My SANDBOX
#MakingGratitudeContagious
Which Began in 2014 To INSPIRE
Now it includes TO ENCOURAGE which has become the Ointment
that ENCOURAGES ME
  I’m Starting the next chapter of my journey, which I have decided to title “In Search Of” This one will require a Subtitle: To Be Angry or to Take Action that is my question every single day? When your world has been turned upside down and you find yourself in an unknown place, a place that you had not planned, a place that is now in a season of life that requires more energy than you had expected to use or to even need, a place that is an unfamiliar path to walk and yet it is still ahead of me, while you continue forward on this path, you are very aware of the loss in your life. You experience daily the things that have been damaged and destroyed and you look around and most things are unfulfilling, so you draw on your Faith, you draw on your past experiences of being in a low place, in valley places, those places that challenges your heart, your hope, but yet you remember that by God’s Grace you crawled through those tight spaces before and it is that remembrance that allows you to continue forward, it is those thoughts that allow you to walk forward even while it feels like your crawling, even while it feels like you are carrying a weight on your back, it is that remembrance that allows you to know you can get through this day, this moment and this season and that there will be, there will be brighter days. Holidays are tough seasons because while you celebrate the Joy of what Holidays mean, time with family, time spent with dear close friends, you live with scars and you battle the thoughts that try daily to rob your joy. You live with tears in midst of the celebrations, you wonder where this road that you now walk is leading you, You know what you Hope for, you know what you want for those you love but you wonder, as tears roll down your face, what the road looks like for the remainder of your journey, for me blueprints have been thrown away a very long time ago. Throwing blueprints away started, when I lost a friend who was like a sister and she died of Breast Cancer and we together believed that her story would not end that way, she left behind a husband and 5 children, it was a hard day and from there I decided I will no longer have a blueprint. I would simply seek my Creator and continue my way forward. I would live Gratefully and continue my way being a Joy, bringing positive energy wherever I found my stay and when I didn’t feel joyful, I would verbally express that, making sure that those who surrounded me would not wonder, if it is something they said or something they did, it would be known that I was in a state of finding my way and I just needed space and time to do that and that it had nothing to do with those who surrounded me in those moments. My dear friend, a sister, died on the same date as my husband, September 7th, not the same year but I didn’t even recognize it, or even had thoughts about it until my Aunt Shared that information with our family. Same date, Sept. 7th?!  Next Chapter; Page 1- In Search Of. . Subtitle: To Be Angry or to Take Action that is my question every single day? I Ask often; What Now? What is the Purpose? What Can I do now? I watch, I watch and observe constantly the ones who I am responsible for, in my case, they are my Why, My Why is my Sons, I’m always watching, praying, hoping that they will be continually whole, mentally, physically and spiritually for there life’s journey. I battle the question To Be Angry or to Take Action, every single day? It’s one thing when you lived a number of years like me, you’ve experienced lost, you have experienced challenges and hard places but there is no pain at least for me that is comparable, when you watch and you pray and you hope for your children that their lives will be okay, all from a moment that robbed their innocence in such a horrific way and at an early age, a moment that disrupted our life, our home, that type of tragedy is meant to destroy healthy, youthful lives. You watch because you know a moment like this alters your life, that it is so significant because it represented for my sons; a Father, a Dad, a Man who could speak truth into their life, who was invested in there life, who had the best intentions by his words, by his actions for there life and could share the continued wisdom of generations past. I Thank God and I’m very Grateful, that He was a coach Dad and I’m grateful that he had many days of time with his sons, he invested time and many stories but as with the loss of anyone, it’s never the right time for them to leave and especially when it was at the hands of such a violent and unnecessary act. So I watch and I know it’s by God’s Grace, I can carry forward and I know based on my Faith, while it’s a very uncomfortable season, I will find my way, I will find the way that is meant for my journey and in the midst of that I will do what I can, I will share to Embrace the day, to Choose to be Grateful, to choose love and laughter, to choose to spend time, that priceless commodity called time and encouraging others to do the same. Next Chapter; Page 1- In Search Of. . Subtitle: To Be Angry or to Take Action that is my question every single day? You learn something new every day; a reporter reached out to me and stated he had an article that he had written and he felt that my husband’s life could have been prevented because of the information that he had. This 17-year-old predator, Tremayne Alexander, I knew from the court proceedings that he had history and had even spent time in the juvenile system for Craigslist Crimes but now I’ve learned that he was suspect in the killing of another man on April 24, 2015, in fact he was 16 years old at the time. The police had identified Tremayne Alexander, as the killer and submitted a warrant review request to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office on April 12, 2016, nearly five months before Alexander went on to kill, my husband, Todd Terry. 5 months before the killing of my husband, 5 months before, he could have been arrested by a warrant being issued, yet in the midst of files and paperwork he remained on the streets. I’ve included the link to the article because it goes deeper than that, while many are feeling sentiment regarding my event, which is appreciated, there are still numerous zombies, murderers, predators walking the streets, read the article for yourself. It runs much deeper, regarding who is walking the streets, present day. Article written by the reporter that reached out to me; Gus Burns from MLive.com This predator, Tremayne Alexander, should not have even been on the street, he had a history. Did I mention, he tried to murder someone 2 days before my husband. 2 Days before. Listen, it is beyond frustrating because there are always so many hands involved, always so many systems in play. I’m sure his trouble was seen long before, a juvenile court was involved but now being in that system, starting with the Juvenile system, what is the program? What is the rehabilitation? What are the markers to determine, if he is ready to be released or needs additional help? This predator had a history, so it’s no surprise there was more information. Hurtful, very hurtful, a band-aid now ripped off of an open wound, but again no surprise that there was more and that will be brought to light, that is now added to my agenda. Consider, this is just what we do know present day, I'm sure there is so much more that we don't including more victims than we will ever know about. To Be Angry or to Take Action that is my question every single day? My answer; To live in anger doesn’t change my day, it doesn’t bring Todd back into our lives, it doesn’t help in the things that need to happen in a course of every day, it doesn’t help in planning and supporting the future for my sons, it doesn’t help my household and the needs as a single parent now that I have every day. So Angry does not help me. My faith teaches me to not to live in that way and that doesn't mean to be passive. I believe the reason, is when you live angrily, offended, you are the one left alone battling the thoughts, harboring the anger and 90% of the time the offender gives no thought your way, my way, they, he or she could care less, but Yet You or I, are angry, I just don’t see it and Angry for me means to Fight Back in my Own Way. It means Change, it means to turn over every rock, to call on every Eagle, it means Heart Change. It means to bring light to the injustice that is living and breeding around us. How can one voice change anything? Consider a match, it is one flame, yet it can set a whole forest on fire. Fighting back includes many sides for me; encouraging, inspiring, letting others know who are in pain right now, that they are not alone and they will make it through and out of that dark room. That dark room, which is a real place and it’s designed to smother your life, to kill you and death is not always a physical death, you can live emotionally and mentally dead, a life can be wasted. So Angry helps no one, and for sure Does Not Help Me.  