Funny how so many things change throughout the years and some stay the same…….. It passes by so fast sometimes you forget to stop and breathe and enjoy life where you are at. You get lost in the stress and struggles that often come.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I am far from perfect. Honestly I have almost more questions than answers. I truly trust God because I know He cares. I don’t just say that. It is true! He’s been with me through ups and downs through miracles and trials. That’s why I continue to fight and strive for an abundant life no matter what I face….
I don’t give up easy and I strive to encourage to lift up people. Especially when you are close to me. Even when I am in the mist of struggles, there’s always a stuggle, and we’re called to pray for one another. -James 5:16
I believe in looking for the silver lining and prayer for God to make ways when the paths seem hidden. -Isaiah 43:19. I am far from perfect but I strive to grow, stay strong, positive and hopeful ☺️. I don’t want to live a life of fear or regret.
When I don’t understand or know what to do next I try to make the most of it even though it may be hard. I love with all my heart because that is how God made me. I believe God loves us all and gave us unique telents. Sometimes our talents / gifts can be overwhelming and annoying at times. That is why I believe that we should treat others how we want to be treated. -Luke 6:31
“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” -James: 5:9-10
If we mess up we should say sorry. Think about how Jesus Christ treats us and how you want to be theated? I don’t hold gruges or unforgiveness because I strive not too. It is an act of my will. My choice. No one is perfect and fighting / disagreements are a part of life. I can’t say that enough. As long as theres no abuse or safety issues ask God how to work things out with the peoplewhoarein your life. If theres abuse and saftey issues ask God for wisdom and direction to get the help you need.
Please don’t let disagreements and diffrences harm relationships / friendships. Friendships, relationships, family, marriage, courtship is important…. Don’t let them just dissolve if there’s a way to fix them especiallyif there’s love ❤️!
They are precious commodities… We are called to fellowship and to build eachother up… We are not called to tear eachother down or cause drama. There was a reason God made Eve for Adam. -Genesis 2:22-24. He didn’t want us to be alone. We are stronger together then separated. History poroves this trure. ❣️
If you are alone physically you are not alone like you may feel…. Jesus Christ is always with you if you choose. I have countless stories and truths of that in my personal life. I have overcome more than I could or should have numerous times. From moving a sofa, to waking from a brain dead coma…..
Jesus came to bring Life and to bring it Abundantly no matter what the enemy throws at you. I have been looking back at the past as I do every April in reflection and deep prayer for the future. I am no where where I want to be tho I’ve done a lot, traveled a lot, and experienced a lot. I feel twice my age…. I have been struggling with stuff physically, emotionally, financially. And spiritually. I have been in a way stuk in a rut. Yet in that rut I’ve become stronger and wiser. As so you can be too. We can’t control others nor would I want to. The beauty of people is everyone is unique and different than you are. You can’t always control your life situations or finances. Yet you can control your own mind, choices and your words. Your words have power!
Please take time to look around and see the beauty surrounding you. Take time to pray and study the Bible if you choose to believe in God / Jesus and the HolySpirit. And most of all remember that you are loved, you matter and are treasured even if you can’t see it is true.
Hard question to answer? It can be huh… You matter! Honestly you should be asked how you are more often. Sadly that isn’t always the case or possible. So here I am asking you.
-I am also here to say to you and I –
Getting back on topic, I thought I would stop by to say Hi. While giving an small update. I’ve thought other then just talking about what is going on around me and in the world, I’d talk to you about myself and some thoughts that I’ve had.
Where do I start… Hmmm. I am not in depression, tho I’ve been there before. Although sometimes I feel like I’m dancing on the edges of it constantly. Yet, I am always having to be on guard, staying strong looking for those silver – linings…
Which reminds me of a passage in the Bible. Stay with me please even if you don’t belive. I’m not trying to sway you. I am a beliver in Christ, yes. Even if you are not, I wanna ask you to have an open mind. I wish share something that has helped me. Maybe it will help you. Maybe not… Please at least read the blog post in its entirety. Thanks.
Psalms 23 <KJV>
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
I’m not gonna dissect the whole thing. However, I feel it’s important to share the full character. What I want to talk about is this part- “Walk in the shadows of death, I will fear no evil.” I didn’t fully understand what the shadows of death meant for many years but now I feel like I do. I remember it like yesterday. I almost ten years ago, I was driving through a canyon. It was a sunny day out but the canyon cast a complete shadow over the long road that I was driving. Then suddenly it clicked for me. To me, that verse meant constantly surrounded by death, yet not dead. Not to be morbid, but true…
My life kinda drives that point home. I’ve had so many near death and serious life threatening situations; due to heath as well as just living.
