Well, tomorrow marks the three year anniversary of my mom’s stroke.
And as I sit here in the car, with a tight chest and a lump in my throat after realizing that fact, I figure, it’s probably a good idea to let some of these feelings out, and write about it.
There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank God that He spared her life that snowy December night three years ago.
Being with my mom when it happened, and seeing her be carried, lifeless by my father — Marissa Cooper style — into the emergency room, unsure if she’d make it — that changes you. It does something to your heart. To your perspective. To your appreciation for life and loved ones.
And so every day, every single day, I am grateful to have that incredible, kind and loving woman still in my life.
To say that a lot of life has been lived between now and then would be quite the understatement.
I mean, aside from relearning how to talk – my mom has developed a new motto that I have come to adopt, and really respect.
You see, my mother is the queen of advice. To be clear: I’m not talking unsolicited advice…but rather, true, grounded, here-when-you-need-her wisdom. She *always* knows what to do, what to say — always. And as a result, I am always calling her to get her take and her perspective. Because it’s always *spot on.*
I mean — she is the originator of the motto that got me through recovery from anorexia: “Just do the next right thing.” — Yep, that was a Mary-ism.
So, her new tag line, since her stroke, is, “Do it, and do it now.” With an emphasis on *now.*
And every time she says it, I always chuckle, roll my eyes, and kind of finish the sentence for her. Like — I know mom, do it NOW — but the fact is, she’s absolutely right.
I don’t know about you, but I can be as indecisive as a toddler in a candy store. I absolutely *hate* making decisions, and I am the queen of procrastinating. And let me tell ya, that, is a deadly combination.
Do it, and do it now.
There really is no time like the present. And I know that is such a cliche – but the truth is, we are not promised tomorrow. My mom found that out the hard way. And, believe me, kneeling by her bed that night, pleading for God to let her wake up and live another day — so did I.
When something is important — why the heck wait? If something matters, freaking go after it. Relationships, jobs, dreams, education, that “whim” trip you’ve always wanted to take — we have been given one life. We have one go at it. And if we’re not doing absolutely everything in our power to maximize the life we have, frankly — we’re doing it wrong.
“I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
As 2020 is upon us, my challenge to myself — and subsequently to you — is to figure out what matters to you, and then go do it, and do it now.
Because tomorrow is not a sure bet.
Mom, (I know you’re reading this — as you do every single post — and every single comment) Mom – you are my best friend. My hero. My heart twin. And I am so grateful for the tenacity with which you have attacked the challenges you’ve faced these last three years. Your fortitude and courage, positivity and joy are so freaking inspiring, and I hope to one day be half the woman you are. I love you to the moon.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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213 responses to “The Power of NOW”
I love how you started you would let the feelings out and write about. It is always a good thing to let it out. Im glad your mom is okay.
Thank you so much 🙂 I think you’re right – it’s good to process!! Thanks for that 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Your mother is lovely, God bless her and your family! 🥰
Aw thank you John – I would have to agree!! Means a lot! Hugs and love xox
Hugs back from a damp and chilly Las Vegas! 🥰
xoxox 🙂
Wow. That is a beautiful testimony. It is hard when we lose that person or they are incapacitated. My mom passed 11.5 years and it’s still very difficult. I could easily visualize sitting in the car with those emotions.
Thank you Michael for sharing that. Oh I am so sorry for your loss. Yes – time doesn’t make it any easier. Praying for you during this Christmas season. Sending big big hugs xox
You two are so blessed to have each other. That relationship is truly blessed by God. He gave the strength to make your bond even stronger through the challenges you faced. Will be exciting to see what God has planned for the two of you, and your father, in 2020. Thanks for your sharing, your writing and your identical smiles. A picture of your hearts. Thanks. John
Thank you John. You’re so right. I am incredibly blessed to have her. God is good. 🙂 and I think you’re right – onto new adventures!! Thanks for stopping by!! Hugs and love xox
This is an excellent piece. Keep writing. Keep going…
Thank you so much John!! Hugs and love xox
THREE…YEARS?!? It’s been that long, eh? Doesn’t seem like it. I still remember. So many prayers were answered, and she got a special gift in meeting the monk! I mean…WOW!! I was privileged to meet her when you came to speak at church. She’s a force of nature!
Keep doing it NOW. So good. Please give her my best. As always… Jeff
I know seems like the blink of an eye, doesn’t it?! I was so grateful to have a friend like you when I needed it most. Amen – God was so generous and good. Haha a force of nature! For sure! They coined the phrase, “dynamite comes in small packages”’for her!! Haha I absolutely will 🙂 big hugs to you and yours! Hope you had a lovely Xmas! Xoxo
I was very glad to help! We had a good, relaxing day yesterday. I trust all was good with you and yours!