How can one voice change anything? Consider, a match, has one flame, Yet, it can start a fire that can burn down an entire forest. Another side in fighting back, is bringing light to this system of rehabilitation? Bringing light to a system that is allowing Monsters, Zombies to walk the street because there is a number of cases, to many cases, not enough staff or money and that can be overwhelming for a system?!. Overwhelming for who, those who live and walk around with KNOWN PREDATORS, PREDATORS WALKING AROUND WHO HAVE A HISTORY?! Our system is broken and a village of zombies are rising, zombies have no heart, they have no empathy, you can’t reason with someone who has no soul. I’m going to work and I don’t know all of the pieces, but I have a voice and that is where I’m starting in this Chapter, including working on many fronts. I will speak it, share it, wear it, mail it, anyway and every way to make it known. That is why I have an Eagle Call, I’m calling Eagles to join in this work, not to just do work but doing what they can do; because Eagles don’t ask me what can I do for you. Eagles know What they can do and then they Just Simply Do it! And They do it in many ways, in some cases without my knowledge, in some cases they come to me with what they are doing or what they have done, the bottom line, Eagles Do and it just gets done.  Next Chapter; Page 1- In Search Of. . Subtitle: To Be Angry or to Take Action that is my question every single day? My intent was and is Making Gratitude Contagious, since day one of HBBA aka Helping Build Bridges Across, which started online, as a community, as a place to just share. I started Online in 2014 and for me, it was finding My Sandbox, it was simply a joyful place to be and to share. Encouraging others has always been fulfilling for me because in those spaces it always returns back my way and encourages and inspires me. Fighting back now means Intensifying #MakingGratitudeContagious, to beam lights of Gratitude in every dark hole, dark space, and dark room, to spread Gratitude, to operate with love. To take actions that represent that, which is the why everything that is offered here and is in that vain. #MakingGratitudeContagious is an Eagle Call, it is a movement and it is imperative because operation love needs to be sewn back, into the fabric of our country, how we interact with each other, with our neighbors, we have to know that we can’t continue to live a separate life with walls and allowing calluses to grow on our heart because this is the breeding ground that is what allows babies to become predators, monsters in our society. We can’t live our life, just looking the other way. I know everyone does not have the same call on their heart but this is my cause and while I would love your collaboration, "My Ask" is I just need you to do what you can, where you can. The ask is all around this website, in and with anything that is offered here. Please know, even sharing with others is doing a part. We can no longer live, as if it is someone else's problem, because the epidemic of empty souls, predators, isolated children, bullied children, foster children, empty vessels, empty souls, they don't just live on a certain street, or in a certain neighborhood. There is a silent anger, a village of those who grow up without empathy, without concern or regard for others because know one cared about them as children, know one heard their cry for help and that as a whole for our society is a very serious problem. Empty vessels express anger in shooting up synagogues, churches, schools, malls. empty vessels?!, Babies, children are not born as a predator or a monster, or racist, or with anger, or without empathy, that is learned behavior, that is nurtured behavior and that is emotional problems that continue to grow. In many cases, the behavior is ignored. There is no rehabilitation system, it is an antiquated, out of date process, providing income and careers to individuals who are burned out, sleepwalking, which is a band-aid for our society, an open wound that is continually bleeding. In fact, it is HEMORRHAGING  To be Angry or Take Action that is the question every single day? #MakingGratitudeContagious which is the intent Gratitude is being able to see what You do have and not focused on what you don’t, to be a part of any change you want to see, to be a part of servicing others, making a difference in the lives of others and for me, it’s not measured by how big that looks, it is measured by the seeds of encouragement in the words THAT we speak, in the actions THAT we take every single day, with every encounter that we come across. My intent was and is and now will be Magnified is #MakingGratitudeContagoius. I want those whose lives have been turned upside down, who have had things kicked around and destroyed, those are experiencing the unexpected loss to know they are not alone in there pain. Pain and Loss effects many facets of our lives. For those in pain, please know that you are not alone and you can crawl out of your dark room. Next Chapter; Page 1- In Search Of. . Subtitle: To Be Angry or to Take Action that is my question? When we choose to share our story, our pain, it allows for others to know that we have more in common than we realize and together we can encourage, inspire each other and not allow the damage, the storm to destroy our families, our community and generations to follow. Stories are Treasures that are priceless for me and I return and visit often to the numerous books, where I’ve written in my journal, writing, speaking, sharing with others is very addictive for me, such a great treasure. I believe it is because it allows me to breathe, it is what the creator planted inside of me and when I exhale, it is my way of giving, my way of sharing the stories, the joys and tears and in return many lives, many stories, shares visit right back to me, to encourage and inspire me. The remainder of my journey, my days, is no longer about me, it is about what I can do with all that has happened to me and more importantly to do the work, to work and to tend to God's Garden, Life’s Garden, pulling weeds by doing what I can, my part, with organizations that are doing the work already and to plant flowers along my way, so that my, so that our, Todd Terry's sons, will know that Flowers can and continue to grow out of ashes. Helping Build Bridges Across is a community, a space to share, to encourage, a space to allow someone to consider a perspective that can be freeing to there journey. I have numerous journals and notebooks filled with endless pages of writings. thoughts, reflection, lessons learned, tears, laughter, unexpected blessings and challenges along my journey. The beauty is that I can return and review what I’ve written, what I've shared, it allows me to see God’s Hand, His movement, I see my footprints, I find some of the answers to my Why. I can see how things have unfolded from pieces of my puzzle, from moments documented, not just for me but many times also in the lives of those that surround me. Things, moments, conversations that in a moment seem like just a moment to consider, or minutes spent in a space, then become pieces that fit into a puzzle along my journey. Those words, those shares, provide clues that life is so much more than just a chance, or just happened to. Which I’ve always believed but now these journals point clearly to. #MakingGratitudeContagious which is so important to me because I have lived through so many now, family and dear friends who have transitioned from this life before me. I’m grateful that i received years ago, what operation love looks like, what it means to bring laughter to a room, to share a smile or a conversation, to say I love you. When you embrace the moments with providing positive energy, words, and actions that are an asset, you are then planting seeds that harvest and grow into the lives of others and return to encourage you. I have learned when I’m not happy, angry, irritated or frustrated; to say, I’m not in a good space today and it’s not you, but I need space to work it out and I have learned that it is okay to speak your truth. Even in those bad spaces, it is that lesson learned that allowed a space, my household to be one without regrets. When my husband was murdered, it was a Tsunami and it took some time to catch my breath, it was my Creator, it was God who walked me through that space, by His Grace. I want to share this lesson that was learned years ago because it allowed me to set the tone for my home, to operate in a space having no regrets PRESENT DAY, I miss my best friend, my partner in life who was committed to running the race with me, most importantly invested in our sons to be the best they could be. Our home operated in this way; we didn’t have all the answers and we had days that weren’t great, but we learn to give each other space, we learned to verbalize when things were not okay and that it was not about the other person. This lesson was learned to share peace and when I didn’t feel so peaceful