When you release the need to save others, you grant both of you freedom.

 

You cannot rescue anyone from their struggles, no matter how deeply you care. What you can do is stand with them in solidarity, offering your unwavering presence, compassion, and strength. You can listen without judgment, share your own lessons, and provide gentle encouragement. But their pain is theirs to face, their journey theirs to travel, and their breakthroughs theirs to achieve. True growth cannot be imposed—it must be chosen, embraced, and earned through their own efforts.

Your role is not to shield them from the storms of life but to be a calm and steady lighthouse guiding them back to shore. Your grounded presence reminds them that peace is attainable, even in the midst of chaos. Yet their healing belongs to them. No matter how much you wish to ease their burden, carrying it for them would deprive them of the resilience and wisdom that can only come from walking their own path.

Loving someone through their pain means honoring their process, even when it’s heartbreaking to witness. It means trusting their strength, even when they doubt themselves. It means holding space—not for control or solutions, but for acceptance and belief in their capacity to overcome.

You may feel helpless, wishing you could do more. But remember: it’s not your responsibility to fix or save them. Your responsibility is to love them, to encourage them, and to believe in their ability to rise. Let go of the urge to rescue and instead focus on being a steady force of love and hope in their life.

When you release the need to save others, you grant both of you freedom. You free them to grow at their own pace, in their own way, and you free yourself to maintain your own balance and light. This doesn’t mean indifference; it means respect—for their journey and their ability to navigate it.

By standing beside them instead of in front of them, you allow them the space to discover their strength. And when they find their way, it will be all the more meaningful because it came from within.

The greatest gift you can give is your faith in them and your own steady presence. Love them, support them, and trust that they will rise. Because they will—and the transformation will be all the more powerful for having been their own.

Source: Facebook - She's of Love (posted by Mizu)

Today I Should Have Been Ninety-Four

 

**Today I Should Have Been Ninety-Four**

If life had been kind,

I would have had a big birthday party today,

With cake, laughter, and love all around.

Two wonderful sons, a sweet daughter too,

Grandchildren to hug and cherish.

I would have met a tall, handsome man,

He would have worked in the city.

We would have lived in the countryside,

With two dogs, a cat, and joy in our home.

Margot, my dear sister,

Would have lived close by,

A mother herself, maybe,

While our parents beamed with pride.

We’d have toasted to life, to health, to love.

But instead, we slept on hard, wooden beds,

Shivering from hunger and cold.

We were punished for reasons we couldn’t control,

And there were no toys, only pain.

My mother, starving herself to feed us,

Fell weaker every day.

The camp was full of sickness,

And rats lived where we stayed.

I dreamed of meals I’d never taste—

Potatoes, bread, maybe meat.

I imagined washing it down with wine,

And a treat, something sweet.

My best friend was in another camp,

Her laugh, a memory that kept me going.

At least I had Margot by my side,

Loneliness was the hardest part.

Then came typhus, and we fell ill.

Doctors didn’t come, no help arrived.

Margot left first, then it was my turn.

For us, death was mercy.

I hope our lives weren’t wasted.

I hope the world remembers—

Hatred destroys everything.

Let my diary be a lesson.

**In memory of Anne Frank (1929–1945)**

Source: Facebook - Royal World

Anne Frank was born June 12, 1929 and died in a concentration camp in February or March 1945, shortly before British troops liberated Bergen-Belsen on April 15, 1945. Anne Frank died at the age of 15.

I'M STILL YOUR MOM

 

I'M STILL YOUR MOM

When you no longer listen or care what I say.

I'm still your Mom.

When you decide I'm old fashioned and want to go your own way.

I'm still your Mom.

When you talk back, complain and argue.

I'm still your Mom.

When you move away and take a piece of my heart with you.

I'm still your Mom.

And I will love you still as much as the first day I held you in my arms.

I'm still your Mom.

And I will pray for you and make sure your wings are strong enough to soar.