Do you want a current example being surrounded by the threat of death. Many people would say covid (whatever you want to call it.) is right now the major death threat. Many would also say that it is everywhere and its breathing down our necks constantly… It is a threat in so many ways. A perfect example for my topic. We try to live on but everywhere and everybody effective, affected, and talking about it. Why… Due to covid our lives have been turned upside – down and inside – out. Why? Because the threat of death is scary!
This post isn’t about covid tho. I am just trying to make a point the fear of death is truly scary. You never bern afraid of death before, never had it thrown inbyour face so dramatically. Lets be real death is scary point blank! No matter where your faith lies. And- if – when your always afraid of it – then you’re not fully living…. That verse Psalms 23:4 points out the true fact Death is everywhere constantly threatening. To me that suns up depression pretty well too. Depression is a sickness based on fear, self worth ect… Always there hiding in the shadows waiting and wanting to attack! That sums up a lot actually.
With that said, It has not been easy for me to open up, let alone write for quite awhile now.
I haven’t been depressed, but I’ve been in the shadows of depression. For over a year now honestly. Not just because of Dad, but other things as well. I haven’t even touched my books in months. If you know me and follow me, you know how important they are to me. It has taken me weeks just to write this post. I have been emotionally and a bit physically feeling like I am running on fumes- out of gas.
Depression, fear, anxiety, and emotions, seems to been running rampant. Fear, especially of the unknown, is really trying to take center stage. For a while it was successful at it. Not just for me, for so many otheres, I know and some I love, as well peopleI have briefly crossed paths with. Fear is a powerful enemy. Just as depression, loneliness and self-worth. All the above is more powerful now then ever… These stresses’ can really wipe you out, and severely damage your life. Not just mentally and emotionally, but also they can be physically crippling. I do not say that lightly. 😒
Usually its best to go talk to someone. I’ve got God, Jesus, and The HolySpirit. For that. This is my go to verse, the one I live by. “The Devil comes to steal, kill and destroy; but I come to bring Life and to bring it Abundantly! –John 10:10 Along with “I am the good Shepherd; the good shepherd sacrifices his life for his sheep” –John 10:11
= Jesus. Jesus is my Shepard. So I will fear no evil, like Psalms 23 says. Even when it gets gets hard.
Personally I am just trying to adjust to a new lifestyle and re-figure out my place and goals. While I get through the grieving process of loosing my dad, my dog and our cat last year. I do not like to mention or talk about the rough hardships nor how negative it gets and feels at times. I don’t like to be weak or show weakness. But God showed me it is apart of the growth process and I needed to write about it.
That way I can help others like me maybe, you. I bet I am not the only one who feels down, and stressed too. But keep fighting for yourself, keep looking for the silver linings in life. They may be small but they can have huge impacts, if not now possibly later. Either way they’ll encourage you to smile even if its just for a moment. Trust me. I know. That one smile is a small step towards more smiles.
I remind myself everyday of all the accomplished and stuff I have been through.. which is a lot… Also that I have a purpose and I owe it to God, myself and my loved ones to stay positive and to keep smiling through it all. Especially when I don’t feel like it. I suggest that you also remind yourself of your own accomplishments big or small. Along with your survivals as well… I highly recommend you build yourself up especially when you don’t feel like it.
Here’s a few pictures to briefly recap some of the hardships that I have lived through.
These images are proof if I can survive this I can get through the current and forthcoming temporary challenge too.
Its hard for me to be vulnerable. I truly try to stay tough and cheerful. But when I don’t express myself I end you ferling worse then before or have an emotional moment. I tried to keep all the moments captured in images correctly ordered. It is a little hard to do via my cellphone. Sadly lost a lot of pictures due to computer and phone issues. Including the involuntary removals from social media sites. Thus, I don’t have many online anymore. I’ve learned that you just have to make the best of what you have. Easier said then done, I know… A lot of theses pictures are from previous blogs I’ve written. Some I may not have covered here but in preson, but will in my books. Don’t forget thatI and my mothe. Have some Video blogs on www.deeplyrootedinhim.net
Now here are some more positive memorable achievements and moments from my life so far…
I was asked to wite a short story for this book. What a great opportunity!
A New Song Poster
Printing of the book, Exciting!
Inspirational
One of tbe best birthdays.
Started A Novel Life
I turned my short story into a small book with images.
Only printed one books mostly full of poems and short stories. Just for myself but working on a better version updated extended.
I re-did my short book adding to it and editing it with a new cover.
Friends made DeeplyRootedinHim youtube vblogs logo.
My Friends made me this fan group.
Painting by my editor for me.
Finally made it to, Azuza, CA
My book at the library’s app overdrive
Helped dad re do parts of driveway. I am strong enough to be a good helper.
Love from delivery people.
Get well cards from my 3rd last sugery at 16.
One of the many road tripsI went on. My brother, dad and I when I was 20.