Good! Yes same here!!
Well Caralyn, we not only have a similar kind of sweet tooth, but sounds to me like some rather very interesting other traits to boot. I’m sorry in a deep way you had suffered like that with your Mom and Dad during such a scary ordeal, but I happen to know these hard experiences do prepare us for the future and teach us things we otherwise would miss possibly totally. The way you speak of your dear Mom is just how I have always spoken about my Dad and especially when he needed triple bypass surgery when he was hanging on the doctor said by a wing and a prayer after having been a heavy smoker about two and a half packs a day most of his adult life and that fateful day in the doctor’s office his doctor said, “you need to get over to the hospital now so I’m calling a rescue you’re having a heart attack, a huge one!” He too like your Mom was the go to person in my life for any advice because he always got it right and saw right into things in such an unbelievable way! I say it’s his faith in God that gave him that wisdom and insight his whole life! And talk about reading people, wow, I would bring a date by to visit with him and bingo he either knocked the wind out of my sails the next day when I would ask for his thoughts straightaway or said, “take your time and get to know each other but that was a very nice lady you brought by to visit the other day!” He would see people by their heart I think in those instances when I was younger because he always knew mine and if the lady was getting an approval it was usually said in terms of, “she has a big and kind heart!”
And, my Dad always from way back would say, “get moving you’re wasting time and you have plenty to do.” Also, he said I’m a big procrastinator too! I like talking and always figure I can try beating a dead horse even if they say that’s a dumb idea, I don’t want to leave any stone unturned so I keep putting things off to see what I might have missed, or the hope is if I wait long enough the right answer will suddenly come along or materialize and things will fall into place; wishful thinking as my Dad always told me especially when younger with so much to learn! Dad told me from when I was a teen, “you’re not getting anything accomplished sitting around here pipe dreaming so get moving.” He would tell me how my Grandfather would say, “you can’t expect the nice shiny apple you want up at the top of tree to fall down into your mouth, you’ve got to go get it!” I think what they both said and taught me was one reason I threw my suitcases in the trunk of my Impala and drove out to LA many years ago while I prayed to God to help me know what to do and find my way on that journey both literally and figuratively! I think your Mom and my Dad appear to have both gotten that special something from above that makes them “so special” and able to be that “go to person,” and God gives them to us as a blessing and grace; because most of us can’t be like them! I always said, oh God if I can only be half the man by Dad is! I know I never will be and I tear up thinking how true that is not because I feel like I suck or aren’t good enough but I see how incredible these special souls are and how the power of God is exuding within them and all around them! To me they are like living miracles and it makes me cry! But it also makes me love God that much more for being so generous to us who need them so badly! What a great blessing!
Give your Mom a big hug; even one from me she sure deserves it!
thank you so much for sharing that Lawrence. I’m sorry you can so personally relate, but that’s so wonderful that you have such an awesome dad. I hope he’s doing okay now! You’re right – God has been generous with us to give us such great parents!! big hugs to you xox
Well Caralyn, we not only have a similar kind of sweet tooth, but sounds to me like some rather very interesting other traits to boot. I’m sorry in a deep way you had suffered like that with your Mom and Dad during such a scary ordeal, but I happen to know these hard experiences do prepare us for the future and teach us things we otherwise would miss possibly totally. The way you speak of your dear Mom is just how I have always spoken about my Dad and especially when he needed triple bypass surgery when he was hanging on the doctor said by a wing and a prayer after having been a heavy smoker about two and a half packs a day most of his adult life and that fateful day in the doctor’s office his doctor said, “you need to get over to the hospital now so I’m calling a rescue you’re having a heart attack, a huge one!” He too like your Mom was the go to person in my life for any advice because he always got it right and saw right into things in such an unbelievable way! I say it’s his faith in God that gave him that wisdom and insight his whole life! And talk about reading people, wow, I would bring a date by to visit with him and bingo he either knocked the wind out of my sails the next day when I would ask for his thoughts straightaway or said, “take your time and get to know each other but that was a very nice lady you brought by to visit the other day!” He would see people by their heart I think in those instances when I was younger because he always knew mine and if the lady was getting an approval it was usually said in terms of, “she has a big and kind heart!”
