Venting

I feel so darn sad at this very moment.... Tears are simply clouding my eyes. Nothing brings me more joy then to be included in my children's lives. Only God knows how significant these little gestures mean to me. If the children are getting together is it too much to ask to be included? Instead, I'm an after thought. I just want to go away for a long time and maybe be missed a little. Whenever there's been a need for me, I come through. Children have   a short term memory. They can be thoughtless, hurtful and unkind.

What should I do with my sad little heart today? I feel so sad I want to go to bed. God give me the strength to go to church at 5. I need to feel alive. I feel so darn sad. I have two sons. I don't hear from  too often. I wonder what I have done wrong... Is this normal? Am I too sensitive? My personal life needs adjustments. My husband and I have communication issues. I say what I feel and do what I say... He is a contradiction to what he thinks, feels and does.When I inquire about certain things, he doesn't give an honest response. He says one thing, means another, does another and means the other. I can't keep up!!! What's the truth?!!!!! Is he hiding an ugly truth that contradicts his projected charecter. It's too difficult to try and convince people you are this way and then act a different way. Too much work. Eventually all that contradiction comes to a head.

I must say, that all that I wrote here has since improved by the grace of God, I've been able to reach my balance and find my happy place with all the people I've mentioned. Thank God for his loving mercy and grace. This blog was written in two separate dates. Today I enjoy a better communication with my husband and improved my communications with my children. My life is back on track with those that I love most in my life.

Healing From Our Childhood

Childhood is a time when children learn to respect positional authority.They learn about honor, integrity and faith in the living God. Its a time of positive experiences and joys. Parents encouraging the natural curiosity and wonder in all things with their children. Its a time when parents choose to nurture and love their children enough to teach right from wrong in a way that is age appropriate. Discipline is a form of teaching not  punishing. Childhood is a time when boundaries equals security for the developing child. A family that shares meals, stories and bedtime prayers, will always have a significant closeness. This is my ideal childhood. No child is born to hate, criticize, and to be prejudice. This is learned behavior. How sad to know that so many of us as parents, have missed the mark with our children. Most of us feel  deeply that we've failed our children in some important way. In a way, we have. Due to our own dysfunctional upringing, many of us,  had our own childhood blemished. An important question to ask. How do I help myself to heal and furthermore, How do I make sure that I've healed my child.from any of my transgressions. It's been  my experience that you must have some degree of faith. Praying with your childe is so important and the wholesome desire in your heart to change and follow with a heartfelt apology. Recognizing your mistakes and transgression is huge. Sharing with your child your own childhood and how inspite of your upbringing, you  recognize that your parents gave you all they had even though, what they gave, fell short,or wasn't enough. Recognizing that most parents truly intend to love and grow their children to the best of their learned and taught skills However, teaching to forgive and grow as a family,is crucial. Forgiveness is key in all relationships.   By the grace and love of God, we must choose how we want to be remembered. Insuring that each sequential chapter in our life  is growing and stretching us  to be  a wiser person. Children will always watch how we respond and react to things and this is a quality that stays with the a child into adulthood. How we speak and conduct ourselves is duplicated in our children. Kindness is  the purest form of love. Forgiveness is key.

Punishment Verses Discipline

Have you noticed that most children today are being raised with no regard for authority? Parents are not disciplining appropriately. Children with boundaries are more secure and loved. Why is this so difficult to comprehend for some parents? Permissiveness only leads to hardship and frustration in the long run.
I know of a family with an adult son. The adult son will soon turn 27 years old. The mother chooses to do his laundry, cook his meals, open his mail to insure prompt payment of any due bills. After totaling the family car a few years ago, this son never paid a cent towards repairs. No consequences. Today this young man is driving the new pre-owned family car to work. He never offers to pay for anything. This young man feels entitled. The mother has tried to set some boundaries, yet this young man's blatant disregard for positional authority is remarkable. He has threaten his own father and refuses to make attempts to move out. He has it all in his parent's home. All is free there. What could possibly encourage this young man to move forward in his life and show maturity and move out on his own. At the very least, pay his way. The father is clearly afraid of his son. Whenever the son request a financial advancement, the father obliges. Give, give, give is what these parent's have done.
When possible solutions have been offered to this mother, she  doesn't seem to have the heart to deny her son anything (or maybe she's afraid of some retaliation from him).Yet, she wants her son to show maturity, respect, consideration, integrity and honor.How is he going to learn positive age appropriate behavior, when the mother co depends him otherwise?.I believe authority and respect can be regained here. But the mother must be willing to take the necessary steps to regain authority in her home. A solemn commitment to achieve this is essential. I also believe that her inappropriate control has sabotaged her hearts desire for a more loving and honorable son. This family will remain in my prayers. I pray the mother finds the strength to implement tough love. Discipline is never too late to  learn if done because you love.