I'm still your Mom.

And I'll want what's best and will sacrifice my plans for yours.

I'm still your Mom.

I'll always have room for you and a hug to welcome you.

I'm still your Mom.

And until my last breath, I'll keep carrying your love with me. And I will thank God every day for the privilege and Joy it's been to be called --- your mom.

Source: Facebook - Unstable Mabel

Sarah McLachlan | Piano Version - Possession | Lyrics Meaning

LET THEM

 

I came across a YouTube video of an elderly woman reciting a poem I found myself replaying it again and again. These words resonated deeply with me.

It’s painful how each of us must endure heartbreaks throughout life. It hurts to get attached to the wrong people and then struggle to let them go.

There are moments when reading or listening to relatable words can help us feel better, even though we know how hard it is to put those words into action.

Reflecting on negative behavior towards me has led me to appreciate and love myself more, convincing me to start letting go. I love how this poem begins by making you realize that you deserve better and that doing so is the right thing for your heart and mental health.

As the poem continues, it starts taking a different turn. After the hurt and the pain, we often make changes in our personalities, developing different kinds of fears and setting boundaries for the next people we’ll meet. Experiences help us somehow; they make us aware of what might happen in the future.

After all, we’re just human. We have feelings. We love, we hate, we hurt, and we get hurt. We may experience a variety of emotions. Not everyone will love us the way we want, and that’s completely normal. But there is definitely someone out there who wants to love us, so why not LET THEM?

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.

– Robert Frost

Just Let Them

If they want to choose something over you, LET THEM.
If they want to go weeks without talking to you, LET THEM.
If they are okay with never seeing you, LET THEM.
If they are okay with always putting themselves first, LET THEM.
If they are showing you who they are and not what you perceived them to be, LET THEM.
If they want to follow the crowd, LET THEM.
If they want to judge or misunderstand you, LET THEM.
If they act like they can live without you, LET THEM.
If they want to walk out of your life and leave, hold the door open, AND LET THEM.
Let them lose you. You were never theirs, because you were always your own.
So let them.
Let them show you who they truly are, not tell you.
Let them prove how worthy they are of your time.
Let them earn your forgiveness.
Let them call you to talk about ordinary things.
Let them take you out on a Thursday.
Let them talk about anything and everything just because it’s you they are talking to.
Let them have a safe place in you.
Let them see the heart in you that didn’t harden.
Let them love you.

Author: Cassie Phillips

Source: Facebook - Inner-ballance and self healing

ai Art by me...

Gratitude (Acoustic) - Original Key - B - Instrumental

Jesus > Fear

 

Jesus > Fear

”Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

(‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

”So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“

(‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

”When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.“

(‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

(‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

”Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.“

‭‭(Psalm 23‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

”When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

(‭‭Psalm 56‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.“

‭‭(John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

(‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

(Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

#TheHopeYouNeedToday #JesusIsMyHope

Source: Facebook - Scott Swan

Kyle McKearney - Ghost Riders in the Sky (Johnny Cash Cover)

40 FINGERS - Sound Of Silence & The Last Of The Mohicans (LIVE)

Nothing Else Matters - Metallica (By Naudo)

Dust in the Wind (Kansas) - Danish Guitar Performance - Soren Madsen

Sadness comes

 

Sadness came to tea last night

as she’s often done before

but I didn’t let her in this time

I stopped her at the door

“I’m off to meet with friends”, I said

“your timing isn’t right

I can’t allow your atmosphere

it’s not the place tonight”

but sadness wouldn’t take the hint

her manners lack finesse

her pace was slow and heavy

yet she kept up nonetheless

and even when I took my place

amongst my laughing friends

she squeezed herself right in-between

her boldness never ends

and I was sure my friends would see

this spectre at the feast

and somehow think me lesser

for inviting such a beast

but no, their warmth was undeterred

as if nothing was new

I think perhaps they know by now

I sometimes come as two

and even sadness seemed to glow

a lighter shade of grey

to know that she’s accepted

seemed to lighten up her day

so let your sad accompany you

don’t think her hard to bear

no need to face her all alone

just pull an extra chair.