And, my Dad always from way back would say, “get moving you’re wasting time and you have plenty to do.” Also, he said I’m a big procrastinator too! I like talking and always figure I can try beating a dead horse even if they say that’s a dumb idea, I don’t want to leave any stone not upturned so I keep putting things off to see what I might have missed, or the hope is if I wait long enough the right answer will suddenly come along or materialize and things will fall into place; wishful thinking as my Dad always told me especially when younger with so much to learn! Dad told me from when I was a teen, “you’re not getting anything accomplished sitting around here pipe dreaming so get moving.” He would tell me how my Grandfather would say, “you can’t expect the nice shiny apple you want up at the top of tree to fall down into your mouth, you’ve got to go get it!” I think what they both said and taught me was one reason I threw my suitcases in the trunk of my Impala and drove out to LA many years ago while I prayed to God to help me know what to do and find my way on that journey both literally and figuratively! I think your Mom and my Dad appear to have both gotten that special something from above that makes them “so special” and able to be that “go to person,” and God gives them to us as a blessing and grace; because most of us can’t be like them! I always said, oh God if I can only be half the man by Dad is! I know I never will be and I tear up thinking how true that is not because I feel like I suck or aren’t good enough but I see how incredible these special souls are and how the power of God is exuding within them and all around them! To me they are like living miracles and it makes me cry! But it also makes me love God that much more for being so generous to us who need them so badly! What a great blessing!
Give your Mom a big hug; even one from me she sure deserves it!
xoxox 🙂 thank you again
XOXO 🙂 Always Welcome
Caralyn, thank you for the post and the thoughtful comment! I goofed and noticed a typo along with some phrasing I had wrong and through a glitch in my system I sent a duplication of such a long comment unfortunately! The bit about no stone unturned and I had also said not upturned, sort of the same thing but obviously one of them is the accepted lingo and the other a figment of my imagination! Take your pick and deep six the other if you please! Thanks for your patience and understanding. Hugs!
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You are a good daughter and God is good to you, for He did not allow you to suffer a loss that “you” could not bear, we serve a faithful God. Yes, with everything that God places in our Spirit, we must move with it so God can move for us to accomplish it. With love in Jesus.
You’re kind to say that. Thank you. Amen. A faithful God indeed. Hugs and love xox
Love you back in Jesus.
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God is good! What a great christmas season reflection. We do not know the day or the hour He will come, or even when He will take us away. Do it now is a great axiom because it has that sense of urgency. I think sometimes about Lazarus, who despite being raised from the dead *did not live forever*. He was given a new lease on life, like your Mom was. We all have a lease on life, and only a few of us get really close to learning that fact and still tell people about it so im glad your mom coud share that wisdom with you; and through you, with all of us. I hope you had a Merry Christmas!
AMDG
-Scoot
Thanks Scoot. Yes, He really is! I love the Lazarus story. It is so powerful and hopeful!! Amen to that! Yes we did! Hope you did too!! Hugs and love xox
I loved this! And I also loved that as I was reading I saw His fingerprints over your mom’s life. Life is a gift, you are right! Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas to you!❤️
Thank you so much Sharon!! Yes! He has definitely been guiding her throughout her life. It’s a beautiful thing to see. Thanks for that 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Lucky woman! Both of you.
Aw thank you Greg. Hugs and love xox
There are so many things that we want to accomplish, so many situations we’d like to change, so many fun things we want to do!
I know we share the dream: to have a full life. One with no regrets. Nothing missed out on.
So that’s why I love this little saying:
“Do it! And do it now!”
Most of all, I love you and completely enjoy following your blog and seeing you grow!
Much love!
Thank you mama. Being your daughter is a joy and I love you immensely. Here’s to a full life!!! Thanks for always being my biggest fan! I am certainly yours! Hugs and love xox
Great post! Love hear the stories of strong, weathered families. People who have been through stuff and we’re able to inspire others with their story. Thank you!
Thank you so much!! Yes! My mom is a warrior! Hugs and love xox
So glad your Mom recovered and is living life to the fullest!!! Not everyone comes out with that attitude. Love her motto ❤️ you two are a blessing to each other. God bless you both 🙏🏼
Thank you Lisa! Yes me too!! I am so grateful 🙂 she is certainly a blessing to me! Big hugs to you 💛
I am so glad your mom is a survivor! I experienced that with my dad in my early twenties, and I literally packed my bag for his funeral as we headed to the hospital. God has beautiful ways of surprising us and giving us new chances. Another great post.
Thank you!! I am too!! So very glad! Oh gosh I’m so sorry that you can so personally relate. I hope he’s doing okay now. Praise God for new chances. Hugs and love xox
Decision making is not easy for me either. Although I have become better in that area. However, I am a “big” procrastinator. Your mom is so right: “Do it, and do it NOW” I’ll have to remind myself on this.
God bless your family!