or the same on his end we learned what separate corners looked like, to allow the other to have space to regain there balance and we learned to not take our frustration out on one another. It was always a choice, it took time but I want to share that almost 20 years of lessons with you, crib notes some would say to run with. This lesson that I learned, is what will rob the thief named regret. When you operate in Anger, you say things you don’t mean, you do things that you shouldn’t do and for some life allows a space to return to a person to say I”m sorry, but for some that chance will be taken away, because that moment didn't happen and they have past away, and in that sad place, death leaves lives the sting, the odor of Regret, leaves behind weighted thoughts that are battled for a lifetime. Don't allow that to be you or your situation. Make peace doesn't mean you have to share space with someone that brings out the worst in you, but it does mean that you are not harboring anger, or resentment from a moment, it is Peace within and that is priceless. Next Chapter; Page 1- In Search Of. . Subtitle: To Be Angry or to Take Action that is my question? I believe when you live understanding that life offers choices and when you learn to pause, to be silent until you figure out the response and or if one is even needed, you create the space, the garden, that eliminates confusion, or needing to say I’m sorry, or only If I had said that or done that. Lessons, It comes with time, it comes with the understanding that while your present moment may be peaceful and all things seem to fall into place, life is filled with Hills and Valleys and moments in life that will change a sunny day, I promise you not if but when and it will unfortunately change the pace, change your view, change your perspective and life will change the way you know it present day. No one promised us that tomorrow will look the same as today. No one promised us. I’ve made the choice to Live in My Truth and that comes with places where I fall short and places where I’m in pursuit but the greatest space in the midst of it all, is my peace, I understand that everyone will not share this space, everyone will not share my perspective, and my thoughts. The beautiful part is that is the piece of what makes us unique. That really is okay, that really is beautiful. We can hear each other respectfully and continue our journey in our own way. I will continue to share that No One promised us that tomorrow will look the same as our today because I experienced the unexpected and a moment outside the plan, life change without notice is indescribable and now makes me certified to Speak. This type of moment makes me qualified, to say to YOU Stop it, stop it, when you are throwing tantrums and making all OF THOSE who surround your life miserable, while in the moment the attention seems great, or drama is exhilarating, or maybe your high is that it puts a spotlight on you, consider if you decide to ride this wave and storm out the door or maybe they do and then you never have the option to see that person again in this lifetime, what will be your response then? How many tears will you cry? Or regrets will you live with for the rest of your life? How Many?! Always a Choice I hope you see that a moment in time, can decide your lifetime, it can decide your peace within, please don’t allow those who surround your life to ever wonder, how you feel, if you have good things to Say SPEAK THEM OUT. Don’t leave moments filled with Love thoughts, become words unspoken. We have to be careful who we sell our soul to when we are operating in building what we think is great, the blocks will be kicked down and then you will have to answer the question, is what I’m building on a secure ground. What is my why? What is my journey? What is my boundaries and how far am I willing to compromise my life and for what purpose? We sell so much of ourselves caring about what others think or what they might say but it is those very people that if your chapter, your life ended today, where would those very people be? Would they even come to honor your day of transitioning, would your name among “they” or "them" even be spoken? I recognize, it is your life to live not just today and you decide to write every new page. I offer to embrace the process, the shift that God is moving your life to, Trust God and embrace it and know your truth. Know your boundaries. Know that you, I don't have all the answers but we have to Know, We Have to Decide, What are we willing to Die On?! The real question, are we willing to live on what we are prepared to die on?! This is shared because I'm led to and because there are in seasons in life when we think we have it all figured out (my hand is up first) and the truth is. prayerfully not, if the carpet is pulled out from under you, you will learn quickly just how much you know, just how much you have things figured out. I'm not sharing concepts, I'm sharing my truth, My husband, my friend was snatched from our lives and while our hearts are tattooed forever, living now with scars for a lifetime, it is not just about me, but my sons and all of our family, Todd Terry was connected to many lives beyond me, our home YES, but it was a ripple effect, my Parents, my Brother, my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, dear Friends, his family; his Sister and her Family, our Nieces, Nephews, his brothers, childhood friends, the point Please allow our moment that shifted our lives to be a calling card to your heart, while it seems you have it all figured out (which I say from experience), what is comfortable, what is familiar can change in an instant, so less Drama is Always More. #OperationLove #MakingGratitudeContagious Please Pause before you speak, consider your actions and allow love to be Your Story! To be Your Legacy. Next Chapter; Page 1- In Search Of. . My Subtitle: To Be Angry or to Take Action that is my question every single day?  #MakingGratitudeContagious
There is an Eagle Call. Thank you for traveling this unfamiliar path alongside me It is appreciated and please know that I’m Grateful. Eagle Hugs, Donyale
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 Song: By Tauren Wells ~ Hills and Valleys
{Authorized Purchase: ITunes Account) Victim is Not My Name When life challenges you and moments come along to Devastate and to Destroy you. to Destroy everything that surrounds you. The devastation has no regard for your emotions, your home or your family. Evil stands on your doorstep and kicks down your door without consideration of what lies behind that door. What do you really do with that? What is the decision, the line in the sand that is presented to you? What do you do becomes the question, whether you choose to answer it or not. That moment becomes Your Deciding Truth. Victim is Not My Name There is No way to really describe that moment and there are so many people around this world who have experienced those moments of indescribable devastation, the unexpected turmoil that you can’t really find the words to describe. Moments that will now live with you for a lifetime. My hope is that no one has to experience this road, but if you do, you quickly learn the definition of empathy, having a humble heart and you become branded with Gratitude. Devastating News, devastating moments, in many ways are like a war zone of thoughts instantly, a surreal state, a flood of emotions and shock, immediately you become aware of where your Faith is in this type of moment. You come front and center on what you believe and your question, what is my Faith? Do I trust God? In the midst of trying to gather your thoughts. In a moment you recognize, there are many wounded casualties around you who you refuse to see get lost and or to mentally, emotionally die. in a moment, a moment, a second in time, you have to decide, in the midst of your own bleeding and open wounds. What do I do with this? As a woman of Faith, believing and having experienced Mountain Tops, laughter, and love beyond measure including moments along the journey, that included storms, winds, and rain but now you’re in a Tsunami and you’re hopping on one leg, you have been injured, still in shock not even time enough to assess your wounds. The smoke is clearing of what is left and you are now gathering up as many people as you can find that have been devastated by this unexpected bomb thrown in the middle of your journey, you put the key in the ignition of the closest vehicle you can locate and you blaze forward, with no destination in mind. But you know, you recognize you can’t remain in that space, that war zone of thoughts, of defeat. This is shared metaphorically but it fits the moment of the heart and the battle of the thoughts that you’re life has been altered forever, did I mention without notice, without regard of the casualties that would be affected for a lifetime. Victim is not my name There are numerous moments with tears along this unfamiliar path, this uncharted terrain, including tears in moments of celebration but the decision has been made, no one can be