Linda Bratspir: My Prayer

Linda Bratspir: My Prayer: There is challenges that are being experienced through out our family. Trials, tribulations, temptations and health issues. It is at thi...

Heaven Welcomed a New Angel

Heaven welcomed another angel. An old and dear neighbor past away. She was the kind of  neighbor that always lend a hand and was always their to feed a stray animal that would step in her yard. My children all grew up knowing this kind lady. Whenever I'd go to visit my children, I always made an effort to see her. When her husband past away her children wanted to take her out of the neighborhood but she wouldn't hear of it. She wanted to stay there and be as independent as she could. She would walk out and tend to her little flower garden, feed her stray cats and would keep a watch on the neighborhood. When I lived there, her and I would chat about my children, her children. our pets.Our other neighbor Sally, also a  very kind and gentle lady needed help with her husband who was ill. Mrs. Mitchell went there to lend a hand. Soon he past away and Sally's health was also declining and unable to care for herself, so Mrs. Michell  would go across the street to help her.  What can I say. This very kind lady has left her imprint on my heart. I will miss you Mrs. Mitchell. May you rest in peace.

Linda Bratspir: Women Of God

Linda Bratspir: Women Of God: Dear Woman of God, Be still for a while and praise God for His favor, His grace and His awesomeness. God is able to do the impossible an...

Linda Bratspir: The Gift Of Forgiveness

Linda Bratspir: The Gift Of Forgiveness: Our relationships are all based on our needs. We need so much and not one single person can give it to us. So we pick up a friend here t...

Linda Bratspir: Honor

Linda Bratspir: Honor: The word honor is inspirational. It inspires and commands us to live honorably. To walk and talk in a fashion that is pleasing and respect...

Linda Bratspir: Enough

Linda Bratspir: Enough: A mother helps, encourages and loves her children. Some of us have a difficult time setting boundaries and speaking what hurts us. Our child...

Linda Bratspir: StepFather

Linda Bratspir: StepFather: Father's Day came and went and I kept my promise to my husband that I wouldn't mention, ask or remind my children to make him feel special. ...

Linda Bratspir: Choices

Linda Bratspir: Choices: Due to poor choices, some of us are going through a season of turmoil. I pray that we learn to bend the knees and lean on the only one t...

Women Of God

Dear Woman of God,

Be still for a while and praise God for His favor, His grace and His awesomeness. God is able to do the impossible and is always near. He loves us unconditionally. Together, let's get 1000 ladies to praise Him with one voice. Please forward this to every woman you want God to bless.

Dear God, This is my friend whom I love and this is my prayer for her. Help her live her life to the fullest. Please cause her to excel above her expectations. Help her to shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love. Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs You the most, and let her know when she walks with You, she will always be safe.

Amen!

Tell all the ladies in  your circle of friends and family that you love them, including me. Get going girl!! Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet.

My Angel

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her,

"Mom"

Easter

Easter is a time of reflections and atonement. Remember who died on the cross for our sins. God gave his only son to suffer and die on the cross for us!!! Lets humble our hearts and give honor to such sacrifice. lets trust in the love and mercy of our Holy Father to know he knows what is best for us.
Lets follow him together! This world is filled with many turns and turmoils. I assure everyone that I've been through my share and for sure, will have more. But one thing I know for certain, there is no greater power in this world then God's mercy and grace for all his children. For all who may read this, please remember that life is life only when you walk with Christ. May God pour his love, grace and mercy to all who reads this. I pray you bend your knees and ask for forgiveness for any sin. Cause there is no sin too great for God to forgive. He wants the broken and the lost. Die to yourself and life in Christ. It sounds difficult but once you can submit yourself to him and allow him to control your life in faith all is possible. Friends I was once very lost and crippled by life the restoration I've experience I am only trying to share. Love like this is only given from grace. Go ahead take yourself to the cross and bend those knees................ Lift your hands up and ask for forgiveness let him fill you with his love. Amen!!