Yes! She’s got a lot of wisdom!! Thanks for your encouraging words! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome!
xoxo 🙂
Rejoicing with you that God spared her life that day so you can enjoy many more years with her here in this life and also that you both know Jesus and will have eternity together 🙂
Thank you so much!! I am too!! So incredibly grateful!! Hugs and love xox
I love this! Using a stressful and eye-opening experience to better your life! God bless! Happy 2020!!!
Aw thank you!! You’re right about that! God always brings about good! Hugs and love xox
Every day and every hour is precious. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. As my wife is going through treatment for cancer, this has become so true for me. We know that because of our faith in Jesus, even though our days on earth are numbered, we will have eternal life with Him. But we still treasure each day and live life to the fullest. Thanks for your words, Caralyn!
Thanks so much Roy. You’re right- so incredibly precious. I will definitely be keeping your wife and you in my prayers. What a warrior. Amen. Thanks for sharing that. Hugs and love xox
Thanks for your prayers, Caralyn! The incredible thing is that we have so much peace and joy despite the circumstances. God is good! 😊♥️
Absolutely. That’s the holy spirit for ya 🙌🏼
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These are the not so great moments, but at least you have a great companion still around. Great post, and I wish you, and your mom and dad, a very Happy New Year.
you’re right – i am very blessed to have her in my life. thanks JB! 🙂 hugs xox
YOU are very graciously welcome BBB. Hugs to YOU!!!
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Your Mom looks amazing! Happy New Year 🙂
thank you Ian! She’s beautiful, inside and out for sure! hugs xo
Wow. That definitely was emotional I’m sure to write. I’m glad your Mom is still here with you and there. You’re right. Well she is. Enjoy today.
Hi Derek, aw, thank you so much for taking the time to read! yes! i am so grateful she is too!! hugs xox
You’re welcome :). You are a very good writer.
you’re kind to say that!!!
It’s true. I know good writers.
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Loved this so much. Thanks for the reminder 🤗
Thanks Kasey!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it:) big hugs to you
Merry Christmas Caralyn all the way from Las Vegas!
Prayers for an awesome 2020!!
Merry Christmas to you David!! Thank you!! Hugs and love xox
So glad you’re appreciating your mom “in the moment.” I was listening to a live version of Pink Floyd’s song, “Wish You Were Here”, when I read your post and it made me think of my wonderful Christian mother who worried (with reasons aplenty) about her renegade, backslidden son for most of her life. I miss her (and Dad) but I know I’m going to have eternity in heaven to make my apologies to her. Just keep listening to your momma, kiddo!
Thanks so much Rollie. Yes – it is such s comfort to know that we will be together again in heaven. 💛 thanks friend. I hope you had a beautiful Christmas! Hugs and love xox
♡ I AM Grateful For This; yet I AM Disappointed that Goddess is Given No Credit
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Your mom is very beautiful and wise, may God bless you both!! Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much! I would have to agree with you! Hugs and love xox
Every day is a gift from God. But, of course, you’ve got that figured out! So glad you write about it. Thank-you.
You’re so right Teressa! Every single day is a gift! Thank you! Hugs and love xox
Mom had an aneurysm in 1992. It went unnoticed until she told my sister about losing sight in her left eye who got her into the doctor. They could not remove it, but could shut the blood flow. They warned doing it too fast would cause a stroke.
She stroked. It took a bit before she recovered mostly. Think she got tired of living after her sister died several years later.
Oh my gosh I’m so sorry to hear that. That is just heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you so much love. Hugs and love xox
Thank you. She died in 1997, but she gave up which is something it doesn’t sound like your Mom will do.
oh gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that. all my love x
Beautiful testimony! Thank you for the reminder! Happy holidays!!!💚
Thank you friend. Hope you had a beautiful holiday! Hugs and love xox
Do it in the eternal Now, sometimes the answers don’t come from out of mind but by resting in the heart / truth, one of my favorite books is called the power of now. The mind is often a Doubting Tomas
Eternal now! Oh I love that so much! Thanks for the recco! I’ll have to check it out! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, there is nothing like being given a second chance to live a full life. So good that your mom is thriving and so are you! Cherishing the now, is so special and rare. Happy New Year with many special now times. Loved ones and time with them is preciouss! Love and hugs!
You’re so right about that second chances are so powerful! Thank you friend. Happy new year!
You have such amazing parents. God bless them both!
Thank you Melissa, I really am so blessed and grateful. Happy New Year! 🎉
Happy New year back!
🙂 xoxoxo
You two have beautiful smiles.
Do It Now reminds me of one of John Maxwell’s philosophy about growth. I’m taking a direction in life that i should have taken about 9 years ago and looking back, i don’t want to be the same story with other areas of my life.