lost on your watch and you recognize it is so much bigger than those standing around from the devastation, from the moment, it has become personal, and Yes it does include those left standing around but now you consider it includes. Generations not even born yet. The questions then become so much deeper; Why, why such an attack? What is known about the survivors? What is known about those yet to be born? What is trying to be stopped? What? or Why? Questions, thoughts that you can’t help but consider. Victim is not my name To die is a decision and I often share that in a season, a moment that devastates there is always a choice to retreat and die, but let me be clear, Death is not always a Physical Death, you can surrender in defeat by choosing to become a zombie in life. A Zombie, a body breathing, walking and talking with no life left in the heart and or the mind. With this decision, surrendering to be a zombie, a drifter, then you have decided to become present only as a physical body, a shell, present in a room. I’m not sharing this to present you with answers, or to provide you with a blueprint, I know firsthand that the more I know, the more I’ve experienced, the less I know of a road map, a formula or which direction to go. If not for my Faith and experiencing God’s Peace beyond my understanding and His Grace that keeps me balanced, I don’t know where I would be present day. I don’t know what the story would read if I didn’t have a relationship with My Creator, a previous knowledge of the God that I know today. I consider, I could easily have become a Zombie. I could have easily been that person in a dark, medicated room but God’s Grace said No, for me personally God reminded me that life is not luck, not a chance, God is love and he can see over the fence and behind the door, His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are above my thoughts. Victim is Not my Name I consider my life present day, to be at a Midpoint, there are a lot of years behind me now and a heart filled with anticipation and hope for many more years ahead of me to experience. Always a Choice, Always a choice along every step of my Journey. I make a choice to embrace the moments, to be alert of the present day which means not to get caught in stressing over many little things that don’t even matter, a work, a practice to be consistent but I am alert to those things that trigger negative energy, and every time, every moment I have to remind myself of what is important. To recognize, Distractions mean Delay. My life, at a midpoint where I travel now with many chapters written behind me and I live grateful to write a new page every day, I’m writing a new page now, a new page in this chapter of my life’s book and it is my intent, my fulfillment to continue to do so, until my final page is written. Victim is Not My Name I’m in the Season of Post Assessment, a moment comes along and challenges your life, it is for me, as a war, a bomb has been dropped and while that is shock enough, truthfully in that moment you’re in a surreal state, a survivor mode and there are no words to really describe when your life is disrupted in such a violent way. There are No Words. For observers, it was a moment, an expression of I’m sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with you, WHILE APPRECIATED OF COURSE, the reality it was a Moment for observers, but for those directly hit, it is tattooed on your heart forever and your perspective has made another adjustment, a shift, like water, a continuous flow of change and perspective in your view of life’s journey. Post-assessment does a check of where you are, present day, conscious of this check now daily. You recognize there was lost and now you go into the state of continuing life’s journey with observation, you watch actions, you listen to words of those that you are responsible for and you are conscious of the changes around you externally, as well as a vital piece internally, watchful to remain in balance, continually in the state of balance and conscious of what is needed in continuing the journey, Always observant, willing to do what is necessary to keep the balance, to strive to be balanced Mentally, physically and emotionally, a continual work but necessary. Victim is not my name You recognize the change of the wind and now know it’s time to come out of the cave, you have been in a healing phase, in the Creator’s camp resting, asking, crying, trying to figure out What Now? While existing in that location, you don’t have all the answers, you have been in retreat, recognizing that it was a time to allow your wounds to heal. It’s Time to Exit the Cave that time was for seeking how and what can you do with these scars, these tattoos branded on your heart forever. I know now, it is Not Just About Me, the fulfillment for me now is to Make an Impact, daily seeking God’s Wisdom and doing a little each day in encouraging others, in letting others know, they are not alone. The others, I am referring is the many who have pain behind a smile, who experienced loss and in some cases having a hard time finding there way out of a dark room. Just a perspective to let someone know they are not alone, someone does care and understands a wounded journey. When your heart is bleeding, you really just need to know THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is a camp of Survivors, not with answers of Why, but connected in Continuing the Journey Forward. Victim is not my name You, I, We all need to be inspired, we all need at times to be heard, to be encouraged. This shift has my Life on Higher Ground, New Terrain, a New Perspective and I didn’t mention easy, or figured out, I mean life is a New Unfamiliar Terrain to travel on my own. I have placed An Eagle Call and YOU know who you are. Victim is Not My Name This song Hills and Valleys by Tauren Wells really fits, the God of Hills and Valleys. So Until next time, the Journey Continues. . . We are Not Alone And Victim is Not Our Name Robbing the Thief Named Regret is a part of the work and the work continues in exercising actions and deciding the words we choose to speak. Always a Choice to speak Positive Words, to Operate with Love and not with Judgement. Working every moment, every single day in a little or in a big way, that really is not relevant. The work continues regardless to what is known and not, the journey is continuing the work; #MakingGratitudeContagious Victim is Not My Name My Name is Donyale and I’m rebuilding with Community H.B.B.A.  Song: "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield (Authorized Purchase: Itunes Account) Words Spoken & Written By: Donyale Life Is. . . Life is From My View From My Perspective Life is like a book, Chapters filled with many pages; Pages written with laughter and pages filled with tears. Life is like Water, Fluid, Continuous, you can't hold it in place, you can't decide the direction that it will travel. Life is Faith, knowing we are a creation of a Living God and seeking daily for His Wisdom for our travel, remembering no matter the road; He is a Loving God, a God of Purpose, the God that I know. Life is living this day, this moment with Peace within, being Grateful for what you do have and not focused so much, on what is missing, not always easy, but when you consider that no one promised that our tomorrow will look the same as our today, it really becomes much easier to appreciate each and every moment along the way. Life is Choosing the Words before you Speak. Choosing your actions and reactions before you act. Life is asking what do I deliver when I show up along my travels. Consider, Along Life's Journey to participate To be the Change you want to see To be a Doer To add, to be an asset wherever you go To show up with a positive attitude where people hate to see you go and anticipate your next visit Love ~ Say and Share more often the compliments, the good thoughts that you're thinking. Live ~ Try, Experience those things, those places that you have considered numerous times Laugh ~ Don't always be so serious, share in the silliness of moments. Did you know that really is okay to smile?! Life is not always looking at the grass, the yard on the other side, "so much", that you forget to appreciate your own surroundings, your own yard, while this is a "metaphor" it can be applied to any area of our life. You can watch others for so long that you forget to participate in being the best version of you. Life is recognizing when to stop pulling on that Closed "Locked" Door and instead look around and embrace that door that God has Wide Open Waiting on You, "Uniquely You" to Walk Through it. Life is considering there is not a Destination to arrive to on this earth but instead it's many moments along the way. Lessons to Learn that you can build from and share with others that can continue throughout generations and will continue to live on. Life is choosing to participate or to create Moments that deliver unconditional Joy, filled with eye to eye conversations and reflections on times past and with hope, and anticipation for wonderful tomorrows. Life