This is not all I’ve survivied or accomplished. I don’t have the time or space to go over each event. I have years worth of posts here from instagram and Facebook as well. For you to read if you really want to know more. I promise to keep working on my books; those which I pray will change and help your life in a positive way. Not every day is promised so all I can do is give you the best I can and trust God with it.
I realized in doing this post just how much I’ve gone through and how little I’ve opened up about. Repression always cones out in some form. Sometimes not in the best complimenting ways. Thus it is better to talk about what goes on and what you neded. You matted. Don’t take the people in your life for granted, and open up to someone.
We are not alone. I have friends, family, and a wonderful man. Even if i was by myself I have my faith in God. I see Jesus as my bestfriend. With the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, in my life. As you do too if you so desire. That gives me and you a reason to keep moving forward.
I wake up and thank God for a new day. One full of possibilities and chances to spread love -joy, be productive, and spend time with the ones we care about. Its not always easy for sure, but its better to try then give up. My passion is to spread love and joy. To encourage you that you are treasure. That you are loved and mattered especially to God.
Here are some places you can reach out to if you don’t know who to talk to or don’t want to discuss anything about it with people close to you…
〰️💕💕💕〰️
The mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness have a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264
NAMI offers support and education programs for families and individuals living with mental health conditions. NAMI recognizes that the key concepts of recovery, resiliency and support are essential to improving the wellness and quality of life of all persons affected by mental illness.
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❤💛💚💙💜
〰️Lifeline We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
I have been on the go the past few months. I now have time to write. I think I’ll be getting a lot done too. Even with the crazy holiday season halfway over… I’ve already done much of the heavy work. I’ve been helping dad fix the driveway. The tree roots are raising the driveway up, and since they want to keep the trees we’ve been redoing certain areas and leveling the driveway out. First by removing the old driveway, using a aircompresser chizzle, then digging under the roots so they go down. then proceeding with re-taring the area. My main job is to dig up and shovel the old driveway ect, and replace the gravel with him…. Then together blowing out the craks and caulking the them up all along driveway to the road. Dad even did sone of the road as well… I’m always learning new things when I help dad. It’s not perfect, but it works! We got so much done, just before it snowed. We started before I left and finished after I came back.
Also while I was gone dad started redoing the back bathroom. He removed the old linoleum flooring and flooring and removeing the old toilet. I came back just in time to help him add the new stuff. Tho really he didn’t need my help. Dad is doing so much better then he was. I am truly impressed with his recovery. God is so good! We make a good team. We don’t always get along but we both work hard. We got it done just before company came!
Now I’m just gonna write while I relax in my pajamas. Just because I can! 😆 Yay- a writer’s life! I will get back to my youtube vblogs, my blog, and do some Facebook group this week I hope! I have a few more important tasks first…
I will do my best to keep everyone updated so stay tuned! Don’t give up on your dreams or goals, any progress is still progress. So follow your dreams because you matter. Make sure you take time to breath and enjoy life too. My goal in life is tovspread joy and stop hate. I choose to be happy 😊 even when I don’t feel like it. Remember God supplies and miracles happen!I chose that book 📖 title for a reason!
First off let me say sorry for not being on Facebook or any social media much in months. I just really needed some me time off line, and off the computer. I will be working on that tho.
Guess what? 🛩I am off on another adventure! I didn’t think I’d be traveling again. Especially so soon… 🚗 Wow! 🙉
I was asked to join my sister this time on her work trips. I will be away for about a month. I feel really blessed to be able to travel so much. I get to visit some of you and some new places as a bonus.🤝 Exciting right.! 🥳 I am overwhelmed and looking forward to it immensely. I left home yesterday and will be back sometimes mid November. I already miss my dog.
I also plan to take this opportunity to get some writing done. ✏🗒 I’ll have an abundance of inspiration 🤩 and some quality quiet time. I already spent six hours doing so today. It took a while but I finally got the equipment, I needed for my Mac. After losing my work due to update malfunctions, human error, and again for some unknown reasons… I’ve had a hard time getting into writting again. This time around I’m gonna be extremely overprotective of my work. 🔐 I am very determined to finish theses books! I think they will be better then before, because of the passion I have. I am putting all my heart into theses books. When they are done I hope you will enjoy.
Life is to short to let opportunities slip by. I wish I had done a lot of things differently. I did some really great things in my past so it’s not all discouraging… But I shouldn’t dwell on the past.🤭 I am who I am because of that past. I am pretty awesome too!😋 Thus, I am gonna be brave and not let fear hold me back from making the most of life. I will have courage and not hold back. I will trust God and make the most of what I have while working towards my dreams and goals. Remember- people are precious to me, especially those who I am close to. Just because I’m working on me doesn’t mean I’ll stop caring about you! 💕
👱♀️I feel I leaned a lot and grew in may ways on my last trip. I look forward to seeing the results and enjoying this one as well. I better get to sleep now.
Take care and be safe! God bless you today and always!