I’m walking into the new season with a DO IT NOW mindset.
Thank you for sharing this.
Aww thank you Sandra! What a kind thing to say! Yes! That’s an awesome direction to walk this new season! Cheering for you! Happy New Year! 🎉
Solid advice. We are not promised tomorrow, so why wait? I needed to hear that.
Thank you Dino 🙂 amen to that!! Happy New Year! 🎉
True words of wisdom. Thank you for unselfishly sharing your mother’s words with us. I’m certain this post blessed others today because it blessed me.
Thank you so much!! Oh my gosh what a kind thing to say. So glad you enjoyed it. Hugs and love xox
Very sage advice from your mum and timely too. X
Thank you G 🙂 yes she is full of sage advice 🙂 Happy New Year! 🎉
Oh what a great post! I felt a similar pull after a few big life changes. One that really stands out is when My Dad had his right leg amputated due to a blood clot in 1999. This rocked his world and ours because our way of going about every day things completely changed. A day after his surgery, my sister admitted she didn’t know what to say. To which he replied, “Today it’s a problem. Tomorrow it’ll be an inconvenience.” That was the phrase he was known for and wow has it gotten me through situations. It is all about perspective for sure and taking hold of those little moments and making them big. Never let an opportunity go by…we’ve both had to watch our parents go through hell and what an example they’ve been to us. All the best to your Mom and the path ahead. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much Mary. Oh my goodness what a life changing event. But wow what a perspective for him to take. Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing that. Hugs and love xox
So very well written and true. If there is one wrong thought that prevents people being all that God created them to be, it is “I’ll do it tomorrow” or “I’ll do it when I retire.” Beautiful tribute to your mother.
Thank you so much!! You’re so right – do it now! Haha Hugs and love xox
Beautiful
Thank you so much 😊😊😊😊 Happy New Year! 🎉
great reminder to never waste any second of life
Thank you so much 🙂 amen to that! Happy New Year! 🎉
Happy New Year !!!
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That is some solid mom advice…for everyone! So glad your mom has made such a wonderful recovery. May she be here with more advice for you and your family for many years to come. God Bless!
Thanks friend – you’re right! Solid mom advice!! Hugs and love xox Happy New Year! 🎉
Lovely mom and daughter.
Aw thank you Joan, I appreciate that. Happy New Year! 🎉
How lovely, your Mom is an inspiration, endowed with wisdom.
Thank you Yonnie. I would have to agree. He’s my hero! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Thanks so much. She’s indeed a hero, an overcomer. Happy New!!Hugs and love 💕
xoxox 🙂
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Your mom sounds like an amazing person, Caralyn. Blessings for the New Year to both of you and the rest of your family! Ted
Thank you Ted. Oh yes – she’s one of a kind! I’m very blessed to have her as a mom! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Awww 🙂
thank you so much! Happy new year! hugs xo
Two beautiful ladies, and a great husband and Dad supporting both, God’s Blessings and a healthy 2020 and beyond.
God’s Blessings to the rest of your extended family as well Caralyn.
May your “Mission Field” during this next year expand, as Holy Spirit opens opportunities for speaking, writing, acting.
In your daily activities in the Grand Metropolis of NYC, may you also discern the direction and guidance of Holy Spirit, and be downwind of His leading and voice, so you will always hear Him.
Looking forward, Caralyn, to reading in the future of the many opportunities you will have to share Christ with others, encouraging Christ followers, and sharing His Glorious Gift Of Salvation with many who do not yet know Him, and in all things, giving our Heavenly Father Glory.
Luv,
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Thank you so much George, I am so grateful for such loving parents. And gosh I appreciate your kind words. I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and are doing well. Been praying for you and yours!!! big big hugs xoxo
Loved this! I was touched by your love for your Mom and the support you give to one another. Happy New Year and definitely keep listening to your Mom and keep sharing your gifts in 2020!
aw thank you so much Stephanie! I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece! happy new year my friend! hugs xox
Did you ever read “My Stroke of Insight”? It was wrritten a decade ago, but it’s well worth the read if you haven’t already as it’s so on topic.
Oh wow I haven’t but I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for the recco Stephanie! Hugs and love xox
You beauty shines from within, and your mom is the source!
Oh my gosh what a kind thing to say. Thank you 🙂 Hugs and love xox
<3 There is beauty beyond bones in the gift of your mom's tenacious spirit, heart. Wisdom cuts to the heart. Beauty and grace multiplied.
Jesus bless you both, Mary wrap you in her mantle.