is from my View, from my perspective includes, Sharing Life's Journey with You, Community H.B.B.A, aka Helping Build Bridges Across from our generation to the next. Life is from my corner of the world from my view Is to Live Daily with the Intent of #MakingGratitudeContagious   Audio: Song “Move” (Keep Walkin) by Toby Mac (Authorized: ITunes account): Words written and spoken by Donyale I Love the song and the lyrics; a small excerpt: Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet This place, this space of writing, speaking, sharing is such freedom for me, it is the wild horse of my heart that runs, without limitations. It is my Sandbox, it is my buffet table that I prepare and invite others to visit with the freedom to take only what can be an asset and simply leave the rest behind. If nothing is appealing, that is okay too, everything presented is not for everyone and really I get that. This place, this space was Born as a website, with the intent to become a community, just a space to hang out and to share in and now in this season, it has grown into a place to gather, collaborate and disburse again having a mission, an intent in mind. Such a peaceful state, when my fingertips connect with my keyboard, typing, allowing what’s inside to flow out without concern, is immeasurable, indescribable joy. I write, I journal so many things, so many thoughts and have done so since my youth and while there are numerous writings, I would even say at times “rambles” because they are not always at a literary standard I’m sure and in many cases words that are not always locked into one topic, many times numerous points are shared. I’m sure there are probably grammatical mistakes or a noun where a verb should be but the beauty for me, is that I know, I know, I clearly know that it is my God given gift, which HE allows me To Be the Artist, allowing the flow along the Canvas of Life, spoken, written words to go wherever they are intended to go, which as the artist is not my concern and really not my business. It is the conduit of an open Heart that allow words to Flow through without the restriction of being validated or approved by what others think. In many ways, it the Whispers of God, the Holy Spirit, which is my Inhale and the Words, the Images flow out which is my Exhale and the Winds of God allows the Images, the words to Go where he wants them to go. Only God knows the Heart of men and only he knows the truth of what a heart battles with. Only He knows the plans from our beginning until our end. Only He Knows what lies behind the smile of many and what lies along the road ahead. Only God Knows. I love the words your vibe attracts your tribe. These words express beautifully, the bricks that Helping Build Bridges Across was created for, was built on. I invite you to visit the About Tab to learn more. Helping Build Bridges Across, a community of many diverse souls who share a common thread of “Gratitude” and from that center of operation, we live our individual lives, alert to where we can be of service with kind words or actions, some deeds known and many, many that are not known, which in my book is a personal favorite and truly priceless. The unknown treasured deeds and actions that don’t include a camera or words written about an event, just done because someone felt led to, wanted to, had the genuine heart to do. That for me is so beautiful and so intoxicating to my soul. Individual lives, like a woven blanket, beautiful to look at because it is comprised of many threads, patches of material and in relationship to community the blanket is comprised of many faces, of experiences, joys, laughter, sadness, tears, challenges and dark valleys, mountain tops and triumphs. We individually come together, I love the word “Eagle Call”, an Eagle Call for me, is a call to action for the Hearts who live in this space, we gather together, we communicate from the center of kindred hearts and we disburse back into our spaces with our Gratitude Plan of Action. Whatever is shared, rather with tears or smiles. it is centered, the core is Gratitude, the awakening is that it is not Just About You or About Me, it is about Making an Impact, Making a Difference, it is intended to be An Operation of Love continuously, showing up a little, a little, just a little, every day in deeds and actions and for some it requires, navigating the waters on a larger platform with deeds and action. To whom much is given, much is required. This tribe, this community is not for everyone, but please know it was designed with all in mind, all are always welcome here. You may even be an observer who watches, listens and leaves encouraged and for some even doing your part, without ever saying a word. You may be an Eagle and you take what’s needed, as you continue the Journey, your place of operation but aware that in your actions, you’re operating in Collaboration with other Eagles. Whoever you are, remember the Core. Helping Build Bridges Across is a Gathering Place, an Eagle Call, a perspective, a call to action, a place to encourage to share, to give from our generation into the next., to receive these things in some cases as reminders, as a wake up call and then again we Disburse into our corners of the world, community, neighborhood, the current space that we individually occupy. Mission: Making Gratitude Contagious has always been at the core. That phrase #MakingGratitudeContagious was defined in 2014, before then always there but not structured words or clarity of intent. Gratitude, Love, Peace and Joy BY CHOICE, was and is my personal space of fulfillment and wherever my feet traveled and continues to travel, it was and is expressed with Hugs, words of Love, Listening without Offering Solutions, just a place to Vent, without judgement. Whatever was and is spoken remained and continues to remain in that trusted space. AGAIN, ALWAYS A CHOICE. By Choice, something I say often, Choice it’s important because it recognizes that we are wrapped in emotions and thoughts and their are moments that make us angry, offended, annoyed, sad but it is a power word CHOICE because in that space you take the Reigns and you decide the Reaction, by what you say and or what you do in response to those emotions. Always a Choice, to hear Negative words and sometimes the bearer of negative actions that can you put you into a bad, negative space but Only You and I have the power to decide to remain there or to Decide not to receive it and to decide to dwell in that mud or to simply move forward. Always a Choice. A Place of Fulfillment. Knowing Who you are and then Giving Yourself Away: Encouragement is such a gift because the more I give, the more that Flows back to me, it is a blessing, it is addictive and intoxicating to my soul. When evil kicked down my door on September 7th, 2016 it SHARPLY SHIFTED MY life’s journey, it got in my face and asked me what is your Faith, what road are you traveling on?! What were you plans again? The Process, the pain, can be the greatest treasure because it allows you to See clearer, to consider more. It allows you to become aware of what is planted in your heart. It reminds you that time is a priceless commodity. A continued lesson along life’s journey, I’m not sure if you ever stop learning but the process Makes You Pause, Makes you stop dead in your tracks and the only desire, at least for me, is to know personally from my Creator, what now Lord, what now?! In this season, it is Not About Me, it is about everyone and anyone that can receive Flowers from my Ashes. That thought, that premise is exhilarating. That flow which flows out and then flows back to me filled with encouragement, is a gift to my heart. Intent: This community’s intent that encompasses so much, but in sharing now; Robbing the Thief named Regret is a HUGE TARGET. When you operate in Love you consider often your thoughts before you speak or before you decide what actions you choose to take. A Pause in a Moment, just take a pause to Consider. While Gratitude is the foundation, we, I recognize and clearly understand and experience that there are times where you don’t feel grateful, where your blindsided by external things that bring distractions, frustration, but even in those times, in that space of not having good things to say, you learn that silence can be a gift. Silence at times eliminates you returning to apologize for unkind words or actions. Silence allows clarity before making rash decisions. Operating in this way allows you to be aware and alert to triggers and to choose to respond out of calmness and always understanding you possess the option of silence. Less can always be More, Always. We all have plans for tomorrow, some measured, some intended, some drifting along the lines of we have to?! but let's remember to have Today, to be present in right now, the conversations, the actions and the words that we choose to use today. Gratitude Making Gratitude Contagious Not Tomorrow, TODAY   Make Pain Pay Dividends Song: Donnie McClurkin “I Need You” with words spoken by Donyale (audio above) How can you really pay back anything