Passion

Its with passion that I write this note Life holds many secret pitfalls. Many of which I've experienced. My family is a gift that by grace I am a part of. I pray that God show mercy with my family. I pray that those that have found it difficult to overcome the stumbling blocks in their lives to be mindful of all decisions. Please be prudent in your choices. For any choice made in this family stands to affect us all. We are part of the same fabric and stitched together by grace. Its with loving passion that I write this note
The passion to witness better choices from all of us. When doubt comes and sits on our hearts, let us seek the council of the cross. If we can humble the haughty heart to the simplicity of a child"s prayer and strong enough to accept the answer without question and obey. We have elders in our family that are placed in a position for council and are filled with wisdom. Lets begin to reach out more to those that can bring us to a better understanding of consequences. Its with passion that I write this note in the hope that whomever reads this, can find comfort in knowing that he or she is not alone. Making choices is an important part of growing and progressing. When the fabric is stitched together strong, it withstands the wear and tare of life.

My Prayer

There is challenges that are being experienced through out our family. Trials, tribulations, temptations and health issues. It is at this time that we need to hold steadfast and not head to the emotions that can infect our spiritual walk with God. Lets focus on his love and mercy to carry us through it all. Lets help one another to stay the coarse not give in to the pain, confusion, hesitations and doubts. To know where the source of strength comes from. Lets reach up and out together embracing each other. Lets be each others keepers and guardians on earth. We need the whole family to confront the spiritual warfare that is a mist. Prayer, faithfulness, humility, grace, love and forgiveness is the forefront of the battle.
We need to respond as if we were faced with the end of each others time on earth. Hold on to the foot of the cross as we bear each others pain through this war path. Together in Christ we stand a chance.
Alone we will fail, fall and die. I pray oh Holy Jesus that you will touch the hearts of all our family. That you would shine the light to the path that we should follow. Give us your strength of endurance, your wisdom to mollify our perception of our pain. Strengthen our resolve and determination to see us through this time when pain seems to be the only thing in sight. Allow us to feel the sunshine and hope in each other as we support those that are afflicted in any way. To this end I pray. "Amen"

Faith In The Living God

My God is a God that is merciful and loving. He is the only one that we know that loves us more then we deserve. His arms open wide for us to find the kind of comfort that only he can provide. A love that is without question or reservation. He is the almighty, living God. For those of us that question his love you must then question your faith.
We need to place our concerns at the foot of the cross and know in faith that the Lord will provide the rest of what he knows is best. For anyone that passes through here and may read this, I pray you will stand with me and my family and pray that all who may need comfort can only find it in faith in the loving arms of our Lord. No where else is there more assurance then in the arms of our creator.

Honor

The word honor is inspirational. It inspires and commands us to live honorably. To walk and talk in a fashion that is pleasing and respectful.

Athletes are role models for young and impressionable fans. As parents, we must watch how we speak and conduct ourselves. Circular ways have no place in the life of an "Honorable" person.  A young man aspires to be a professional football player. Learning to play the game is only part of it.  A person of honor acts kindly and stands firm in his compassion and convictions based on integrity. Profanity and slander has no place in an aspiring professional. In essence, there is no” Honor" in behavior that demonstrate defiance, disobedience and a blatant  disregard for authority. I’ve written this note because my heart hurts for the mother and family of an aspiring professional. Son, I say this with love, be mindful of your choices. There is Honor when you walk with a peaceful heart. Your touch downs will be greater! God bless you and may the King of Peace be who you follow.

The Gift Of Forgiveness

Our relationships are all based on our needs. We need so much and not one single person can give it to us.

So we pick up a friend here there and everywhere. Some of us have a multitude of people that we have a relationship with.

Others just have a few. Different people give us different things. We look for qualities in others,  in order to complete who we believe we are.

 With all those different relationships, we sometimes are confronted with conflicts. Why? Is it because maybe someone brought out the worse in us? Is it because we battle with the very thing that attracted us to that particular relationship? We all have issues and we tend to look and lean on those that say "I love you", "Your like a son to me", "Your like a brother to me", "Your like a sister, mother, father and or grandparent to me". What happens to the heart that now feels he or she, isn’t that "Title"? We are all challenged to honor all those we hold closest to our heart. What happens to the arrogant heart that believes that he or she is right? Is there a trophy for winning at the expense of someone else? Is it okay to wound a heart simply because there was a mutual exchange of choice words. When is forgiveness  a good choice? This simple note is "thought provoking" for anyone who is faced with these questions and challenges, lets take a moment of reflection and intentionally  seek for peace. A sincere apology for a transgression can open communications to a relationship that means so much to your soul. To forgive is a gift we give to ourselves.

A Christian Under Reconstruction

God only knows why he allows things to happen. Its been my personal experience that

everything that has happened to me till now has surely molded me to be the Christian women

I was meant to be. However, God's work in my life is not done. I am a work in progress.

"A Christian under reconstruction"

I personally know how deeply frustrated one can feel. To the extent to curse  the very word, "Cancer"

I lost my dear mother to the disease, my daughter is a survivor as is my brother. We need to realize ,although repulsive and offensive as this word is, In grace we need to understand

that through the worst times in our lives is when God was speaking the loudest.