Teri
Oh Teri this is so sweet. Thank you friend. I appreciate that so much. Hugs and love xox
Yep. Do it now
Thanks Shelly. Big hugs to you xox
My mom passed away unexpectedly in 2007 and not a day goes by that she is not in my thoughts. Treasure each other. God bless you both and I wish you all the love and joy that is possible in the the New Year!
Oh Greg I’m so sorry to hear that. My prayers are with you. That is really powerful advice, thank you. Happy new year to you, my friend. Hugs and love xox
I want to do this whole recovery thing now. I don’t think I can though. I just want all of it to be over now! That would require me to be over now too, I’m kinda okay with that though.
Natalie, recovery is such a beautiful gift to yourself. One that you fully FULLY deserve. You deserve a life free from the control of ED. And believe me, I know how scary that thought can because because it is unknown. The real, free, you is in there, just longing to emerge. Let her! Let her shine! Embrace the freedom of recovery! I’m cheering for you and am in your corner. You’re worth it. So incredibly worth it. Hugs and love xox
Do I really deserve it though? I just make everyones lives miserable. When I so called let her shine I just make people hate me even more than they already do.
That is ED feeding you lies. Don’t believe that for a second. You are WORTH IT. I know ED screams otherwise, but he comes only to steal, kill and destroy. Listen to the truth: that you are loved beyond measure and are precious in God’s sight!! Hugs and love xox
Hi Natalie, it’s usually always easier for things to get broken and much harder to fix them! This is especially true with us humans; we have layers of stuff to get through at times to finally get to the root of all of our woes and fears! I know this situation you’re in has been long standing but even though I don’t know too much about where it stems from I know with Faith in the Lord and perseverance you’ve got this totally! I’ve already seen in how you write and express yourself that you are a phenomenal young lady and I’m going to say something which is a bit over the top and something maybe most would tell me not to say to you and the world but it is innocent and from my honest heart so I will; if I were a young fellow again like going back in time I would be quite smitten by you and that’s to say I would really want to be a bestie and do all those neat things I did once in High School like go to the Sadie Hawkins dance or proms and all that cool stuff with a sweetie like you! Listen to me please, I’m the real deal and I learned even on the net to trust a bit more which I didn’t want to do at all especially on the net, and I got burned so bad by people in real in your face life, but I’m the guy that says what I mean and means what I said! You have so much ahead of you and I’m not only rooting for you but I’m taking a stand for you and like the hero I say let’s get this good to happen and see you bloom like the beautiful flower of a Lady you are inside and one day we can both with others sing about such a glorious happening! I’m not wanting to lecture or push anyone around but if I see something that bothers me too much I have to speak up and in some cases to my chagrin at times get involved and it’s been sometime since I got that direct with anyone because I had a living hell to get through that was dumped on me by very nefarious political people not unlike the kind you see doing their dirty deeds in Washington and they nearly destroyed my life both figuratively and literally; but damn I didn’t let them win I’m too wise to that now and been through the ringer to allow them to conquer me like that, so I fought my way out of it all not as good a shape as I once was before it started but doing OK and I’m good with that; even if a bit disappointed it had to happen to begin with but I figure God allowed it all for good reason! Like my Dad many times had told me, “sometimes we have to accept things and make the best of it!” I did that; fighting alone nobody to help me, no wife or girlfriend, and my siblings have all their stuff to deal with, kids and work and I’m the guy that tells them all don’t worry about me just do what you’re supposed to be doing and I’ll figure out what I have to do; I would say I can do it myself and I’m praying to Jesus to help me so that’s good enough! My Mom would say, “oh you need to have us help you and be there for you,” and I would say no Mom I love you and you help me enough just praying for me, and I don’t want any of you worrying about my dilemma or getting all involved it’s too much garbage, and I’m going to fight it with my own gifts God gave me; and ya know it all worked out I even had to be my own lawyer and fight the system! See now I’m spilling my guts here because you got me to feel this way! How did you do that, I say it’s because I see so much good in you and wonderful potential and I’m not wanting to see any of that be messed with or trampled upon so I reach out and say I’m here, your new friend Lawrence who will always be willing to encourage you and write on these blogs to get the ball rolling for you! This is going to work out much better than you can comprehend at the moment and possibly much sooner! So just hang in there, don’t be impatient and take baby steps forward but at least be positive and move in the right direction, OK, will you try this please! Write back with any thoughts or even criticism of what I say here but keep trying is all I ask! Thank You Natalie!