that shows up tragic or painful in your life? How can you really punch back? Allow me to start out that I’m not sharing an answer or a how to. In this season of my life, I recognize the more that I’ve experienced, the more that I’ve learned, the less that I know of a “Formula” so I’m not sharing or offering 5 ways to this or 10 ten steps of what to do next. I’m walking through my own journey and my intent is as I walk through from the view of what I’ve experienced. is to share my perspective. I’m seeking my Creator, Trusting God to show me the next steps for my path. I walk daily, not waiting on a next move, of course doing something and at the same time seeking to reside in moments of quiet, listening for the next turn, listening for God’s Wisdom. I have found my ointment and I continue to live through. I now recognize that the ointment that soothes my heart, it is not just for my use, it is to be shared for those who are walking through unimaginable, surreal pain and can’t see light, in many ways their mind and heart is locked inside of a dark room, I share for those who may have to travel this path of unexpected, unimaginable moments that are up along the road ahead. I share so that someone, somewhere knows they are not alone. What I’m sharing is an ointment that soothes my heart and that is putting on the table that we have Life, we have Today, we have moments, we have now and that means we have an opportunity to put Love into Operation by the words we speak and with the actions we choose to take, Every Day and in Every Moment. Evil, Darkness hates and detest Light, so for me that means to Shine Brighter, that is a punch back. Don’t participate in Confusion, instead choose to be peaceful. When you don’t have personal peace, or recognize that you are in a place of anger fall back, work on you first so that you don’t become a carrier delivering that negative energy into the lives of others. Don’t allow bad moments to set you up for having to apologize for stupid words spoken or having moments of regret. Work on yourself first and then rejoin others when you are in that good place so that your presence brings joy, not tension or discomfort. What I share is a perspective, words that are delivered for your consideration, for your reflection. I would even add words that you can file away and if the folder is ever needed, prayerfully not, it’s a folder that you can draw from as a point of reference or to consider, if you find yourself in an unimaginable place, a moment of pain or sadness. My qualifications are that by the Grace of God, I’m living through a Tragic moment that SHARPLY shifted my life without notice. I don’t share this or any post for sympathy, while sentiment is appreciated, but no one truly understands anyone’s journey except the person who walks it out EVERY SINGLE DAY. The Truth is, even as I share this with you, I don’t know your history, I don’t know your present state and circumstances and I don’t know the condition of road that you will face up ahead. I don’t assume that my perspective is enough. There are no words to describe Tragic moments without warning that grabs hold of you, delivered to break you, to disrupt and destroy your life, dark moments that throw everything you own around without regard of what breaks or is ruin for a lifetime, it is a Dark Place and for some they don’t make it out. They are still in a dark room, not functioning, not available for the lives that surround them here and now. For some they make decisions that can’t be reversible. So it is serious and a good time to mention that if you are in that dark place, seek help, whatever it takes, take the step, make the call, tell someone you need help, because someone, somewhere needs you here and my belief is that you didn’t create yourself so don’t allow whispers of hopelessness, defeated thoughts to take you from here before it’s time. Get Help Now, no one is judging and those who do live judging others, are living in there own place of insecurity and choose to shine light on the challenges of others with the intent to take the light off of themselves and where they fall short, so strive to always do what is best for you, if you need help get it. I don’t have a list of resources but I will share the national suicide helpline which is 1-800-273-8255, which can also be googled. They are available 24 Hours a day, seven days a week. Start there if you need help, please. I know firsthand, life changes and some changes are not a game and while I walk through my own tragic moment, while it was a moment, it lives with you for a lifetime. Allow me to say again, I’m always grateful for kind words and they are appreciated and they travel miles alongside my heart, words that have been and are a blessing. The truth is when you’re blindsided and the carpet is Snatched from under your feet you find out quickly who you are, you find out quickly if your heart is built with rock or sand, in a moment you decide if you will retreat or press forward. The truth is You have to live through it and the only other choice that I see presented is to retreat and die. To die is not always a physical death, you can shut down emotionally, or mentally, you can become a drifter through life, all of which can mean death in life. You just go through the motions, you just exist. It is our journey to travel, to experience, I believe that our Creator does not allow in our lives more than we can bear. I believe for those of us who Seek Purpose, in pursuit of our part, our destiny, we are the ones who ask the questions Why, or What, or How in the Pain, the Tragedy, can something be done with it? We trust God, even when the process is painful, not understood, and it is not comfortable. We understand the journey is about God’s Will, His Purpose and we can continue the road ahead and in the Pain we recognize that maybe it is not just about us. The moment, the place that meant to kill us, to harm us, God will make for our good and life’s fulfillment, mixed with purpose will flow in and flow out into the lives of others when we’re open and alert to being available, when and if moments provide an opportunity. For me I don’t have a blueprint, I don’t see where this staircase leads but I trust God and I’m willing to die on what I believe. My question is What to Do With a Moment like this, what or how can I make a difference?, It is only by God’s Grace that I’m walking through myself and I continue that press forward daily. I just need God’s Direction, his whisper to continue my journey. My steps are ordered by him, so I seek His Voice, His Direction for the remainder of my days. I pray, I ask how can I be of service, what can I do with this Tragic Evil Moment that visited my life without notice, that robbed me of what life was at the time, what can I do to Make a Difference? Maybe just sharing this is my way? I’m a doer, so I do, I continue forward and make the turns, when I make a wrong turn or fall down, I get up and continue the journey. Maybe my part is to share, which might encourage someone who is in a dark place and can’t find the small pinhole of light, maybe the sharing allows someone to know they don’t walk alone. I share because sharing encouragement, encourages me, it actually is the ointment that I found for my heart. To see someone encouraged, awaken to an understanding that yes the moment experienced was tragic, unexpected and unimaginable, but it is not the end and they can continue to move forward. Encouragement allows you to see there is no period along life’s journey, instead it presents a comma and asks what can you, what can I do with it? What’s next? What pages can be written, as we enter this new chapter along our journey. We can appreciate the moments we have right now and we can consider the road ahead. My punch back to Make Pain Pay Dividends is take a moment that changed my life, a moment that tried to devastate my life, my home and clearly an intended goal to threaten generations to follow, it is my intent to twist the evil that visited my doorstep tightly, to make it observe Flowers that can Grow out of Ashes. I recognize and consider that I have more days behind me than in front of me and I’ve awaken to be reminded that life is a precious, priceless commodity and I’m learning how to spend it wisely by the decisions that I make every day, a continued lesson with new pages being written. WE all come to this awareness at different points or seasons in our life, but if we could pack that inside our heart and begin our day with it, I believe it would steer our words and actions with more clarity, keeping gratitude as the driver. My punch back, my way of making Pain Pay Dividends is not to live with Anger or Bitterness, who wins with that? If my lips are tight and my rage is released, how does that change anything? I say Make Pain Pay Dividends by making flowers grow from the Ashes, the Painful places that visits our life, from Tragic moments and only God Knows what that really looks like, only he knows the full story that resides in our heart. Find the joy, the smile, the laughter, embrace the memories and good times and continue forward with the intent to make many more wonderful memories and to experience joyful moments. Continue to love on those who surround your life present day. No one promised you or I, that our tomorrow will look the same as today. Don’t get stuck on pulling on closed doors, find the doors that are wide open and waiting on you to walk through. Love in operation happens in numerous ways, it could be the calmness in the line at the Grocery Store, or not engaging in the car that cut you off and or engaging in arguments determine to have the last word with anyone that has offended you. Making Pain Pay Dividends is when a Tragic Moment Multiplies into changing lives, into changing generations for the better, that is a Huge Punch Back. I’m not doing this alone and I’m putting out an Eagle Call. Eagles know when it’s time to take Flight, to use the Storms to Go Higher, to multiply Love in Operation. That my dear friend, is a consideration on How to Make Pain Pay Dividends. For the remainder of my days, Making Gratitude Contagious is my Intent and I hope to infect as many people as possible with the virus, along my journey.   Upon this Earth ~ HS