Donna Ashworth

‘Sadness comes’

From Growing Brave

The art is by Galya Popova

Source: Facebook - Donna Ashworth

You are seen

George Orwell once said: “The most terrible loneliness is not the kind that comes from being alone, but the kind that comes from being misunderstood.”

It’s the kind of loneliness that doesn’t come from silence, but from the overwhelming noise of a world that doesn’t truly hear you. You stand in a room full of people, laugh when it’s expected, speak when the moment demands it, and yet, in your heart, you feel invisible. You feel like the truest parts of yourself—the raw, unpolished, and beautifully complex pieces of who you are—go unnoticed, misunderstood, or even ignored.

This is a different kind of ache, one that lives deep in the soul. It’s not about missing someone’s presence, but about missing connection, longing for the kind of bond that allows you to feel truly seen. It’s not the absence of love, but the absence of recognition—of being known for all that you are, without needing to filter or edit yourself to fit into someone else’s understanding.

To be misunderstood is to feel disconnected. It’s like speaking a language no one around you understands, shouting your truth into the void, hoping someone will hear and respond. Instead, you’re met with blank stares, polite nods, or worse, a misinterpretation of who you are. The world seems to focus only on the surface, skimming over your depths, while you yearn for someone to dive in and swim beside you.

In these moments, you may question yourself. You may wonder, “Is there something wrong with me?” or, “Should I change to make others understand?” You might be tempted to reshape yourself to fit their expectations, to dull your edges or brighten your colors. But even then, the loneliness doesn’t fade. Because in trying to conform, you lose pieces of yourself, slowly becoming a shadow of who you once were—a ghost of your former self.

The truest ache of loneliness isn’t about being alone; it’s about feeling unseen.

To feel truly understood by someone is to experience a connection that goes beyond words. It’s when someone looks into your eyes and sees the parts of you that you’ve kept hidden—the scars, the dreams, the doubts—and chooses to stay. It’s when someone not only hears your words but also feels the emotions behind them. It’s the moment when you realize you don’t have to explain yourself; they already understand.

And yet, in this deep loneliness, there is strength. The resilience of holding onto your authenticity, even when it feels invisible to others. The quiet courage of refusing to fade into the expectations of the crowd. You may feel unseen, but the essence of who you are—the light, the fire, the complexity—is still alive. It waits, patiently, for the right people, the ones who will see you clearly and cherish all that you are.

The beauty of being misunderstood is that it allows you to understand yourself. In the absence of connection, you learn to be your own anchor. You discover the importance of nurturing your own soul, celebrating your uniqueness, and staying true to your essence. And as you grow, as you embrace your full self, the world begins to shift.

The right connections—the ones that see you for who you truly are—arrive when you least expect them. They see beyond the surface and into your heart. They listen, not just with their ears but with their soul. These are the connections that remind you that you were never meant to fade; you were meant to shine.

So, even in the depths of this terrible loneliness, hold on to your essence. Refuse to disappear. Let your light burn brightly, even if no one seems to notice right now. The people who are meant to see it—your people—will find you. And when they do, you’ll realize that the wait, the ache, and the loneliness were all part of a journey to something extraordinary.

To be known, truly known, is to be celebrated in your wholeness. It is the antidote to loneliness.

Hold on. Shine on. You are seen, even if not by the world yet.

~ Unknown

~ Art by Kristin Vestgård

~ Source: Facebook - Spirit of a Hippie

Psalm 23

The Lord is My Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd --

That's RELATIONSHIP!

I shall not want -- That's SUPPLY!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures --

That's REST!

He leadeth me beside still waters --

That's REFRESHMENT!