Also to you Caralyn, I’m sorry if I’m not following some standard protocol of Blogging because I may be ignorant to what most people accept on their blogs and what is proper etiquette, but I again say I’m the guy that once I’m compelled to take a stand I just get in the thick of it and don’t care what anyone says or thinks about me, if I think it’s a good thing I do or say; then that is the bottom line I’m there! But, understand I do have the utmost respect for you and all you have accomplished, and I mean no harm or disrespect in the slightest bit, so even if you want to reprimand me please do so, and I will respond sensibly and with integrity! This whole thing just takes me a back and is so important to me, way more than most anything going on here on the internet! I want this wonderful young Lady Natalie to be doing her best and being happy and joyful in the Lord! Through Him all things are possible! Thank you for your understanding. Your Friend Lawrence.
We are similar on the procastination and indecisiveness🤒. The Holy Spirit is my biggest help and I cannot make decision without Him. Also, I was thinking about this morning before I clicked to read this post, so I can call it timely.
N.B Your mum is so beautiful
Thanks friend. Yes! The HS is such a helper! I appreciate that. Hugs and love xox
Beautiful and inspiring 🙂 Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to read! Happy New Year! 🎉
[…] via The Power of NOW — BeautyBeyondBones […]
Thanks for the link up! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
So wonderful! <3
When I was in high school my senior year I ended up at a whole new school. My history teacher helped me through the year and my goal in life was to go back to that city just to give him a hug. He died before I got the chance, but that taught me to DO IT AND DO IT NOW.
I always tell people how much they mean to me or really learned to embrace the now. So glad you still have your mom/best friend and get to learn from her still. 😀
Oh I’m so sorry for your loss. Sounds like a wonderful teacher. Yes! Hugs and love xox
I have written Do it and Do it now! On a post it note on my desk. Keep on treasuring your mom every moment you have her. I lost my mom in 2018 to ALS. She always wanted to take everyone to Disneyland or Disney World. She was waiting for the kids to get older. When she passed my dad and I decided we need to take that trip. With in four months we were all on a plane to California for a week. It was an amazing trip. We rode her favorite rides and laughed and loved a lot on that trip. We now take regular big and small trips all together because you aren’t promised tomorrow. Thank you so much for this post.
Oh Laura, I’m so sorry for your loss. Gosh I wish I could give you a hug through that screen. I’m so glad you were able to take that trip to Disney. It sounds like such a special time. Amen to that. Thanks for sharing. Hugs and love xox
Jn 10:10…
Yes!
🙂
Thanks
what a wonderful tribute to your mom’s strength of character and positive attitude; you are both lucky to have each other.
Thank you again Jim. Her positivity is definitely contagious! She’s my hero! Hugs and love xox
So glad your mom survived and is doing well. You both are very beautiful. You are blessed to have such a great mom!
Thank you so much 🙂 what a kind thing to say. Amen to that – I am very blessed to have such a great mom! Hugs and love xox
Well Caralyn, looking at the picture of you two together, I guess “God Given Gorgeous” runs in the family. 🙂
I like this post. Reading it, I began to remember a verse…
https://julxrp.wordpress.com/2013/08/10/look-to-this-day/
“Look to this day.
For Yesterday is but a dream;
And tomorrow is but a vision.
For Today well lived
Makes every Yesterday, a dream of Happiness;
And every Tomorrow, a vision of Hope.”
To me this verse essentially describes the Power of Now.
So what are we supposed to do? How do we cease Now? How do we know what to do today to live it to the fullest?
Well, seek God’s guidance one day at a time…
oh my gosh you’re kind to say that. thank you so much for passing along your article! i look forward to checking it out 🙂 hugs xo
Writing / sharing is a good way to recognize, process and cope with big life stuff – thanks for sharing the insights. My mom had a stroke 23 years ago, and she survived as well. It not only changed the course of her life; it changed the permanently changed our family dynamics – God works in mysterious ways sometimes. Thanks again for the share~
Hi Jeff, I’m sorry you can so personally relate — but I’m glad to hear that she’s doing well and that goodness came about from it! He really does work in mysterious ways! hugs xox
Praise God for allowing you and your mother to be a testimony for others. Hugs to you! <3
Thank you friend — gosh what a kind thing to say. I definitely am inspired by my mama every single day! hugs xox
So thankful God spared your Mom. Have a great 2020!
thank you Barbara, yes I am too!!! God is good! hugs xo
This is such an incredibly inspiring, powerful story. And your mom sounds like a wonderful, amazing woman. I’m truly glad that she was spared, too. The world still has this beautiful person, and what a blessing that is. Thank you so much for sharing! 💕
thank you so much!!! you’re so kind to say that. yes! she really is my hero, and I’m so grateful that He spared her too! happy new year! hugs xox
You are so very welcome!!! It’s great to know there are such wonderful people in the world. Happy New Year to you, as well!! Sending hugs back your way! 💖
Aw thanks 🙂 Happy New Year! 🎉
Happy New Year!!! 🎉💗🎊
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Love this endearing story of a wonderful mother-dau relationship.
aww, thank you so much 🙂 she’s my hero 🙂 hugs xox
Beautiful Carolyn. I needed to be reminded of this today. Thank you. Wishing you all a Happy New Year.
aww, thank you so much! i’m so glad that this resonated with you 🙂 happy happy new year my friend oxoxox
What an awesome testimony. To God be the Glory for all the things that He has done! I pray that your mother’s recovery be even better than she was before. Happy Belated Christmas to you and yours. And we pray you have a blessed and prosperous New Year!