Be careful to not always stand in someone’s shadow You can’t always observe what someone said or what someone heard Time, Time, yes that Action Word called Time We all recognize waits for No One You have Value, You have Worth No matter your present conditions No matter your surrounding environment Upon this earth Consider your eyes, your ears, your perspective It Offers so much You can provide a view from the place that you reside Upon this earth When we make our departure In our absence All that Remains will be Our Actions and Our Words Consider Living a life with Legacy in mind Making an impact on generations that we will leave behind Those who will continue life forward Carrying our worth, our words, our actions of what we leave behind Awaken, be alert, consider in all that we experience Upon this earth The Great, the Joy, the Ugly, the Tears, the Fears and Triumphs It really isn’t just about us It is taking the punches and sharing with someone that They are not alone and they have worth They can get up and continue They too can leave something behind when they depart That continues to live for a lifetime Upon this earth ~ HS  HOME for me is Comfort, it's Familiar. It's Secure, It's being wrapped up in a warm blanket surrounded and made up by those that you love and love you, it's a favorite beverage while reading a book or watching a movie; HOME, a room filled at times with Peaceful Silence or Lots of Laughter. As 2017 closes out, I recognize now that my healing, this page being written along my journey, consists of being rerouted from what I had planned, that my healing comes from Sharing, it comes from Encouraging Others, which really is powerful, because I've found in those moments, of sharing, it Encourages Me. Healing that comes from within, it comes from the little girl inside playing in her sandbox, sharing without hindrance or concern of what others think about it, innocently sharing my Experiences with others. The little girl, the child inside who has experienced many things along her Adult Journey, and she simply shares, with the INTENT to Encourage others, to share her Moments of Smiles and Laughter with others, even Sharing those places that derived from Tragic, Hurtful Places, Sharing her Perspective on it, without Scripted Intentions, AGAIN, Simply Sharing. I believe, NO ACTUALLY, I know with CLARITY that as 2017 is closing, that this is the healing ointment for me, To Share my journey, to Share the process in THIS SEASON, THIS CHAPTER of my Life. It is wrapped and delivered in My Purpose and where it Travels, is not up to me, it is 100% God's Decision. I'm Surrendered to the Process, to allowing My Journey to fill the Pages within This Chapter of "Living In My Truth." The Beautiful thing that is surfacing along my Journey, is this Community, Helping Build Bridges Across "from our generation to the next", A Wonderful Gift. We Know, everything is not for everyone and this community has drawn Eagles, those who have an Empowering Perspective on understanding and recognizing Storms in Life, Mountains and Valleys in life. Who take the Experiences in life (Good and Bad) and ask "What can I do with it to Make An Impact, to Make a Difference?" This Community is comprised of some who are just Observers and Hang out and enjoy being Encouraged, Inspired, just dwelling in a Place of Peaceful Intentions. Whatever brings YOU, it's all good and YOU are appreciated, invited to Participate, or Simply be an observer. The door is open for you to decide. I need Your Help in 2018, My Ask is that You Share this community, that you connect and share via your reach, your social media. I recognize in this Season, I can't do it alone and I need You to join with me, FROM YOUR CORNER OF THE WORLD, in Sharing with others, HelpingBuildBridgesAcross.com, the intent remains the same as the day it stared, #MakingGratitudeContagious . Based on the Challenges that have been presented, I recognize for it means "TAKING THE EFFORT TO HIGHER GROUND". Every Painful place, every Valley along my life's journey, I'm beginning to consider is for someone else. I mean, I'm living in it, Learning and Experiencing the Moments also, but in being Transparent, in sharing My Truth, My Perspective, it allows for someone else to share in the ointment that I know firsthand heals and soothes the heart. To share in the ointment of not being alone, left in the ashes, but instead to focus on the flower that sits in the middle of it. LOCATION "In the Process", so much can really be shared, about the Process. The Discomfort, the Tears in the Midst of Celebrations, is in MY Process. Many understand from that ONE WORD, recognize PROCESS, that it speaks volumes in so many ways, the Process runs like Deep Waters and there is No Blueprint, there is No Point of Reference, except to TRUST GOD and to CONTINUE FORWARD. MY TRUTH, is that I fully recognize that my Journey will also transition, IT will One Day come to an end in this life, as we know it. I don't say that weighted, I say that as TRUTH. I of course, desire to Live a Long Life, but no matter how much Time My Creator, my Father God has determined for my life, for those who Love Me, it never be Enough Time. Something that I KNOW ABOUT FIRSTHAND. My Truth, MY Pursuit, is to live this day, this life's journey, in God's Predestined Plan for my existence, which may be just SIMPLY THIS, sharing my Sandbox, Sharing LIVING IN MY TRUTH. Whatever it is, it is being delivered currently, FOR ME IN DAILY DOSES. My Journey is Not a DESTINATION, IT IS THE PROCESS. My Journey is Not An Event, it has become, it is the Lessons that I'm Learning from the Experiences of EVERYDAY LIVING this Life. As I continue along this road, this path, this chapter, this new page being written, even as I'm sharing this, I want you to know that I am in the Process, I'm Experiencing "BEING UNCOMFORTABLE" and that Includes Moments of Disappointment, I'm doing those things I don't want to do, but I have to do in this Chapter of my Journey; I am Learning Lessons in My Challenges and recognizing the challenge, the discomfort along my Journey, it is mainly because it isn't what I had sketched, what I had outlined in my Heart or ever considered would be my Present Journey?! I plan to share the journey in 2018, new ways of sharing with you, for the Selfish Reason of operating in My Personal Fulfillment, for seeking more of the Ointment that flows in the river of Sharing and that includes Sharing WITH THAT SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, WHO NEEDS the Ointment that SOOTHES the Heart, it is the Quiet, Peaceful Joy, that I've located, it is God's Grace, a Priceless Treasure that I've known for many years but Now Experiencing beyond Words to Describe it, a PLACE that I've Located In My OWN Sandbox. A flow of God's Unyielding Anointing and Revelation in the midst of My Process and understanding that what we, what I am given is not just for me, it is meant to be shared, it is the gift that is required to be given away. Gifts are always meant to be given away, when you Give with the Right Intention and a Pure Heart, life multiplies and returns back to you. . not in getting stuff but wrapped and returned with Love. Until then, Until 2018 . .I'm posting this song, it's soothing to my soul, it's comforting, a quiet joy. It reminds me of "HOME". The "ALL OF EVERYTHING", that brings a SMILE in the Moments, a Smile to the Memories that will remain in my Heart for a Lifetime. SIMPLY; A shared Beauty a "Song" with it's own words, delivering it's own meaning, to the listener, a song that has a Language of it's own. The Song is "Home" by Michael Buble.  My spirit for years has always connected to the Attributes of An Eagle. I've raised my sons with the words of you're Eaglets becoming Eagles. Which for me always held the meaning that Life Has Mountains and Valleys. WHEN STORMS OF LIFE COME, NOT IF BUT WHEN, The Eagle Rises to Higher Ground.