He restoreth my soul -- That's HEALING!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness --

That's GUIDANCE!

For His name sake -- That's PURPOSE!

Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil --

That's PROTECTION!

For thou art with me -- That's FAITHFULNESS!

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me --

That's COMFORT!

Thou preparest a table before me

in the presence of mine enemies --

That's HOPE!

Thou anointest my head with oil --

That's CONSECRATION!

My cup runneth over -- That's ABUNDANCE!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life --

That's BLESSING!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord --

That's SECURITY!

Forever -- That's ETERNITY!

~Author Unknown~

I saw this on TikTok, Torch Swinson was the creator. She's one of my favorites. 

I added the picture I created in AI.

One jar. Every single week.

 

NOT our post- but it 100% explains how we have been able to do what we do - because every little donation adds up!

(Posted by Zach Whitsel)

When we first started attending our church, we noticed this jar of peanut butter sitting outside one of the church offices on our way to our small group. Every week it was there. After we became friends with the man the office belonged to our curiosity finally got the best of us. “Why does this jar of peanut butter always sit outside your office,” we asked? He smiled. “Oh, it’s not the same one. There’s a person here who wanted to contribute to the food bank and so they leave a jar of peanut butter outside my office every week.”

One jar. Every single week.

You may not feel like you can do a lot for God. Maybe you don’t feel like you have a lot to offer. Five years is 260 jars, y’all. Ten years is over 500. If you’ve ever raised children, you know what kind of difference that much peanut butter could make. Figure out what you can do and then do it consistently. That’s all it takes.

Source: Facebook - Our Friends Closet

Link if you wish to donate to: Our Friends Closet 

SELF MEDICATION

 

SELF MEDICATION

Walking through a misty forest

The ferns and honeysuckle grow

It takes me to a happy place

to the simpler times I know

I listen for the mourning doves

as the squirrels , they run around

The hawk flies high above me

searching for food down on the ground

I see a few stray honeybees

gathering nectar from the flowers

I could stay alone back in the woods

for so many countless hours

The sunlight's beams cut through the trees

and they shine upon my face

I'm so in touch with mother nature

when I wander through this space

I never was the kind of person

that had to have the very best

I can say I'm much more happier

watching bunnies in their nest

A family of white tail deer

or a field mouse eating grain

I love smelling the hot asphalt

when it's been saturated by the rain

When you're inspired by God's beauty

and the simple things in life

You'll find yourself free of all worry

and not concerned with any strife

So in these hectic times we live in

just go down to a country road

And wonder deep into the forest

then go into your quiet mode

~Tim Stultz

Source: Facebook - Cambridge Maryland poems and short stories

What if

 

What if the reason why all the love I’ve known has failed is because I continue dragging people into places meant only for me?

It’s grown difficult to give myself to others. Maybe there’s less to give.

Or,

maybe I’m just keeping more to myself now. I’ve lost count of how many worst-case scenarios I’ve already survived.

Now there’s not one thing anyone can tell me that’s more vicious

than the things I’ve told myself.

I’ve been abandoned at the ends of the earth

I went to for others.

Maybe all along I should’ve been carving out a space of my own.

Building myself a comfortable home to keep warm within.

Somewhere safe,

where only my dreams stir me awake, and everything I find beautiful haunts me.

What if the reason for this season is that I might finally give myself everything you never could?

J. Raymond

"Not One Thing"

Source: Facebook - J.Raymond

Today's Forecast

 

Today's Forecast:

Scattered moments of doubt will be quickly overtaken by powerful surges of courage, breaking through like Alpine sunbeams. High probability of spontaneous laughter echoing across valleys of uncertainty. Expect waves of kindness to ripple outward, creating a chain reaction of unexpected joy. Flash floods of compassion may occur in all regions.

Morning brings a heavy dose of resilience with 100% chance of your inner light shining through. Your authenticity will be your best umbrella - it's gotten stronger with every storm. Afternoon outlook shows your spirit is more unshakeable than morning mist on mountain peaks.