Thank you C 🙂 amen to that. And thank you for your prayers!! That means a lot 🙂 God is good! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Being a survivor of Leukemia for 11 years I can truly relate. Be and stay blessed. Smooches.
That is so amazing 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
You, my dear, are a light in the darkness! I lost my mother 17 years ago, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t weep-even if for a few seconds. I know she loved her Jesus, I also have forgiven her for the emotional abuse, as it was all she knew. The world needs more angels like you~
Thank you Sara! Oh my gosh what a kind thing to say. And gosh, I’m so sorry for your loss – gosh I wish I could give you a big hug through the screen. Sending you all my love tonight. Love you friend. Xox
Tears and much love~
🙂 xoxooxoxoxoxo
You’re both so beautiful. I am always returning to your blog cause I find your content so inspirational and so honest. Thanks for sharing the most personal experiences and I hope I can be as brave in my blog and share some life-learning experiences too (I am trying to get my new blog up and running!) 🙂 – I used to follow you with my other blog ‘Frothy Blends of Days’ but I decided I revamp my blog and so I started this new one with a more focused mindset. Bottom line; I followed you before and I follow you now… your stories are great!
I thought I was reading about my mom! But only she didn’t survive her heart stroke and left us me n my younger bro. Almost 10 years ago. Which is still hard to believe. And I am shattered since then trying hard to put myself back again. But really life doesn’t give you a chance if you miss once.
Oh my gosh I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart absolutely goes out to you. Hang in there. Sending you all my love. Xox
Actually people like you who are strong enough are my inspiration. Thanks for being their and giving me what it needs to fight back.
i am humbled by that, thank you again, friend. hugs xo
Hugs to u too, friend🥰
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I really appreciate the relationship you and your mom share. Praise God for her continued recovery from her stroke. Blessings.
Thank you friend. Amen to that! I’m very grateful for it too! Hugs and love xox
Wonderful to hear the inspiration, and testament of strength your mom has been. May the power of Now, tomorrow, and always. Be what forever inspires, each and every step forward. God bless!
thank you so much Warren! she is truly my hero! Happy New Year! 🎉 xox
Happy new year!
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Beautiful post. I am so glad that your mom made it through. You are so blessed to have each other and recognise and appreciate it. I am going to incorporate your mum’s words of wisdom into my daily mantra’s. “Just do the next right thing” and “Do it, and do it now” . Thank you for sharing your story.
thank you so much! Yes, me too! God is so good and generous. Awesome! those mantras have really changed my life! Happy New Year! 🎉
Happy new year to you too. 🥳💐
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Thank you for this post and the wisdom it contains. My dad has been gone now nearly 21 years…and what I wouldn’t give to have just 5 minutes with him now. We take one another for granted – that there’ll always be time to do this or that – and it simply isn’t true. As Charles Hummel wrote in his book, The Tyranny of the Urgent: “Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important.” Other than God himself, there is nothing more important than those created in His image and we often sacrifice people in pursuit of things that have no eternal value. I hope this year will be a great one for you! (Twolfgcd, aka DayBreaks)
Thanks Galen for sharing your story. Gosh I’m so sorry to hear that. You’re right about – we need to remember what’s important. Thanks for the wisdoms. Sending massive hugs. Xox
Such a nice, well written blog about your mother. I am sure Dad has played a big part in your life also, but mothers are the glue. Thanks for sharing. Life is so short, we need to use our time wisely. Continued success in your journey of life. God is good.
Thank you so much 🙂 amen to that – God is good! I appreciate this awesome advice, Barb! Hugs and love xox
So, glad you still have your mother and all her wisdom 🥰
thank you so much 🙂 me too! Hugs and love xox
What a blessing! I am not close with my own mother, but I have many precious mother-figures like yours. I am thankful for each of them.
And I’m thanking God with you that your mom is still here to give out such wisdom!
Thank you friend! Mother figures are a real blessing. Yes me too 🙂 Hugs and love xox