Lets join together as one and find the lesson that otherwise some of us wouldn't learn if not by the

sharpness of God's dicipline. Everything God does is perfect.

If we had a choice would we choose "Cancer"? Absollultely not!!!!

My heart still hurts from seeing my mom suffer!! My heart aches to know my daughter is still fighting and

strugglling through her recovery. My dear brother is still enduring the aftermath of his

chemo!!! So "no"!! I will never choose "Cancer"!!! But I will bend my knees in obedience to God's

will in my life and that of those I love.

To my beautiful people in my life. please, lets be vigilent in prayers as we all continue to bare witness to

what this disease can do. Lets be the models our children need to see. So then they can carry the hope into the future.

With all my love.

Like ·  · Unfollo

Fathers

 Fathers you must know how important you are in your child/children's life. Don't allow your failed marriage to interfere with your parenting. Married people with children, must have respect for one another. When raising children parents must speak with one voice. Children must realize from very young to respect authority, to be honorable and have integrity. Above all they must also have reverence for God. Fathers you are needed because your role as the "Father" requires your active participation. Sons will learn by your example and daughters will seek your honorable qualities in her future husband. Fathers you are the leaders in your home. Lead honorably, with dignity, and unwavering faith in God. Follow these principles and you will be  placed on a throne. May God bless all the Fathers in the world. May He  strengthen your character, bless you with wisdom and may you never give up your position to shine in the eyes of your children.

Mother's Day

My most dreaded holiday of all is soon approaching... Where can I go? Where can I hide? If I could rid a holiday forever, It would be this one!! For me its a holiday that  reminds me of the failure I've been as a mother.

My children, for the most part will pin point all the wrong I've done as a parent. Maybe one or two, may come up with some positive things. But for the most part, all I've heard has been negative things. I didn't always feel this way. When they were all little, they all made me feel special, loved and cherished. We didn't have much money, yet they all got together and handmade me a Mother's Day card. How loved and special I felt then. All that is gone today. Who invented such a dreadful holiday? I don't need a day to remind me. My kids do a great job of it. All I can say is, I gave all I had to parenting.I'll continue to try and  achieve some balance, as life has an amazing way to through you off coarse. In my humble opinion, did I make mistakes? "Yes". Did I have some positive moment? "Yes". Had I had better tools myself, I might have done a better job. However. I'm still alive and for the most part healthy. Trying to be better then I was. But I guess as the cliche goes, "Too little too late" How sad for me..... So, if its all the same to my children, I'd rather go away and ignore this awful holiday. I must also say that my mother has past away. So this holiday should also pass away. God Bless all the great Moms! My hearts is with my mom.. I wish more then anything to be able to call her and share my day with her. Looking back, she made mistakes. She even made me feel like I was born the wrong sex. Didn't feel loved by her and yet, as I grew older I knew she did in her way. She gave me all she had. Its all one can ask for. I miss my mom...... I miss her so much I cry..... I do have her remains. I think I will hug her......Heavenly Father bring my heart peace. This holiday is unbearable.. A happy mother's day will be, when I can truly feel the love of all children. Gifts don't constitute as a replacement for daily acts of love and kindness.

Without Love

The wonders of a parent's love for his/her child. It transcends obstacles to help.A parent's love forgives, tolerates, encourages and supports decisions even when the parent doesn't fully agree. The parent soon realizes that resistance is futile.The parent will consed at times for harmony's sake. The child is willful, strong and opinionated. The parent also comes to realize that the child bears little to no respect, or reverence to parental authority. This can almost be tolerated. However. What happens to the heart of the parent when she looks into the eyes of her child and only finds contempt. The parent cries quietly.

Healing

Prayers are known to be a powerful resource that by grace is ours to use. "Heavenly Father, I pray for healing of negative influences. Speak to me through your Holy Spirit. Use your divine intervention to strengthen my faith and bring me closer to you. Help me to use what you've taught me, so that I may bring glory to your kingdom. It's impossible to live in this life without your influence, love, mercy and protection. I raise your Holy name today in the hope to  feel your merciful spirit heal my soul." Amen.....  I know that all things work together for my good. I thank you God for your awesome sacrifice.

A Void

How does a christian marriage survive a no sex relationship? Does the man consent to live with a women that cannot or will not have a physical relationship with him? Does a women ignore her need for a physical relationship? How can this issue be resolved and still maintain and honor God's principals in marriage?

