YOU'RE NEVER ALONE

One particular morning, I felt the need to take a quiet walk to calm, meditate and be alone. It was on this walk that I came to a revelation. I knew I’ve experienced it in the past but didn’t pay much attention or maybe before I merely took it for granted. The sun was rising above the vast open Atlantic Ocean. It breathed life and warmth to whomever and whatever was below and in its direction of light. As far as my eyes can see, the water was mostly flat rippling when it met the shoreline. A stream of tranquil light glistened across the water portraying a narrow pathway from the horizon to my feet on the golden sand. I was physically alone on my walk to the other end of the beach and then back to where I started. Along the water’s edge the ebb and flow of the water quickly washed away my footprints. While I walked I was observant with nature and my surroundings. With every few feet there were continual changes in scenery, water temperature and conditions and the texture of the sand beneath my feet. But there was one particular observation that didn’t change. I was not alone. Nope. Not as I had thought. Each time I looked out toward the ocean, that seemingly motionless path of light never strayed from me. No matter where I stood there it was shining directly in front of me. That’s when it occurred to me. I was being reminded that as my life changes whether through trials and tribulations or in happy times with many blessings, I’m never alone. There is a pathway of light always there to protect and guide me out of any darkness. A pathway of light giving me love, patience and purpose among other wondrous gifts. It’s a pathway of light to accept and receive His mercy and grace. God was and is with me in every step, thought or feeling. He is with me always!

America Can't You See?

America can’t you see

What’s been happening to you and me?

Our world is deteriorating fast

Lost are the treasures of love and values of years past.

Families move far apart

Becoming strangers, hoping for a fresh start.

Everyone’s rushing to be on top

They keep going and don’t stop.

They become victims of prey

To the exploited American way.

From a push and a shove and not a genuine hand

Greed, injustice and disease spread across our beautiful land.

Our leaders of whom we trusted

Are at risk of being busted.

Whistleblowers and fake news blowing their horn

Are causing our citizens to be shaken and torn.

We’re replacing religion and prayer

Worshipping money and objects of more flare.

Allowing evil to creep into our hearts and home

And giving Satan more freedom to roam.

Fires, earthquakes, floods and storms

Occur more often with no warns.

Are they the messages of God’s word

That by many, have long been blurred?

A virus pandemic through many nations now it spreads

Quarantining everyone to their homes and beds.

This is a call for reflection for sure

Of all that is false and all that is pure.

Up to the heavens, we must raise our hands and faces

Aloud, repent and plead for the restoration of mercy and graces.

A renewed world of peace, love and happiness

Will be another of His miracles for us to bear witness.

America, can you see now

What’s been happening to you and me?


Written by and all rights reserved by Diane M. Shampine

Living After Death

We accept death as life's promised covenant,

But we should not forget all we gain from it.

Look not at it as a sorrowful loss,

But as a wondrous gift from the cross.

Eternally living not only in peace with the Lord,

But through each and every one rewarded.

Deep within, despite their physical leaving,

A loved one is still with us living and breathing.

For our bodies may be unique and born of our own,

We live shaped and molded from what we're shown.

Through laughter, expression, a quote or touch,

Intangible yet powerful, we grasp so much.

So let not your heart weep long and be sore,

Honor and cherish with your loved one forever more.

Written and all rights reserved by Diane M. Shampine 10/23/2018

 

 

 

 

A Mother’s Life

One who always serves others before herself;

One whose eyes may tire but never sleep;

One whose ears may quiet but are never silent;

One whose mind may dream but is full of knowledge;

One whose tongue may meddle but proclaims wisdom;

One whose spirit may flicker, but illuminates elegant light;

and

 One whose heart may weep but always magnifies LOVE

written and all rights reserved by Diane M. Shampine 5/14/17

 

Thankfulness and Praise

Our lives are shaped with each and every loved one that came and/or left before us. We may have been young, naïve, or disconnected to truly listen and learn from all they have said and done.  If those words and lessons were not relevant then, they will appear later being a reflection or guide.

It is often after our loved ones go home, regret begins to settle in our hearts and mind. Regrets of how we so little expressed our love, thankfulness and appreciation for them.  Our hearts cry out for that one last moment to do so.  

Although mine seldom appear in my dreams and their actions show me no disappointment, still my flesh yearns to touch theirs, my ears yearn to hear their voice, and my hands yearn to hold theirs while creating their arts. 

Therefore, I tell you it is not only on this Thanksgiving Day, but every day, we must express our thankfulness and praise to our loved ones here with us today. For the person they are, their gifts of love and life, and the words of wisdom and teachings they give.  No matter how small, they are a significance in our life and being.   Pray that you will hold no regrets in future days and continue to share the words and lessons they have brought before you.  Further, give almighty praise and thanks to the Lord above for   "He established them forever and ever; he gave them a duty which shall not pass away."  (PS 148:6).

Children, Someone Worth Looking Up To

Adults and parents are often being reminded of little eyes and ears lurking in their shadows, following their footsteps.   They try so hard at being the best they can be and to be someone worth looking up to.  They keep conscience of their actions, reactions, tongues, fears and happiness. All because what they say and do, intentional or not, impacts our future population and future leaders of this world.   

But what if I said, let’s do the reverse. Let’s look up to our children instead.  Is it not the children that sometimes have what matters most: honesty, kindness, togetherness, compassion, simplicity and determination, all without discrimination?  The way life should and want it to be.

Their actions and words can melt your heart, yet at the same time, important values are recalled and many new lessons are learned from our younger generation.  They are the ones to bring out the best in us all and turn our attention to what is desperately missing from our grown up lives.   

My very bright daughter and physically challenged son, have done this for me.  While they may sometimes lurk in my shadow, I prefer to look up to them and follow in their footsteps.

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew18:4)

Shrinking Sam

After receiving my free book from Barefoot Books, I instantly became hooked.  I get drawn in to each and every story I read.  They are unlike any other children’s books I have ever read or saw before.  The front covers with all the colors and characters are mesmerizing.

Knowing this though, my immediate thought when seeing the title “Shrinking Sam” should not have been of the other books and movies about shrinking kids.  You know the ones. The innocence of the cover picture alone should not have let my mind go there.  Yes, I am ashamed to admit it, but it did.

That thought, however, quickly vanished a few pages in.  Sam, a middle child, was not shrunk by any machine or science experiment.  He was shrunk and washed down the drain by his own thoughts. Thoughts of being ignored.  But is he and has he disappeared completely?

“Shrinking Sam” is a simple story with a life lesson. Children along with adults will easily relate to Sam and his new friend Izzy when they don’t get the attention they want or crave. The ending will make them realize how big and important they really are. 

I learned an additional lesson from Sam.  Never ever ignore a title of a Barefoot Book because the story is much bigger on the pages inside.