Remember: You're mountain-strong, sunrise-steady, and miracle-approved. Every storm you've faced has added another layer of strength to your soul's waterproofing.

Final Advisory: Pack extra hope - you'll have enough to share. Wear your scars proudly - they're proof of every storm you've danced through. You're not just surviving the weather - you're becoming the sunshine.

Source: Facebook - Etheric Echoes

Art: Etheric Echoes

Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl author of Man’s Search for Meaning said, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

We have no control over anything or anyone in life, but the good news is you have control over how you respond.

So adjust to this truth in life and feel less stress and more content.

Source: Facebook - Peaceful Mind, Peaceful Life

THE POEM THAT ONCE WAS US

 

THE POEM THAT ONCE WAS US

A little house with three bedrooms,

One bathroom and one car on the street;

A mower that you had to push

To make the grass look neat.

In the kitchen on the wall

We only had one phone,

And no need for recording things,

Someone was always home.

We only had a living room

Where we would congregate;

Unless it was at mealtime

In the kitchen where we ate.

We had no need for family rooms

Or extra rooms to dine.

When meeting as a family

Those two rooms worked out just fine.

We only had one TV set

And channels, maybe two,

But always there was one of them

With something worth the view

For snacks we had potato chips

That tasted like a chip.

And if you wanted flavor

There was Lipton's onion dip.

Store-bought snacks were rare because

My mother liked to cook,

And nothing can compare to snacks

In Betty Crocker's book

Weekends were for family trips

Or staying home to play.

We all did things together,

Even go to church to pray.

When we did our weekend trips

Depending on the weather,

No one stayed at home because

We liked to be together.

Sometimes we would separate

To do things on our own,

But we knew where the others were

Without our own cell phone.

Then there were the movies

With your favorite movie star,

And nothing can compare

To watching movies in your car

Then there were the picnics

At the peak of summer season,

Pack a lunch and find some trees

And never need a reason.

Get a baseball game together

With all the friends you know,

Have real action playing ball

And no game video.

Remember when the doctor

Used to be the family friend,

And didn't need insurance

Or a lawyer to defend?

The way that he took care of you

Or what he had to do,

Because he took an oath and strived

To do the best for you.

Remember going to the store

And shopping casually,

And when you went to pay for it

You used your own money?

Nothing that you had to swipe

Or punch in some amount,

And remember when the cashier person

Had to really count?

The milkman used to drive a truck

And go from door to door,

And it was just a few cents more

Than going to the store.

There was a time when mailed letters

Came right to your door,

Without a lot of junk mail ads

Sent out by every store.

The mailman knew each house by name

And knew where it was sent;

There were not loads of mail addressed

To "present occupant”

There was a time when just one glance

Was all that it would take,

And you would know the kind of car,

The model and the make

They didn't look like turtles

Trying to squeeze out every mile;

They were streamlined, white walls, fins and “skirts”,

And really had some style

One time the music that you played

Whenever you would jive,

Was from a vinyl, big-holed record

Called a forty-five

The record player had a post

To keep them all in line,

And then the records would drop down

And play one at a time.

Oh sure, we had our problems then,

Just like we do today

And always we were striving,

To find a better way.

Oh, the simple life we lived,

Still seems like so much fun.

How can you explain the game,

“Just kick the can and run?”

And all us boys put baseball cards

Between our bicycle spokes;

And for a nickel, red machines

Had little bottled Cokes?

This life seemed so much easier;

Slower in some ways.

I love the new technology,

But I sure do miss those days.

So time moves on and so do we,

And nothing stays the same;

But I sure love to reminisce

And walk down memory lane.

With all today's technology

We grant that it's a plus!

But it's fun to look way back and say,

Hey look, guys, THAT WAS US!

Credit: Vintage Wheels

Source: Facebook - Lovely USA