Is the refusal of intimacy grounds for divorce? Is the inability to afford the medication to support physical relations also grounds for divorce? Even if medication is affordable,  and still no physical relationship is being celebrated between the two, is this grounds for divorce? The fact that age might be a factor yet no other reasons present, is this reason for divorce? Respect in the marriage is slowing diminishing and the wiliness to save the dying marriage is this grounds for divorce? I believe that at least two reasons are grounds for counseling. One, the affordable medication in order to have physical relations and two, the lack of respect will require the need of counciling  in order to regain a healthier relationship. This is an open forum for further discussion.

Life

Conflicts are a part of life....Yet when someone you love and claims to love you, violates or breeches the trust by false accusations, labels and assumptions and goes further to slander your children, it feels like a violent storm that one needs to seek shelter from. It is said that salvation is free but it doesn't come cheap. This is so true. As a christian women I find myself at a season in life that has challenged me and has made me reevaluate with whom I choose to share my heart. I will obey and forgive those transgressors. However, I will choose to love them from far off in the bleachers. My  need to be safe from the storms of angry people, is imperative for my emotional, physical, spiritual and mental health."God be with me as I travel this life. Strengthen my faith and hold me close to your heart."  Amen.

Cyst

I wrote about this and accidently deleted it!!

About 6 years ago I had a little black head near my spine. Well my daughter took a look and decided it needed to go!! She managed to remove it, yet it always grew back!!! About two summers ago that little black head grew into a bump near my spine. It was unsightly but I felt no pain. Around September I needed to see my doctor.  The little bump became  sensitive to the touch. The doctor told me I had a cyst and I needed to see a surgeon. She said she couldn't do it cause it was too close to my spine. Surgery!!! Really?
No!! I didn't want surgery. In October I was introduce to a power juice.I drank this power juice everyday.
A few months later I noticed no sensitivity on my back. I looked in the mirror and my bump was gone!!! I went to the doctor to show her. She said, "Your body absorbed it".

My Hands

I wrote about this before and accidently deleted it!!!

For five years I was embarrassed and ashamed to admit to anyone of the pain I had when trying to write.The pain in my hand when trying to write was simply awful. Osteoarthritis has handicapped me. I went to  my doctor just to establish myself  at her new office. The receptionist  gave me all these papers to fill out. After filling out two papers, I realized that I was writing without pain. I was holding the pen appropriately and without difficulty!! I shared my accomplishment with the receptionist but she couldn't or didn't show any interest in my accomplishment and triumph. Why would she even care though. Writing is so simple. But for five years that simplicity was taken from me from Osteoarthritis. You may ask how I  was  able to improve my fine motor skills? Osteo FX & Gluco Gel!!!!!

My Right Knee

Late last year I was diagnosed with a cyst and arthritis in my right knee. The doctor recommended I get 3 shots of Supratz..
This medicine was going to remind my knee on how to produce the jelly type lubricant that helps with

natural movement. The  doctor recommended I come into his office once a week for three weeks for my shot.
He still has an  extra 4th shot in the event I didn't feel relief from the crippling pain. After my 3rd shot, I still experienced tightness, pain and some stiffness while in the car. I didn't want to go for a 4th shot, did I mention the shot was somewhat painful!!!! Well I decided to purchase a product called Gluco gel and combined it with what I was already drinking in the morning called Osteo FX and Saxi. I called this my morning cocktail!!
In a month of drinking  this cocktail, I no longer experienced  stiffness, pain or tightness. I am able to sprint up and down the stairs. Thank God for the relief of my pain.

My Children

I'll always need my children no matter what age I am. My children have made me laugh...made me proud...
made me cry... hugged me tight... seen me fall...cheered me up...kept me going strong... and driven me
crazy at times! But my children are a promise from God that I will have friends forever! I have five
children and at present, I have 7 grandchildren.  By  October, I will have nine grandchildren, that I love with all my heart.

Relationships

Relationships are so complicated and delicate. The slightest infraction can severe them. How do we  avoid infractions? Would we say infractions are caused by our egos? Is our  need to have what we want at the expense of another fair? How do we regain our balance in life when we've caused someone  else their balance? Or how do we gain our own balance when someone we've loved, throws  us off coarse?
I've asked these questions in my life and I can truly say, humility and the genuine desire to place the  ego aside and confront the  pain of the infraction with forgiveness and a genuine apology, can be the start of a new beginning. We're all human, imperfect and as different as a snowflake. But we all have one thing in common. We all need to be loved and respected. My journey with understanding relationships continues to amaze me. One thing for sure, no relationship can work if the relationship you have with yourself isn't correct.
I welcome dialogue on this subject.