to slow down and reflect on life. I am no photographer and just snapped those with my cell phone while snowed and iced in last winter for three days, which is so unusual for the Deep South! Glad the photos turned out so well.
Peace and blessings to you and yours always
Dear Faith Reaper,
I just want to Wish You and Yours, and Everyone on This hub,
a "Very Blessed New Year."
Keep up this fine work and I ask that you pray for me and keep in touch with me.
This is absolutely beautiful. It inspires me to stop for a moment to take notice of my life and the world around me. The photos are absolutely gorgeous.
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Rolly,
Aw, thank you for taking time out to stop by my side of HP Town and leaving such a lovely comment. You are so kind and a blessing to many with your gentle and loving nature.
You have blessed me this day by your visit.
I pray you are well. I do hope to start publishing something again, as I have been remiss in doing so. I love all of my HP friends and family, including you, dear heart.
Peace, blessings and (((HUGS))) to you and yours
Hi Theresa... a blessing to find this wonderful work you have put together. As we fast approach the Christmas Season I think it so very important for all of us to slow and look at where we have been and what we have done. Consider all whom are near and dear to us.
I just wanted to share with you that you are such a blessing to many, know that we all love you my friend...
Hugs and Blessings to you and yours...
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Hi Phyllis,
Thank you so much for reading. Oh, yes, I just love Chopin here for it seems to me to go so well with the stillness of winter. I am so glad you enjoyed my photos. Seems when nature slows us down, we have no choice but to slow down and take stock of what is important in this life and be mindful to love each day like there is no tomorrow, for there very well may not be one.
I just thought that bright yellow bush was so unusual when everything else seemed to be still in hibernation from that freak deep freeze winter storm we had last year. The color was a welcomed sight for sure. I am glad to know the name of the bush!
Peace and blessings always
Dear Theresa, thank you for including Chopin in this beautiful hub - I love listening to his music. Your photos are beautiful and set a wonderful ambiance for your thoughts and writing.
That lovely bright yellow bush is Forsythia. It comes in that color and also in a deep red.
Thank you for sharing all this beauty.
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Kenneth,
I am glad you stopped here in your cruising ... Merry Christmas to you and yours too! You are so kind to bless me with your presence here this day.
God bless you always
@ Faith Reaper,
I was just crusing by and thought that I would stop and say . . .
"Merry CHRISTmas to You and Yours. Keep turning out great hubs like this."
Your Friend for Life, Kenneth
- AUTHOR
Hello monia saad,
So nice to meet you and thank you so much for reading and dreaming : ) ...
great article nice music you make me dream :)
- AUTHOR
Hello bigj, So nice to meet you. Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a kind and most generous comment. I just snapped those photos with my cellphone. I am so glad you enjoyed them.
Beautiful hub,totally mesmerised with the lovely pictures.amazing.
- AUTHOR
Hi Ryem, so nice of you to stop by my side of HP Town, and am I thrilled you like the message as well as my photos. I just snapped those photos with my cell phone on that unusual frozen day here in the deep South. Oh, yes, life certainly has its distractions, so it is of the utmost importance to be mindful to focus on what is most important in this life ...and that is to love and be loved! Love and peace to you and yours always.
Faith, I really liked the pictures you added to this hub, in addition to your message. Love is everything. Sometimes I find myself getting distracted by many things that don't matter in life, your hub is a great reminder to love and be loved.
- AUTHOR
Hi ladyguitarpicker, I am so happy you stopped by my side of HP Town! You are always so kind in your commenting and I am glad you enjoyed the music. Bless you too and I do hope your Sunday is lovely.
Hi Faith just stopped by to read your lovely hub. I can always get a pick me up from your hub. The music is great. Bless you
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Hi Jo (tobusiness),
Thank you so much lovely lady. You are so kind and I am humbled that I was voted for again this year out of all of the wonderful hubbers ... truly stunned, yet blessed at the same time.
(((Hugs)))
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Shyron,
I am glad you have returned to enjoy the photos. I just snapped them with my cell phone, as I am not a photographer.
Thank you so much for the congrats. You are so kind and I am blessed by all here in this wonderful community. I have always felt welcomed since day one here. It is a lovely community in which to belong, especially with you in it!
I appreciate the vote up and more and share. You're the best.
God bless you and (((Hugs)))
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