With all that has Transpired in my life this past year, in reflection, most words spoken or written in my Sandbox, I now consider that in many ways was preparing me for this Season in My Life. My brother, sent this article to me, he had found it on a website and the words really resonated with me. (Copied and pasted below - Eagles in a Storm) My Sandbox is a Buffet Table Take what can be an asset for Your Journey and Simply leave the rest Behind ~Donyale EAGLES in a STORM Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us — and all of us will experience them — we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God’s power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm. The wise man wrote, “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future” (Eccl. 7:14). Solomon fairly well summarized life. There are good and bad days that attend our lives. Make the best of both. When things go well, rejoice and praise God; when they go wrong, and adversity attacks the soul, rest on the assurance that God is there and he cares. His goodness is shown in the providential help he offers in time of need. “Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help (us) in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. The Bible says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles.” — Isaiah 40:31  A Moment of Reflection; I'm Traveling Life's Journey along a Very Unfamiliar Trail; As I continue, to take the Next Steps, Moving Forward, I'm very keenly aware that I don't recognize this terrain, I've never traveled down these trails before; I don't have a clue of what to expect on the Road Ahead. I'm very Grateful that the Sun Peeks more often than not and I continue to Move Forward following the Light Ahead of Me. So far; I've experienced, some very smooth paths, quiet, peaceful, beautiful places that seem to have a language of it's own, I've actually located treasure spots, that I've now named "Beauty in the Silence" and or "Beauty Speaks". Along This Hike, this New Trail; I've also come across some rough terrains, very rocky gravel which made me question, reflect on the stability of the Trail. I've also come across limited shelter, in the duration of moments of heavy, downpour blinding rains, along this way. As I move forward, I realize I can't really see the Entire Path Ahead, while UNCOMFORTABLE, it seems safe to travel forward, so I continue to move forward. I know that I know, I can't remain stagnated in this current space, this terrain, based on the Forecasted Conditions. I recognize that it's important to continue to Move Forward, my Current State, my Stability, my Quiet peace, is beyond what I really understand or Know How to Express based on the Trail that I've now Experienced. The Bridge Across to Continue Forward along this Trail Has Been and Continues to Be My Faith and I'm Thankful for God's Unyielding Grace.  The Current Challenge of this Untraveled, Unfamiliar Trail, is I don't have anyone that I could personally call for reference, the someone who has Hiked Along This Trail Before. No reference point of what to expect Up Ahead or Around the Next Corner. It seems my only option on this Trail is to Plow Through and to Map, create Markers of what I find along the way, for those who may have to travel this terrain, this unfamiliar trail. Each person's journey has its own experience but maybe a few things that I find, that I learn can assist along the way. My View, my Perspective has changed, it has been altered. My direction, my Purpose has swiftly turned in a different direction. The Air is Thinner along this Trail, you keenly recognize your frailties. You examine your beliefs and your philosophy along this trail. My reflection, my focus has been redefined as "What Really Matters Today and Going Forward?" What is my Pursuit, my Purpose along this Path? I'm still traveling the Terrain but wanted to stop and share, what I've found, so far along this Trail. Continuing the Journey, continuing to Move Forward and seeking daily to Hear my Creator's Voice along the way. Beauty; I'm learning exists on Rough Terrain or with Peeks of Sunshine, Beauty whispers in the Silence, along this path, traveling along this way. No Road Map, I simply Continue to Move Forward. Isaiah 43:19 . . .I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert  I recently realized to date of this post, that my last post was on April 2016,
I completely went off the map with the Blog posts. In this duration of Sandbox Absence, images were posted on Facebook, on our community Facebook page HBBA. I’m now climbing back into my Sandbox, inviting and sharing via Blog, Pinterest and Twitter. Where did I go during that time? I’m not really sure?! I’m referencing the 5 months from April 2016 to September, enjoying a personal favorite, time with Family I assume, my husband, my sons, family gatherings with my parents, brother and including time with all of my extended family and dear friends and based on that time frame, school, end of year activities, sports, etc and then the Carpet was snatched from under my feet, I received a sucker punch, a direct blow was delivered to my heart on September 7, 2016. So from September to current month, now July 2017, I know where I’ve been since that 7th day of September and very conscious of the gravel, this rocky road that I’m traveling now. ------------------ My Life Shifted, Sharply that 7th day of September 2016. My world completely turned upside down in a flash, in a blink of an eye, a moment in time now burned into my heart, and now. I’m walking a rerouted, unfamiliar, unknown path. Rerouted because of the Plans that I had being married, raising our sons together, now instead, invited on September 7, 2016, to a Tragic, Unimaginable Event, that now leaves me present day as a Widow raising our sons on my own. ---------------- I’m willing to die on my Faith, the question is am I’m willing to live it? ---------------- My husband then of 19 years was killed, murdered by a 17 year old predator and allow me to add to the gravity of that, I’m a mother of two boys, at the time this happened our sons were 16 and 13. So to even conceive that a 17 year old boy, was a predator, killing my husband by shooting him in the back with a Military Assault Rifle, left to die on the street still present day is "Unimaginable". My Husband Todd, responded to a Fake Craigslist Ad and now it's known it was a pre-meditated Set up, one that this Predator, this 17 year old boy, PREDATOR, had done before using Craigslist, even served time in the Juvenile System for this crime, all previous cases known involved robbing people, not killing them, at least from the crimes we know about. Can you Believe?! This was not even his first rodeo, I did say 17 years old and this time apparently the Predator wanted blood. ---------------- Something like this; This experience stops you in your tracks and looks at you dead in your Face and it asks you directly; What is your Faith? What did you say that you believe? Who do you Say God is in Your Life? A flood of questions, of thoughts, including, Why me, why my family? Why a man who loved, adored his sons, enjoyed every moment of being a Dad, raising boys who adored him just as much. Why Him?! ---------------- Since I mentioned Craigslist, a few things need to be mentioned, my husband sold on Craigslist before, purchased some great deals on Craigslist. He was not naive to the streets or unaware of the stories of those who have been victims with Craigslist. It’s important to note that this was the Predator’s Strategy, one he had perfected over the years so it was a set up and he knew how to set the stage, by his phone conversation, in setting a time to meet, meeting at a location that appeared safe; and including his demeanor, ALL KNOWN, from a prior case; He greeted his victim by shaking hands, he knew how to be approachable, this predator had met up with someone 2 days prior and shot at this victim who in that case got away, but he was able to provide the scenario of how this predator set the stage. When this Tragedy Hit, my comments via the News and News Sources, was that Craigslist Should be Shut Down, Angry Obviously. BUT The Bottom Line, Murderers, Predators as we need to be reminded, can reside anywhere and the best we all can do is to be diligent in our travels and to be alert the best we can to our surroundings. To put our lives in God's Hands and to continue to live, to move forward. More details in the months to come on this topic but for now, I thought it was important to note that. --------------- I’m willing to die on my Faith, the question is am I’m willing to live it? -------------- Unimaginable experience, on so many levels, THIS MOMENT IN TIME, was and is not an Event, It is my Life, It is Now my Truth. The Question is What Am I Willing to Do With It? ------------ I’m willing to die on my Faith, the question is am I’m willing to live it? ---------- For More Listen In |
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